30th Anniversay - V&A or CG?

[peabody58]

I can remember when back in 1977, when my 1st wife and I visited the MK while I was at the USN Nuc School, we toured the CR and GF and due to our financial position, we couldn't afford the CG (the TOTW back then), and I vowed I'd be back someday to eat there. We also walked by V&A's (or what ever it was called then). There were no prices listed, and I thought, "If I have to ask the price, then I can't afford it. Someday I'll be in a position to eat at a place like this."

DW and I will celebrating our 30th Wedding Anniversay 10/15 at WDW. We know that at a minimum we will be dining at the CG (our favorite TS), but I am now toying with the idea of doing V&A, possibly even the Queen's Room.

We have a lot more years to enjoy WDW, but only one 30th to celebrate. Money is not a problem, but I am still a budget concious person. We will have TIW, so that will take some of the sting out of V&A's.

And as I sit here writing this, I am reminded that we will be at WDW for 9 nights, so we can still do the CG another night. That may be the best plan as rumor has it the CG will be closed near the end of the year for a remodel and may not reopen as the CG.

Ahhh - less than 30 days before ADR's open up. Even though I think I've made a decision, experiances and advice would be welcome, especially upgrading to the Queen's Room or Chef's table. Just the 2 of us.

 

[GAN]

I personally have never been there, but given that money is not really a problem and you have the TIW benefit -V&A's is where you should go. CG is a great restaurant with wonderful service, V&A's is an event. It will be more personal. It will be something you remember for a long time. Maybe you should even arrange to have a limo pick you up and take you back to your room -unless you're at GF anyway.

The only thing I'm curious about is that you mention walking past V&A's back in '77 which wouldn't have been there. Trying to think of what it could have been that you saw.

 

[catheren]

First Happy Happy 30th Anniversary
We have been to both Cali Grille and V&A, love them both
I suggest V&A, because this is a special celebration, and this is the best adult restaurant to celebrate. One factor if you are not the type that wants to dress up, and I really mean dress up (ie suit coat) then forget V&A.

 

[peabody58]

The only thing I'm curious about is that you mention walking past V&A's back in '77 which wouldn't have been there. Trying to think of what it could have been that you saw.

My bad. It was actual the first WDW trip with my current DW and me in the early '90's. I shouldn't try to post while I'm working the night shift.

I do like your perspective on V&A's being an 'event'.

 

[OKW Lover]

First, Congratulations on 30 years!!!

As far as your dining decision goes, I'd join with the above posters and recommend V&A. Just be aware that the TiW discount doesn't apply to the Queens Room or the Chef's Table, only the regular dining room.

We're going to V&A's for our 15th anniversary next month.

 

[DEA]

DW and I ate in the QVR after not being able to get the Chef's Table for our last trip. It was an amazing experience. It is more expensive than the dining room, and TiW does not apply, which makes it even more relatively expensive, but it is a lovely environment. There are only 4 tables, each basically in one corner of the room, which makes for a lot of room and a quieter meal. The table-side preparation is fun to watch.

One tip: DW and I each got the wine pairing with dinner, but we probably would have been okay sharing one wine pairing. That's a lot of glasses with a lot of courses.

It sounds like you're on board for V&A, and although it is not a frugal choice, I thought it was worth it, even though you could buy a new iPad for the cost of the meal.

 

[ambgoph]

CA Grill is a great restaurant, but in no way compares to V&A's. As other posters have said V&A's is a dining event that you will never forget.

I would do both restaurants to celebrate your anniversary - Congratulations!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would go with V&A for the reason that you will not have any kids running around and/or screaming. It is much more relaxed.

V&A is an experience. As you are probably aware, it is one of only 46 restaurants in the entire country that has the AAA Five Diamond Award.

And in my opinion, having been to CT four times, that is really intended more toward the foodie who has interest in how a high-end restaurant kitchen operates. If you want the more expansive experience then the QVR would be what do do.

 

[Gobbles!]

I would definitely choose to celebrate at V&A's. I would also highly recommend the main dining room especially for a first time visitor. You can take advantage of the TiW discount which could easily pay for itself in this restaurant alone. You can enjoy the harpist in the dining room. You'll be able to choose your food for each course as opposed to having it chosen for you as you would at the QVR or Chef's Table. My husband and I have just as much fun poring over the menu as we do eating the food. Well, almost. If you really enjoy food and watching how it's made then the Chef's Table would be enjoyable. It's a lot louder in the kitchen and not nearly as romantic but it's a lot of fun. I'm lucky enough to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the Chef's Table six times. The biggest advantage of the Chef's Table is the ability to lick your plate without a care in the world. And multiple desserts. And being able to speak with the kitchen staff. Ok there are many advantages. TiW not being one of them. The QVR menu is pretty similar to the Chef's Table. The setting is very romantic. You will definitely feel pampered in this room with tableside preparations on various courses. There is a LOT of food at both the QVR and Chef's Table. If we get the wine pairing we come out extremely full. If we don't we come out pretty full. Though I highly recommend the wine pairings. Israel does an amazing job with them. The courses are great as is but some are absolutely amazing with the paired wine. We always feel that every meal at V&A's is money well spent. However you decide to dine at V&A's will be a great choice: main dining room, QVR, or the Chef's Table. Just remember that the Chef's Table is a very difficult reservation to get. Getting the main dining room is definitely NOT "settling." Have a wonderful anniversary trip!

 

[peabody58]

Thank you all for your comments and insights. Shared with DW and duh, she's all for it!! Since TIW is not available for the Queens Room (did not know that - thank you), we will be enjoying our 30th Anniversary 'Event' Celebration in the V&A Dining Room. DW is already picking out her dress and jewelry! Let the excitement building begin!!

We will still get an ADR at CG, just a different night.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I can remember when back in 1977, when my 1st wife and I visited the MK while I was at the USN Nuc School, we toured the CR and GF and due to our financial position, we couldn't afford the CG (the TOTW back then), and I vowed I'd be back someday to eat there. We also walked by V&A's (or what ever it was called then). There were no prices listed, and I thought, "If I have to ask the price, then I can't afford it. Someday I'll be in a position to eat at a place like this."

DW and I will celebrating our 30th Wedding Anniversay 10/15 at WDW. We know that at a minimum we will be dining at the CG (our favorite TS), but I am now toying with the idea of doing V&A, possibly even the Queen's Room.

We have a lot more years to enjoy WDW, but only one 30th to celebrate. Money is not a problem, but I am still a budget concious person. We will have TIW, so that will take some of the sting out of V&A's.

And as I sit here writing this, I am reminded that we will be at WDW for 9 nights, so we can still do the CG another night. That may be the best plan as rumor has it the CG will be closed near the end of the year for a remodel and may not reopen as the CG.

Ahhh - less than 30 days before ADR's open up. Even though I think I've made a decision, experiances and advice would be welcome, especially upgrading to the Queen's Room or Chef's table. Just the 2 of us.

Well, I don't have any experience with V&A and I won't-they require a jacket for men and DH refuses to get that dressed up on vacation. Thirty years ago, we even got married in jeans! We're celebrating our 30th anniversary next month with dinner at our favorite resturant, Artist Point.