Romantic Dinner

[universalmike]

I am looking to take my wife out to dinner on Friday, February 13th, when we are visiting the world next month. I have a couple's massage scheduled for both of us at the GF Spa, with reservations to follow for Victoria & Alberts at 9 p.m.

I read in the U-O Guide that the dinner runs six courses and about $120 apiece with wine.

My wife's not much of a night owl, and though I'm sure she'll be game, I'm concerned that this might run too late for her liking. Especially since she'll be pretty relaxed after the massage, which should be done around 7:45 p.m. -8 p.m.

Is V&A worth an hour wait? How long is the dinner, anyway? Does anybody have any suggestions for a better value for a romantic dinner around the World? MK is only open until 8 p.m. that night, and we're staying at Pop Century. Are taxis difficult to get from MK resorts late at night?

I just want to have a romantic evening with my wife at the World without the kids. Your comments are greatly appreciated!

 

[wannabee princess]

I love the thought you have put into having a romantic evening with your wife, but JMHO, after a couple's massage ending at 8, I would not want to get dressed up to go somewhere nice by 9.

Have either you or your wife ever had a massage before? If so, then you are the best judge of your frame of mind for this, but if you haven't had one before, you may want to rethink.

I think that if I were doing a couples massage in the evening at DW, I would like to just get a bottle of champagne, maybe a light bite to eat (like deli sandwich even) and head to the lagoon area (maybe at the Poly?) to watch the fireworks and Electric Light Parade. To me this would be very romantic!

The other thought is if you would arrange the massage for earlier in the day - maybe ending around 4ish.

 

[BCV23]

V&A is now $90 per person and if you choose the wine pairings, it's another $45. Both those prices are before tip.

Love V&A but I'm not a late night person either and like the earlier seating. The meal takes 2-2.5 hours at least and is not the kind of meal that should be rushed.

I agree about trying to do everything earlier. Or do the earlier seating at V&A, then the massage?

Citricos at the GF is another place to have a romantic dinner. You could also take the resort monorail from the GF to CR and try California Grill. It's louder but has great food, service and a view that is great. The resort monorail runs until at least 11:00 even when MK closes earlier.

The bottle of champagne and a light dinner on the beach sound great, too!

You should have no problem getting a cab from MK resorts.

 

[The Duchess]

I think V&A would be great after a massage. It's a very quiet and relaxed atmosphere. I would definately not change your plans.
Why not arrange for a Town Car to pick you up after your meal back to your resort?

 

[Uncleromulus]

You can't do any better than V&A for a romantic dinner. But as for the "value"--??? Dinner at V&A is actually a sum of all it's parts--food, wine, service ambiance, etc etc. So it's a bit more than just if the food is really worth the $$$
Dinner does last at least 2 hours at V&A,so you won't be done until 11:00 or so. And getting a cab back to Pop century shouldn't be a problem.
So I guess the thing is--will you really enjoy V&A after the massage session at the Spa?? And after the hour or so wait in between the massage and dinner--you won't have time to go back to Pop Century and change, so you'd need to bring the dress cloths with you.
IT's a tough call--personally I think an earlier massage session and then dinner at V&A (at the earlier seating) would be preferred. Less "rushed" certainly.

 

[Terk-1]

Here are some alternative suggestions for a romantic evening (combining the cost of the massages, plus dinner):

1. Rent the Grand One (I think that's the name of it) and have dinner on that and view the Wishes fireworks over the Magic Kingdom.

2. Have dinner at the Yachtsman Steakhouse, then do a private Illuminations cruise.

3. Have dinner at the California Grill, then view Wishes over dessert.

4. Have dinner at the Rose & Crown (make sure to request a patio table), then view Illuminations from the comfort of your table.

 

[wdw_dine_junkie]

I just made reservations last week for March and the prices at V&A have gone up again to $95 pp and $50 for the wine pairings.

I agree that unless you bring your dress clothes with you to the massage, one hour is not enough time to get back to PC and change and then return to GF. I don't know about your DW, but I wouldn't be too thrilled about trying to change somewhere without my own hotel room.

I know V&A might be hard to change at this point, especially since your reservation is the day before Valentine's Day, but can you get an earlier massage?

 

[ducklite]

Just an FYI--The Grand One runs $350 an hour, not including tips or food.

Here's yet another idea for you--get in touch with private dining at the GF, and have them make up a "picnic basket" dinner for you. You can get as gourmet or simple as you want, and include a bottle of champagne. You can find a quiet, secluded place to dine by yourselves at your liesure.

Anne

 

[biggeorge]

You can not make a better choice for a romantic dinner than V&A.
You only live once, and spending $95 ( times 2)is not much for a fine meal and an experience that you will remember your entire life.

 

[mrslane]

Your question has made me think and consult my husband, but I think Anne's idea is best. I've eaten at V&A's 3 times. My husband agrees that the relaxation of the massage would be lost on the pressure of getting ready for a big dinner, a long dinner, and an expensive one at that. The picnic idea is great!

IF you want to keep your plans as set, you may want to bring your dinner clothes with you and in addition to the massage, have them do your wife's hair and make-up. This way she will at least feel she looks great for the V&A experience.

Whoever suggested the Town car was smart--the last thing you want after a relaxing anything is shared WDW transportation. (Assuming you want to continue the romantic setting.) If there is any pressure about staying up late and spending so much $ that late, the picnic basket is a great idea. Please try to do both, during your stay as I know V&A's will not dissapoint.

One last suggestion, it's only a quick monirail ride to California Grill for a lite dinner and a spectacular view!

 

[ducklite]

As an FYI--the hair and makeup would not be done at the Spa, that's a service provided at the salon inside the main building at the GF--which is a 5-10 minute walk from the Spa, depending on your pace.

If you do go the picnic route, pick up the basket BEFORE the massage, as there are a few wonderful places on the beach near the Spa...no sense walking back to the main building then all the way back to the spa area. Lotsa walking which would quickly clear that relaxed, massaged feeling.

Just have a back up in case of inclement weather--although IMHO your room with your picnic and champagne sounds like an ideal solution to that

Anne