Victoria and Alberts and California Grill. Romantic Anniversary trip.

[lookingforward]

We went to WDW for a quick anniversary trip ALONE (no kids). Boy was it a different experience. We stayed at the Swan and it was lovely. Not very Disney-esque but a beautiful hotel and really great staff. Those heavenly beds were wonderful!

Had dinner the first night at the California Grill. No fireworks that night but we got the most wonderful window table for two and the view and lights were beautiful. Dinner was outstanding and the service was great. Had the rock shrimp goddess salad which was the best green goddess dressing I have ever tasted. Had the soup of the day and I just can't remember what kind but it was great since we ordered one serving the server split it into two bowls so we could eat it easily which I thought was a nice touch. My husband had the soft shell crab over corn relish and loved the soft shell crab although he did not like the corn and quacomole additions. I had the filet and it was AMAZING. We split a half bottle of Muscot (sp?) wine from Italy. Our waitress was really, really good at her work and very personable. It was a GREAT dinner. Only downside was I forgot my Disney Dining card so that prevented us from saving about $25. Total bill with tip was $140.

The next night we went to V&A at the Grand Floridian. What can I say? It was the most beautiful, special night. It was perfect. I dont' have the menu with me at the moment but will post it later. The service is absolutely flawless. We both ordered completely different menus. One extremely nice touch was when we ordered one wine pairing. Victoria (who poured the wine) was nice enough to give my husband and I each half a serving of DIFFERENT wines (since we ordered different foods). This was the perfect solution and gave us enough wine to enjoy but not too much wine! A hint to future diners: don't book the 9:30 seating if you tend to get tired. The rich food, wine and sun that day made both of us very tired. It did not effect our enjoyment but it would have been better at the earlier seating. ALSO: don't eat that much the day of your reservation. We had lunch at France and I regret that because I was so full I could not even taste the amazing desserts. (my husband ate both!) With the disney dining 20% discount it came to $240 with tip (saved us $50). V&A's is worth EVERY penny! (valet parking is free when you dine at V&A's)

 

[swankybeth]

Thanks for your reviews! What is green goddess dressing, btw?

 

[Minniespal]

Thanks for the wonderful reviews. V&A truly offers an amazing dining experience.

 

[lookingforward]

swankybeth: did not know what exactly was in it (just knew it tasted wonderful) but here is a description:


Green goddess dressing was created by the chef at San Francisco's Palace Hotel during the 1920s. It was created in honor of actor George Arliss who was appearing in a play called 'Green Goddess'. This classic dressing is a blend of mayonnaise, minced anchovies, chives, tarragon, parsley, scallions, and garlic.

Yum!

 

[BCV23]

Happy anniversary!

Enjoyed your reviews. Those are my two favorite restaurants at WDW for dinner. Yum! Wish we could get FL resident discounts though.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Enjoyed the reviews. CG and V&A are both exceptional restaurants--and good tip about the 9:30 V&A seating. Getting out at near midnite (after all that wonderful food) would tire anybody out!

 

[Snow Shoe]

I'm so gald that you both had a wonderful experience at both restaurants. My wife and I are going this July for our 30th anniversary. The first time without any kids...wow! I've tried to convince her to go to V&A's, but she doesn't want any part of having to getting dressed up to eat. She wants this trip to be very simple and quiet. Any ideas as to what "special place" to take her in the parks? The sad part about V&A's, is we're staying at the GF any way. Help!

 

[Krissalee]

Fantastic reviews! I dined at both restaurants for the first time in December, and I enjoyed them as much as you did!