When I was going from store to store to find the perfect feminine dress, of course people wanted to know what the occasion was. Me, excitedly: “It’s a tea party!” Them, amused at that point: “Ohh…okay, nice!” I was all smiles because we were getting ready for Tea Around Town Dallas and that’s no regular tea party. Nothing regular about it. Here is my honest Tea Around Town review!
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What is Tea Around Town by TopView?
Tea Around Town is what I would call the ultimate feminine experience. Picture a literal tea party, but on wheels with food and live entertainment all while exploring the city. The tour takes place on a beautifully decorated double decker bus and has a specified route where the tour guide displays different attractions/scenery throughout the city while also singing live.
What to Expect at Arrival
It is recommended by TopView on their website as well as when you purchase your tickets to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. I had to reiterate this point because they also state that they cannot hold the tour for anyone that may be late so that’s helpful to keep in mind! We arrived a little before the bus so we were able to see the pink carpet being laid out for onboarding. It was very exciting to see everyone in their tea party-themed attire and even more exciting when we saw the bus pulling up!
The ticket scans through the TopView app were quick and easy. Then we were allowed ten minutes for any photos and videos that we wanted in front of the bus before boarding. Then we were greeted by one of the team members who helped us onto the second level where we saw the gorgeous decor and food awaiting us at our private tables along with our Tea Around Town tumblers (that you get to keep)!
The Tea Around Town Experience
As soon as you board the bus, the Bridgerton-style music throws you into tea party mode! We were all, again, beyond excited! After departure, the servers started to bring tea samples (you can taste up to 3 samples during your ride) as well as different cuisines for us to try throughout the tour. Both of the servers as well as the tour guide were all full of personality and made the experience even more fun. I think that I can safely speak for everyone onboard when I say that we all thoroughly enjoyed the ride! For reference, the tour lasts approx. 75 minutes.
Is Tea Around Town Worth It?
At the time of this post, a Luxe ticket (includes an enhanced menu, spring delight mocktail, and Priority Boarding) starts at $99 and a Petite ticket starts at $69. For an experience as unique and fun as this one, I would say it is 100% worth it (and I always give fair reviews).
Tea Around Town is perfect for a cute girls day out, birthday celebration, bridal shower…I can go on but it is definitely something special that you would not forget. So grab your cutest pink or floral dress and let me know if you decide to board!
Our Disappointing Experience with Tea Around Town – A Cautionary Note
Six ladies from Texarkana, including myself, made the trip to Dallas specifically for the Tea Around Town tour. We had a confirmed reservation for 3:00 p.m., and after driving two and a half hours, we were contacted at 2:52 p.m.—just minutes before our scheduled tour—only to be told the bus would not be running and the tour had been canceled.
We were assured we’d receive a refund, which we did. However, this didn’t come close to making up for the lost time, effort, and expenses. We spent five hours on the road round-trip, paid over $100 in parking fees, and missed out on what was supposed to be a special experience. Attempts to book other activities in Dallas that day were unsuccessful due to late notice and fully booked schedules.
I called the Tea Around Town office today to see if they would offer any additional accommodation or goodwill gesture for our trouble. Unfortunately, they said the refund was sufficient and were unwilling to provide any further consideration.
If you’re planning to visit Tea Around Town, especially if you’re coming from out of town, I strongly recommend reconsidering. Our experience was frustrating and disappointing, and I wouldn’t want anyone else to have their day ruined the way ours was.
— A very disappointed guest from Texarkana
I arrived at 2:15 PM for a 2:30 PM experience, and the bus didn’t arrive until 3:45 PM–a 90‑minute delay for an experience costing over $200.
Once onboard, the cleanliness issues were immediate and alarming. I overheard another guest explain that their preset table cup already had tea in it and lipstick on it, indicating it had been previously used and reset.
The kitchen/food prep area had an overflowing trash bag sitting on the counter, a sink that appeared not to be working, and filthy floors. This was especially concerning given that this was the first trip of the day and only the 7th day this experience had been operating in Los Angeles. It was clear the bus had not been cleaned from the day before–if it had been cleaned at all. The bathroom conditions were no better, with dripping water barely sufficient to wash hands, no paper towels, and toilet paper sitting next to the toilet instead of in the dispenser.
Due to the extreme delay and unsanitary conditions, I did not continue with the experience and informed staff I would be requesting a refund. I emailed customer service the same day with detailed documentation and clearly stated that I did not proceed with the experience. After several business days with no response, I called to follow up. Sharon in customer service talked over me repeatedly, showed no interest in hearing the situation, and dismissed the request by saying, “this must go through manager review, but you most likely won’t get a refund.”
While the onsite staff were kind and genuinely did their best to resolve things, their efforts couldn’t overcome the operational failures, lack of cleanliness, and dismissive customer service. This experience was far below expectations and absolutely not worth the price. I would not recommend it unless major improvements are made.
Not worth the money. Not conducive to people with handicaps,or canes, walkers especially if you need seating upstairs. The steps are narrow and 9.5-10″ tall and the railing is missing in the middle. The Walmart Cupcakes to the stale bread, to having tea in a paper cup to the rations on sugar packets it is nothing like its pictured. It is strictly a bate and switch operation. There is no tour of Atlanta just driving around on side streets. No singing waiter. NO suvineir mug or box to go for food. It is really a disaster. Waste your money if you wish.
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If “luxury” means dehydration, traffic anxiety, and cafeteria-grade disappointment, then Tea Around Town by TopView has redefined the word with astonishing confidence.
Marketed as a premier afternoon tea experience aboard a charming double-decker bus in Phoenix, this event promises refinement, comfort, and indulgence. What it delivers instead is a logistical fiasco wrapped in stale bread and served lukewarm.
Let’s begin with the arrival—because every “luxury” experience should apparently start with a parking nightmare. Guests are instructed to meet at what can only be described as a random curbside pickup location across from an already overcapacity public park. Parking? Nonexistent. Convenience? Laughable. Guests are left circling, scrambling, and ultimately abandoning any expectation of a smooth start before standing in the Arizona sun with no guidance, no accommodations, and—most critically—no water.
Yes, in Phoenix. No water.
After baking on the curb like forgotten props, guests finally board—only to wait an additional 20 minutes before even receiving tea. When it does arrive, it’s less “high tea” and more “soda fountain afterthought”: a cold raspberry liquid devoid of distinction, care, or even basic refreshment.
The food, however, is where this experience fully abandons any pretense of quality. Advertised as a curated selection of savory and sweet delights, what appears instead is a collection of visibly stale, room-temperature items, including something inexplicably served in what can only be described as a crusty hot dog bun. One item was so unidentifiable—and inedible—it crossed from disappointing into genuinely concerning. This is not “afternoon tea.” This is neglect plated as cuisine.
And for this? $100 per ticket.
Calling this “VIP” is not just misleading—it’s offensive.
Service fares no better. The staff, while outwardly apologetic, demonstrate no capacity or authority to resolve issues. The “server” appears entirely untrained, lacking even the fundamentals of hospitality. As for the promised “live entertainment”? Guests are treated to two off-key songs delivered by the same unqualified staff member—a moment so awkward it feels less like entertainment and more like a cry for help.
Meanwhile, the bus ride itself introduces a new layer of concern: safety. The driver’s erratic handling—mounting curbs, nearly colliding with multiple vehicles, and forcing pedestrians to actively avoid the bus—turns what should be a leisurely city tour into a rolling liability.
By the time the experience ends, one is left not with fond memories, but with a lingering question: how does something so poorly executed continue to be marketed as “luxury”?
At every level—logistics, service, food quality, safety, and basic guest care—Tea Around Town by TopView fails. Not subtly. Not occasionally. But comprehensively.
Save your money. Save your afternoon. And above all, bring your own water—because this “tea experience” certainly won’t.
I’m very sorry all of the above commentors had terrible times. Maybe, I’m an optimist, see the glass half full v/s empty. However, l will give an honest review. Firstly, My boarding time was to be15 minutes before an 11:30am departure – the bus arrived because l purchased the deluxe package. So, l & my daughter spent the 20 minutes waiting time taking pictures at the “Peace & Love” sign & conversing w/the other patrons waiting. Next, l use a cane & the stairs were quite narrow but, l was able to get up to the top floor. Again, l agree the height for my 5’10 & my daughter’s 6 ft required a bit of adjusting to maneuver the stairs & walk to our table. Now, to the food – it was fine except the cake pops were not my taste. All said maybe to others the $261.00 price tag is exorbitant. But, l & my daughter really enjoyed ourselves. It could be because after having funeralized/memorialized 69 love ones & friends w/in a 9year period. Including two grandnephews 24 & 33 from Jan1st & Apr 30 to cancer – l don’t sweat the small stuff & just grateful for every moment in life. So, maybe I’m biased but we had a lovely time hiccups and all. Happy Mother’s Day – again l lost mine as one of the 69.