California Grill or Victoria and Albert's

[Tottwo]

Hi. My DH and I are going to Disney for a long weekend for our anniversary in September. We want to do something really special and thought about reservations at the California Grill. We've been before and really loved it. To make the evening special we wanted to make reservations at about 8:30pm so we are there during the Wishes fireworks at approx. 9pm. Unfortunately we could only get reservations for 9pm that night. The person who was helping me with the reservations suggested that we check in at 8:30 and ask to go to the lounge. The last time we where there (over a year ago), we couldn't get a table in the lounge when we went early - it was pretty much standing room only until our table was ready.

So, I have a few questions. Does anyone know if they will let us go up to the lounge at 8:30 that evening? Has anyone been in the lounge during the fireworks and could you really see them without crowding the diners who had window tables? (I'm not really interested in watching the fireworks from the viewing plataform - we tried it and found it to be too breezy and cold). Should I just scrap the whole idea of eating at the California Grill and try Victoria and Albert's? My DH and I have never eaten there because I'm a very picky eater and don't drink wine so we thought we wouldn't enjoy 'our money's worth' there. Anybody have any ideas? We really wanted this to be special since its our anniversary.

Thanks!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest go with V&A. Although you say you are a "picky eater", you seem to enjoy CG and they are not well known for serving "plain" food.

As far as the wine, I would not worry about it. Every time I have been to V&A the only beverage I have had during the meal has been iced tea.

 

[Tottwo]

Thanks! I think I'll suggest V&A to my DH then. I know he'd love the food and we'd both really enjoy the atmosphere.

 

[AnnetteF]

For a special evening, there is nothing like Victoria and Alberts. We've done both and like California Grill very much, but it can get so busy and noisy and because of that, it's not always the most romantic or the best choice for an evening that you want to remember for a long time. Try V&A's - they can also be very accomodating if you find you are having a difficult time with the menu.
I also agree with the poster who said CG is also not known for plain food. If you like their menu, I don't think you'll have a problem with V&A's. Actually, my husband originally didn't want to go to CG because of their menu being a little too gourmet, even though we had been to V&A's many times and he loved that. Of course, when I finally convinced him to try CG, he was very happy there, too.

Enjoy your anniversary!

 

[Uncleromulus]

I'd go to V&A!!!
But as to your CG question, I'm not sure that they would allow you up early. The new policy is supposed to allow folks up to the bar/lounge only if there are seats available. Which is designed to prevent that SRO experience you had last time.
And unless you are pretty near the windows, the fireworks view isn't all that great. And unlike before, they now do not even dim the lights in the restaurant.

 

[Tottwo]

Thanks everyone for your responses! Given the comments about V&A, and the risk that we won't even get to go up to the lounge prior to dinner I think dinner at Victoria and Albert's sounds good.

I now have a couple of different questions. How 'fancy' do we need to dress for V&A? Will my husband need a jacket? How 'personalized' is the service? And, how long is the dining experience usually?

Thanks!

 

[Uncleromulus]

You can dress up as much as you like!! Jacket required for men, no tie required (tho most men do wear a tie). I used to wear a suit and Mrs U a long dress. These days tho we've "casualized"--I wear a blue blazer and tan slacks, Mrs U a nice pants suit. We've seen tuxes, formal gowns, cocktail dresses--you name it.
Service is very personalized and you'll get a souvenier menu with your name on it.
Our meals in the main dining room run about 2 and a half hours. We eat at 6:15 usually and are on our way out about 8:45.

 

[Tottwo]

Thank you, Uncleromulus. You're information has been very helpful! I think my husband and I will have a wonderful time.