V& A : is it worth it to the point that

[Betsyp]

I should lose one of my current reservations?

I am a solo traveler who loves to eat - I love good food, whether it's served in a dive or in a nice restaurant. It sounds like V& A is a truly special experience and I wonder if I should drop one of my ADRs in favor of V&A. I believe it's $200.00 (I don't drink, so no wine pairing for me), which is expensive to be sure, but I've never had a problem spending $$ on a good meal. That said, even at the most expensive NYC restaurant that I've been to, I've never spent close to that much money. I have to believe that the V&A experience is more than just about the food (though the food is the most important part of any meal for me). Is it? Should I drop one of my reservations? Currently, I'm set for the following (not in any order):

Jiko
Sanaa
Bistro De Paris
Tutto Italia
Citricos
Flying Fish
Blue Zoo

It would almost kill me to drop one of these. I figure most will say to drop Tutto Italia, and normally I don't eat Italian on vacations because I have pasta all the time at home, but I loved the menu and I kind of thought pasta would be a nice change of pace from the fish/unusual specialty (re: AKL restaurants) I'm set for.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Uncleromulus]

Or drop Sanaa...

 

[Hootch]

dining room is $125 before tax and tip. The chef's table and Queen Victoria Room are $200.

They have their own site with sample menus to tempt you. I think it's worth it.

http://victoria-alberts.com/

 

[Sweet Melissa]

I'm going to do exactly what you predicted and say that I would drop Tutto Italia just because I don't think it's very good Italian food. If you're not sold on V&A, though, the other reservations you have still look wonderful. Hopefully you'll get a chance to try it on another trip.

 

[Betsyp]

dining room is $125 before tax and tip. The chef's table and Queen Victoria Room are $200.

They have their own site with sample menus to tempt you. I think it's worth it.

http://victoria-alberts.com/

Hootch, thanks so much! I'm going to check it out now.................

 

[Betsyp]

I'm going to do exactly what you predicted and say that I would drop Tutto Italia just because I don't think it's very good Italian food. If you're not sold on V&A, though, the other reservations you have still look wonderful. Hopefully you'll get a chance to try it on another trip.

Sweet Melissa, thanks! I am going to check out the V& A website and then make a decision; having special meals is generally my best form of entertainment and I enjoy splurging. The reservations they have available are kind of early, though - the latest is something like 6:20. Normally I dine out on vacation around 7:30 or so.

**I just checked out the menu - wow, incredible. Of course it will change by the time I get there. I guess with that many courses maybe an earlier dinner is better. How good are they with substitutions? I eat most things, but the things I don't eat (mushrooms, eggplant, fennel, etc.. I hate with a passion and won't touch). Thanks!

 

[TDC Nala]

It's a lot better than any of the restaurants you listed. I'd also drop Tutto Italia. It's OK but nothing special (if I wanted Italian I'd go to Il Mulino before Tutto Italia). If you're really set on going there, drop either Jiko or Sanaa.

They'll do any substitutions you want, especially if notified ahead of time.

 

[Betsyp]

It's a lot better than any of the restaurants you listed. I'd also drop Tutto Italia. It's OK but nothing special.

They'll do any substitutions you want, especially if notified ahead of time.

This might mean I have to make some adjustments to my ADRs because I'm not sure V & A has availability on that particular night, but if I can and it won't cause any issues, I think I'm going to. I think what I'll do is, if I end up making an ADR, I'll call the restaurant and let them know exactly what I don't like so they don't have any issues on that night.

 

[Betsyp]

They do have one night available at 8:30 pm, but I wonder if that's too late to eat.............Has anyone ever eaten at V& A that late before? Thanks!

 

[TDC Nala]

This might mean I have to make some adjustments to my ADRs because I'm not sure V & A has availability on that particular night, but if I can and it won't cause any issues, I think I'm going to. I think what I'll do is, if I end up making an ADR, I'll call the restaurant and let them know exactly what I don't like so they don't have any issues on that night.

A few days before you go, they will call you and ask.

I have done 8:30 but that is back when I used to go to Pleasure Island afterward. My only concern with that is transportation back to my resort. Cabs work well but cost about $15. Changing buses at DTD is possible if the other parks are closed, but it's a long way out there and a long way back.

 

[Betsyp]

A few days before you go, they will call you and ask.

I have done 8:30 but that is back when I used to go to Pleasure Island afterward. My only concern with that is transportation back to my resort. Cabs work well but cost about $15. Changing buses at DTD is possible, but it's a long way out there and a long way back.

I can either do 5:30 or 8:30..........there appear to be a lot of courses, so maybe 5:30 is better. Transportation won't be a problem for me because I'm staying at the CR, so I can just take the monorail. This is something I definitely want to do now.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

Did you realize there are only 12 or 14 tables, and it is a 3-hour dining experience?
I love the coffee and coffee press, they do it right on the table, and it is so neat. A harpist plays, and they bring out an ottoman for your purse. When you get up to go to the ladies room, they walk you in and out. Make sure to take a shawl, it gets chilly. They even have shawls for ladies to use, it is so common.
They will galdly call a cab for you.
When we went, we went on a private fireworks cruise after, so we just walked down to the GF dock.
THey give you a rose and some bread to take with you when you leave.
Nice for in the morning.
8:30 might be fine if you dine that late. You would finish about 11PM or later.
It is certainly a lovely, relaxing dining event.
I hope to do it again some day.
Let them know what you won't eat exactly, and they will try to create a menu with choices you can do. But be reasonable in your expectations----you will not get your own private chef catering to your every whim.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Generally allow 2¼ - 2½ hours for V&A.

And I would drop Tutto Italia, it is an overpriced chain restaurant.

And, according to the 2011 list of 43 AAA Five Diamond Restaurants in the US, this is one of only three in Florida (most states have zero).

 

[snykymom]

They do have one night available at 8:30 pm, but I wonder if that's too late to eat.............Has anyone ever eaten at V& A that late before? Thanks!

We did this past December. It was a wonderful experience, and it didn't matter that it was so late. I couldn't deal with a dinner this size at 5:30! But then again, we usually eat between 7 & 8 anyway.

 

[Betsyp]

Did you realize there are only 12 or 14 tables, and it is a 3-hour dining experience?
I love the coffee and coffee press, they do it right on the table, and it is so neat. A harpist plays, and they bring out an ottoman for your purse. When you get up to go to the ladies room, they walk you in and out. Make sure to take a shawl, it gets chilly. They even have shawls for ladies to use, it is so common.
They will galdly call a cab for you.
When we went, we went on a private fireworks cruise after, so we just walked down to the GF dock.
THey give you a rose and some bread to take with you when you leave.
Nice for in the morning.
8:30 might be fine if you dine that late. You would finish about 11PM or later.
It is certainly a lovely, relaxing dining event.
I hope to do it again some day.
Let them know what you won't eat exactly, and they will try to create a menu with choices you can do. But be reasonable in your expectations----you will not get your own private chef catering to your every whim.

No, I didn't realize the restaurant was that small it sounds like a very special experience. I think 5:30 is probably ok given that I don't want to finish at 11 and hey, if I'm still hungry later, I'm sure I will have stashed a few snacks in my room. The only thing I ask of the chef is that he not serve the few foods I don't eat- everything else, IMO, is completely up to him.

Thanks so much for the description - I'm lucky to get a reservation !

 

[Betsyp]

Generally allow 2¼ - 2½ hours for V&A.

And I would drop Tutto Italia, it is an overpriced chain restaurant.

And, according to the 2011 list of 43 AAA Five Diamond Restaurants in the US, this is one of only three in Florida (most states have zero).

Thanks - will do. Ok, I will drop Tutto...........probably can get better Italian in NY anyway.

 

[Betsyp]

We did this past December. It was a wonderful experience, and it didn't matter that it was so late. I couldn't deal with a dinner this size at 5:30! But then again, we usually eat between 7 & 8 anyway.

Thanks! It does seem early, but at this point, I'll take what I can get, lol.

 

[Betsyp]

Ok, I cancelled Tutto, replaced it with Bistro de Paris and replaced Bistro de Paris with V&A at 5:30. I'm so excited, lol. Thanks to everyone for all of your help!

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

I hope you really enjoy it.
They only do 2 seatings a night. The first seating starts at 5:30 and the second at 8:30. I think they can stagger in 10 minute intervals, but the early seating latest seating is 6:20, as you found out.
You will get a menu printed with your selections to take home with you to help remember your special evening. It will have your name, and any occasion you notify them of---e.g. birthday. The menu, date nut bread, a small box of candy are all in a small V&A bag, and you get a boxed long stem rose, so your hands will be a little full when you leave.
When are you going?
Let us know what you think of the coffee and the dining experience when you return. Its just lovely.

 

[Betsyp]

I hope you really enjoy it.
They only do 2 seatings a night. The first seating starts at 5:30 and the second at 8:30. I think they can stagger in 10 minute intervals, but the early seating latest seating is 6:20, as you found out.
You will get a menu printed with your selections to take home with you to help remember your special evening. It will have your name, and any occasion you notify them of---e.g. birthday. The menu, date nut bread, a small box of candy are all in a small V&A bag, and you get a boxed long stem rose, so your hands will be a little full when you leave.
When are you going?
Let us know what you think of the coffee and the dining experience when you return. Its just lovely.

I will enjoy it - and it will be a nice thing to be able to dress up for once on the trip. I'm so excited - it's going to be a very special experience, I think.

I'm going in May - May24th for V& A. LOL I don't drink coffee, except the foam on my mom's cappuccino, but maybe I'll try it this once.

I will absolutely report on my experience. Thanks!