Listen, I’ve spent enough time in Starbucks lines at Disney to last a lifetime. But my partner Jill? She’s converted me into something of a trained tea-seeker after years of searching for good drinks across Walt Disney World.
Back in 2015, finding decent tea at Disney was like trying to spot a short line for Flight of Passage — nearly impossible! But things have changed, folks. Disney has seriously stepped up their tea game, and Jill keeps a running list of our hits and misses.
So let’s get caffeinated and explore our personal top 10 tea spots across Disney property. I promise these are worth the detour — and your taste buds will thank you for the break from those outdoor vending carts with Nestea.
1. The Spice & Tea Exchange (Disney Springs)
Oh man, you can’t drag Jill away from this place. Located in the Marketplace section of Disney Springs, this tea haven has become our mandatory first stop every trip.
What makes it special? They’ve got this incredible wall of loose-leaf teas — seriously, like 80+ varieties — and the staff actually knows what they’re talking about. Last September, Jill mentioned liking floral teas with a hint of citrus, and the guy behind the counter gave her something that she still talks about.
Their Tea Bar is the real hidden gem though. You can sample before you buy, and their iced tea creations are lifesavers in that Florida heat. Try the Blood Orange Herbal Tea when it’s 95 degrees outside, and you’ll understand why we trek across Disney Springs just for this.
Pro tip: Join their VIP tea list, as it’s worth staying up to date on deals and discounts.
2. Joffrey’s Tea Traders Cafe (Disney Springs)
Not to be confused with the Joffrey’s kiosks in the parks, this flagship spot in The Landing area of Disney Springs is iced tea central. It’s tucked away near The Boathouse, which means you can actually find a seat (unlike certain coffee shops I could mention).
Their iced teas hit differently — not that overly sweetened stuff you get elsewhere. They’ve usually got something seasonal that isn’t on the regular menu.
3. The Cake Bake Shop’s Roses of Gold Afternoon Tea (BoardWalk)
I’m not usually one for fancy experiences on vacation, outside of Victoria & Alberts, but even I have to admit this place is gaining traction online. It opened fairly recently at Disney’s BoardWalk, and if you’re celebrating anything (or just want to treat yourself), you need to book this.
Fair warning: at $85+ per person, it’s not cheap. But you’re not just paying for tea — it’s the whole experience. Your server brings out this elegant box of Dammann Frères teas, and you can try as many as you want throughout your meal. Jill tried four different kinds and basically floated out of there on a caffeine cloud.
The food is just as impressive as the tea — housemade scones that are actually good (not those dry hockey pucks), tiny sandwiches that are weirdly filling, and desserts that are almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
4. Royal Anandapur Tea Company (Animal Kingdom)
This unassuming kiosk near the entrance to Asia doesn’t look like much, but it’s serving some of the best specialty iced teas in any Disney park.
The star of the show is definitely their Frozen Chai. Even in January (when it was unseasonably cold), Jill insisted on getting one and had zero regrets. It’s like a chai frappuccino but with actual spice complexity instead of just sweetness.
We’ve made it a tradition to grab our Frozen Chais and then find a spot near Expedition Everest to watch the world go by. Sometimes those little breaks are what make a Disney day magical, ya know?
5. Victoria & Albert’s (Grand Floridian Resort)
Okay, full disclosure: we’ve only done this four times because, well, have you seen those prices? But if you’re celebrating something huge, Victoria & Albert’s tea pairing at the end of the meal is mind-blowing. I’m not going to go into the full experience, but let’s just say that a tea that’s brewed using science is absolutely incredible.
Is it worth the $$$? For a once-in-a-lifetime special occasion, absolutely. For a random Tuesday? Maybe stick with the Joffrey’s kiosk.
- 15 Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About Victoria & Albert’s
- Victoria & Albert’s: Your Ultimate Guide to Disney’s Michelin-Starred Dining Experience
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6. The Tea Caddy (UK Pavilion, EPCOT)
This quaint little shop in the UK pavilion feels like it was plucked straight out of a British high street. They don’t serve brewed tea (retail only), but their selection of Twinings is impressive.
What I love about this place is the cast members (who are actually from the UK) and their tea recommendations.
This is a super busy spot for bringing tea souvenirs home. The tins are easy to pack, don’t take up much suitcase space, and make great gifts for people back home who expect you to bring them something from Disney (without costing you an arm and a leg).
7. Joy of Tea (China Pavilion, EPCOT)
You want something completely different? Hit up the Joy of Tea kiosk in the China pavilion for bubble tea. Jill was skeptical at first, as we are kinda bubble tea snobs back home, but the Shanghai Milk Candy Bubble Tea won her over.
It’s sweet but not cloying, and the tapioca pearls are actually cooked properly (if you know, you know). Perfect for a quick pick-me-up as you’re getting set for a long trek around the World Showcase.
For the adults, their Tipsy Ducks in Love (tea with coffee and bourbon) will put a nice spin on your stroll. Just maybe don’t ride Mission: SPACE right after.
8. Joffrey’s Park Kiosks (All Four Parks)
Sometimes you just need a quick iced tea fix without the fuss, and that’s where Joffrey’s kiosks come in clutch. They’re scattered throughout all four parks, and while they’re better known for coffee, their tea game isn’t too shabby.
Here’s the inside scoop: during summer, they offer seasonal iced tea blends that aren’t advertised very well. Last September, we stumbled on a Peach Green Tea at the kiosk near Cosmic Rewind that was absolutely perfect for that mid-afternoon slump.
9. Katsura Grill (Japan Pavilion, EPCOT)
This quick-service spot in the Japan pavilion serves up an authentic green tea experience that rates as “surprisingly legit.”
What sets their green tea apart is that it’s not bitter at all — they actually brew it at the right temperature instead of scorching the leaves like some places do. You can get it hot or iced, but in my opinion, the iced version is the move on most Florida days.
The best part? It’s one of the few places in Disney where you can find unsweetened iced tea that isn’t just Lipton. Pair it with their bento combo for a lunch that won’t leave you in a food coma for Soarin’.
10. Summer House on the Lake (Disney Springs)
Okay, new kid on the block alert! Summer House opened fairly recently at Disney Springs, and they’re bringing some serious tea game to the table.
Their chai tea latte ($7 — yeah, Disney prices strike again) is actually worth every penny. It’s got this perfect balance of spicy and sweet that most places just can’t nail. Jill, who’s basically pro at this point, gave it her seal of approval, which is saying something.
The best part? You can enjoy it in their bright, airy space that feels miles away from the Disney Springs crowds. We stumbled in here for brunch but ended up finding their to-go cafe afterwards. Sometimes the unplanned breaks turn into your favorite Disney memories.
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Real Talk: Tea Tips from Frequent Disney Visitors
Here’s the stuff nobody tells you about enjoying tea at Disney:
- Pack a collapsible cup: Most resort rooms have a coffee maker you can use for hot water, but those tiny cups are useless. We bring a silicone collapsible cup that takes up no suitcase space.
- Ask for less ice: Disney is notorious for filling drinks with ice. For iced tea, always ask for “light ice” or you’re basically getting half a drink.
- Tea is a great souvenir: Seriously, it’s packable, usable, and reminds you of your trip every morning. Way better than another mug that collects dust.
There’s something special about taking a tea break amid the chaos of a Disney day — that moment of calm while everyone else is rushing to the next attraction.
So next time you’re at Disney, skip the Starbucks line (at least once) and explore these tea spots instead. Your taste buds, your wallet, and your Disney-tired feet will thank you for the break!