Episode 898 - Victoria And Albert's

Authored by: WDWFigment on Monday, July 04 2011 @ 08:42 AM CDT

Here are some photos & commentary from our visit: http://www.disneytouristblog.com/feat...ng-review/

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Authored by: tikikrissy on Tuesday, July 05 2011 @ 02:03 AM CDT

Don't forget- they have jackets there you can borrow! We went at the last minute on our honeymoon, and they gave my husband a blue jacket to wear. Other touches the people on the show left out- beautiful keepsake menus with your name on it, little cake or treat to take home and roses for the ladies. Our server made the experience! She was so nice and knowledgable. They make you feel very special. The wine pairing makes the meal as well.

I really hope you guys go soon!! I was excited when I saw the title of the show, and disappointed that you didn't actually go.

It's not snooty or stuffy at all! It's elegant and delicious. Skip a few meals somewhere and and just do it! You will not regret it! You really cannot explain why it's so wonderful. Yes, the food, but it's the service, atmosphere and the magical Disney touches.

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Authored by: captscarlet on Tuesday, July 05 2011 @ 04:27 AM CDT

This episode probably should have come before the last one, as it may have helped answer one of the questions in Rob's show...

Anyways, V&A is almost a must-do for us - for a short trip it might not be worth giving up an entire evening of park time. Packing clothes just for 1 meal can be a drag, but it's the only onsite place that's close to the real world in price/value. (Henry, maybe check out Gary Danko in SF)

Other thoughts/tips:
- not a huge fan of the Victorian get-up they make all the servers wear - it looks a bit hokey
- did you guys mention the harpist in the main dining room?
- pace yourself and go easy on the bread/butter (3 different sets) even if it's black truffle brioche with black truffle butter (evil goodness)
- leave slack in the next day's plans for food coma recovery
- they've got the best cheese course onsite
- maybe a question for Lori: while most of the F&W Signature dinners are in the $200 range, the V&A usually costs around $500 - is it worth it?

An idea for Reunion: you guys, and by that I mean Len, should buy out the Queen Victoria room for a live show...

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Authored by: aurora3000 on Tuesday, July 05 2011 @ 12:51 PM CDT

My husband and I were fortunate enough to receive the last serving of foie gras at V&A's in 2008. We were told that it was discontinued due to political reasons.

We have dined at both the Chef's table and the main dining room and have found this experience to be well worth the price. However, you should remember is that this is an Experience. If you are accustomed to a quick meal, you should be aware that the meal will take a few hours. The Chef's table takes one seating because it is around a 4-hour experience.

My husband and I are looking forward to dining at V&A's in September in Queen Victoria's room. We would appreciate any feedback from listeners who have dined in this new room!

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Authored by: FigmentRules on Tuesday, July 05 2011 @ 03:21 PM CDT

We hadn't tried V&A until this January when we experienced the Chef's Table with friends. It immediately became our favorite WDW restaurant. The only down-side is transporting dressy clothes, shoes and accessories for the event. We actually don't mind dressing up, but we do mind having to check a bag just because hubbie's wingtips require an extra suitcase! I'm thinking maybe we need a second Owner's Locker for dress-up togs. ;-)

Lori, thank you for specifically mentioning the Todd English signature dining event at Food and Wine. I was saddened to hear that a dish left the kitchen over-salted. I had been holding back on making F&W vacation plans so that we could fit in that exact event. This brought to mind one important thing to remember about the Signature Events. You're being fed en masse. That means you don't have an individually prepared plate, and that individually prepared plate is a huge part of fine dining.

So, thank you, Lori, Tom, Henry, Mike, and Matt! I can now go ahead and book my November trip. I do hope there's a studio available at BLT! That will make the wine pairing at V&A that much more fun!

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Authored by: minniemouse on Tuesday, July 05 2011 @ 03:48 PM CDT

Thanks... now I want to try and jam this in during our 10th anniversary trip next month. Hard to rationalize it though since we will be on the Dream for 5 nights and then only have 5 nights at WDW..and our 10yo and 5yo will be w/ us!

Maybe I'll file it away for a future trip when the kids are a bit older and we have some more time!

(But part of me still wants to do it ALL NOW!!)

Christine

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