Victoria and Alberts Dress Code

[Babsy]

Your plans for dress are fine. Go. Enjoy! Congrats on your 46th anniversary!

Thank you!

Someone posted above that when they went, a total of only three men in the dining room were wearing a jacket. I would say keep your plans.

Yes, I suppose that I am worrying about it unnecessarily.

This is what we wore. I had the wrap because I did get chilly by the end. I was the one who posted about the lack of jackets. It was also the end of August, which could have played a part. I’m sure the other half is now that they aren’t required, people don’t want to pack them. Ladies‘ footwear is also more relaxed, so dress sandals are okay.

I agree, keep your plans.

Thank you for sharing your lovely photo. It is really helps to see an example of the dress level. I have always thought of V & A's as very formal. Although I love a formal evening, I am happy to see a more semi formal dress code as it will make keeping our reservation possible.

 

[Ralph&Pam]

Edit to add...You mention long dress pants; what are short dress pants?

Anything from the menswear designer Thom Browne? See
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/26/style/mens-pants-ankle-controversy.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

 

[Theok029]

Anything from the menswear designer Thom Browne? See
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/26/style/mens-pants-ankle-controversy.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

My high school psychology teacher refused to wear pants and he showed us his wedding photos where he got married on a boat in a tux…. With tux shorts. They exist.

Also I think I remember seeing jeans in VA my last time there? I always go in a suit, no tie. Had VA still required a jacket, it’s the kind of establishment that would provide you one if you forgot. (Perhaps a victim of tighter budget controls).

 

[Theok029]

Thank you!

Yes, I suppose that I am worrying about it unnecessarily.

Thank you for sharing your lovely photo. It is really helps to see an example of the dress level. I have always thought of V & A's as very formal. Although I love a formal evening, I am happy to see a more semi formal dress code as it will make keeping our reservation possible.

Adding to everyone’s great advice (definitely go) you can always call them and they are perhaps the best guest service in all of Disney world. Ask them all the questions you might have about anything relating to VA. Very gracious, kind, and accommodating.

 

[aalan]

For better or for worse, what is considered "formal" is changing. Fashion is always evolving. Right now, comfort is super important to people. The relaxation of dress codes is happening everywhere - offices, restaurants, etc. I am not surprised they have changed at V&A's. I'd probably still wear a suit, because I know that I look mighty sharp in one! Still, the ocassions for needing to wear one are dwindling. It may swing back the other way eventually, but right now this is the mode we are in.

It saddens me that they have relaxed their standards. Wear a coat and a tie , it won’t kill you!

 

[nw6675]

.

 

[Atlantix2000]

It saddens me that they have relaxed their standards. Wear a coat and a tie , it won’t kill you!

I expect the next time I'll wear a tie is my own funeral! No meal requires a tie.

 

[Babsy]

It saddens me that they have relaxed their standards. Wear a coat and a tie , it won’t kill you!

Thank you for your honest opinion.

I understand how you feel. Part of me agrees with you. In addition, I really prefer not to offend or be a party to reducing the enjoyment of others by our appearance. However, the logistics of bringing formal wear on our trip for one meal is prohibitive. Plus, many here have graciously responded that less formal wear is now fully acceptable. So, I believe that we will dress as nicely as possible and keep our reservation.

Thanks again to everyone for your kind responses to both the OP and my queries on dress codes. It was really helpful!

 

[nw6675]

Rather than start a thread, just posting that we are here tonight and very few in jackets, several ties, cocktail dresses, but nothing formal. We are some of the better dressed lol

I have a cocktail dress, no hose, with Sketchers heels. DH in nice dress shirt and tie.

 

[GoingSince1990]

Rather than start a thread, just posting that we are here tonight and very few in jackets, several ties, cocktail dresses, but nothing formal. We are some of the better dressed lol

I have a cocktail dress, no hose, with Sketchers heels. DH in nice dress shirt and tie.

Thanks for the info. It looks like my days of schlepping a jacket to WDW and back for one dinner at V&A are officially over.

 

[nw6675]

Thanks for the info. It looks like my days of schlepping a jacket to WDW and back for one dinner at V&A are officially over.

I was very surprised. DH had "outgrown" his jacket recently or would have worn one, but I'm sure glad we went anyway. It just looked like any other nice restaurant - definitely not like a $1500 meal!

 

[Sakura1017]

Has anyone gone recently? Are jackets still not required? I finally snagged a reservation for June and I know my dad won't wear a suit jacket.

 

[Kestryl]

Has anyone gone recently? Are jackets still not required? I finally snagged a reservation for June and I know my dad won't wear a suit jacket.

I went in March! Jackets were not required, though my husband wore won because we wanted to be fancy.

 

[Kailunkat]

We are celebrating our 46th anniversary this November at WDW and considering V & A's for our celebration. I currently have the Queen Victoria room booked. IS that OK? or should I try for a different room? Also, we are flying down to Florida and I wanted to manage 10 days with only a carryon. But now I am wondering about the dress code. For DH:. A tux is out of the question, and even a light weight suit for one meal would be more than we want to carry. For myself: a simple dress with pearls should be adequate and doable. Footwear is another matter. The day when I could wear heels is ancient history. I would have to wear comfortable flats or sandals. *sigh* I understand that this is a formal destination. Is there a tuxedo rental available in the GF? Or should we cancel our plans and just do the more casual California Grille, Jiko etc. ( we have those booked for this trip as well, but I wanted something a little more special on our anniversary).

Will we be out of place in less formal attire? (I understand that the dress code is more casual than in the past) Something like a collared shirt, vest and pants for DH and simple dress for me?

What would you do? Cancel or not?

Definitely do NOT cancel! Collared shirt and pants for DH and dress for you will be absolutely fine. Honestly I think they just don't want anyone in there with flip flops, athleisure wear, jeans, sneakers - that type of thing. You will not be out of place in what you plan to bring - no one will be wearing a tux there. Enjoy yourselves - it's an amazing experience.

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

Has anyone gone recently? Are jackets still not required? I finally snagged a reservation for June and I know my dad won't wear a suit jacket.

I always wear a jacket but take it off when I am seated for the most part. I think most people usually do but I don’t see an issue with wearing a collared shirt and pants. Jackets are not required.

The email you will receive about a week out will say they highly recommend a jacket and dress pants or a collared shirt and dress pants. Your dad will be fine.

 

[Kestryl]

This was from our email in March:

Dress Code:

Victoria & Albert’s is an intimate, upscale dining experience. Guests are expected to dress accordingly in semi-formal/formal attire that respects the restaurant’s elegant and opulent aesthetic. We highly recommend either a dress jacket or a long-sleeved collared shirt with dress slacks. Additionally, dresses may be worn or dress pants with a nice blouse.

No jeans, t-shirts, shorts, capris, flip flops, sneakers, or casual wear please.

 

[Mazz519]

We were there this past September I wore a dress jacket, dress shirt and slacks, I didn’t wear a tie…75% of the restaurant had on dress jackets

 

[drenalin'junkie]

It saddens me that they have relaxed their standards. Wear a coat and a tie , it won’t kill you!

Same. There are plenty of fine dining places that still require formal dress. The way the dress code is worded may be too subtle.
"Guests are expected to dress accordingly in semi-formal/formal attire that respects the restaurant’s elegant and opulent aesthetic."

There's nothing elegant or opulent about showing up dressed like a sales associate at Best Buy or a busboy.

 

[gharter]

Wow, I was not aware of the change in dress code. We have gone multiple times and loved every meal. The dress code for men was always a coat, tie optional. I never felt bad about dressing up for this meal. Not sure if it would feel as special if you don't dress up for it.