Walt Disney World

Lesson 5: Romance at WDW

Romantic Dining

There are several fine dining experiences available at Walt Disney World, but several are exceptionally romantic. (Call 407-WDW-DINE to make reservations.)

For pure atmosphere, Victoria and Albert’s tops them all, winning awards for romantic dining year after year. Located in the Grand Floridian, it boasts Royal Doulton china, Italian Sambonet silver, and Schott-Zweisel (from Germany) crystal. A harpist plays in the background as a Victorian-attired host and hostess attend to your table’s every need – including fine wines chosen by the restaurant’s sommelier.

(Photo used by permission of WWW.THEMEPARKS.COM)

The seating at Victoria and Albert’s is extremely intimate, with only 20 tables available. Jackets are required for gentlemen, and pants ensembles or dresses are requested for the ladies. The restaurant features a six-course meal that can also be served with the paired wines.

The entire V&A dining experience will take you approximately two and a half hours and there are two seating windows available. The early seating runs 5:45-6:30, and the late seating runs 9:00-9:45. (This may vary.) Pricing is fixed at $85 per person, or $120 with wine. You may make reservations up to 120 days in advance.

To enhance even this top-of-the-line dining event, you may want to schedule the Chef’s Table (reservations required at least 6 months in advance). This experience offers an insider’s look at how the creations offered at Victoria and Albert’s are put together. You will sit at a table actually inside the kitchen (well, off to one side) and observe the chef and crew at work. This extravaganza lasts for four hours and offers selections only available to the Chef’s Table and tailored to your tastes. Pricing is $115 per person, or $160 with wine.

Another option at the Grand Floridian is a romantic gourmet meal on the beach. This is setup at a table overlooking the Seven Seas Lagoon, and you may just catch the Electric Water Pageant as it goes by (nightly at approximately 9:15). Pricing and availability vary, so please call for more information and reservations.

(Photo used by permission of Steve Burns at www.startedbyamouse.com)

If V&A’s seems to be just a little bit “too” for your relaxing vacation, consider the California Grill at the top of the Contemporary resort. The menu here changes weekly, depending on what foods are in season, but beef, chicken, and fish courses are always available. Pricing for entrees runs $20-80. This is also a great place for vegetarians, but please mention this when making reservations. Wines are also available (by the glass or bottle).

If you time your meal, you may view the Magic Kingdom fireworks while dining. The music that accompanies the fireworks is piped in during the spectacle and the lights are dimmed, so you don’t miss a thing. You can even go outside to the observation deck for a better look.