What to I expect at WDW? I expect to be cheated out of my money. Honestly, that is what I expect, and it happens every time, and I keep comming back.
Let's take V&A out of the discussion - it is a not a "normal" WDW restaruant.
None of the restaruants, even the good signature ones, are that great. They are good to very good, but not great. Both the DDP and the sheer volume of covers they do require a mass production type menu. They work well within the confines of their business model, but they have limitations they have to work within.Normally, I would say that is fine, but the prices that they charge are not in line with the food they serve. Many of them could survive in this area (Metro NYC suburbs) with the food they serve, but not at the prices they charge.
I used to really enjoy dining at WDW, but around 2004 or 5 I would say, it started to go downhill, especially as far as value (food & experience compared to the money you pay). I ate at a local hole in the wall sushi place last night. Sure, they did not have plush carpet and mahogany tables, but the place was clean and neat, the service was great, and the plating and food would stand up to, or surpass any WDW restaruant. The meal that cost us $50 there would have been at least $80 at WDW, and that is if I could even get toro at WDW.
-dave