Victoria & Albert’s: Guide for Guests with Special Dietary Needs

The Michelin Guide was recently updated for 2023, and two Walt Disney World restaurants were added to the prestigious list. The first is Toledo, a restaurant focused on Spanish cuisine, located at the top of Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort with view of the fireworks over in EPCOT. The other is Victoria & Albert’s, arguably the most exclusive dining experience on Disney property, located within Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. They join two other restaurants that were previously included in the Michelin Guide,: California Grill (which just released an updated menu last week) and Citrico’s (on the list for a post later this week).

Normally on these posts, I share a list of allergy-friendly options broken down by allergens on the Top 8 (or 9, as more Disney restaurants are working to add sesame to their allergy menus) list, and an allergen matrix with information assembled from those menus to make it easier for guests with multiple allergies to do a quick scan for things they are able to eat and what they need to avoid. Today we’re going to do things a little differently.

Disney considers Victoria & Albert’s to be the “culinary crown jewel of Walt Disney World Resort.” It is a AAA Five Diamond Award-winning restaurant for over twenty years. Prices per guest are higher than the nightly rate at some of the hotel rooms on property and children under ten years old are not allowed in the restaurant. There is an enforced dress code, only one seating each night, and no published menu.

So, instead of my usual look at the menu and its allergen info, I’m sharing a little more of what to expect if you’re considering dining at this exclusive restaurant on your next trip.

Three Experiences

There are three different experiences you can choose to book when seeking a reservation at Victoria & Albert’s: The Dining Room, Queen Victoria’s Room, and the Chef’s Table. All experiences include a prix-fixe menu of several courses, with optional wine or zero-proof beverage pairings for an additional cost. Valet parking at the Grand Floridian is included in the cost of the meal, and the semi-formal/formal dress code is strictly enforced.

The Dining Room is best for people looking for a lower price point (but be warned, this experience still starts at nearly $300 per guest.) There are twelve tables here, which fill up quickly. (Booking starts at 60 days out, but are typically filled the same day they are released.) A live harpist plays in this room each night, and guests can choose from two menu options.

The Queen Victoria Room is a much more private and intimate experience. There are four tables in this smaller space, and each table only seats two, for a total of eight guests in the room overall. If you’re looking for a quieter table for two, perhaps for a proposal or anniversary dinner, this is your spot. The menu is automatically the upgraded version available for an upcharge in the dining room.

And, finally, the most expensive and perhaps most interesting of ways to experience Victoria and Albert’s – the Chef’s Table. This table is tucked away in the kitchen, so guests can have a front row seat to the action. The Chef’s Table only seats one party each night (beginning at 5:30 pm), with a minimum of four to a maximum of six guests. This experience is best for “foodie” guests who are interested in watching how the foods are prepared and interacting with the chefs and culinary team. It’s a louder experience, because you’re seated in a working kitchen, so if quiet is what you’re looking for, consider the Queen Victoria room (and if you want live music, maybe choose the dining room for proximity to the harpist), but if you really want to be in the action and see how they run this Five-Diamond award winning kitchen, this is the experience for you.

Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions

On the Disney World website, there’s a statement that reads: “This location can accommodate most special dietary needs. Advance notice may be required and cancellation fees may apply. Please indicate any special dietary needs at the time of your reservation booking.”

The regular menu does have most, if not all, of the top allergens included, so if you have a history of severe or anaphylactic reactions from airborne exposure to your allergens, you may want to avoid Victoria & Albert’s.

However, if airborne exposure is not a concern for you, the culinary team here is known to go all-out to modify the menu for the dietary needs of their guests. Be sure to note any allergies on your reservation, and expect that you may be contacted in advance of your reservation to confirm your needs and discuss options. You may be served a fully-customized meal that is different from the other members of your party, or you may just have one or two items substituted depending on the number and types of allergies you have.

Seating

The seats in this restaurant have arms, and they may not be super comfortable for larger guests. I’m sure there are likely other options available on request, at this price point, they should be able to accommodate seating requests. Guests using wheelchairs may remain in their chairs.

Price Points

In the Dining Room, the prix-fixe menu begins at $295.00 per guest, with enhancement options available. Wine pairings begin at $150.00 per guest, and zero-proof pairings start at $110.00 per guest.

In Queen Victoria’s Room, the prix-fixe menu begins at $375.00 per guest. Wine pairings begin at $200.00 per guest, and zero-proof pairings start at $110.00 per guest.

At the Chef’s Table, the prix-fixe menu begins at $425.00 per guest. Wine pairings begin at $200.00 per guest, and zero-proof pairings start at $110.00 per guest.

Important Things to Note

• The Victoria & Albert’s experience is designed to last 3-4+ hours, and guests are encouraged to stay, take their time, and relax. Don’t plan on going back to the parks after eating here, plan for dinner and then back to your hotel.
• Guests must be at least 10 years old to dine at Victoria & Albert’s, but many guests on the younger side of the age restriction could struggle with the variety of foods and how long the meal lasts. Use your judgement here: do you think your middle and high schoolers are going to be happy with a multi-hour dining experience like this? How adventurous are their palettes?
• There are two standard options for meals, one with meat and one option without meat or seafood. There are also upgrade options, and the menu can be customized for preferences and dietary restrictions.
• Remember to pack a semi-formal or formal outfit for this meal.
• Unlike most table-service restaurants on property, Victoria & Albert’s requires cancellations to be made at least five days in advance of your reservation to avoid a fee. Within five days, cancellations incur a fee of $100.00-per-person, and no-shows or cancellations within 24 hours are charged the full price of the meal. To cancel, guests should call 407-939-3862 or email WDW.Victoria.and.Alberts@disney.com.

To Book Victoria & Albert’s

Guests wishing to book a table in the dining room or in Queen Victoria’s Room may use the Disney World website or app. Guests wishing to book the Chef’s Table must make reservations over the phone at 407-939-3862.

My Thoughts

Victoria & Albert’s is on my wife and I’s bucket list for an adults-only trip. It’s likely going to be a one-and-done event, due to the price point, so we’re considering doing this for a milestone anniversary. We’re definitely “foodies” and this would be an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience for us.