Would V & A be worth it with a 10 yr old?

[rubato]

My son likes to eat and he tries lots of new things, but I just can't seem to justify taking him to V & A. Has anyone done this with a youngish child? I really want to take hubby sometime, but he would never go without our son. It's also a little out of our budget, but once wouldn't kill us.

So, just looking for opinions and advice. Thanks.

 

[TDC Nala]

There's no child's menu, and I doubt they will reduce the price. If you don't think your son will enjoy the experience, I'd wait until he is older. If he likes gourmet food and would be okay with having a very long, quiet dinner, then go for it.

 

[hildarumpole]

I believe the age restriction is 10 yrs. and up, so your son would be o.k. However, it's important to consider that it is an adult dining atmosphere where jackets are required. Consider if your child is comfortable in a formal dining environment. Will he be happy sitting through multiple courses over a longer than average dining time, especially if you've spent a busy day at the parks? Most importantly, are you willing/able to spend $125 on his meal?

You might consider one of the other signature restaurants if your son likes to try new things, like California Grill. They have some interesting items on their menu and are more family friendly.

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd suggest using the kid's club for the night while the parents go to V&A. Its really not child friendly (as others have noted).

 

[TDC Nala]

I think the OP has already said her husband won't go without their son. As far as whether this particular family would get value from going to V&A it's really going to be up to whether or not the boy is up to the experience, since 10 year olds are "legal" at V&A. If he'd be too bored with a three-hour-plus dinner where he has to dress up, I'd say they should wait, and the parents probably know their own child best.

 

[Colleen27]

Have you tried any of the signatures with your son? If not, that might be the place to start, just to see how he handles a longer meal in a nicer setting. We've been to all but Citricos with our kids and my 11yo foodie really enjoys those meals, but we've decided to hold off a little longer on V&A because of the length of the dining experience. After about 2 hours he starts getting a little ancy, so I know he's just not quite ready for 3+ at V&A.

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

I have a 10 y/o, and although I know he would enjoy every bite of every course at V&A's, I also know that he couldn't handle 3-3.5 hours of being at the table. That's about twice as long as the usual "nice" restaurant meal.

 

[Pygoplites]

It depends on the child. There are plenty of pre-teen foodies these days. We took a 9-year-old to TRU in Chicago (equally as formal as V&A) and she loved it. She decided that she didn't care for foie gras, but she scarfed down the caviar! And she was well-behaved throughout the 3-hour meal. But if you have ANY doubts about your child's likelihood of enjoying the experience, however, you should steer clear of V&A.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Actually for most people it is between 2¼ and 2½ hours for the meal. They do have the seatings 3 hours apart to allow for people who may linger and to reset the tables.

 

[roxannex]

Normally I'd say go for it. I mean, it's Disney! Kids are welcome. But I think honestly your son might find it kind of dull. The food was excellent, but the restaurant is very subdued. It is definitely more for adults than kids.

But if you want to go and the only way for you to go is to bring him, then you could probably bring him.

 

[TDC Nala]

Normally I'd say go for it. I mean, it's Disney! Kids are welcome.

Victoria & Albert's does not admit children under 10 - Disney or not. But age 10 and above is fine, so it's entirely based on whether the OP's 10 year old would enjoy it.

 

[roxannex]

Right. I was saying that in general kids are welcome at Disney. And her son is 10.

 

[oybolshoi]

As others have already stated, 10 is the minimum age of admission to V&A. I just have to wonder how many 10-year olds can truly appreciate a 7-course meal at $125 per person that can last for upwards of three hours.

If your son is really ready for that kind of formal dining experience and would truly enjoy it then go for it.

If he's not ready for V&A then maybe you can consider CA Grill or Flying Fish - those are two of Disney's signature restaurants that serve consistently good food.

 

[SmallWorld71]

My 10 year old is always checking out the food porn thread and really wants to go to V&A's someday. He is an adventurous eater (loves things like caviar, sushi etc...) and can sit still for long periods of time. The reason I would not take him yet is because of his size. There is no way he could eat that amount of food. He would want to try the new foods though, and might make himself sick. Basically he has adult tastes but a child sized appetite because he has a child sized body. DS14 on the other hand is bigger than me and could eat me under the table any day. He is also an adventurous eater and I would have no qualms about taking him if it was in the budget. If you think he can handle it, then go. Otherwise I would go to a signature and then wait until he is a little older.

 

[rubato]

Thanks for all the replies. I like the idea of trying a signature first and seeing how he does. He loves to get dressed up in suits and he loves food (well, everything except escargot). When we go on cruises, he loves the formal dinners and enjoys hamming it up with the adults. I have to say though, the cost is stopping me. How much can a 10 year old actually eat? Not much. I can justify $40-$50 for a signature meal a lot easier than over $100. On this next trip, we aren't going above Le Cellier and Chef de France for food. But, on our next trip after that, we want to enjoy some of the higher end restaurants, and V & As was something I would love. He'll be 12 or 13 by then, so maybe we'll be able to justify it. And, if he keeps playing football, he may grow into a big enough appetite to make it worth the cost!!

 

[Colleen27]

Thanks for all the replies. I like the idea of trying a signature first and seeing how he does. He loves to get dressed up in suits and he loves food (well, everything except escargot). When we go on cruises, he loves the formal dinners and enjoys hamming it up with the adults. I have to say though, the cost is stopping me. How much can a 10 year old actually eat? Not much. I can justify $40-$50 for a signature meal a lot easier than over $100. On this next trip, we aren't going above Le Cellier and Chef de France for food. But, on our next trip after that, we want to enjoy some of the higher end restaurants, and V & As was something I would love. He'll be 12 or 13 by then, so maybe we'll be able to justify it. And, if he keeps playing football, he may grow into a big enough appetite to make it worth the cost!!

Be careful what you wish for! My almost-12yo football playing son can pack away more food than even DH, and the kid has got good (expensive) taste. On our last trip, he happily polished off a whole lobster at Narcoosees and had plenty of room to help me with my filet, without even ruining his appetite for dessert!

 

[marmar]

My DH 57 still doesn't have the attention spanfor a 2.5hr meal and he refuses to put on a jacket and tie at WDW. He's on vacation........ no V&A for me. I don't think he'll grow up so I can experience it anytime soon.

 

[Colleen27]

My DH 57 still doesn't have the attention spanfor a 2.5hr meal and he refuses to put on a jacket and tie at WDW. He's on vacation........ no V&A for me. I don't think he'll grow up so I can experience it anytime soon.

My DS11 is far more interested in V&A than my DH39. When I finally go, it will most likely be with DS11 and maybe DD8 if she's old enough and interested, while DH hangs out in the parks or at the pool with our youngest.