Booking the Chef's Table at Victoria & Albert's

[WDWFigment]

My fiancee and I plan on going to V&A for our honeymoon. Ideally, we would like to book the Chef's Table on one of the evenings that we go.

I am familiar with the ADR system, but admittedly have never called 180 days in advance for any reservations (we don't do Cindy's and I've never had trouble getting Chef Mickey's, so there hasn't been the necessity).

I read a detailed section in the Unofficial Guide regarding getting reservations for Cindy's. Should this advice be followed for V&A, too? Is it simply a matter of calling 180 days in advance of our dining date at 6:59:50 a.m. or are there additional 'nuances' for V&A? Sorry if this is a basic question, I just want to make sure we follow proper form.

How difficult is it typically to get reservations for the Chef's Table? Assuming I follow proper form, how probable is it that I get it for one of the days (I will call every morning for 7 days, if necessary!) of our trip?

How is photography 'received' at V&As? I am a bit of an amateur photographer, and I really want to take pictures of us and our food at the restaurant. Ideally I would like to bounce my flash off the ceiling, but I am unsure if taking pictures in the first place meets the appropriate level of decorum for the restaurant. Any insight you could offer would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

 

[donaldtutter]

To get the chef's table, you have to call at 7 am. I called at 7:01 two days ago and it was gone.

 

[WDWFigment]

I just read on the Mom's panel website that you can book 90 (expanding to 180 in late Oct--so that's the pertinent number here) days in advance of your check-in date. So that would mean that I am only going to be calling once. That puts a lot more pressure on that one call.

Doesn't really make for a level playing field for those with shorter trips (someone with a 10 day vacation would have a full 3 day advantage over us for any day we're there). It also makes me wonder whether I should book a 30 day vacation and just cancel 23 of the days after I get the reservation...

Am I interpreting the policy correctly?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

1. The Chef's Table is not participating in the +10, so it can only be reserved no more than 90 days from the intended date (will probably change to 180 days).

2. There is only one CT reservation per day. They may maintain a waiting list, but don't count on someone canceling.

3. If you are not aware, the CT is in an alcove off the kitchen and has industrial-strength fluorescent lighting. Unless you are really into gourmet cooking and want to see what goes on in a top-quality kitchen you are much better off in the Main Dining Room.

 

[WDWFigment]

1. The Chef's Table is not participating in the +10, so it can only be reserved no more than 90 days from the intended date (will probably change to 180 days).

2. There is only one CT reservation per day. They may maintain a waiting list, but don't count on someone canceling.

3. If you are not aware, the CT is in an alcove off the kitchen and has industrial-strength fluorescent lighting. Unless you are really into gourmet cooking and want to see what goes on in a top-quality kitchen you are much better off in the Main Dining Room.

1. Thanks, that is good to know. Looks like I won't need to book that 30 day honeymoon!

3. I was aware of the location, but not of the lighting. Are you implying that the ambience is not as good/romantic at the Chef's Table? I am not so curious to see what goes on in the kitchen, but I heard the interaction with the kitchen staff was better at the Chef's Table, as was the meal itself. Is that correct? Could you elaborate on this a little? I think this is the first time I have seen the Main Dining Room suggested over the Chef's Table, so I just am curious to hear your rationale.

Thanks for the assistance!

 

[MouseMomx2]

3. I was aware of the location, but not of the lighting. Are you implying that the ambience is not as good/romantic at the Chef's Table? I am not so curious to see what goes on in the kitchen, but I heard the interaction with the kitchen staff was better at the Chef's Table, as was the meal itself. Is that correct? Could you elaborate on this a little? I think this is the first time I have seen the Main Dining Room suggested over the Chef's Table, so I just am curious to hear your rationale.

Thanks for the assistance!

The Chef's Table is located in the kitchen so the ambiance is quite different than in the dining room. It's dressed up a bit, but it's still an industrial setting. If you are a "foodie" and you're more interested in the food preparation aspects and chatting with the kitchen staff then go for the Chef's Table. If, however, you're looking for a romantic dinner you're going to want to be in the dining room.

 

[WDWFigment]

The Chef's Table is located in the kitchen so the ambiance is quite different than in the dining room. It's dressed up a bit, but it's still an industrial setting. If you are a "foodie" and you're more interested in the food preparation aspects and chatting with the kitchen staff then go for the Chef's Table. If, however, you're looking for a romantic dinner you're going to want to be in the dining room.

Thanks for the explanation. It does sound as if the Main Dining Room would be a better option for us. I recall reading about the "Chef's Menu" in the Main Dining Room but didn't see any detail. I would assume it's the same cuisine as served at the Chef's Table, but I am unsure. Can anyone explain that?

 

[MouseMomx2]

Thanks for the explanation. It does sound as if the Main Dining Room would be a better option for us. I recall reading about the "Chef's Menu" in the Main Dining Room but didn't see any detail. I would assume it's the same cuisine as served at the Chef's Table, but I am unsure. Can anyone explain that?

It is the same cuisine, but at the Chef's table you often get to taste a little bit of everything. It really is more of a "foodie" experience than a romantic one. That said, DH and I would probably rather do the Chef's Table than the regular restaurant even on a honeymoon. That's just us. Why not try for the Chef's Table and then, if it isn't available, go with the regular dining room?

 

[drclaws]

It is the same cuisine, but at the Chef's table you often get to taste a little bit of everything. It really is more of a "foodie" experience than a romantic one. That said, DH and I would probably rather do the Chef's Table than the regular restaurant even on a honeymoon. That's just us. Why not try for the Chef's Table and then, if it isn't available, go with the regular dining room?

We've been at V&A's twice. The first at the Chef's Table and the other in th dining room. I agree, give it a try fo sure I think we got to sample a bit of a lot of the dishes and left the kitchen at the end of the night completely stuffed. But yes, for strictly a romantic evening, the dining room is better suited, and it seemed like you get more attention from the regular ervers. If a foodie and/or enjoy the observation of how things come together (in addition to having great dishes placed in front of you, it's an amazing experience.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

3. If you are not aware, the CT is in an alcove off the kitchen and has industrial-strength fluorescent lighting. Unless you are really into gourmet cooking and want to see what goes on in a top-quality kitchen you are much better off in the Main Dining Room.

1) At one time, the Chef's Table was literally a table in the kitchen.
2) It was REALLY cool for foodies.
3) Then, they put a wall around it, and made kind of an alcove.
4) No longer cool.
5) And, definitely not a romantic setting.
6) For romance, go with the other recommendations and do the main room.
7) Just don't sit under the dome, it acts a a reflector for you conversations.

 

[Sandy321]

you could also go to the search this forum and search Chef Table - many of the Dis'ers that have done Chef Table have taken detailed pictures and reviews!!

Going to the main dining area (like Cheshire stated) is a great experience - you get a personalized menu, and a rose (or so I've read - I hope to save enough to do this for our 30th Wedding Anniversary Trip!) Plus they have a harpist playing discreetly in the corner of the main room!

Hah - I see you are looking at the reviews - here's my favorite reviewer Mr. Disney!!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1106561&highlight=Victoria+Alberts+Chef+Table

did some more searching - and here is the same V&A review but with just the facts - not so many replies!!
(same as above Mr. Disney Easter at V&A with pictures!)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1109646

Also another extremely helpful thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2231469&highlight=Victoria+Alberts+Chef+Table

 

[Disney 4 2]

My DH and I ate at the Chef's Table in 2007. We were escorted through the Main Dining room into a alcove of the kitchen. We had a meet and greet with the Chef and a Champagne toast. She also introduced her staff. The meal was 10 courses and 3 hours long. We were allowed to take pictures and the head waiter took pictures of my DH and I.

The Main Dining room was darker with a harpist playing and I would say the main dining room would be more romantic.

If you plan to make a reservation at the Chef's table the best way is to do a trial run of the phone system. This way you can by pass the central ADR system and go directly to V&A reservation line. I started at 6:55am and just kept hitting redial until someone answered at 7:00am. When they answer say Chef's table immediately.

It was quite a dining experience. May DH and I took a bus and then monorail from the BWI to the Grand Flordian. Everyone kept asking us where we were going because we were dressed semi-formal. My DH hates suits and was allowed to take his jacket and tie off once in the kitchen alcove.

Good Luck on your reservation!

 

[SarahInMN]

Just my two cents...

My husband and I had our wedding at the GF last January. Before all the guests arrived at WDW, we had dinner at the Chef's Table, just the two of us. It was a fantastic experience! We were escorted through the dining room each time we went in or out; we took a break in between courses and went for a walk around the GF. Yes, its an alcove off the kitchen, and it was super cool, especially for my husband who loves to cook. We got to interact with all the chefs, including Scott Hunnel, as well as the sommelier. The sommelier went over all the wines, where they were from ,etc, and the chef went over the dishes and their origins (including the elk which were from a farm about 1 hour from our home in Minnesota!!). We had our menus framed with a pictures of us and all the chefs, the two of us and our waiter, and the two of us and Scott Hunnel.

It was totally worth it, we would do it again in a heart beat, and my husband says he wouldn't ever eat in the main dining room again.

If you want the chef's table, start dialing 5 minutes before the phones open (practice this a few days before your date). Have several friends/family members call as well. If it goes through to the not open message, hang up immediately and redial. When it does go through and someone answers, blurt out "chef's table," not "good morning", not "how are you", not "I'd like." We tried calling at the 180 day mark for several days (we were there for 10 days, so we must have tried calling 7 days) as we really wanted to do the Chef's Table post wedding. But as it turns out, the only successful try was for our second day at Disney.

Again, it was fabulous and I highly recommend it.

 

[BriarRosie]

My friend and I decided to try calling for Chef's Table for an upcoming trip and were unsuccessful. Instead, my friends and I are all eating in the main dining room.

I've done the Chef's Table twice before (once in it's original alcove before they made it look like someone's back porch), and the dining room once. I thought the Chef's Table experiences were phenomenal, but the main dining room is still a really terrific experience, as well.

And Disney is used to the photos. There's a dedicated group of us who will take food porn on every trip.

 

[Jeanieblue114]

I'm not a photography person.
And I am with you on the cool photo taking of the food.

But the phrase about bouncing the flash off the ceiling...um...that sounds like it has great potential to disrupt others. I'm all for the photos, but if I was getting a flash reflection with every course during my VERY expensive and romantic dining experience, I would be LIVID.
(people are posting all kinds of threads about being blinding during rides by flashes, at V&A, you might want to limit the major flashing).

Like I said, I am not a photographer type so if the flash bouncing off the ceiling would not have any effect around the rest of the room....ignore my comment.

 

[WDWFigment]

I'm not a photography person.
And I am with you on the cool photo taking of the food.

But the phrase about bouncing the flash off the ceiling...um...that sounds like it has great potential to disrupt others. I'm all for the photos, but if I was getting a flash reflection with every course during my VERY expensive and romantic dining experience, I would be LIVID.
(people are posting all kinds of threads about being blinding during rides by flashes, at V&A, you might want to limit the major flashing).

Like I said, I am not a photographer type so if the flash bouncing off the ceiling would not have any effect around the rest of the room....ignore my comment.

I would only be using the flash period if we had the Chef's Table. Otherwise, I have a 30mm f/1.4 (the same lens that I use on dark rides to avoid using the flash...I am not one of those people) that I would use in the main dining area.

 

[Sandy321]

My friend and I decided to try calling for Chef's Table for an upcoming trip and were unsuccessful. Instead, my friends and I are all eating in the main dining room.

I've done the Chef's Table twice before (once in it's original alcove before they made it look like someone's back porch), and the dining room once. I thought the Chef's Table experiences were phenomenal, but the main dining room is still a really terrific experience, as well.

And Disney is used to the photos. There's a dedicated group of us who will take food porn on every trip.

I cant wait for the reviews - I dont think most people use flash for their food porn - but trust me - there are a lot of us out here! The Chicago Tribune did a report on people taking photos of food (and not at disney!!)