Bug is already getting into rocket ships and cars at the age of 1 1/2, so I know that my time to spirit him away to silly little things like tea parties is limited.
I love tea and actually had a tea shop of my own at one point, but I had dismissed the idea of the tea party, thinking it was too expensive and knowing Bug wouldn’t be interested in the doll that they give to the little girls.
Then, when we were at Disney, we saw a book called “Duffy the Disney Bear.” We were completed charmed by the story and wanted the bear, because it had a special significance (see the story at the end of the article). After days of searching and asking everyone we could find, we found out that unfortunately Disney no longer carries him anywhere but on the cruise line…
OR…
Duffy is the gift that is given to little boys at the Perfectly Princess Tea Party.
That put the tea party into a new light. My husband, knowing that it would be a wonderful Mommy/Son memory for me, told me just to do it. Still, I was hesitant because the current price of the party is $334 and only includes one child and one adult. There are no discounts. Additional adults are about $98.66. If the adult wants the gifts, they have to pay an additional $136.22. All children, regardless of age, cost $234.98. Children can choose to receive either the bear or doll package.
Boys don’t seem attend the party very often (Bug was the only one), but obviously they do attend now and then.
I dressed Bug in his prince outfit, since I knew all the little girls would be dressed as princesses and he had it left over from the Halloween party we had attended earlier. It worked out perfectly.
**Spoiler Alert**
Here is what happens during the event:
Guests gathered around the beautiful Grand Floridian Tearoom entrance, which was decorated around the arches with boughs of fresh cut flowers. Each child received a personal invitation, and they were asked to gather around the doorway where they were greeted by their host, “Rose Petal,” a special character who is part of a side story from the Sleeping Beauty tale.
The children lined up and one by one and passed through the gateway. Each girl was given a tiara (plastic with little gems) and is sprinkled with fresh rose petals over their head. Boys received a sword and shield. Bug already had a crown on and they sprinkled his head with petals. I picked one up to press in our memory book.
We entered and sat at our reserved tables. The room was bathed in light from floor to ceiling windows in a small and intimate tea room. Waiting on the chairs were the Aurora dolls. Or, in our case, Duffy. The table was dressed with tea cups with fabric napkins folded neatly into rosebuds. The children’s cups are pink and the adults are in the Royal Albert bone china. Everyone was asked not to touch their napkins.
Once everyone was seated, we were introduced to the pianist in the room and everyone was directed to take their napkins and place them on their lap. We then saw why we were asked to wait when a little gift falls out of the folds of fabric. For boys it’s a collectible pin. For girls, it’s a pretty little bracelet with multicolored stones. The Duffy pin features Mickey holding Duffy.
Tea is brought out – special apple juice “tea” for the littles and an amazing Elderflower tea for the adults.
Tea sandwiches were brought out as Rose Petal told us her story, full of sound effects. It’s a lively rendition and Bug loved it. The children’s tea sandwiches included a muffin, fresh fruit, Mickey Mouse PB&J, and turkey and cheese wraps. The fruit was wonderfully ripe.
Adults received “adult” tea sandwiches including cucumber, egg salad, pear, curry, and goat cheese, as well as fruit. They were all quite yummy.
As we dined, Rose Petal called the children to the front to teach them a bit of sign language and how to properly greet a king, queen, and princess using sign language. Bug was a little too young to participate, but completely enjoyed the show. There was also some singing that involved interaction with the dolls. For example, we sing “Baby Mine” as we rocked the dolls in our arms and there were some other tunes as we danced with them.
Afterward, the pianist began to softly play Disney songs and we were allowed to ask for our favorites. Aurora entered and we greeted her with sign language. She visited each child for photos and gave them a gift of a beautiful long stemmed rose, spending quite a bit of time visiting with each one.
Then cake was presented. It was a white cake with delicious, fluffy pink frosting in two layers. Birthday princesses are announced (some were given personalized cakes which were special ordered). We all applauded them individually and wished them a happy birthday. Shortly after, the children were visited by Rose Petal who gave them a special crystal necklace on a soft satin ribbon with a velcro closure. It has a gorgeous sparkle and matched the earrings that Rose Petal wears.
The children were then given a thank you card from the princess and a bag to keep their things in. The girl’s bags were pink with Princess Aurora. Then, everyone lines up for a specialty Royalty Parade through the lobby and up the stairs, where they have a photo taken together on the balcony.
Finally, Princess Aurora lead them through the upstairs gifts shop to give them a final gift. It’s a certificate of friendship (they name their bear or doll) and a little scrapbook kit with stickers and such to decorate with.
Is it worth it? Well, from my perspective, yes. Most of the other children there seemed completely charmed with the event. My little guy definitely enjoyed it and I know that I did.
It’s a very precious memory for me and is therefore worth every penny I paid.
Months later, it still has a magical quality every time I think about it. I think it’s gaining even more sparkle with time. I’d definitely recommend it.
Our Extra Special Duffy Experience: If you’ve seen the Duffy cartoon that they play in the hotel rooms, you understand the story behind Duffy. We bought the book, but Duffy is no longer available in the parks. I wanted the bear to take home to my mom who was battling late-stage lung cancer as a special something between my little boy and his Grandma. I prayed we’d somehow find one because of the significance there. After days of searching and asking everyone I could find, I found out it was part of the package at the children’s tea party and that was the only place to get one. We went to the Perfectly Princess Tea Party (my son and I) and as part of the package, little boys receive Duffy Bear. I asked if I could purchase a second bear from the party to take home to my mom so that she and Bug would have matching bears. They told me that no, they were sorry, they couldn’t sell us a bear.
However, when we walked into the party, they had given us an extra bear to take home to my Mom. The hostess walked by and said “a little extra pixie dust for you.” God bless that lady and her kindness. I know that it’s just an object, but considering the situation it meant so much and Bug proudly took the little bear home and presented it to his Nama.
One of the only few memories that he still has of her was sitting on her lap as she read his Duffy book to him and he held his bear.
Disney’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party was closed during the Covid 19 Pandemic and has not opened to this date.