The Everything Victoria & Albert's Thread

[TDC Nala]

I take it you are not going to be there and you want to add the wine pairing to your mother's selections and pay for it yourself before she even gets there.

That is correct that you cannot do that. V&A does not accept advance payment.

Buy her a gift card in the amount of the wine pairing and surprise her with it before she leaves (if you will not be on the trip with her). She still has the option to use the gift card for something else though. It sounds as though she does not want the pairing if her friend doesn't want it.

[*NikkiBell*]

I was just going to post the same exact thing as TDC Nala. Get her a gift card (you can get them at WDW or The Disney Store) for the price and have her use it for the wine pairing. Get creative with the card and a cute saying about it.

[deej696]

I'm sure there are reasons why they cant do it, but it seems to me that taking payment for the wine pairing upcharge in advance shouldnt be that difficult for a 5 diamond restaurant. Perhaps its the hotel manager in me coming out, but if I was a manager for V&A I'd find a way to make it happen.... Sorry to hear they are making you jump through hoops on it....

[remark44]

Are the reservations at set times? For example, they only seat at 6 and 9pm. Or can you pick the time of your arrival?

[MAYNARDS99]

They usually have two seatings, an early and late seating, with about a 15 minute leeway on either side.

[remark44]

Originally Posted by MAYNARDS99

They usually have two seatings, an early and late seating, with about a 15 minute leeway on either side.

Do you know what those times are?

[Tricia1972]

Seating at Victoria & Albert's varies throughout the year:

September to June - 5:45-6:30 pm and 9:00-9:45 pm
July to August - 7:00-7:45 pm

[TinkerBelle_325]

This is a great idea!

We will be dining at V&A for the first time in September and we are very much looking forward to it.

When I called to make my ADR I was asked about allergies but not preferences. As my DDad is allergic to white fish I'm guessing they will change the fish course for him. I explained that he can eat tuna, salmon (red flesh fish) and shellfish (lobster, crab and shrimp) so that should work out. Also, my DDad and I are allergic to blue cheese, or any cheese with a mould vein. They made sure to carefully note the allergies.

As far as preferences go I really can't think of anything that I'd *hate* to see on my plate. Sure I wouldn't exactly *love* brussel sprouts but I wouldn't go so far as to forbid their presence at my dinner

When I called to make my ADR I asked about the TIW discount and the woman knew nothing about it! I asked her to check and she was able to confirm that TIW *CAN* be applied to main dining room meals, including wine pairings.

[snykymom]

Originally Posted by deej696

I'm sure there are reasons why they cant do it, but it seems to me that taking payment for the wine pairing upcharge in advance shouldnt be that difficult for a 5 diamond restaurant. Perhaps its the hotel manager in me coming out, but if I was a manager for V&A I'd find a way to make it happen.... Sorry to hear they are making you jump through hoops on it....

If I were to guess, I'd say that they don't do it because too many people change their minds based on how they're feeling that day. I know I initially thought that I wanted the pairing, but decided against it because of a small headache that night.

It's a lot of wine and a lot of money, and I'd bet that they'd get a lot of angry guests changing their minds and wanting refunds for the pairing if they've prepaid.

[mjpeter]

I've been on the fence about booking this for myself and DH for our next trip. My question is....when the bill comes do you honestly feel that it was worth what you are paying? It sounds like for most people, the answer is "yes."

[Tricia1972]

It sure was worth it for me!

[remark44]

Originally Posted by Tricia1972

Seating at Victoria & Albert's varies throughout the year:

September to June - 5:45-6:30 pm and 9:00-9:45 pm
July to August - 7:00-7:45 pm

Thanks. I was asking because I've heard it is a 2 hour or more experience. I can't image eating dinner that late (9pm). I wouldn't make it past the first course before I fell asleep.

I think (if and) when I go, I'll try for the early time.

[deej696]

Originally Posted by mjpeter

I've been on the fence about booking this for myself and DH for our next trip. My question is....when the bill comes do you honestly feel that it was worth what you are paying? It sounds like for most people, the answer is "yes."

When we returned after our dinner in December, my parents could not believe how much money we had spent on "one dinner." No amount of explaining would do it justice, but in my mind, I cant wait to fork it over again in February!

[MAYNARDS99]

"I can't image eating dinner"

You are not eating dinner, you are having a dining experience!

[AuroraBeauty]

I have to say that while I have not had the opportunity to dine at V&A my BFF and her husband have and between them I think they are either allergic to or don't like nearly every food in the universe. It's been about a year and I think she mentions something about it every time we talk or email. Now it's kind of a running joke, but it give you an idea of how wonderful an experience it can be if you have major concerns about food.

My BFF carries several Epi-pens with her and never fails that she has to use at least one while at WDW b/c of some kitchen error along the way. She rants and raves about she wishes she could eat at V&A every day of her trip.

Let's see, she and her hubby are either allergic to or don't eat: dairy, eggs, citrus, beef, pork, game meat, shellfish, wheat, soy, corn, nuts, olives (olive oil is OK), sugar, or artificial sweetners. I know, I know. What do they eat and why do I know this? Because she goes on and on and on about how amazing it was to eat at V&A.