As I've often said before, one of my favorite things to do while visiting the Disneyland Resort is to find the more peaceful and relaxing parts once the parks start getting really busy. Whether it's finding a quiet corner to enjoy a drink, a less-travelled area to walk through, or just a new experience outside of the park, I always love to find something “different” to do when I visit.
Since it first began, one of my favorite pastimes of these sorts to do is have Classic Afternoon Tea at Steakhouse 55 in the Disneyland Hotel. Held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from noon-3 p.m., the Classic Afternoon Tea is exactly what it sounds like, a traditional afternoon tea complete with tea (hot or iced, or both!), and a tower of food including scones, sandwiches and other savory items, and desserts.
Steakhouse 55 Entrance. Photo by Megan Walker.
While their standard tea offering has no specific theme (other than a classic tea theme), they often hold specially themed teas throughout the year, mainly around the holidays (Halloween, Christmas, Mother's Day, etc.), and, most recently, they've been holding a special “Pixar Fest” Afternoon Tea in celebration of the Pixar Fest celebration being held around the resort.
This past weekend, I visited the resort and stopped into Steakhouse 55 to take part in the Pixar Fest Afternoon Tea, which ran through Sept. 2, and I had an absolute blast. Everything was themed perfectly, nothing felt too over the top and everything had meaning, in true Pixar fashion. My favorite little touch was each table had a small Pixar-themed decoration—mine had an adorable little house that resembled the one from Up.
“Up” House Decoration. Photo by Megan Walker.
Everything was pretty similar to the Classic Afternoon Tea at Steakhouse 55, we checked in with the host and were promptly shown to our table in the dining room. Shortly after being seated, our waiter came over and explained the entire process for us and took our tea orders.
Classic Afternoon Tea Table Setting. Photo by Megan Walker.
We chose to do the premium version of the tea this time ($65 a person), the difference being a glass of champagne, a salad, and a special “goodbye” treat at the end. I usually splurge for the premium tea when we visit because I love the extra additions, but you'll still get the same experience with the classic version ($52 a person); there is also a kids team ($35 a person).
Tea and Champagne at Steakhouse 55. Photo by Megan Walker.
One of my favorite things about this particular tea is that they definitely don't rush you. That's not to say that they are slow either, they simply let you relax and enjoy your time in the restaurant without ever feeling like you have to hurry up. There was a nice bit of time in between getting our tea and when the food tower came, just enough to enjoy a couple cups of tea and some conversation with our group before we got distracted by the delicious food.
Pixar Fest Afternoon Tea Food Tower. Photo by Megan Walker.
It wasn't too long however until our food came and, when it did, everyone was overjoyed with how everything looked. Not only did it all look delicious, but it was all clearly themed toward Pixar—and it was adorable. There was a multicolored scone reminiscent of Inside Out and the emotions; a Pixar ball deviled egg; a “Ratatouille” sandwich, a “Green Alien” themed piece of avocado toast; and, best of them all, the desserts: a “Grape Soda” éclair; a Ratatouille cheesecake “cheese wedge”; a cupcake sporting the colors of one of our favorite Monsters, Inc. pals; and a chocolate-covered strawberry. There were at least a couple of versions of the chocolate-covered strawberry; for example, we received an Up themed strawberry, but I also saw one that was decorated as Woody.
“Up” Chocolate-Covered Strawberry. Photo by Megan Walker.
Above and beyond looking amazing, the food all tasted great, as well. There wasn't a single thing on the tower that anyone in my group disliked; they were all very tasty and very well presented. I'm always very impressed with the quality of the food at the tea here, not that I should expect anything different from Disney. The food is actually really good, and not just “snack” quality food. Additionally, even though they are small portions, I always leave here satisfied, it's just the right amount and combination of food.
Classic Afternoon Tea Menu. Photo by Megan Walker.
The Classic Afternoon Tea at Steakhouse 55 in the Disneyland Hotel is always an incredible time. Even if you're not a huge tea fan, you'll have a hard time not having fun at this event. It's a great place to hang out with family and friends, sit back, and relax a bit before facing the crowds in the parks again. And though I do really love the classic version of the tea offered during the main part of the year, you simply can't beat their themed teas. They really go all out and focus on tiny details of everything, making for an overall incredible experience. I really enjoyed the Pixar Fest Tea, I thought it was very well done, the details were amazing, and the food was delicious. The only downside is that has just ended its run … but fear not, it's going to be replaced starting tomorrow by the Halloween-themed Trick or Tea from Sept. 7-Oct. 28!
Steakhouse 55 Lobby. Photo by Megan Walker.
If you haven't visited Steakhouse 55 for Classic Afternoon Tea, what are you waiting for? Book a reservation and go have a great time!
