Victoria & Albert's- Wonderful surprise!

[opaleyes]

I was talking to my father this morning, and he dropped the bit of information that he wants to treat us to a really nice dinner at Disney since we'll be there celebrating our first wedding anniversary. His recommendation- Victoria & Albert's! Whoa! Thanks dad! I don't know much about them other than what I'm seeing on their website, the Disney site, and allears, but they look amazing. I'll be checking out review threads after this.

Anyway, my point is that I just called and the only reso slots they have for later in the evening (any time after 6pm) are for 9. That's fine by me as we'll be at MK all day, and since I haven't been in 18 years, I won't want to leave early! The park closes at 7 pm that day for MVMCP, so that's when we'll be headed out. Do you think that will be enough time to get to our hotel, change, and get over to the Grand Floridian? We're staying offsite here: http://www.qualityinnorlando.com/ (we are soooo on a budget this trip). It's pretty close to everything. Can we make it? I just don't know how long it will take to get out of MK and back to the TTC. I wish we could just use the TTC to go straight from MK to the GF, but there's no way our park clothes will be remotely acceptable. Oh man, I'll have to find something for my husband to wear! Does he even have a suit?

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Congratulations!

I would suggest leaving MK about 6:00 or 6:30. That way you can get back to the motel without being rushed, take showers, etc.

Make sure you keep your parking pass, so there is no problem in going through the toll plaza again in the evening. You do get free valet parking at the GF, just tell them you are going to V&A (but the valets should get tips).

A suit is not required, but you husband should at least be wearing a sport coat and tie and dress slacks would be better than khakis ... definitely no blue jeans.

 

[opaleyes]

I think we could swing leaving at 6:30. Especially if it means beating the slow clog of people leaving.

How much would you recommend tipping the valet? Also, you mentioned the toll plaza. How does that work? I know we have to park at the TTC for MK (and that's $14, right?), but is there a separate toll as well?

 

[Maxie86]

You have to go through the parking lot for the MK to get to the GF. Keep your parking receipt and you will not have to pay again. We tip the valet $2-$3, when we drop off and when we pick up. Congrats on your anniversary. Enjoy V&A. What a perfect place to celebrate your anniversary.

 

[opaleyes]

So we'll just be going back to the TTC then? I have been so confused about parking at Disney. Like our first night we're going to the Hoop Dee Doo, and I think we can just drive to Fort Wilderness and park there?

Good to know for the tipping.

Thanks!

 

[Uncleromulus]

And just to add that a tie is not required--just a jacket. I always wear a blue sportcoat and tan slacks to V&A. Not desss trousers--just those regular khakis.

 

[Maxie86]

So we'll just be going back to the TTC then? I have been so confused about parking at Disney. Like our first night we're going to the Hoop Dee Doo, and I think we can just drive to Fort Wilderness and park there?

Good to know for the tipping.

Thanks!

Yes, but when you get there stay to the right and follow the signs to the GF and not to the parking lot. Go to the booth as far on the right as you can, I think the first one is for buses, just show them your parking ticket and they will wave you through. You will have to stop at the booth at the GF and tell the guard that you are going to dinner at V&A. Drive right up to the front and tell the valet you are dining at V&A.

You can drive to FW but you can not drive all the way to Pioneer Hall. You will have to park and take the internal bus.

 

[Buckeye Princess]

What time of year are you going?

 

[ElizabethB]

I'm confused. Does one have to pay the MK parking fee in order to get to the Grand Floridian?

I thought so long as you're going through the far right lanes at the toll booth and headed to one of the hotels, rather than the MK parking lot, you didn't need to pay the parking fee. Is that wrong? It can't possibly be that one has to pay the MK parking fee to eat at V&A can it?

Why would the OP has to save the MK parking pass?

We usually stay on site so it's not an issue, but I'm wondering how it works when not staying on-site.

Thanks.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I'm confused. Does one have to pay the MK parking fee in order to get to the Grand Floridian?

I thought so long as you're going through the far right lanes at the toll booth and headed to one of the hotels, rather than the MK parking lot, you didn't need to pay the parking fee. Is that wrong? It can't possibly be that one has to pay the MK parking fee to eat at V&A can it?

Why would the OP has to save the MK parking pass?

We usually stay on site so it's not an issue, but I'm wondering how it works when not staying on-site.

Thanks.

Paying parking is not requiered when visiting the hotels.

I thought they. Suggested to keep the pass to avoid any problems with the toll plaza CM, but it seems to imply that without it that they will have to repay.

I have encountered only 1 or 2 CM's in the past 20 years who made it difficult for me to get through with legitimate intent to only visit the resorts. But they never should have made a fuss as you don't pay parking to visit resorts. At the resort, the security guard will make sure you are there for a valid reason and then issue a temporary permit.

 

[ElizabethB]

That is what I thought. Thank you!

 

[POB14]

And just to add that a tie is not required--just a jacket.

Correct; when we went, most men were wearing the "jacket-no-tie" look (I call it Florida Formal).

The restaurant is wonderful.

 

[Maxie86]

I'm confused. Does one have to pay the MK parking fee in order to get to the Grand Floridian?

I thought so long as you're going through the far right lanes at the toll booth and headed to one of the hotels, rather than the MK parking lot, you didn't need to pay the parking fee. Is that wrong? It can't possibly be that one has to pay the MK parking fee to eat at V&A can it?

Why would the OP has to save the MK parking pass?

We usually stay on site so it's not an issue, but I'm wondering how it works when not staying on-site.

Thanks.

You are right, you do not have to pay to park to visit the resorts. Since she will already have paid to park, it is just easier to have the parking pass on your dash, like your resort pass, and be waved right through without having to stop and explain where you are going.

 

[opaleyes]

Thanks for all of the info, everyone! Buckeye Princess, we are going in early December.