Victoria & Alberts vs. Calfornia Grill

[KMS'sGlassSlipper]

I am getting married next year at Disney, and my fiance and I want to have a nice dinner together the night after our wedding. We are APs and go to Disney fairly often. I suggested that maybe we should do V&As, since its something that you don't get to do very often, and it was a special occasion. My fiance suggested CG because of the view and the fact that if we are going to spend a lot, we should get the view.

I have read some posts on here about how they are two completely different experiences, but wanted to know what everyone's opinions were. If you have been to both, can you tell me the differences? Which one would everyone recommend? We have never been to either.

Thanks!!!

 

[TDC Nala]

Not sure what you are looking for, but California Grill is neither quiet nor romantic, the view notwithstanding. It is a busy, bustling restaurant. You're also not guaranteed an MK view from your table; there are quite a few tables that don't have a view. The only time it might get a bit quieter is after MK fireworks are over.

 

[tinkandpan]

Apples and Oranges. For a romantic dinner, California Grill wouldn't be it for me. If you can afford it, i would much prefer to go to V&A. It is a leisurely meal, quiet and you can actually talk to each other. CG is so loud and while the food is good and i like the wine list- this is a place i take my kids to.

 

[KMS'sGlassSlipper]

I figured that it was apples and oranges, but we were looking for a nice place to get a nice dinner. One of those special nights. Thanks for your opinions.

 

[BriarRosie]

Since you have annual passes, I wanted to know if you either already have the Tables in Wonderland dining card or plan to get it. If you decided on V&A, you should buy it (one card; $75 for AP holders). Pays for itself.

 

[KMS'sGlassSlipper]

We do not have TIW yet, but since we are getting married there next year, we are considering purchasing one because we know that it will more than pay for itself. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Victoria and Albert's is one of fewer than 50 restaurants in the United States that is rated with Five Diamonds by AAA. California Grill is one of 12 restaurants in WDW rated with Three Diamonds.

V&A is wonderful, quiet, subdued, romantic and does not have any children running around and no screaming infants.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

Citricos at the GF might be what you are looking for.

 

[casajump]

Victoria & Albert's definitely! You can go to the other places anytime.

 

[Uncleromulus]

V&A is clearly the better restaurant. And as TDC Nala suggests, you may not even get a view at California Grill.

 

[Pakey]

V&A is definitely a lot better.

 

[TRBelle84]

For what you're looking for, I would suggest V&A's.

 

[Tara]

They are like night and day. Don't get me wrong - I very much enjoy California Grill and it's basically a must-do every trip for us. But it in no way compares to Victoria & Albert's. Nothing on site or for many, many miles around compares. California Grill is nice - V&A is spectacular and an experience in and of itself. I am not a foodie - I enjoy nice restaurants, but I'm actually kind of a picky eater - and I count my meal at V&A as one of the best vacation experiences of my life and certainly the best dining experience. If you can swing it, I HIGHLY recommend it.

And remember, at CA Grill there is no guarantee you'll even be able to enjoy the view based on where you are sitting. (as I see now that others have pointed out)

 

[tony67]

V&A hands down.

CG is good, but it will be packed and noisy. I don't feel that it is a special dining experience.

V&A is a dining experience.

Regardless of your choice, if they know it is your wedding you will be well taken care of.

 

[Golf4food]

Cali Grill would not even be my first choice for signatures, much less in comparison to V&A. CG is neither quiet nor romantic nor are you promised a seat with a view. The view alone hardly makes up for everything else. If it were not on the top floor it would be no more popular than Citrico's, Narcoossee's, Jiko, etc. Don't get blinded by the location.

 

[KristiMc]

V&A hands down.

CG is good, but it will be packed and noisy. I don't feel that it is a special dining experience.

V&A is a dining experience.

Regardless of your choice, if they know it is your wedding you will be well taken care of.

Exactly what I was going to say.

 

[BC1836]

They are like night and day. Don't get me wrong - I very much enjoy California Grill and it's basically a must-do every trip for us. But it in no way compares to Victoria & Albert's. Nothing on site or for many, many miles around compares. California Grill is nice - V&A is spectacular and an experience in and of itself. I am not a foodie - I enjoy nice restaurants, but I'm actually kind of a picky eater - and I count my meal at V&A as one of the best vacation experiences of my life and certainly the best dining experience. If you can swing it, I HIGHLY recommend it.

And remember, at CA Grill there is no guarantee you'll even be able to enjoy the view based on where you are sitting. (as I see now that others have pointed out)

We agree completely!

 

[lilonstitch12008]

I've never been to V&A. My wedding reception was as the Cali Grill and we did enjoy it, going back a few times. But it is a bit loud and if you're looking for a view you can try to request a table that has that and they may accomodate you since you've been married there. I have to recommend Citricos as well. It is a lot quieter than Cali Grill and I like the food more at citricos! The tables in wonderland card is fantastic as well! Have fun planning!

 

[kimysbug]

V & A hands down!!

We ate there 2x

Once on our Honeymoon and the second 10 years later when we had our Disney Fairy Tale Vow Renewal

Enjoy

 

[ROEDISNEY]

Been to both but for this sepcial occasion there would be no ? for me on this it would definately be V & A.