Victoria and Alberts

[splashmountainjaxson]

We are coming to WDW for the Food and Wine Festival, but due to the lack of ticketed events we find interesting, we decided to dine at V&As. We opted for the Royal Wine Pairing package - I am so excited.

So...looking to hear from those who have dined there - share your experiences / comments! What are we in store for???

 

[BriarRosie]

I did the same thing. I made a reservation to build my own food and wine event. But I don't know how the main dining room is. I've done the Chef's Table twice, but in a 6 year gap. This will be my first experience in the main dining room.

I've done Signature dining and Exquisite Evenings events from the F&WF in the past, and the experience at V&A is very similar to those.

I am definitely not regretting my decision for this year's festival.

 

[splashmountainjaxson]

Based on the events they posted, that was our exact reasoning / though behind booking Victoria and Alberts. Since the Signature Events were very limited, and to be honest - since the ticketed events seem to be lacking 'luster' this year - we decided to do as you and 'create our own festival'. I think many F&W annual visitors may consider the same...nonetheless - I am looking forward to this meal.

With being a frequent visitor, it is nice to have an experience to look forard to that is brand new - and not knowing exactly what awaits us!

 

[TDC Nala]

I'm doing that also. And probably California Grill. But I don't know why I should travel in October or November if it means I'll just be eating in the same restaurants I could eat at any old time.

I have reservations for August 31 and October 19 (love that V&A will accept the DDE card in the main dining room) and can bring the August menu back if I don't forget and leave it somewhere.

 

[splashmountainjaxson]

Ohh....you just answered a question I had - but was FOR SURE thinking would not be possible - to use the DDE card in the main dining room - excellent!!!! This trip just got better!

 

[eeyore#1fan]

We've done the regular dining room twice and the chefs table once. These meals have always been the highlight of our trip. We are very glad that we sat in the regular dining room first before the chefs table. They are two totally different experiences but both excellent. The dining room is a little more stuffy and I feel you have to worry about being more "proper." The chefs table you can relax a little bit. Don't be afraid to try anything on the menu. I for one am not big on mushrooms but they were able to prepare the mushrooms in such a way that it was one of my favorite parts of the meal. Have a good time.

 

[Uncleromulus]

You will have a great time--and that DDE savings is a big plus. We're booked for V&A on 10/1--our 33'rd dinner there!!!

 

[splashmountainjaxson]

We are booked for 10/23 - going to celebrate my husbands birthday and parents 39th wedding anniversary. Sounds like we made a good choice - and the DDE is totally an extra bonus I was not counting on - what a savings! With that included, am glad we opted for this, and not going to (2) F&W events that we weren't too impressed by. I have a feeling, we'll be quite happy with our choice. Thanks everyone!!!

 

[Praise2Him]

DH and I ate there in May for the first time for our 25th anniversary. We loved it and yes, the discount alone paid for the DDE card.

There's one thing I wish I'd been aware of before we went, though. We normally have a glass of wine with dinner, so we got the wine pairings, but I didn't realize that it would be so much wine! It was really good, but we were a little tipsy by the last course Just an FYI!

It's such an amazing experience, so enjoy!

 

[Figaro77]

Just a suggestion- one of the menu "staples" that is almost always on the menu when we go is their foie gras (sp?). This stuff . . . I swear, it's better than dessert. Even several of the staff we have met over the years have said that this is their favorite thing on the menu. When we went once during the F&W Festival, it wasn't on the menu. After sobbing into my napkin, I asked our server about it, and he said for reasons I couldn't quite understand, that during that festival they have to take it off the menu, BUT, it was available by advanced special request. If you think you might be a foie gras lover, request it when you call to confirm. And mail me some.

 

[TxDsnyGrl74]

We are booked also for 17-OCT-08. As this is my first time dining there, I wasn't aware of the seating window times. I've got us currently booked at the earlier seating, but am planning on calling and bumping back to a later time after I realized we would be done with dinner at 7:45, which is too early for us to just head back to the hotel.

Question regarding the wine pairings, if there is a type of wine you really can't stand (e.g. riesling), can they sub a different wine for that course? I obviously wouldn't do it on every course, but there are some wines I just can't stand.

 

[CarolA]

Haven't been there in years, but... it remains one of the all time best meals ever and I have been lucky enough to have some outstanding meals!

 

[KristiMc]

We are going in October to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. This will be our first time and we are really looking forward to it.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Question regarding the wine pairings, if there is a type of wine you really can't stand (e.g. riesling), can they sub a different wine for that course? I obviously wouldn't do it on every course, but there are some wines I just can't stand.

Yes, they can easily make adjustments. However I looked at my menu from last month and the only item they had a Riesling with was if you got the Poached Quail appetizer.

Just ask your server; you might want to discuss it with Israel, the Maitre d. I'm not sure of the rank, but he is one level away from being rated as a Master Sommolier and I would trust his recommendations.

 

[TxDsnyGrl74]

Yes, they can easily make adjustments. However I looked at my menu from last month and the only item they had a Riesling with was if you got the Poached Quail appetizer.

Just ask your server; you might want to discuss it with Israel, the Maitre d. I'm not sure of the rank, but he is one level away from being rated as a Master Sommolier and I would trust his recommendations.

Thanks for the tip!!

 

[Marnm02]

Sorry to ask a stupid question, but can anyone tell me what DDE card stands for ? We have ressies at V&A for Sept. 30 for our honeymoon. We are really splurging on this meal, so if this DDE card thing can save us money, I'd really like to know what it is and how I get one

 

[kabuki]

Sorry to ask a stupid question, but can anyone tell me what DDE card stands for ? We have ressies at V&A for Sept. 30 for our honeymoon. We are really splurging on this meal, so if this DDE card thing can save us money, I'd really like to know what it is and how I get one

Hello! 1st no question is stupid!! Next here is the info on the DDE card! I HIGHLY recommend it .. I mean 20% food and alcohol??? How could life be better! Have fun!

DISNEY DINING EXPERIENCE is a dining discount program for eligible Florida Residents and Annual Passholders 21 and older good for 20 percent off food and beverage at a number of Walt Disney World Resort hotel and theme park restaurants and lounges. The discount is good for up to 10 persons in your party. (Prior to 2005, the DDE, as it is commonly called, was only open to Florida residents.)

-- General Membership (Florida Residents ONLY): $85.00
-- Annual/Seasonal Passholders' Rate: $60.00
-- Florida Resident (non-Passholder) Renewals: $70.00 (for existing memberships received within 30 days of expiration date)
-- Add a second membership for your spouse or partner for only $25 more.


Disney Dining Experience Benefits:

1. Members receive a 20% discount on all food and beverage (including alcohol) for up to 10 people at participating table-service Disney restaurants.

 

[kbmaggs]

We have done the wine pairings both in the dining room and at the Chef's table. We always talk to our servers about our preferences before any are offered; I like sweeter wines, while my husband enjoys drier ones. We have been introduced to some wonderful wines this way.