Is V&A's worth $300+?

[Chicago526]

DF and I are looking at eating here for our honeymoon. We can afford it, that's not the problem. But if I'm go to spend $100 per person plus $50 per person for wine parings, then this had better be the best dinning experiance ever, period!

So, what did you think of your experiance here?

 

[CarolA]

I went years ago and it stands out as one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. (And I travel and eat out a lot!)

We had a group of about 10 and service was EXCELLENT. Food was also very, very good. (I still have fond memories of the desert, it ranks as one of the best ever!)

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I have eaten there five times and currently have a reservation with some friends for June. It is well worth the money. BTW, figuring in 20% tip and tax comes to about $365 for two with the wine.

It is one of fewer than 50 restaurants nationwide rated FIVE Diamonds by AAA and the only one in the state. It is an experience not to be missed.

Also, if they are aware that it is your honeymoon they may even do something special for you.

 

[Threehearts]

We did not think it was worth the cost, at all. We, like many out there, are frequent fine diners and to us, this was very mediocre. I will say that I believe I am the lone dissenter. Threehearts

 

[ElizabethB]

To each his own, I guess. We live in New York City and have dined at many world class restaurants. We have dined numerous times at V&A, both in the dining room and at the chef's table. We think the food, service and ambience are truly outstanding. Apparently AAA does too.

 

[Threehearts]

With all due respect, I cannot begin to compare V&A's to the best NYC restaurants having lived in the city myself. As far as AAA recommendations, that association is often questioned in regard to their quality ratings. My experience is that V&A's was similar to a Four Season's dining room which is indeed very good but just not the very best as is often described here. Again, I realize that I do not have company in these thoughts and as I like to hear all experiences, this was mine. It may have been that I was there on an off night and with all of the spectacular reviews, perhaps we should give it another try. Threehearts

 

[webray]

It is worth it..if you really enjoy great food and wine together..make your reservation for the chefs table.

 

[tink35]

We spent my 40th birthday at V & A. I used to cook professionally, eat out for a living now, and am lucky enough to eat at many "fine" dining spots.

It was okay. Some of the food, especially a savory cheesecake appetizer was absolutely as great as expected. The rest was just fine.

The service on the other hand was not what I expect for $350+ or from Disney. Perhaps it was because we're a youngish couple who don't drink alcohol. Or we got mediocre CMs but the service was stiff, just barely attentive and left us feeling anything but pampered. We noticed that older couples, ordering bottles of wine, celebrating anniversaries, seemed to be loving every minute. We noticed other younger couples and a same sex couple receiving minimal or condescending service as well. Your mileage may vary.

Tink35

 

[musicmom3]

These comments are interesting, as V&A was on the list for our April trip. I found the dedicated phone line to be strange, in that it referred me to two other phone numbers...on the one hand, I was told that it was too early. On the other hand (about 15 minutes later) I was told that all the tables were full and that I was too late. It kind of turned me off, and I have not called back, but I plan to...to get the real story! In the back of my mind, though, was the question about the worthwhileness of spending ALL that money!

 

[kpm76]

We ate at the Chef's Table for our Honeymoon in September and it was a truly memorable experience. The food and service were way above average. DH had the wine pairing but I did not. We are a young couple in our 20's and thought the service was outstanding. Our "Victoria" and "Albert" went above and beyond to make sure everything was to our liking and that we had what we needed. We'd love to try the main dining room sometime and will most certainly return to the Chef's Table. In answer to your question, yes, it was worth every penny to us. It's not only a meal but an experience. Congrats on your upcoming marriage

 

[caverill]

Not saying that I eaten in all the best places, but our experience at V&A was the hilight of our trip to WDW two years ago. I felt the cost of the meal was not out of line, however we don't drink so it was less expensive for us.

However, I also believe there are plenty of other excellent places at WDW to have a romantic meal. Here are a couple of my suggestions:

Blue Zoo
Shula's
Yachtman's Steakhouse
Brown Derby

I would still pick V&A, but that is just me.

 

[DVCconvert]

Like the old saying goes....'if you have to ask, you can't afford it'.

Basically, I've gone to the Chef's table at V&A's nearly a dozen times now.
If you're concerned that this place will not give you a value that exceeds the money you have to lay out, then my best, most friendly personal advise with that concern would be to skip it.

But I will say, you'll be missing a dinning opportunity that is normally reserved for few.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Well-the question of anything being "worth it" is a relative one. I often wonder about folks laying out all that $$ on Ravens games--I'd never think of doing it, but they do and love their Sundays watching a mediocre team play football And there are those who wouldn't miss spending their $$$ on WWWF "Raw" match. Or the opera. Or tractor pulls. And so on.
Anyway--
IF dining is one of the things that you do that is also a form of "entertainment" (like it is for me) V&A is definitely worth the $$$. And for a honeymoon dinner it can't be beat at WDW. But if just a "meal" is what you are looking for, perhaps your $$ is best spent elsewhere.

 

[The4OfUs]

It's definitely a subjective rather than objective issue - it depends on what you value. One anniversary dinner at the White Barn Inn in Kennebunkport set us back about $400, I believe...but it was the most incredible experience dining out that I've ever had. Then I went to another highly recommended restaurant locally, one recognized worldwide for its wine selections, winning the Wine Spectators Grand Award nine years in a row - and the food was horrible - yet the $300+ I still feel was worthwhile as I tried some amazing wines, and had good service.

I have high hopes for a similar experience in an upcoming Chef's Table ressie - but (not to highjack the thread...) can someone explain the wine pairing to me - is it a small glass per course, or if I enjoy a particular choice is the glass refilled at my request, or have a different type if I can't drink the selection that goes with the course? (I have an issue with *sob* Cabernet - instant migraine - other reds I'm ok with, but Cabs kill me, which of course means I adore them...)

 

[musicmom3]

I was wondering about the wine pairing protocol myself. Anybody want to elucidate?

 

[jcanary]

I can not explain the wine pairing but I can tell you that the experience for young and old is one that will not be forgotten. Two years ago we took my daughter and 3 of her friends here, while we were vacationing at WDW, for her 16th birthday and it is a meal they will not forget. It started with arrival at GF, we noticed some very high class vehicles parked at Valet parking and my DH asked about them and Shaquille O'neal and his family was coming out. The girls went crazy. As we entered the room the girls was overwhelmed with the ambience. They are typical teenage girls but they were adults this evening. They had a great time and still talk about. Our 'Victoria' and 'Alberts' were great. One of the girls name was Victoria and she was given the name tag from our 'Victoria' at the end of the meal. It was our second time there,a s we went there for our 25th anniversary. You get a custom menu to keep that is personalized with your name and special occasion and we, the girls, received red roses at the end of the meal and my DH got chocolate. It is a time to remember. The food was great, try to get teenagers to agree, but they did. We will go again when we have the chance. You will truely have memories that will last a long time. I say go for it.

 

[Chicago526]

Thanks for the advice so far! I do agree, "worth" is in the eye of the beholder, but if a majority of people think one way or the other, it's usually a good indication. We love to dine out, though DF is more of a wine person than I am. I was just worried we'd be shelling out big bucks for the same quality food we get at the other nicer restaurants at WDW. We have the money for V&A's, but if the reviews had been so-so or all together bad, I'd have considered just doing something through GF Private Dinning instead. Actually, I'm still considering it for another evening!

Another question. I know they can accomodate food allergies, but since this is a fixed menu, can they also accomodate food dislikes? I hate raw tomatos. Cooked or other wise processed (like ketchup or salsa) tomatos are fine, in fact I love tomato sauce! But I can't handle raw tomatos, just the smell can make me want to vomit. If I indicate this, and the normal menu that evening includes raw tomatos, will they accomodate that?

Thanks again, and feel free to keep the reviews coming along!

 

[mark smith]

Jumping on late in the discussion, but heres my 2 cents worth. We too dine frequently at high end establishments wherever we travel and at home. Our first trip to WDW 4 years ago, we had valentines dinner at V&A(with very acceptable wine pairings);very good food,presentation and service.I think around$300 at the time. I felt ok with spending the money, a nice experience.3 years ago, tried Narcoosee-V&A better, CA grille-V&A better, last year tried JIko-better than V&A9(around$200) and Citricos-better than V&A(again, around $200). Leaving in a month, PS's for Citricos, Jikos, and Bistro De Paris for first time. It's not that I would'nt like going to V&A's again, and $200 vs. $300 is not really an issue for us, but we were more comfortable at Citricos and Jiko, with equal or better food, acceptable service and presentation. With that said, if my wife is really nice to me this trip, maybe we'll go back to V&A in 06. Try V&A, by all means,but there are certainly other comprabable(in my opinion)options at WDW.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Another question. I know they can accomodate food allergies, but since this is a fixed menu, can they also accomodate food dislikes? I hate raw tomatos. Cooked or other wise processed (like ketchup or salsa) tomatos are fine, in fact I love tomato sauce! But I can't handle raw tomatos, just the smell can make me want to vomit. If I indicate this, and the normal menu that evening includes raw tomatos, will they accomodate that?

As with any Disney restaurant, make any allergies/sensitivities known when you make the reservation. They will contact you a day out to confirm the reservation; be sure to remind them of the need. Normally the Chef will come out to the dining room and discuss the meal with you and will do anything to make sure you have a wonderful experience.

 

[kpm76]

The4ofUs - DH did the wine pairings at the Chef's Table and they were regular sized glasses of wine, perhaps a little smaller, and it was a different kind for each course. However, since they are so accomodating and sensitive to those who have certain likes and dislikes, I imagine if you tell them cabs are a no no, they will offer you something else. DH likes everything so he was their ideal guest. I am another story...very picky!

As for food allergies and likes and dislikes, I can only speak for the Chef's Table and the head chef met with us just after we were seated and asked us if we had any allergies or if we didn't like anything. I am super picky so I told him what I would eat...if you say you can't stand something they will not serve it to you. Even as a picky eater, I thought the food they chose for me was out of this world. Some if it simple stuff prepared in an extraordinary way.