Complete Rundown of Victoria and Albert's

[HoneyBee1991]

My Disneymoon is this December and one of the highlights is going to be having dinner at V&A's. I'm super excited but I'm also a little nervous.

While I have experienced higher-end dining, it has been from attending showcases and events where my friend who is an Executive Chef, was either cooking or invited me as her plus one. It's NOT because I have a budget that will allow me to go to a five-diamond restaurant, except for a special occasion like this. I have never been somewhere this fancy before and I am worried I will do something wrong.

Can someone please give me the complete rundown?

Is there more than one server/waiter? If so, do they all get 20% tips or are there different leaves of tipping?

Aside from dressing appropriately, is there anything I should or should not do?

I know it takes a long time as there are several courses and you want to savour everything. But how many courses is it exactly and how long should I plan to be there?

Thank you so much for your help on this!

 

[Tuvalu]

Paging @Tony the Tigger

 

[DisneyJoe]

Is there more than one server/waiter? If so, do they all get 20% tips or are there different leaves of tipping?

Thank you so much for your help on this!

One bill/check given at the end of the meal, one tip left.

 

[Orangeanna]

I am planning a once in a lifetime dinner at V&A also. Your questions are the same as mine. For those of us who don't often get to dine at this level it can intimidating. I know at least one thing, my husband and I are very adventurous eaters. I'm sure it helps if your willing to try new things. I'll be watching this post.

 

[Tony the Tigger]

We did our once in a lifetime V&A dinner almost exactly one year ago (9/8/17.) I was equally a little apprehensive, but excited about the meal. This is not something we can readily afford, either.

You leave one tip at the end, as usual. We had two attendants, one generally more focused on drinks (but sometimes they switched.)

I strongly recommend the wine pairings! If you're going to do this, you might as well go all the way, unless you don't like wine. The right wine pairings will give you two delicious tastes from one dish.

There can be a different number of courses depending on what you choose and where you are seated. Based on a quick google search, I am seeing things different from what we experienced last year.

There is a chef's table for one party, with one seating per evening.

There is a room with only four tables called Queen Victoria's room. There is one seating, but the seatings are staggered, so one party arrives first and is on their second or third course by the time the next party is seated. There were two people seated at each table. (That's where we sat.)

Now, this may have been because hurricane Irma was due to hit the next day, but despite the formal setting, the three couples (one table was empty) all chatted with each other across the room LOL. That made it much more comfortable for us. All three parties were from different parts of Florida, and we were all talking about the storm and then more pleasant things. I don't know if that's a typical experience, but we appreciated it. And of course, we left each other alone while we were eating. The tables are not near each other.

I'll have to double check the souvenir menu we received and/or my trip report, but I believe we had 13 courses (?) Now, keep in mind, several desserts counted as multiple courses. Each course is not large by itself, but you are quite full by the time you are done.

They will take any dietary needs into consideration, of course. One in our party is type I diabetic and that was handled brilliantly, no shortage of just as fancy dessert options, etc.

In addition to the usual courses, there are "bonus courses" listed on the menu. For example, you can opt for a second beef course for about $55 extra and so forth.

Then there is the main dining room, which has something like 14 tables. Fewer courses are available (I believe) in the main dining room.

As for the cost: we have a Chase Disney Visa, and we saved up enough rewards points to completely pay for this meal. This was for our 10 year anniversary last year. Loved it, still talk about it. Yes, dress appropriately, relax, and enjoy!!

 

[Tony the Tigger]

For specific details, page 11 of this trip report from last year. I'm actually enjoying re-reading this right now!

https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...roke-guys-a-dog-irma-completed.931620/page-11

 

[DisneyJoe]

A review http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2018/08/09/disney-restaurant-review-is-victoria-and-alberts-worth-the/

 

[zbsigpi]

Take a deep breath and relax. Unless you act like Gomer Pyle or Jerry Lewis at dinner you will be OK.
I have worked in fine dining and there is nothing to worry about.

I have not been to V&A, however I would assume that there will be:
A head server for your table that will take your orders, serve your courses and make sure you are enjoying your meal.
An assistant server, who will deliver and assist in the service of the courses and be your beverage person.
and a bus person.
1 tip pays all so do not stress about that.

The pace of the meal will depend mainly on you. Your waiter should be able to gauge how fast or slow you want the meal to proceed but you can always discuss it with them at the beginning or anytime during the meal. A truly relaxed service with 4-5 courses, should take about 2 hours and sometimes longer especially if the you are not eating fast, the conversation is great and wine/cocktails are flowing. Again the server should pick up on your cues and react accordingly by speeding up or slowing down the service.

Relax and enjoy!

 

[HoneyBee1991]

We did our once in a lifetime V&A dinner almost exactly one year ago (9/8/17.) I was equally a little apprehensive, but excited about the meal. This is not something we can readily afford, either.

You leave one tip at the end, as usual. We had two attendants, one generally more focused on drinks (but sometimes they switched.)

I strongly recommend the wine pairings! If you're going to do this, you might as well go all the way, unless you don't like wine. The right wine pairings will give you two delicious tastes from one dish.

There can be a different number of courses depending on what you choose and where you are seated. Based on a quick google search, I am seeing things different from what we experienced last year.

There is a chef's table for one party, with one seating per evening.

There is a room with only four tables called Queen Victoria's room. There is one seating, but the seatings are staggered, so one party arrives first and is on their second or third course by the time the next party is seated. There were two people seated at each table. (That's where we sat.)

Now, this may have been because hurricane Irma was due to hit the next day, but despite the formal setting, the three couples (one table was empty) all chatted with each other across the room LOL. That made it much more comfortable for us. All three parties were from different parts of Florida, and we were all talking about the storm and then more pleasant things. I don't know if that's a typical experience, but we appreciated it. And of course, we left each other alone while we were eating. The tables are not near each other.

I'll have to double check the souvenir menu we received and/or my trip report, but I believe we had 13 courses (?) Now, keep in mind, several desserts counted as multiple courses. Each course is not large by itself, but you are quite full by the time you are done.

They will take any dietary needs into consideration, of course. One in our party is type I diabetic and that was handled brilliantly, no shortage of just as fancy dessert options, etc.

In addition to the usual courses, there are "bonus courses" listed on the menu. For example, you can opt for a second beef course for about $55 extra and so forth.

Then there is the main dining room, which has something like 14 tables. Fewer courses are available (I believe) in the main dining room.

As for the cost: we have a Chase Disney Visa, and we saved up enough rewards points to completely pay for this meal. This was for our 10 year anniversary last year. Loved it, still talk about it. Yes, dress appropriately, relax, and enjoy!!

Thank you! This is super helpful!

 

[Diablo]

I took a date to the chefs table a couple years ago. As an executive chef myself & someone that seeks out adventures in dining around the world, I’d call V&A’s one of my top 10 experiences.
It’s expensive but honestly, in a bigger food scene (NY, Chicago, Seattle) you’d pay more. The service is flawless.
Enjoy yourself. You won’t regret it.

 

[TheGuyThatMakesSwords]

We did our once in a lifetime V&A dinner almost exactly one year ago (9/8/17.) I was equally a little apprehensive, but excited about the meal. This is not something we can readily afford, either.

You leave one tip at the end, as usual. We had two attendants, one generally more focused on drinks (but sometimes they switched.)

I strongly recommend the wine pairings! If you're going to do this, you might as well go all the way, unless you don't like wine. The right wine pairings will give you two delicious tastes from one dish.

There can be a different number of courses depending on what you choose and where you are seated. Based on a quick google search, I am seeing things different from what we experienced last year.

There is a chef's table for one party, with one seating per evening.

There is a room with only four tables called Queen Victoria's room. There is one seating, but the seatings are staggered, so one party arrives first and is on their second or third course by the time the next party is seated. There were two people seated at each table. (That's where we sat.)

Now, this may have been because hurricane Irma was due to hit the next day, but despite the formal setting, the three couples (one table was empty) all chatted with each other across the room LOL. That made it much more comfortable for us. All three parties were from different parts of Florida, and we were all talking about the storm and then more pleasant things. I don't know if that's a typical experience, but we appreciated it. And of course, we left each other alone while we were eating. The tables are not near each other.

I'll have to double check the souvenir menu we received and/or my trip report, but I believe we had 13 courses (?) Now, keep in mind, several desserts counted as multiple courses. Each course is not large by itself, but you are quite full by the time you are done.

They will take any dietary needs into consideration, of course. One in our party is type I diabetic and that was handled brilliantly, no shortage of just as fancy dessert options, etc.

In addition to the usual courses, there are "bonus courses" listed on the menu. For example, you can opt for a second beef course for about $55 extra and so forth.

Then there is the main dining room, which has something like 14 tables. Fewer courses are available (I believe) in the main dining room.

As for the cost: we have a Chase Disney Visa, and we saved up enough rewards points to completely pay for this meal. This was for our 10 year anniversary last year. Loved it, still talk about it. Yes, dress appropriately, relax, and enjoy!!

The only thing I take exception with?
"We did our once in a lifetime V&A dinner...."

OH no - just like my Dear Wife & I? You are hooked . You will be back .

 

[Tony the Tigger]

The only thing I take exception with?
"We did our once in a lifetime V&A dinner...."

OH no - just like my Dear Wife & I? You are hooked . You will be back .

Ha! That is possible - especially now that our favorite bartender (formerly of the Flying Fish) is now working there.

I would either go Chef's Table for the full experience, or dining room just to go. Who knows?

To be honest, I've had spectacular meals with wine pairings at some of the signature restaurants that were very special. They weren't so many courses and tastes, but again - the old Flying Fish, when you did the wine pairings with a certain bartender - what a night, for about a quarter of the price of V&A.

 

[wdwfanaustria]

I have a question to anybody who ate at V&A recently.
We plan to go again next year.
We ate there (in the main dining room) four or five years ago.
For each course we could choose from two or three options which was good for us because we don't like seafood.
So we basically had our meal consisting of meat (and one or two with fish) courses.
Is it still that way or do you get a pre fixed meal with no choices at all?

 

[BASS]

I haven't been to V&A, but have done some very expensive meals, including one at The French Laundry.

Honestly, I don't recall how much it cost, but I remember the experience fondly. So, leave the googly-eyes at home. Don't fret about the cost. And just enjoy.

EDIT: Try not to finish your soon-to-be-spouse's plate. As tempting as that may be, ultimately, you're going to get a lot of food, even with small-ish plates. It's common to think--particularly from the man's perspective--that you're going to leave hungry. But that's likely not the case, particularly with so many courses, bread, etc. And I presume there will be little extras here and there.

I made that mistake by picking what I liked from my spouse's plate at The French Laundry. It was a mistake--I was sweating at the end!

 

[dreamfinder]

It's nothing to be concerned about, as long as you have basic manners. The staff is excellent, and will give you as much or as little guidance as you need. And if you use the wrong fork, no big deal, they will just replace it if it's actually needed for another course. Figure on spending a few hours there, but if you inhale your food you could done much faster.

 

[danyoung56]

Keep in mind that the average clientele at V&A's is probably not as sophisticated as a crowd at other fine dining locations. There will be a certain percentage of folks that are just plain park storming folks from South Dakota, who have never been in such a swanky place. As such, I'm sure the staff are more than used to this, and are willing to accommodate a lot of behavior that wouldn't normally be accepted. Just keep your shoes on, your feet off the table and your napkin in your lap and you should be fine.

 

[Phonedave]

As was said before

one tip at the end, and if you drink wine, I highly recommend the wine pairings - both for value and enjoy-ability.

Before you go

When you make your reservations, make sure you tell them in detail about any allergies, or food dislikes. They will modify the menu to meet your needs. This is easy for them to do before your dinner, very hard for them to do once you sit down.

When you get there.

Ask questions. They know that you dont know everything and they are more than happy to explain things to you.

You will be given a water menu. the free "house" water is just fine. Nobody is going to fault you going with normal water (which I believe is RO filtered and then minerals added, so it is not normal tap water)

You will have, at the standard dinner, 7 courses, 3 bread courses, plus an amuse bouche.

The amuse bouche is chefs choice and it is a small appetizer to "amuse the mouth". However, if you told the restaurant about any allergies or dislikes, this will be taken into account. My wife does not like fish. One time the amuse bouche was a truffeled egg. Mine had caviar on top, hers did not.

You will then go through a series of courses. If I recall an appetizer, a pasta, a fish, a beef, a poultry, a dessert, whatever, it comes to 7 courses. You order the entire dinner at once. Interspersed will be three bread courses, with different butters and breads. For each course, there will be a choice of three items on your menu, and you get to pick one. Sometimes there will be either an add on charge, such as adding caviar to something for an additional charge, or there will be an extra charge for one of the items. For example, on the fish course, they may have Dover Sole as an option - this is around $40 more, and will say so on the menu (but so worth it). There will always be an option that does not require an up-charge. You menu will be customized according to what you told the restaurant when you made the reservation. They may leave an ingredient out - if you are allergic to mushrooms for example, you spouses menu may have beef medallions with a mushroom sauce as an option on the beef course, and yours may have beef medallions with a port wine sauce. If there is a whole category that you do not eat, such as fish, then you will not have a fish course. Most likely they repeat one of the poultry options. one of the pasta options, and something else in place of the three fish choices.

Ask about anything you do not understand, do not be embarrassed. You are paying a good amount of money, and the staff is more than accommodating. If there is something you do not understand on the menu, ask about it. (the waiters are extremely attentive, all you need to do is look up and around the room and one will be at your side). My experience has been that the staff is very happy to talk about the food. Once I had a long conversation with the waiter about a dish (The above mentioned Dover Sole) I think he liked it just as much as I did.

Above all, have a good time. Don't be so worried that you are behaving wrong or anything like that. As long as you are not on your cell phone, belching, and throwing food across the table into your spouses mouth, you will be fine. Nobody is going to notice if you use the wrong fork, or done know what a duxelles is or even want to drink a coke with dinner instead of wine (I would not recommend doing so, though, its going to mask the taste of the food, but its your call, nobody will say boo)

-dave

 

[ABQ]

My GF and I sat in the Queen Victoria room, we were initially terrified at the experience. But the two servers working the room, as well as the Maitre d quickly made us very comfortable. Never mind once we realized the harpist in the main dining room was playing Ozzy Osborne and Bon Jovi. Sure, not many folks realized that, but one lovely lady at a nearby table did and before long, all 4 tables were unafraid to make quiet conversation between each other, especially near the 9th course (10 courses are served in the Queen Victoria room) If offered, take the Miyazaki beef option, like the Dover Sole, it's an upcharge, but so worth it. Also, get the coffee at the end of the meal, not an upcharge, but optional and very fun to watch it pour itself. V&A's is one of the few extravagant things I've ever splurged on that I've not had the tiniest bit of buyer's remorse over.

 

[danyoung56]

Wow - what a great comment! Seems like V&A's is used to making people feel more comfortable in a mega-formal setting.

 

[Phonedave]

My GF and I sat in the Queen Victoria room, we were initially terrified at the experience. But the two servers working the room, as well as the Maitre d quickly made us very comfortable. Never mind once we realized the harpist in the main dining room was playing Ozzy Osborne and Bon Jovi. Sure, not many folks realized that, but one lovely lady at a nearby table did and before long, all 4 tables were unafraid to make quiet conversation between each other, especially near the 9th course (10 courses are served in the Queen Victoria room) If offered, take the Miyazaki beef option, like the Dover Sole, it's an upcharge, but so worth it. Also, get the coffee at the end of the meal, not an upcharge, but optional and very fun to watch it pour itself. V&A's is one of the few extravagant things I've ever splurged on that I've not had the tiniest bit of buyer's remorse over.

I have never had the miyazaky / waygu beef at V&A, but my wife has, and she thought it is excellent.

I cant believe I forgot about the coffee. Yes, order the coffee.

The harpist easily flows between classical pieces and modern stuff. You really don't notice until she plays the "hook" of a popular song, and all of a sudden you go "wait, what is she playing?"

-dave