Victoria and Alberts Question

[CandleontheWater]

Hi! I have a question about Victoria and Alberts. I've made reservations for my 30th birthday in Feb, but now I'm having reservations about my reservations (he he). My husband and I have eaten at some pretty fancy restaurants in New Orleans, Philadelphia and New York, but I think V&As will be our "highest class" culinary adventure to date. I was wondering what the attitude of the servers was like and if the restaurant in general was snooty and pretentious. I'm just afriad that we're going to get there and feel out of place and out of our league. We're really excited about trying new things and expanding our palette, but I don't want to be looked down on and made uncomforatable if I mispronounce something on the menu! For those of you who have done it, what has your experience been like? Are my husband and I going to be like fish out of water?

 

[BCV23]

No, the service is excellent at V&A. They will make you feel comfortable in every way. Bon apetit!

 

[PaulaSB12]

I have been there twice now. Last september I just did the usual menu with wine pairing (big mistake got completly smashed not used to that much wine) this time I did the Chefs menu in the main dining room, solo with no wine paring and was made to feel comfortable and welcome.

 

[Uncleromulus]

The staff at V&A is very Disney friendly-not snooty or pretentious in any way. And I should know-been there 29 times since 1988. With visit # 30 this December!

 

[ReggieB]

The staff are great. There are a few folk that seem to be there every year we go. We often seem to end up having a chat with at least one member of staff.

 

[engle]

Hey PaulaSB12,

I too got smashed on the wine pairings...however didn't call it a Big Mistake!!
:rotfl2 I did pass out on the balcony of my BWV room!!

I am looking forward to the wine pairings at the Chef's Table...wow.

 

[Lisa F]

V&A is the PERFECT place to try out cuisine you might be otherwise intimidated to try. The servers there are the best on Disney property. The last time I was there several years ago my husband wanted to order the consomme and he pronounced it "con-sum." I couldn't help but snicker and our "Victoria" scolded me for snickering. Definitely NOT snobby.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

The servers are not hired to work at V&A. Normally they have been working at WDW for 15 or more years, working their way up to the signature restaurants. They do not post openings.

Once one of my servers told me she had been at Yachtsman's Steakhouse for over three years (16 years total at WDW) and her manager called her into his office at the start of the shift, asked her to sit down, and said something to the effect of: "I have been told there is a server opening at Victoria and Albert's and to ask you if you would be interested in the position."

She said that it was a good thing she was sitting down, and also that she had started crying at the invitation. Basically it turns out the only way to work as a server at V&A is to get invited because of your performance and reputation.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

That is a very interesting story, CF! I mean, I figured to work at V&A's you probably had to start somewhere else on WDW property, but I had no idea it was such a coveted postion. I know this is a nosey question, but I would LOVE to know what an average night of tips is for a server!

Candle-I have to echo what everyone else has said...I was a little nervous about snooty and pretentious CMs, also. You sound like us...we love fine food, have eaten in some grand places, but we knew that V&A's would be a different environment, and I was braced for a bit of an attitude. I must say, our sever (the female one especially, she was the one who did most of the talking) was absolutely wonderful. I am always a bit embarrassed to share food at a nice place, but I was dying to at V&A's, and she encouraged us right away. There was absolutely ZERO attitude in there!

Happy brithday! We celebrated our 10 year anniversary there. You are in for a wonderful experience.

 

[Lisa F]

Servers do very well on individual tables but to provide the level of service they provide, they don't have as many tables as a "normal" server might at another restaurant might and they also "team" serve with two servers per table. They also turn over tables much more quickly. So while they might make say $60 on a table for two, that's over a 3 hour meal and split between two servers. I bet they do a bit better than most but not as well as you'd think.

 

[tmws66]

I would definitely agree with everyone. If you need a wine suggestion, don't know what an ingredient is, or not sure how it is cooked, just ask. They will not make you feel stupid, but are very knowlegdeable.

GO and Have a Great Time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mr. & Mrs. Smith]

I found the servers here to be absolutely wonderful. They are the furthest from pretentious or arrogant. In fact, they made us much more comfortable than at California Grill, I must say. You will have a blast! You aren't rushed at all and they are truly there to serve you.

Keep in mind with the tips that the kitchen probably gets a cut as well.

And may I just say, the wine pairing at the chef's table is something to behold!

 

[MAYNARDS99]

V&A has a wonderful staff, and though they might be able to read minds, it would be easier to just let them know exactly what you've told us. Call the restaurant a few days before your reservation and leave a message detailing your concerns, and wishes. You will be amazed!