Is Victoria & Al's worth the price?

[Natazu]

Thanks. Can you tell me what a DDE card is please? Also when should i make the ressie? We are going in August. Thanks

The Disney Dining Experience (DDE) card is available to AP holders and Fla residents. It gives the cardholder and up to 9 guests at 20% discount on food and drinks at most TS restaurants.

Make your reservation as soon as possible for your August trip. Vicky's only seats about 35 people so it fills up quickly.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Make your reservation as soon as possible for your August trip. Vicky's only seats about 35 people so it fills up quickly.

Incorrect information. The absolute capacity of the dining room is 67. The normal level of seating is in the 45-50 range and there are two seatings per night. Last time I was at CT I asked and they mentioned there were 49 (not counting those of us at CT) for the first seating.

 

[BCV23]

I think it is very worth it. Great food and service.

lark, it sounds as if you may have been happier in the main dining room. There you don't get samples of so many things and one course does lead into the next. Of course some of that will depend on your choices but if in doubt I'm sure the servers could help.

 

[erikthewise]

Actually, although I am not advocating drinking and driving....

You can drive DIRECTLY to the Grand Floridian and use their Valet Parking. When going to the MK Parking Gates, go to the right hand side, and tell them you have dinner ressies at V&A. Bring the Valet Parking ticket with you to dinner and they will validate the parking.

Actually, if you are planning to drive to GF, count on using valet parking. (regardless of where you are planning to eat!)

Actually I hate valet parking and GF is the only place on property where I would recommend it. Why? Because self-parking at GF really stinks! If you follow the signs for self-parking, you end up having to go clear across the street to a lot that looks like CM parking, and then trudge back across the street to the GF. It's a bit of a hike, and can make you late (not to mention ticked off) if you weren't planning for the extra time required. I can't think of any other resort where self-parking is such a pain.

 

[kirsangel]

V&As is worth it. My hubby and I had our first anniversary there, and it was magical, even with the distraction of a nearby couple who dragged their poor, sick 4 year old along. The poor kid sat under the table coughing up a lung all night. We felt bad for him and wondered why the parents would take their kid out so late when he belonged in bed getting some rest. but i digress...

Even the coffee service is something special! And i cannot have creme brulee anywhere else as I know it will disappoint next to V&As.

 

[ufgator]

I think V&A's is definitely worth it! DH and I ate there for the first time in Nov. 2005. We all thought the food and service were excellent. The atmosphere is intimate and romantic. There is a harp player. We have not tried the Chef's Table yet so I can't comment on that. We've had more expensive dinners that weren't as good. My menu is posted on All Ears; it's Nov. 23, 2005.

We have the DDE card, which is helpful. With the DDE card you also get free valet parking, but that doesn't really matter with V&A's because they'll validate your ticket.

I agree with kirsangel - try the coffee.

 

[Natazu]

Incorrect information. The absolute capacity of the dining room is 67. The normal level of seating is in the 45-50 range and there are two seatings per night. Last time I was at CT I asked and they mentioned there were 49 (not counting those of us at CT) for the first seating.

What I meant was the usual amount of people per seating; 35 is what a server told me. Man, you guys are picky on these boards.

 

[lark]

lark, it sounds as if you may have been happier in the main dining room. There you don't get samples of so many things and one course does lead into the next. Of course some of that will depend on your choices but if in doubt I'm sure the servers could help.

That's a good point, although it's a dilemma. There's so much that's cool about the chef's table, that I don't think I really want to go back and sit in the regular old dining room.

 

[kpm76]

That's a good point, although it's a dilemma. There's so much that's cool about the chef's table, that I don't think I really want to go back and sit in the regular old dining room.

That's interesting....we did the Chef's Table then the main dining room and loved both of them. The CT is awesome but once we had dinner in the main dining room we realized that the CT was missing the elegance. Both are really great though and special for their own reasons so DH and I don't compare the two but rather treat them as very seperate and distinct experiences.

 

[BCV23]

even with the distraction of a nearby couple who dragged their poor, sick 4 year old along. The poor kid sat under the table coughing up a lung all night. We felt bad for him and wondered why the parents would take their kid out so late when he belonged in bed getting some rest.

That is one of the saddest things I've read here on the DIS. Taking "It's all about me" to new heighths.

Gald you were able to enjoy your meal despite the self-centered parents.

Watching the coffee drip away can be mesmerizing especially after the wine pairings.

 

[BCV23]

That's interesting....we did the Chef's Table then the main dining room and loved both of them. The CT is awesome but once we had dinner in the main dining room we realized that the CT was missing the elegance. Both are really great though and special for their own reasons so DH and I don't compare the two but rather treat them as very seperate and distinct experiences.

I so agree. Give the main dining room a try someday, lark. It is just so romantic.

 

[krbq]

I also was surprised to notice that in addition to the caviar, with has always been an additional cost, that every course had a “signature offering” that was extra. If you are interested, I have the menus from 2003 and 2005 that I would be glad to send you if that would help give a better picture.

Just curious -- what were the signature offerings and at what additional cost? We have ressies there for June and don't want to be disappointed.

 

[Contemporary_Man]

Like many restaurants that pride themselves on using quality fresh ingredients, V&A’s creates their menu daily. Below I will type the selections that had an additional cost from my last trip in August.

Iranian Osetra Caviar with Traditional Garnish -- $70.00 ½ oz. / $140 1 oz
--------------------
Pan Roasted Foie Gras and Peach Tart, Peach Cider Reduction -- $15.00
This selection also had a choice of wines if you had the pairings with the following having an extra charge: Sauternes Chatteau d’Yquem, Bordeaux 1986 -- $70.00
----------------------
Monterey Abalone with Baby Spinach, toasted Capers and Meyer Lemon -- $25.00
-----------------------------
Duet of Australian “Kobe” Beef and Oxtail Jus -- $25.00

 

[Cplofdisneynutz]

Monterey Abalone with Baby Spinach, toasted Capers and Meyer Lemon -- $25.00

We had this at our Chef's Table in Oct.This dish is phenomenal, wonderfully prepared worth the extra $25. If you'd like to read more about it see our CT review. This dish is featured on page 4, it was course #3, there are pictures as well.

 

[Contemporary_Man]

I had the Kobe Beef and the lovely woman had the Foie Gras. Both of us thought that our respected dishes were, indeed, excellent. However, I do have a problem calling a dinner "prixe fix" and then having additional costs. It did not, in any way, ruin or take a way from our dinner. I just thought it was something that others should be aware. Cplofdisneynutz, I enjoyed reading your review. Have you dined in both the Chef's table and the dining room? I haven't had the experience of the Chef's Table at V&A's.

 

[DVC Sadie]

V&As is worth it. My hubby and I had our first anniversary there, and it was magical, even with the distraction of a nearby couple who dragged their poor, sick 4 year old along. The poor kid sat under the table coughing up a lung all night. We felt bad for him and wondered why the parents would take their kid out so late when he belonged in bed getting some rest. but i digress...


We also had 4 small children in V&A's the night we dined and it was just horrible. The service and food was as always perfection but the atmosphere with the children was not enjoyed by anyone. After that one experience we always ask up front if there are children dining and if the answer is yes we change our dining plans.. I wish parents would not drag their children to such a wonderful dining experience.

 

[Cplofdisneynutz]

Cplofdisneynutz, I enjoyed reading your review. Have you dined in both the Chef's table and the dining room? I haven't had the experience of the Chef's Table at V&A's.

1st of all thanks, glad you enjoyed the review. Mr. Disney has a phenomenal review of the chef's table as well. In fact, his review was what made us want to do it so badly!! We think you should give it a try, it is so enjoyable!!

Yes we have dined in the dining room as well. We enjoyed our dining room experience immensely and will do it again without a doubt.

 

[Mister Disney]

pppssstttt....Michael....don't forget to tell them that we all enjoyed our Chef's Table experiences so much that we all going back! WOOHOO!



Kevin & I are going to be enjoying the Chef's Table on Easter Sunday
(this will be 2 years in a row...I think we're going to go for making it tradition!)

Michael & Katharine will be enjoying it just a couple of days later!

 

[Cplofdisneynutz]

Mr Disney......and so we are, in fact the ENTIRE (well not entire but 95%) reason we are taking this trip is to do the chef's table, on Kat's b-day no doubt (thanks again btw) this will be a birthday Katharine will not soon forget!!

Good luck on making Easter Sunday your new tradition

 

[cdtommie]

My wife and I went for the first time this past November and we felt it was worth the money and believe it is something to be experienced at least once at Disney if you enjoy fine dining in a formal setting. I don't think we would do this every year (packing the extra clothes is a real pain). We're debating doing the Chef's table sometime but it is hard to give up that DDE discount. .