Disney Cruise Royal Court Royal Tea
One thing we have learned about each and every Disney trip – no matter whether you are on land or on the sea, there is Disney magic around every turn. I’m back with the second post in my Disney Cruise series (you did read about Tiana’s restaurant, right?). This time I want to tell you about an extra special event onboard – the Disney Cruise Royal Court Royal Tea!
Now Available On All Disney Ships
While guests onboard the Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream have been able to enjoy this exclusive event for a while now, just recently was the Royal Court Royal Tea offered on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. In fact, because we were on the 2nd cruise on the newly re-imagined Disney Wonder this November, we were one of the first to experience the event on the ship.
The Disney Cruise Royal Court Royal Tea is hosted by Lady Chamomile and Chef Brule. Now, we may have never heard of these characters before, but let me tell you they were just who you’d imagine would host a Disney-themed tea party!
Full of Disney songs, humor, sweet and savory treats, gifts, and a few princesses, this is one experience I’m glad I got to share with my daughter.
Extra Cost Experience
Unlike many things onboard a Disney cruise, this experience does cost additional money, similar to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. It’s one that gives your little princess (or prince) some one on one time with the Disney princesses, and when time with them is much-limited to photographs in the lobby, it can be hard to get that on a ship.
Each family must decide whether it’s worth the cost (detailed at the end), but I want to show you all the happens during the experience and what gifts are bestowed upon your kiddos, so that you can make an informed decision. As for me, I’m all about experiences more than gifts – the Disney Cruise Royal Court Royal Tea is a great combination of both.
Book in Advance
When the magical date opens up for your particular cruise, where you can log-in online and select any additional activities and dining options (you will be notified of this date), you need to do so right away.
Everything can fill up incredibly quick, and while many of them don’t cost an additional fee, they are hard-ticket events. You must sign up BEFORE your cruise departs for things like meet and greets with princesses, character breakfasts with your Disney Junior friends. All free, but you need tickets.
The Disney Cruise Royal Court Royal Tea does cost an additional fee AND also needs to be booked BEFORE your cruise departs (as soon as that magical date opens online).
What Day to Book the Disney Cruise Royal Court Royal Tea?
While I’m not familiar with all ships, on the Disney Wonder, the Royal Court Royal Tea happened promptly at 3:00pm, as you can see from the invitation above. This invitation arrives in your cabin and can be a special surprise waiting for your child if you want to keep it all a secret.
We were on a 7-night, 8-day cruise with many days at sea. Depending on availability, your best bet is to book the Disney Cruise Royal Court Royal Tea experience on those days at sea when you won’t be in port and possibly roaming an island. That said, days at sea are probably more popular and likely fill up quicker.
We were forced to book on a day when we were in port. This particular day we were in Nassau and had to be back onboard the ship by 4:45pm. Since we weren’t planning on any port excursions and were just going to walk around the island a bit, we planned on making it back onboard the ship for a light lunch (I say “light” because a little girl didn’t know the Royal Tea was planned and I didn’t want her tummy too full!).
What Happens if there are No Spots Left Before our Cruise Departs?
This actually happened to us. If this happens, on Embarkation Day (the day you initially get onboard the ship), go directly to the Guest Services Desk and ask if they have any spots available. Ask to be put on the waiting list. That’s what we did and were surprised to find a message waiting in our cabin a couple days later – an opening! I imagine it’s common for families to change plans, especially on a port day.
NOTE: If you get an invitation by being on the waiting list, just make sure your child gets an invitation sent to your cabin. We didn’t know about this and saw that all the other girls had them when we headed to the tea. A quick chat with Lady Chamomile and it was remedied real fast!
The Big Day
All the kids and adults met just outside Triton’s restaurant in the lobby. There was a helper there to sprinkle pixie dust in your hair, though my daughter didn’t particularly want to try and get it out later (I can’t blame her).
For our tea day, it was an all-girl affair, though if boys attend there are appropriate gifts for them as well throughout the event. Some girls dressed in princess costumes while others, like my daughter, dressed in simple dress.
Lady Chamomile along with two royal pages introduced each girl as they entered Triton’s and presented each with a crown. Gift number one.
There were six tables in all, each with four place settings and gifts galore! A large blue backdrop with the Royal Court Royal Tea logo on it had been brought into Triton’s to partition off some of the restaurant. It looked beautiful.
There were only two of us, my daughter and I, having left my husband to enjoy some time watching sports (yes, live-streamed). It appeared that we would be sharing a table with another mother-daughter duo.
Two of the chairs had a special friend waiting for us…a unique Cinderella doll. But I quickly spied other gifts adorning the table.
Look at that smile!
She was beyond excited to meet her new Cinderella doll, who came wearing a special Disney Cruise Royal Court Royal Tea sash. Too cute! The details on this doll are impeccable right down to the piercing blue eyes, gloves and earrings.
Wouldn’t you know it, but the real Cinderella showed up too!
She wasn’t the only one. In fact, we were able to enjoy the company of three princesses on the Disney Wonder that afternoon:
- Cinderella
- Belle
- Ariel
Though Princess Tiana was on the ship and found both at the hard-ticket Princess Gathering event and in Tiana’s restaurant, she didn’t make an appearance during the tea. Too busy with her restaurant is my guess! After all, it wouldn’t be long before the first seating for dinner.
I mentioned that there were plenty of gifts, all included within the cost of the Royal Court Royal Tea. In addition to the crown and Cinderella doll, two more favorites were the Disney Cruise Royal Court Royal Tea Necklace and matching bracelet.
Both the necklace and bracelet were adorned with charms, some unique to the Disney Cruise and some unique to the event. You’ll spy in the picture above that there is a Disney Cruise charm with pink Mickey head on both. There is also a Cinderella carriage charm and a Royal Court Royal Tea charm on each. The necklace comes with four gem charms, each representing a Disney princess based on color.
The charm bracelet arrived with only the 3 charms mentioned above, but something magical happens during the Royal Tea – the princesses arrive with more gifts! When each princess arrives, they are introduced then leave to greet their guests, followed by one of the royal pages. The royal page has a basket of little fabric gift bags, each one contains a charm to add to the bracelet. So much fun!
Of course, where should you keep all this jewelry they have bestowed upon you? In a Disney Cruise princess jewelry box of course. And it’s not just any jewelry box, but a musical one as well.
When you book the Royal Court Royal Tea, you are asked for your child’s favorite princess. This is important because though all the girls received a Cinderella doll, the other gifts (like the jewelry box) and a special cupcake will be based on that favorite princess.
NOTE: If you happen to decide the Royal Court Royal Tea isn’t for you or it happens to be all booked up, you can find this jewelry box in the gift shop onboard. It does make a great souvenir because of the Disney Cruise ship image on the side of the box.
Also waiting for you at your table is a gorgeous autograph book and princess pen. Exactly what you need when princesses will be visiting your table.
The thick princess-themed autograph book is adorned with jewel images all over the front cover and filled with pages for autographs, special memories (as there are printed questions inside), and photographs too.
NOTE: These are the same autograph books found in Disney Parks, but with the addition of a special Royal Court Royal Tea image attached inside.
Gifts Received
To sum up, the gifts your child receives as part of the event:
- Cinderella doll with special sash
- Princess Crown
- Necklace
- Charm Bracelet (with additional charm brought by each princess)
- Musical Disney Cruise Princess Jewelry Box
- Princess Autograph Book
- Princess Pen
- …and there’s one more surprise you’ll receive later in your cabin (more details below)
What about Boys?
Boys receive a Royal Court cinch bag, sword and shield, pins, autograph book and Duffy the Disney Bear plush.
Now, let’s talk about FOOD:
In addition to several choices of tea for the adults, the girls are served “tea” or shall I say lemonade? Then the food arrives, and it feels almost as if you were part of the “Be Our Guest” scene in “Beauty and the Beast”.
A three-tiered plate featured small finger sandwiches and pastries. Delicious, though I thought it odd that all tables had 4 people, yet there were only 3 of everything on the plates.
Though you’ve just tasted some of the most delightful treats (like mini fruit tartlets and chocolate dipped marshmallows covered with Mickey sprinkles), there’s one more round – Dessert!
A plate of scones arrive for the adults – oh my!
For the younger crowd, remember what I said about telling Disney about your child’s favorite princess? Now is the time where that princess will be decorated atop a special cupcake, served in a teacup of course!
My daughter’s favorite princess – Belle!
There was so much food, too much to enjoy in such a short amount of time. The time really will go by fast and unlike many teas you may have experienced before, this is a show and it runs on a tight schedule. Songs, princesses arrive, more songs, princesses greet guests, more songs, princesses say farewell, more songs…then one last photo opp.
When it’s over, it’s over. There is no staying around to enjoy the rest of the treats. That did make it hard as there was so much interaction with the princesses and watching the performances, that eating was secondary. That’s really my only complaint as I would have liked for it to have lasted a bit longer, or to at least have been able to enjoy a few moments at the end to finish eating. That said, I know why it didn’t last longer – DINNER was about to be served in that very restaurant.
WARNING: The Royal Court Royal Tea for us was held from 3-4pm. This is really close to the first seating of dinner. So if you are assigned the first seating, this might be a night where you don’t attend the formal dinner, but instead opt for a quick bite at one of the quick service places later in the evening like Pinocchio’s Pizza, Daisy’s de-Lites, or Pete’s Boiler Bites.
One Last Gift
As for that very last gift, the one that is a surprise? Well, you see, at the very end of the Royal Court Royal Tea, there is a photo opp with all the princesses together. I certainly took my own photos, but there was an official photographer there as well. To be honest, I assumed it was so that people could buy the photos at Shutters, the company who handles all the Disney Cruise photography. I was wrong.
Later in our cabin, we discovered a beautiful black leather folio which opened to reveal an 8×10 of this picture with the princesses and a picture of a Cinderella mosaic next to it. Beautiful and apparently included in the price of the event.
Cost is $210 per child and $69 for each accompanying adult. While not inexpensive, I would count it high among my daughter’s favorite Disney experiences so far!
Tell me, have you ever been on a Disney Cruise? Dreaming of one?
More Disney Cruise Posts:
Tiana’s Restaurant – new on the Disney Wonder
Top Disney World Souvenirs
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I have the tea booked with my granddaughter on November cruise on fantasy but the booking did not ask who is her favorite princess. Do u know where I include this information?
Thanks
Oh Nancy, you will have so much fun! If I remember correctly, I was asked on the ship. No worries – the staff will be sure to help you out once you are onboard!
Thanks so much for writing this! I am a travel agent, specializing in Disney Destinations. I just recently sent a client information about the Disney Cruise Line. She expressed that almost everything Disney related she can find is about Disney World, and very little on the Disney Cruise Line.
I absolutely love seeing in depth articles about things you can find on the Disney Cruise Ships. I am so happy you shared this. It will help a lot of people!
Awww, thanks Alison. I have several posts about our time on the Disney Cruises (with our Alaskan adventures coming soon)!
Do you know how many spots there are? And do they offer it every day of the cruise? We are going on our first Disney Cruise in October (4 nights) and I’m worried that all the people who are able to check in and register before us will take all the spots. My girls are so excited about this!
All I can tell you is that at some point it does fill up, because we were not able to book it before we departed. That said, as soon as we got onboard the ship, we immediately went and inquired. We were put on a waiting list and there was soon a call waiting for us in our cabin, letting us know that we were indeed able to get one of the spots. I’m assuming someone cancelled when they got onboard.
Going on 1st Disney cruise 6/30/18. It is An 11 day. Will be 8 of us…Gram,Gramps,Dad,Mom and 4 girls 2,5,7,9. With 2 yr. Old turning 3 on cruise. This would be a great birthday event. Do you think Gramps and Dad would be out of place? We are all very excited about the trip.
Jane, oh what an exciting trip you have ahead of you! A multi-generational cruise is perfect! Now for the Royal Court Royal Tea, I didn’t spot any men (and we didn’t have my husband join us). There were older girls, moms, and grandmothers for sure. It wasn’t a large group, maybe 8 tables of guests (we shared ours with another mother-daughter duo). Though there weren’t any men, do what feels right for you and your family. It was definitely girly with lots of singing and princesses. If you opt to have them not attend, trust me when I say there will be plenty onboard to keep them occupied. My husband spent a few moments down in the pub watching some college football.
My mother-in-law booked this for our upcoming trip. When do you tell them your daughter’s favorite princess?
Oooh, very good question. For us it might have been different. Since it had been sold out before we departed, we had asked as soon as we boarded to be put on a waiting list. When we got the call there was space available and connected with them, we were asked. I’m wondering if when you book the tea if you aren’t asked then. Disney will take care of you, no doubt about that.
So I would really love to take my daughter on this on our next cruise. But I am wondering, if more than one adult can go? My Dad, her grandfather, and her are very close and he would love to go as well. Are men allowed? Thanks!
Thanks Stephanie. Yes, more than 1 adult could go, for an additional cost each. Currently the price (OCT 2017) is at $210 per child and $69 per adult). There seem to be no restrictions on gender, as there are special gifts that are slightly different if boys are attending. For your question about adult men, there weren’t any men attending our tea party, as it was mostly a mom/daughter or grandmother/granddaughter event, but I can’t imagine Disney would have any problem if everyone wanted to go.
Adults only?
Great question Marisa. While during our time there, we only saw children with parents and grandparents, I can’t imagine Disney would turn you away if adults only wanted to participate. It is geared towards children though.
Thank you so much for the information. I am so happy the Royal Court Tea Party is now offered on the Disney Wonder. This will be our 3rd cruise on Disney Wonder and head out on our adventure Oct. 1, 2017. I booked the Tea Party as soon as it was available. My daughter is 8 and is excited to finally have this experience available on the Disney Wonder. Thank you for the pictures and what to expect for her. It looks amazing and a grand experience. I didn’t see where they asked about the favorite princess. Should I just ask about it once I arrive on the ship?
Marie,
I’m so excited for you. It will be an incredible adventure! Yes, I would ask about it once on the ship. I’m sure they have enough supply for all, so I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Have fun!
My daughter & I have loved reading your 2 posts. When are you posting more about your cruise? We can’t get enough about Disney cruises. 😜🛳
Thanks Brittany! I have so many more posts in the works and they’ll be sprinkled in between my articles with deadlines. (I’ve got a Universal/Harry Potter one up next, but so many more for Disney Cruise)! Is there anything specific you are looking for?
What an amazing experience! I can’t believe all the goodies and that delicious looking food! We are Disney park lovers debating on taking a Disney cruise. The kids don’t want to give up the rides but your posts sure make the cruise look awful tempting!
my granddaughter would flip over this tea party,,she is such a princess fan
I would love to go on a Disney Cruise. It sounds like so much fun!
Wow! That sounds like a great experience!! There are so many gifts!! Too bad about the rushed eating though. Thanks for your honest opinion. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you. Happy February!
We did this on the Fantasy in November. My 9 year old daughter absolutely LOVED it! She wants to do it again on our next cruise. I don’t know if I will pay for it again, but it was definitely worth it at least one time. It was such a great Mommy daughter time.
I agree Tammi, once you’ve experienced it one time, I likely wouldn’t do it again because a big chunk of the cost is for all the gifts received. The gifts don’t change over time. There are many other Disney experiences for next time 🙂
What an amazing experience!! I can’t imagine it would be worth it to take my boys but I might have to book a cruise with my sister & her family so I could take my niece!
Maybe you can squeeze some girl time in somehow! 🙂
Wow! What a beautiful experience for any girl! I wished I knew more about Disney then what I know now. My daughter never had these types of experiences and I feel terrible about it. Thanks so much for sharing all this wonderful experience that your princess had! She is so adorable!
Awww, thank you Myrah! I’m sure your daughter has had plenty of amazing times with you! XOXO
What a beautiful experience your daughter had! I would love to take my 2 granddaughters (sisters) to the Royal Court Royal Tea. The younger one adores Belle too while her big sister’s favorite is Snow White. Thanks for all the info and your great photos.