My experience booking Victoria & Alberts today

[Pete W.]

Today (July 4th!) is 180 days from our check-in date (12/31 - New Year's Eve) at BWV and I wanted to book V&A preferably on January 1st (180+1) but with a back-up date of January 3rd (180+3).

First, I tried on-line booking at 6am and got absolutely no availability for any of our dates (I did snag other ADRs so I know the system was working and recognized our 12/31 check-in date). Next, at 7am I called WDW-DINE and was told that V&A is only reserved via the dedicated WDW-VNA number and I knew that didn't open until 9am, so...

At exactly 9am I called WDW-VNA and still got the 'our reservations line is closed' message, so I redialed a couple times to no avail until about 9:01:30 when I got the 'all agents busy, please leave your name and number and we'll call you back' message. I left a message, but then repeatedly called back about 25 times until I got thru around 9:19am. I was told that January 1st (180+1) was fully booked but I was able to secure January 3rd (180+3) in the main dining room for our party of 4.

By the time I hung up, another agent had already returned the message I had left at 9:01:30.

This is the second time I made a reservation for V&A (first time was 3 years ago) but this is the first time I tried on-line at 6am and calling the regular dining number at 7am. Based on my experience this morning, I wouldn't bother trying to reserve V&A on-line, nor would I bother calling WDW-DINE at 7am. Not sure if my experience is similar to others who have tried recently, but hopefully this helps someone else.

 

[jfh]

When I booked my V&A reservation for December I had to settle for a backup date when calling V&A directly. However, two days later I was able to get an ADR online for my preferred day so the WDW-DINE CM didn't give you the correct info (unless the policy has changed in the last few weeks)

 

[FSU Girl]

I’ve only booked online for this restaurant. I’m guessing it’s just a really popular time to go so it filled up fast. I recommend signing up for a reservation finder, I was able to get a reservation there that way. The waitlist at the restaurant has never come through for me

 

[kiford]

Based on my experience this morning, I wouldn't bother trying to reserve V&A on-line, nor would I bother calling WDW-DINE at 7am

I booked the QVR for Dec 27 online a week ago without problems. But in the past I've often had to call as there was absolutely no availability but when calling it wasn't an issue.

 

[Pete W.]

I booked the QVR for Dec 27 online a week ago without problems. But in the past I've often had to call as there was absolutely no availability but when calling it wasn't an issue.

I guess the best course of action is to try on-line booking, but don't give up if nothing appears to be available and definitely call at 9am.

 

[Pete W.]

Also, here is the full text of the confirmation email I received. I don't recall if the cancellation policy was the same when I made our reservations 3 years ago. Given that the charge would be $100 per person for a cancelation within 72 hours, I'd be cautious about booking a table on an arrival day, in the event travel plans are disrupted.


It was a pleasure to assist you with your reservation needs. We look forward to your visit on DATE at TIME.

The reservation number is XXXXXXXXX in the Main Dining Room for a party of 4 guests.

Menu Style- Victoria & Albert’s offers a Chef Degustation Tasting menu with a vast array of textures and flavors. Our menu is seasonal as Chef Scott, Chef Aimee along with the culinary team are on a quest of always finding the perfect balance between classic and modern touches.

Allow at least 3 hours for the dining experience. On average, the menu will be between 8 and 12 courses. The amount of courses may change based on the size of some of the culinary creations.

Pricing – Menu price is $235.00 per person (for food only) not including supplement items, alcoholic beverages, gratuities or taxes. A wine pairing is also available upon request at a price of $150.00 per person.

Cancellation Fee - Cancellations will be accepted only by our reservations office by calling 407-939-3862. A fee of $100 per person will be charged for each guest that cancels within 72 hours or does not show to the reservation. All fees will be waived if we receive a courtesy call before the 72-hour window. Our restaurant is very small and each table is only served once per evening. A prompt cancellation allows for us to call one of our many guest on our wait list.

Dress Code –A dinner jacket is required for men, along with a collared dress shirt, long sleeves, dress slacks and dress shoes (tie optional) and elegant evening attire, such as a dress or pants ensemble, is required for women. No jeans, t-shirts, shorts, capris, flip flops, sneakers or casual wear please.

Valet Parking – Complimentary valet parking is available at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for guests dining at Victoria & Albert’s.

Corkage Fee – The restaurant has over 600 wine selections. We allow for a special or meaningful bottle that is not in our wine list to be brought in at a corkage fee of $75.00 (limit one per table) – Please submit a request for a bottle to be brought in with our sommelier team at wdw.victoria.and.alberts@disney.com or contact us at 407-939-3862. Our office is open from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST 7 days a week.

Thank you and have a Grand Day!