The World Showcase has always been a place where you can immerse yourself in cultures from around the world, but did you know that you can experience a Time-Honored British Tradition where you will learn the difference between various tea blends and the secret to making the perfect cup.
The free Twinings tea tour in Epcot’s United Kingdom has always been one of the most popular tours at the festival. It’s still being offered, but now there’s an additional tour that’s even tastier.
My wife, Dawn, and I recently attended the Twinings Tea Experience at EPCOT’s Rose & Crown Restaurant where a Twinings-trained Cast Member took us through the history of the brand and its flavors. The experience begins promptly at 9:45am so allow plenty of time to get to the UK Pavillion located inside World Showcase.
No more than 24 guests are seated in the Rose & Crown dining room. There are very few two top tables so you may be seated with guests outside of your own party. This was a big plus for us as we love meeting new people and discussing all things Disney!
The Hosts and Hostesses, some of whom work at the Twinings Tea Shop across the street, gave us a brief history of tea in the UK as well as instructing us about how to prepare a proper “cuppa” tea.
One guest at each table was chosen to time the brewing of each tea with an adorable 3 hourglass style timer. Different teas must be brewed for different times or else they will become bitter. Also, NO microwaving your brewing water here in the UK! Microwaved water will not allow all of the tea’s flavor to be extracted during brewing.
Our hot teas included, English Breakfast, Chai Spiced Apple, Pomegranate Raspberry Strawberry Green Tea, and Holiday Berry Herbal Tea. Side Note: The “H” in Herbal is not silent here in the UK! We were also treated to one of my personal favorites, Lady Grey Iced Tea. Yes, iced tea in the UK…the horror! The hostess was clear that icing one’s tea is simply not done in her homeland.
Along with the wonderful teas, we were served tea sandwiches. These included, Coronation Chicken, Irish Cheddar and Branson Pickle, Egg Salad, and Cream Cheese with Cucumber.
Of course, they save the best for last…Scones with Clotted Cream and Strawberry Jam! We were told that the jam always goes on first, then the clotted cream. Who knew?
This is a wonderful experience to start your EPCOT day. It lasts about 45 minutes and, at $30 per person, is among the best values at Walt Disney World. It books up fast, and the price is scheduled to increase to $35 per person in April 2019, so get your reservation now by contacting one of the amazing travel specialists over at Enchanted Kingdom Vacations.
Oh, and don’t forget to stop by the Twinings Tea Shop we mentioned earlier. You may want some tea, an hourglass timer or a beautiful “cuppa”.
So would you care for a spot of tea on your next visit to Epcot? Let us know in the comments below.