Celebrating DH's B'day...V&A a good place?

[msudawgs30]

We booked a trip to Disney this April for my daughter's 5th birthday. Every single thing we've planned revolves around her. My DH's b'day is only a few days after hers though. I haven't mentioned anything about a celebration for him because I wanted to do something special just for him. I thought abuot V&A because it's so elegant and romantic.

Can anyone give me info on what the food and service is like. I've looked at the menus on Allears.net, but wanted some real life experiences to go by. DH will know nothing about this until we leave.

I know there's a jacket requirement for men and dressy for ladies, but just how dressy are the ladies so I won't feel out of place?


Thanks,
msudawgs30

 

[CarolAnnC]

This is on my list of must do's for a future WDW trip! Anyone who has been there care to share with us, please?

 

[Ms. Belle]

I went to V&A's for my birthday last August. You are treated like royalty. It's very dressy. Men have to wear jackets (and ties I think) and ladies were dressed in dresses or skirts. This is really the only place on WDW property that you have to dress nicely and I've never seen anyone in there in less than dressy/elegant clothing. The menu changes frequently and you get quite a few courses, but you get small portions of each course, so you don't feel overly full when you leave. My party did the wine flights also and that is really nice because you get great wines without having to do all the choosing yourself. If you don't like one of the wines, the waiter or waitress will suggest something different. There has been one change though; all the waitresses and waiters used to go by Victoria or Albert, and now they give their real names. You will have a great time. You didn't mention bringing your daughter and I'm not sure if you were planning to, but I probably wouldn't bring her. It would be really expensive for her (no children's menu) and she probably wouldn't like any of the food.

 

[msudawgs30]

I'm not sure if you were planning to, but I probably wouldn't bring her. It would be really expensive for her (no children's menu) and she probably wouldn't like any of the food.

Nope, I'm not going to bring my daughter. She will stay with the other members of our party back at the hotel. I plan to book a really late dinner (I read that someone booked as late as 9:30pm) so maybe she'll even be sleeping. My DH and I have only been out alone maybe three times since she was born (she's 5). I know...crazy huh?

 

[diswedwish]

We booked our dinner for 9, I think they have 2 seatings one at 6 and one at 9. Of course you don't need to get there at 9 on the dot either

I was afraid we'd feel really out of place. I'm 26, DH is 24, we'd never had this type of experience before. I read the menus at allears too and didn't know what half of the stuff was, but we did 3 nights on the Plat. Plan and by God we were going to V&A because it was included. Good thing we did, now it's not on any plans, sniff sniff I have to get over that!!!

Anyway, we had a fabulous time and loved the atmosphere and loved everything we ate. I still couldn't tell you what some of it was, but it was all excellent. I had the wine pairing, DH didn't. I was a wee bit tipsy by the time we left (I normally don't drink more than a glass), but managed not to fall on my way out - lol!

As far as dress goes, DH wore a suit, I wore my little black dress. Nothing too fancy like a gown, but it was a lot of fun to dress up and go out!

Have fun

 

[Uncleromulus]

Oh by all means do go!! It is both elegant and romantic and a true dining experience. The menu does change often (tho perhaps not daily as it used to ) so there's never any real certainty as to what will be offered the nite you dine. But they almost always have a meat, game, poultry, and fish offering so it's very likely you will find something to your liking. The meal will last about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, so be prepared for that--.
As far as dress goes, a jacket is required for men , but not a tie. However, I'd say that 95% of the men (including me) wear one. For women you'll see all sorts of dress--these days Mrs. Uncleromulus just wears a dressy pants suit. And flats, no high-heels. I used to wear a suit, but now go with a lighter (and far more comfortable) blue sport coat and tan slacks.
Anyway, I've ben there 21 time now, so feel free to PM if you have any specific questions!!

 

[Meredith'sMom]

DH and I went the V&A the first night of our honeymoon and it was spectacular. I wore a sleeveless but nice linen dress from Talbots--not too dressy, but it fit right in (this was July 27).

We adored the food, and I am a picky, picky eater. I remember getting the chicken as my main course and thinking it was the best tasting chicken I'd ever had in my life (and I eat chicken practically every day).

The best part was dessert. I ordered my first ever chocolate souffle and, when it came out, I'd never seen anything so scrumptious. And just when I thought it couldn't get any better, our server "Victoria" said "This is to gild the lily," and proceeded to pour Valrhona chocolate sauce in the souffle.

Needless to say, my rehearsal dinner, wedding feast of filet and lobster, and evening at V&A's are the best three days of eating of my life, and will likely remain so!!!

Have a wonderful time!!! We are returning with baby (and budget) and won't get to go this time around.

 

[msudawgs30]

You guys are making this sound too wonderful to pass up.

It sounds perfect for such a special occassion. My hubby is almost through with his PhD and has sacrificed so much to get here. I'm making a big deal out of our daughter's birthday (and not his) on purpose so that he doesn't suspect a thing. I'm even going to try to sneak his suit into the garment bag without him knowing it.

Uncleromulus, I definately have a question or two for such a veteran of V&A's. I'll PM you...

Thanks again everyone...Has V&A's ever done something "extra special" for those celebrating a special occassion?

msudawgs30

 

[Meredith'sMom]

msudawgs --For our post-wedding dinner I received a rose and chocolates, as well as personalized menus. I'm not sure if they do that for everyone--possibly?

We received some free desserts other places b/c we were honeymooners.

It's so nice of you to do this for your husband! I know how hard finishing a PhD can be . . . I'm ABD at this point.