Best place for a romantic dinner?

[itJeff]

My wife and 3 DDs will be in The World in May 2010. It just so happens that some friends are seriously talking about taking their two kids during the same week. If this works out, we've already 'unofficially' said we would keep their kids one night, and they would keep our girls one night... so that each couple could have a 'night out'.

Not to get my hopes up... but this would work out great for us. Next year is our 10th anniversary. We've decided not to take the April trip to NY like we had wanted to do, in lieu of going to Disney. So, we would use this 'night out' as our anniversary celebration. (We'll probably end up going somewhere later for an anniversary trip too, but we'll be at Disney. Who doesn't want to celebrate there?) Plus my birthday is two days after we leave Disney.

So, we have been to Coral Reef once as a couple several years ago. Not really that romantic. I've been thinking about it and came up with either V&A or Cali Grill. I'm leaning towards V&A because I think it would be quieter, probably fewer kiddos around, etc. But, I want something nice... the whole experience. Cali Grill has the great view of MK and Wishes.

Anybody want to weigh in for one or the other? Or maybe you have another suggestion?

TIA!

[jx3smom]

Cali Grill is nice but noisy. Artist Point is great and quiet. Narcoosee is also another place where you can see the fireworks.

[TheMaxRebo]

We just came back and had our "date night" dinner at California Grill and absolutely loved it ... getting to watch the fireworks was wonderful and we had one of the best meals of our lives afterwards ...

.. I will say that it was a little noisy as there were a few kids and just the acoustics in there (one fairly large open space). It didn't really distract us or anything, but if you are looking for a super quiet, grown-up type place, I would keep that in mind.

I haven't eaten at V&A but I think it is kind of it's own animal and I would think a bit more expensive (if that is a consideration)

Good luck

[jandj524]

V&A

[disney queen]

i would say V&A followed by artist point.

[acurry417]

Another vote for Victoria & Alberts. We have dined there twice now and it has been FABULOUS both times. Cali Grill is nice but there are usually a ton of kids there and it is noisy. V & A is very quiet and romantic.

[macmom3]

We're going in May with the in-laws so we'll be able to have a "date date". Our idea of a night out is having fun with each other. So I think we'll be going to Big River Grille and Brew works at the Boardwalk. Then we'll just hang out over there and think we're in Atlantic City. We've been there a couple of times for our anniversay so it's romantic to us.

[KristiMc]

We did V&A for our 10th anniversary last year and it was amazing.

[PoSh HuNnY]

California Grill is my favorite. It can be loud, but it's still so romantic that the background noise is negligible. It's romantic fun. I've never been to V&A, but that's very formal. If you want to get dressed up in a suit & tie, then I would say go there!

[itJeff]

Thanks for all the great feedback! We're not fancy people, but like to pretend. So, I can see us doing V&A. We ate at The 'Picaso' in Vegas (at the Bellagio) for another anniversary. I'm guessing V&A is along the lines of that.

I was reading up on V&A and don't totally understand the difference between the regular part of the resturant and the "Chef's Table". Can anyone help me out?

We will be doing the Dining Plan. So, I'll probably end up paying OOP for some other meals and use the Dining Credits to cover this. Whatever will end up costing me less in the end.

Are these the best choices that the Orlando area has to offer? We'll have a car, so we could go offsite.

[PoSh HuNnY]

If you're willing to do V&A, then do it! It's won so many awards & rave reviews. I just know a lot of men don't like the idea of having to get dressed in a suit and tie in Disney, but with 3 daughters, you probably need/deserve it!
I wouldn't go off property- Disney in and of itself is so romantic and the cast members only enhance the experience, especially at a restaurant!

[oybolshoi]

There is no comparison between V&A and any other restaurant on WDW property. None of the other signature restaurants are in the same class at all, which is not to disparage them, but simply to point out that you will get a 5-star dining experience at V&A that will eclipse anything you received at Picasso.

Having said that - V&A does not accept the dining plan so you will have to pay out of pocket to dine there. Currently the 7-course dinner menu in the dining room is $125 per person, an additional $60 per person for the wine pairings. The Chef's Table menu is $165 per person and the wine pairings are an additional $70 per person.

There are no children under the age of 10 allowed at V&A - it is the only restaurant on property where you are guaranteed to have a quiet, intimate meal (unless you happen to be there the same night as me, my husband, and some of our friends ... ). The dining room offers a 7-course fixed price meal - you will have a choice of items for each course.

The Chef's Table is very difficult to get - it's one seating for one party on select evenings during the week (minimum party size 2, maximum party size 10) and it's first come first serve. It's also more expensive than the dining room because you will have a chance to sample just about every item being offered in the dining room on that evening.

The Chef's Table isn't really romantic by the standard definition. You're eating in a kitchen that's loud and bustling but if you are foodies or truly enjoy cooking then I think it's a great evening to share with someone you love. My hubby and I dined at the CT a couple of years ago on our wedding anniversary and we loved it - a very unique and special evening.

The food and service are amazing at V&A - there is nothing else like it at WDW.

Originally Posted by itJeff

Thanks for all the great feedback! We're not fancy people, but like to pretend. So, I can see us doing V&A. We ate at The 'Picaso' in Vegas (at the Bellagio) for another anniversary. I'm guessing V&A is along the lines of that.

I was reading up on V&A and don't totally understand the difference between the regular part of the resturant and the "Chef's Table". Can anyone help me out?

We will be doing the Dining Plan. So, I'll probably end up paying OOP for some other meals and use the Dining Credits to cover this. Whatever will end up costing me less in the end.

Are these the best choices that the Orlando area has to offer? We'll have a car, so we could go offsite.

[Pakey]

We have done both Picasso and V&A several times. Personally, I prefer Picasso a bit over V&A. Maybe because of the paintings or being able to watch the fountains through the French doors. The food is similar but V&A's restaurant is not near as beautiful as Picasso.

We've dined at every upscale place at WDW and none of them compare to V&A or Picasso, if you are looking for that level of dining. Do not think that any of the signatures on Disney's Dining Plan are in the same league; that will set you up for serious disappointment.

[brunette8706]

Try the Mexico Restaurant. Very romantic indeed.

[dawminatrix]

V&A is tops for romantic dining!!!! We've been to both the dining and the chef's table, and the dining room is better for a romantic and quiet atmosphere. Chef's table is in the kitchen, which is amazing to watch...it's nothing like Hell's Kitchen(aka, no yelling LOL)...the kitchen is a well oiled machine and everyone is doing their parts to put together the meal.

Another place that DH and I have dined romantically at is the Bistro de Paris - the second floor restaurant in Epcot - France. Our two person table was right at the window. We had a fabulous meal while gazing out the window (and into each others eyes - it was our honeymoon!)