REVIEW: We Ate at Disney World’s Most Expensive Hotel Restaurant

Unique and magical dining experiences in Disney World are abundant. Table service restaurants within the parks and hotels boast luxurious meals, accompanied by price points that reflect their sophistication. However, without a doubt, the pinnacle of elegance and refinement in all of Disney World is Victoria & Albert’s Restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

This establishment stands out as the epitome of extravagance, offering an unparalleled level of sophistication and culinary excellence that sets it apart as the finest dining destination in the entire Disney World resort.

Victoria & Albert’s offers three distinct dining experiences, each contributing to the restaurant’s reputation for excellence. They include The Dining Room, The Queen’s Room, and the most exclusive of all, the Chef’s Table. Navigating through these options requires thoughtful consideration and reservation strategy to ensure a coveted spot at the Chef’s Table, elevating the dining experience to an unparalleled level of exclusivity and culinary indulgence. So, come with me to experience one of the most unique dining experiences at Disney World, the Victoria & Albert’s Chef’s Table!

Preparation

Just like every magical detail in a Disney World adventure, nabbing that exclusive spot at the Chef’s Table in Victoria & Albert’s calls for some serious planning! It’s a unique experience that comes with its own set of quirks. Victoria & Albert’s only opens its doors five days a week, from Tuesday to Saturday, and they’ve got two dinner services – one at 5:30 pm and another at 8:05 pm. To up the ante, there’s a limited number of tables available, so it’s all about getting those plans in motion early to score your spot!

The Chef’s Table at Victoria & Albert’s is a highly sought-after dining experience, accommodating up to 8 guests for an approximately 3-hour culinary journey. This exclusive encounter involves a multi-course meal, but what sets it apart is that guests are seated at the heart of the restaurant, providing a captivating view into the kitchen and direct interaction with the chefs. Priced at $425 per person, the experience offers optional wine pairings starting at $210 per guest, and zero-proof pairings beginning at $145 per guest.

Because the Chef’s Table experience is so limited, it is one of the most difficult reservations to acquire. To secure a reservation, it is recommended to initiate the booking process as soon as the 60-day reservation window opens for your trip. Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel provides an advantage, allowing you to take advantage of the extended reservation booking window and enhancing your chances of securing this dining opportunity.

While some tables are available for online booking, the Chef’s Table must be reserved over the phone by calling (407) 939-3682. Once the reservation is confirmed, guests receive an email approximately a week before the scheduled date, prompting them to specify any dietary requirements and highlight celebratory occasions.

The email serves as a comprehensive reminder, covering essential details such as the dress code, cancellation policy, and the option for complimentary valet parking. Disney emphasizes that Victoria & Albert’s is an “exquisite and intimate upscale dining experience,” requiring guests to adhere to a semi-formal/formal attire that aligns with the restaurant’s elegant and opulent aesthetic. Additionally, guests should be aware of the age requirement, as all diners must be 10 years old or above.

While the restaurant is equipped to accommodate various special dietary requirements, advance notice is essential to ensure the preparation of a customized menu that caters to individual preferences and restrictions. Guests are encouraged to convey their specific dietary needs to the restaurant team when making the reservation. This communication enhances the overall experience, demonstrating the restaurant’s commitment to accommodating guests’ needs and ensuring a memorable and enjoyable meal for everyone.

Background

Victoria & Albert’s, situated in the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World, stands as a distinguished AAA 5-Diamond award-winning restaurant, and just became the first theme park restaurant to ever earn a Michelin Star. Renowned for its exceptional fine-dining experience, the restaurant features a unique menu showcasing contemporary American cuisine. Its accolades include being named the #2 restaurant in the United States by TripAdvisor in 2017.

Undoubtedly, Victoria & Albert’s holds the prestigious title of the finest restaurant at Walt Disney World. It also claims the top spot as the most expensive dining option, surpassing all others considerably.

Victoria & Albert’s is led by a highly skilled culinary team. Israel Pérez has dedicated over two decades to the restaurant and serves as the maître d’hôtel. He holds a first-level certificate with the Master Court of Sommeliers, showcasing his expertise in the art of wine and service. In the kitchen, the team includes Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers and Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer, who have curated a talented and innovative culinary ensemble.

Atmosphere

Upon our arrival for the dining extravaganza, Maître d’hôtel Israel Perez took us on an incredible journey through the kitchen. His personal touch included announcing our presence to the kitchen staff, instantly setting a cozy and inviting tone. As we strolled toward our table, a fascinating spectacle unfolded before us -– the chefs and cooks in full swing, meticulously crafting courses not only for the Chef’s Table but for the entire restaurant. The unique perk? Throughout the meal, we had the chance to interact with the culinary team, throwing questions their way and delighting in their narrations of ongoing tasks. It felt like we were part of an engaging behind-the-scenes episode of a Food Network show, turning our dining experience into a truly immersive and memorable affair.

So, here’s the scoop when you’re at the Chef’s Table – it’s right smack in the middle of all the kitchen action! For safety reasons (yours and the kitchen crew’s), the deal is you hang out in the designated Chef’s Table section during your whole dining extravaganza. Now, if you need to step away for a quick break –- whether it’s a bathroom run or something else -– no worries! Just give a shout to the serving staff, and they’ll have your back. They’ll guide you through the kitchen maze, and when you’re ready to roll back, they’ll make sure you’re smoothly escorted right back to your table. It’s all about keeping things safe without missing a beat in that awesome dining experience!

On our visit, Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers had a clash in his schedule and couldn’t make it. Chef Miguel Santeliz swooped in and kicked off our night with a cool toast, setting the mood just right. While the kitchen was in full swing, Chef Miguel, flanked by our tag team of servers, James and Craig, took a second to give us the lowdown on all things Victoria & Albert’s. They spilled the beans on the kitchen setup, broke down the roles of the crew, and threw in some juicy details about the menu. It was like getting an exclusive backstage pass, adding an extra sprinkle of magic to our dining adventure. Cheers to that!

Food & Drinks

Victoria & Albert’s menu is presented in an envelope, inviting you to unravel its secrets and embark on a culinary journey. It’s important to note that the menu is subject to change based on seasonal ingredients and other considerations, ensuring a fresh and dynamic dining experience. What you are served during your visit may differ from what appears on the menu, as adjustments are made one course at a time, allowing each chef and cook the opportunity to master their creations.

Each course, though consisting of just a few bites, is a carefully curated masterpiece. Every ingredient is selected with purpose and intricately woven together, creating an artful presentation that delights both the palate and the eyes. The attention to detail is such that the menu is rarely completely overhauled; instead, it evolves gradually, ensuring that each dish receives the meticulous attention it deserves.

On our visit, my hubby and I got the VIP treatment with personalized experiences that matched our preferences to a T. Now, here’s the kicker -– I’ve got a thing with shellfish, but no worries! They tweaked my menu to skip the sea critters, while my hubby got to dive into some top-notch shellfish delights. To up the ante, I went for the wine pairing option for a little extra moolah. Now, I won’t bore you with all the fancy wine talk, but trust me, every sip was a winner. Israel Pérez handpicked the selections, and they were spot-on. If you’re a wine aficionado, take my advice and go for the pairing -– it’s the cherry on top of an already awesome dining experience!

This meal consisted of more than eight courses! Additionally, there were also several bread services, an amuse bouche, a cheese plate, dessert, and a special birthday celebration treat. Each course was artistically crafted and thoughtfully woven, so they each built on each other.

The meal crescendoed into the headliner of the experience, the Wagyu A-5 Miyazaki that melted in your mouth. This Wagyu was paired with a Niigata Koshiibuki Rice. This buttery, complex rice actually held its own against the richness of the Wagyu to the point that I honestly want to see if I can replicate it at home!

Each chef visited our table to introduce every course, explaining the inspiration and detailed creation of the dishes presented, and Israel Perez also accompanied the chefs to provide a detailed explanation of the wine pairing.

Though the entire meal was an experience unlike any other, and each dish and ingredient was prepared to shine, there were a few items that I still think about to this day, and surprisingly, no — one of them is not the Wagyu!

Many of the dishes I experienced at the Chef’s Table were so extraordinary that they became cherished and savored memories. However, certain dishes are timeless and exquisite, making them a delight to indulge in repeatedly. The Gingerbread Madeleine, Venison Carpaccio, Nigata Koshiibuki Rice, and Apple Cider, from my account, fall into this category — each item is a culinary masterpiece that could be enjoyed daily without ever losing its allure. It’s a testament to the skill and creativity of the chefs at Victoria & Albert’s that they have crafted dishes capable of leaving a lasting and delightful impression, transcending the boundaries of a one-time experience.

Should You Go?

There are a lot of things to consider before you decide to reserve this experience. First, it’s expensive. Like capital-E expensive. Second, this isn’t just “a meal” at Disney World; it’s truly an adventure, an up to four-hour-long adventure! And finally, it’s fancy. Super duper, pinkies-up, your-purse-has-its-own-stool kinda fancy.

If you’re on a budget, if this is your “I only visit Disney World once every ten years” kinda vacation, if you’re more into the thrills of a roller coaster than the nuances of wine, or if you feel uncomfortable in a tie or a cocktail dress, then V&A’s may not high on your priority list. Certainly, the dining experience at Victoria & Albert’s, with its upscale and sophisticated ambiance, may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

While the food remains a central highlight, the presentation, ambiance, and immersive atmosphere elevate the meal into a performance of culinary artistry. The meticulous attention to detail, the personalized interactions with the chefs, and the carefully curated menu all contribute to the creation of an unforgettable and theatrical dining experience that goes beyond the traditional notion of a meal. It becomes a captivating and multi-sensory journey, where each course unfolds like a scene in a culinary play, leaving a lasting impression on the guests.

So, if the idea of spending the evening at a culinary theater, dressed to the nines, thrills and excites you, then start planning and saving for Chef’s Table at Victoria and Albert’s because you won’t be disappointed!

We’ll keep you in the loop with any more new restaurants and dining reviews in Disney World, so stay tuned to AllEars!

Is the Chef’s Table at Victoria & Albert’s on your Disney bucket list? Tell us in the comments!

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