Backup plan for Victoria & Albert’s?

[ForceofWill]

It just dawned on me that your daughter is 12 and so I change my vote away from Monsieur Paul. The $200 is easier to stomach when you factor in the free alcoholic drinks, but since she wouldn't be partaking, I would go somewhere else.

My vote is Bull and Bear or Capa, either would be a great spot for her to be dressed up although I'd probably give the edge to Capa. Capa is at the top of the Four Seasons and the view would be a great touch, I believe you can even see fireworks from out on the balcony. Plus you will be able to get ready at the hotel and then just drive over and have a great evening with her.

I've seen a couple places that Bull and Bear wouldn't be the best place for a kid whereas Capa actually has a kids menu, and even a part of the kids menu that caters to fancier kids with real options like a Pescado or Filet.

 

[gharter]

Our last trip, we dined for the first time at Citricos since it was redone. Previously, it was meh, not bad, but nothing special. It was one of the highlights of our trip! All 3 of us loved all the parts of our meals. I would also consider Toledos. Really fund and very good food if you like tapas style.

 

[Darth Insidious]

It just dawned on me that your daughter is 12 and so I change my vote away from Monsieur Paul. The $200 is easier to stomach when you factor in the free alcoholic drinks, but since she wouldn't be partaking, I would go somewhere else.

My vote is Bull and Bear or Capa, either would be a great spot for her to be dressed up although I'd probably give the edge to Capa. Capa is at the top of the Four Seasons and the view would be a great touch, I believe you can even see fireworks from out on the balcony. Plus you will be able to get ready at the hotel and then just drive over and have a great evening with her.

I've seen a couple places that Bull and Bear wouldn't be the best place for a kid whereas Capa actually has a kids menu, and even a part of the kids menu that caters to fancier kids with real options like a Pescado or Filet.

I looked at Capa’s website and I do think she’d really enjoy it. I’m hoping I can get V&A for her but I don’t want to count on it. I appreciate the great suggestions from everyone!

 

[ak517]

I want to put another vote in for Citricos. We dined at Citricos and V&A on the same trip, and as much as we want to go back to V&A, we don't have time for it every trip. However, we can always fit in a nice dinner at Citricos. We were so surprised with the quality of food (my DH works for a three Michelin star restaurant in NYC) and service that dining at Citricos again is my DH's only request for our four-month-old's first trip to WDW Bull & Bear and Capa are on our list to try for sure, but eating at Citricos has the magic of being at WDW's flagship resort.

That said, I hope you get a table at V&A because that would be so magical for your daughter!! Totally on par with Michelin starred dining in NYC, DC, and Chicago, even if they didn't get any stars this year.

 

[BeachMouse1]

Monseuir Paul! Might not be as dressy but it’s a fancier experience than a regular signature restaurant. We did V&A and while it was amazing it’s really long! Monseuir Paul is like a V&A experience although nothing really can compare with V&A but I mean it’s like a multi course meal where they explain all the food. The food is great and the experience can Be shorter if you wish. We were there about 2 1/2 hours simply because we were taking our time and waited to watch fireworks from our table but we saw some people come in and out in an hour and a half. You can sit at like 6 or 6:30 and wait to see fireworks while enjoying coffee. We saw several kids and they seemed to really enjoy it. You will see more people in park wear but many get dressed too although not like shirt and tie because it’s in the park. I enjoyed it very much and at that price point would do several times over where with V&A for us was a once in a lifetime.
Jiko is another favorite of ours get there a little early and see animals. Also ask the staff to explain the restaurant it’s a whole story. Sit at the “cooking place“ the bar near the wood burning ovens and you can talk to the chefs who prepare the salads and flatbreads

 

[Quicklabs]

Thank you. As much as I think she’d like Monsieur Paul, I think it would take a huge chunk out of a park day since she really wants to dress up and I think we will do this on a rest day.

Honestly, I think getting dressed in semi-formal or formalwear and feeling like she’s in a fancy place is probably more important to her than the food itself. A big girl princess makeover I guess!

Do give a bit of thought to the food, though. Is she a fairly adventurous eater? Take a look at the menus for these "dress up" restaurants. Sometimes, their offerings are made up of unusual ingredients or sauces that not she might not like if she prefers more typical fare. You don't want to spend a fortune at a fancy place and have the experience ruined for her if she finds that there is nothing she wants to eat or if she absolutely hates the food. Regardless of where you end up, enjoy the time together!

 

[SharonZ]

I agree that sometimes V&A's menu is a bit too adventurous for the average teen. Although I do understand wanting to have the grown up experience, there are a lot of other places that people have mentioned that you may want to look into.

 

[jimmymc]

Omakase experience at Morimoto Adia, Bull and Bear restaurant at the Waldorf Astoria, Flying Fish at Boardwalk, or Jaleo at Disney Springs would all be appropriate to dress up and enjoy a longer meal.

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

It sounds like Monsieur Paul may not work for you because it’s in the park itself, but I thought I’d add that when we were there last year, nearly 100% of the guest facing staff were actually French and our waiter was very happy to say everything twice (in French for me and again in English for my husband), so she might really enjoy the language immersion. You might be able to get a taste of that in a faster, cheaper, more casual meal at Chefs de France or the Creperie, you will have far more time for conversation and interaction at MP.

 

[dopeynme]

I am not sure, but I thought V&A was adults only. I have been twice and there were no children either time. Things might have changed since then, so maybe just confirm her age when you make the reservation.

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

I am not sure, but I thought V&A was adults only. I have been twice and there were no children either time. Things might have changed since then, so maybe just confirm her age when you make the reservation.

Per the website it’s 10 & up.

 

[Darth Insidious]

It sounds like Monsieur Paul may not work for you because it’s in the park itself, but I thought I’d add that when we were there last year, nearly 100% of the guest facing staff were actually French and our waiter was very happy to say everything twice (in French for me and again in English for my husband), so she might really enjoy the language immersion. You might be able to get a taste of that in a faster, cheaper, more casual meal at Chefs de France or the Creperie, you will have far more time for conversation and interaction at MP.

I’ll definitely encourage her to try out her French at Epcot. If she’s not to shy!

 

[ImissDVCvaletparking]

If you do get into V&A, make sure you ask them for a tour. We took our son when he turned 11 and they did a neat tour and took photos with him. They gave him a chef hat signed by everyone in the kitchen.

 

[Darth Insidious]

If you do get into V&A, make sure you ask them for a tour. We took our son when he turned 11 and they did a neat tour and took photos with him. They gave him a chef hat signed by everyone in the kitchen.

That is awesome!