Victoria & Albert's-worth it?
 

My 13-year-old DS is dying to eat there. I'm sure he'll eat the food, and while it is an adults-only restaurant, apparently Disney counts him as an adult for this purpose, since he's over ten. The cost is giving me more than a little pause, and I'm trying to figure if we would enjoy it that much more than one of Disney's other fine dining restaurants (Citrico's, California Grill, Bistro De Paris, all of which might be in the running instead). I'm also assuming that it's not a completely insane act to bring a well-behaved, suit and tie clad thirteen-year-old into these hallowed precincts. It would most likely be just him and me, as the other members of the party have no interest in putting on ties and/or pantyhose on vacation just so they can eat dinner. And all of this is assuming I could get a reservation, which may be an impossibility.

friends just came back, and said it was a great meal. they paid the price (wore the jackets, etc...) and were happy to, once. it is an experience, indulge your ds, and enjoy the once you go.

You can get a reservation but I do believe V&A has an age limit. Also, be aware that there are many upcharges on the menu so don't think you are getting out of there for the minimum they tell you it will cost.

V&A is very good, although a bit overpriced. You are paying for the experience. Your DS will likely be the only non-adult in the restaurant and you may get a few dirty looks from other diners (I'd ignore that :)). In this economy and with WDW expected visitor numbers down for the first part of 2009, you can probably get a reservation unless you are trying to go Valentine's Day or some other holiday.

I personally prefer California Grill because of the view and the menu. There's a website that has menus for all of the WDW restaurants. I can't think of it, but you should be able to find it pretty easily.

If you go to V&A, give us an update.

Actually, the California Grill might be a better choice!

When you make your reservation at California Grill, try to time it so you arrive about 30-45 minutes before the scheduled nightly fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom. Then when you arrive at the restaurant, "ask" for a window seat and be willing to wait a little while until one opens up. It is a fantastic view to have while you are eating your dinner. Your DS will think so too.

One special word of advice: Make your reservations NOW, if you think you might want to do this. It is a very popular restaurant.

There is an age limit, but he's old enough by several years. He is also starting to look more like a teenager than a child, but I don't know if that would cut down on the dirty look factor! He would like California Grill, too, and I'm still a little undecided. Unfortunately, I cannot afford to take him to all the Disney restaurants of his imagining!

We ate at VA several years ago and it was great. While our daughter wasn't with us then, she has been to many very nice restaurants. Many times she is the only non-adult there. Sounds like your son is much like our daughter and I am sure he would thoroughly enjoy it. Let him look over these comments and let him decide which place he wants to eat at. You really can't go wrong with them. I just remember VA being a very nice experience and the food was very good. It seems they even had menus with our names on them. I believe they offered a sorbet to cleanse the palate between courses. Just things like that and outstanding service.

I've been to both and the California Grill is the best bet even for a mature 13 year old. I would suggest the chef's area where you can sit and watch meals being prepard. V&A is great, but as cost vs. experiances go, the California Grill wins.

You can read lots of reviews on AllEarsNet.com. It has everything you could want to know about WDW.

If your son is a well behaved young man that appreciates good food then go for it. Have him check the menus/reviews at:

http://allears.net/menu/menu_va.htm

I myself would not mind at all seeing a young person appreciate a fine dining experience.

It's funny, because in some ways he's not very mature, but he has a very sophisticated palate and is more than capable of behaving himself in a fine-dining restaurant. As long as he's being fed he'll also cheerfully sit for the length of time it takes to consume a tasting menu. We've looked at both menus and it ALL looks good to him. He has a certain appetite for elegance and getting dressed up too.

I'm still thinking about it, but I am leaning a little towards the idea that California Grill would indulge his taste for inventive cuisine, and tea at the Grand Floridian could indulge his taste for "fancy" (massive hit last time, even though he did notice that he was the only male non-adult in the room). The advantages of that are that we might get some of the other members of the party to go with us, and I could probably pay for both and STILL not be up to the total of V&A's.