[Goofiest]

I want to do something really special for my DW's birthday, which we'll be celebrating in WDW this year. Okay just going to WDW is special, I know, but I really want to go overboard. I think she'll absolutely love V&A's. But I wouldn't feel right if we couldn't enjoy it as a family, which means whatever we do, my 4YO DD MUST be an integral part of the celebration.

She's a very well-behaved child, likes getting dolled up for special occasions, and is no stranger to fancy dining, having already been on two cruises, including one on Cunard. (Actually three if you count the one we went on while DW was pregnant.)

Anyway I've heard that dining at V&A's can be long and drawn out affair, consisting of 7-8 courses, and can take several hours. This can be an ordeal for even the most patient, well-behaved 4YO on the planet, and even if she behaves, she might not have a good time, which is not my intent at all. I'd hate to have to either leave early due to an antsy child, or even worse, leave my poor DW all alone in the restaurant while I remove DD to calm her down where she won't be disturbing other guests (yes she's well-behaved, but there are limits).

I'm open to any advice or criticism anyone has to offer. I know Disney is all about kids, but from what I've read in reviews and whatnot, taking one to V&A's might be pushing things a bit far. Am I right to be concerned or should I just relax and enjoy the magic? Or would we be better off going somewhere else instead, like maybe California Grill?

[lisalovesmickey]

This is a great place and I am sure your wife would love it. Now your 4yo DD...I am not so sure. You do have to allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for your meal.

When you call for your PS (407) WDW-DINE ask the person on the phone. She may recommend something else just as special but enjoyable for your little one. Something like Califiornia Grill at Contemp. Nice place and you can view the fireworks.

Lisa

PS Where in Chicago are you from?

[DisneyTeacher]

Only you know your child, however, I think a 2 1/2 to 3 hour meal would be pushing it for even the best behaved 4 year old. The meal is very slow and a young child is going to get bored at some point. I would hold off on V&A's until you are able to leave your DD with a sitter/kid's club or she is a little older.

We are thinking of going to V&A's next summer with another couple. We have kids ranging in age from 15 to 3 and plan to let the younger ones enjoy a few hours at a kid's club. My DS is always very good when we go out to eat but 3 hours would be too long for him and we wouldn't enjoy the meal as much if I was trying to keep hm happy.

[babets]

omg, I think I would get bored waiting for 2 1/2 to 3 hrs on a meal!

[Goofiest]

Thanks for the quick responses, folks. You pretty much backed up what I was already thinking. Just the fact I was concerned enough to post the question says something in itself. What's the point of spending that kind of money on a meal if I'm going to spend so much time worrying about it? That's not what vacations, especially Disney vacations, are supposed to be all about.

I think I'll be taking a pass on Vicky & Albert's this time around. There's still plenty of options to choose from that the whole family can enjoy, and it gives us a reason to keep coming back for more (not that those are in short supply or anything).

BTW Lisa I live in the Old Irving Park neighborhood in the NW side, just off the Kennedy.

[MerlinMatt]

My kids are *very* well behaved, but even at 8 and 12, I'm not sure that they would appreciate V&A's all that much.

I think that you should wait until you're down there with a bigger group where someone can take DD and you and DW could go to V&A's on your own.

In the meantime, here are some upscale options that you all could enjoy:
* California Grille at the Contemporary
* Fulton's Crab House at DTD
* Shula's at the Dolphin
* Flying Fish at the Boardwalk (quick note.. I've heard some comment that you really don't get what you pay for here, but the atmosphere is quite nice)
* Citricos at GF
* Palios at the Swan

Other options could also include:
* Portobello Yacht Club at DTD (my personal favorite)
* Narcoosee's at GF

If you go to Portobello, ask if Justin is on and try to get him to be your server. He's terrific.

[jen brown]

Why don't you do something fun for your DD during the day and then enjoy a peaceful evening at V&A's with your spouse alone.

Even though we felt guilty, we left our son with their in house babysitting service. We enjoyed our seven course meal with the a peace and quiet you don't find in many places at WDW and when we got back, our son was having the time of his life. That's all he could talk about the next day. It was totally worth it for the whole family.

[gcbdad]

I agree that even the most behaved child would have trouble sitting for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. If you really are set on V & A's the house babysitting option seems to be the best option.

[Goofiest]

I appreciate the sentiments, and ordinarily would have no problem with using the babysitting service, but in our family birthdays are special. If it was an anniversary, there'd be no hesitation. But since it's a birthday it's got to include the whole family, nobody gets left behind.

We could always do V&A on a different night, with just the two of us. That way DD doesn't get left out of her mom's birthday and doesn't have to sit through such a boring (to her) meal. It'll be just like having our cake and eating it, too!

[KarenWDWCP]

Hi Goofiest!

I have never been to V and A's but imagine it would be tough for a 4 year old. I would suggest (like some others have in the thread) dinner at California Grill with a PS so that you will be there during the fireworks. Everyone can still get dolled up for the special occassion and the food is definitely special and delicious, but there were a fair amount of kids there when I dined there with my friends last November. So no worrying about kid-friendliness. Plus, what 4year old wouldn't enjoy the view of Cinderella's Castle lit up at night from that great vantage point and the when they lower the lights and pipe in the Wishes soundtrack, it is truly magical! That is what I would do! Have a great time!

Karen

[lisalovesmickey]

"BTW Lisa I live in the Old Irving Park neighborhood in the NW side, just off the Kennedy."

You are the exact oppisite of me. I am on the far SW side right off the Dan Ryan. I acutally live in Merrionette Park but that is One block outside of the city limits.

Welcome to DC

Lisa

[MissDisney]

Hey Goofiest... I worked in Irving Park for about a billion years... I miss Portillo's!!!

And Lisa... If you decide to go to V&A's with your husband alone, I think I heard sometime ago that they have a chef's table, maybe in the kitchen, that is supposed to be a fun treat! Wow, that might have been a long time ago (or maybe it was last week... sorry, my mind is going now that it is the end of the school year!)

[EmpressJenny]

Narcoosee's at GF is nice, we liked it more than Citricos. Also, Alfredo di Roma's in Epcot Italy was nice too. We're probably going to make a PS there for our anniversary night dinner. It's nice to hear that your child is well-behaved. They seem to be few and far between at Disney!

[llama]

Originally Posted by EmpressJenny

Narcoosee's at GF is nice, we liked it more than Citricos. Also, Alfredo di Roma's in Epcot Italy was nice too. We're probably going to make a PS there for our anniversary night dinner. It's nice to hear that your child is well-behaved. They seem to be few and far between at Disney!

Just a wild guess - no children yet? I wouldn't take a child to V & A - it's not fair to them or the adults who have chosen it specifically because it is one of the few "adult" places at WDW. Asking even the best behaved child to sit still for a three hour dinner is an unreasonable expectation. As for "few and far between well-behaved children", I think that your perspective will change a bit after becoming a parent. I always insisted on nice manners and respectful behaviour, and I honestly have to say that most of the children I see at WDW are behaving simply as children - and observing the wonders of Disney through their eyes a wonderful treat. Unfortunately, I think I've seen more bad behaviour on the part of adults in the parks, than I have children - and that probably accounts for the bad behaviour in them.

[Amneris]

Llama - I agree and disagree! :) I think there ARE a lot kids who don't know how to behave at Disney. Although I also agree that I notice far MORE adults misbehaving to children than children misbehaving on their own. While at a place that's supposed to be largely for children, they seem to miss the whole concept of that they have a child -- dragging them out in the hot sun all day without naps, forcing them to go on rides that they really do not want to go on, etc etc.

As for V&A, I think I probably would have been quite happy there at four, especailly if I had a coloring book along, and loved the food. I'm a freak. :) But I don't personally know any children that would not wind up quite unhappy after all the time. Sounds like the birthday dinner someplace less time consuming and then a special parent's night out at V&A would be the way to go.