Walt Disney World dining runs the gamut from budget priced food carts to heavily themed table service experiences. It is hard to find a bad meal at Disney, and I encourage everyone to experiment with a wide range of dining options. If you are looking for something extra-special, though, Walt Disney World offers a handful of premium dining choices that are incredibly expensive but worth every penny. Here are 3 of my favorites. Please note that prices are accurate as of June 2015, but are subject to change.
1. Victoria and Albert’s Chefs Table
One of only a handful of restaurants in Florida to receive the prestigious Five Diamond rating from AAA, Victoria and Albert’s is truly in a class of its own among Walt Disney World restaurant options. To earn the Five Diamond award, a restaurant must deliver a world-class experience in every way, from food choices and preparation to a maître d’ who leads an impeccable service staff. Located inside the Grand Floridian, this highly upscale eatery hits all the right notes with a seamless blend of Victorian elegance and cutting-edge modern cuisine.
At a fixed price of $135 per person, or $210 with wine pairings, the seven-course prix fixe dinner in the main dining room is definitely a worthwhile splurge. Yet Victoria and Albert’s offers an even more exclusive experience for those who want the very best.
At $250 per person, or $355 with wine pairings, the Chefs Table is not for the faint of heart (or budget). Yet the opportunity to feel like a pampered A-lister is nearly indescribable. You will enjoy 12 to 14 courses over a span of approximately 4 hours at your private table inside the kitchen. You have the opportunity to watch the chefs at work, ask all the questions you can imagine, and spend the evening surrounded by people who will attend to your every need. The chef visits the table frequently to describe upcoming dishes and gather feedback on courses you have already consumed. Of course, allergies and food preferences are catered to without question.
Children aged 10 and above are welcome at Victoria and Albert’s, including the Chefs Table, and, while they are welcome to enjoy the exotic creations, they can also order anything they want for which the kitchen has ingredients. Up to 10 people in a single party can dine at the Chefs Table, making this an excellent choice for small groups to celebrate something truly special.
2. California Grill
Located on the 15th floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort, the California Grill provides unparalleled views of the Magic Kingdom. As you might expect, the décor is thoroughly modern with bright colors and a stainless steel open kitchen façade. The menu focuses on fresh ingredients that cater to a wide variety of tastes. Sushi, bison, and lamb are just a few of the options. Entrée prices average between $35 and $50, while appetizers and desserts are in the $13 to $20 range. The kids’ menu features more child-friendly seasoning blends, but the chicken, beef, and pasta dishes are not dumbed down, as is too often the case with children’s menus. Kids’ entrees average between $14 and $18.
While the food is definitely worth the money on its own, it is the spectacular view of Wishes that has made the restaurant famous. There is not a bad seat in the house, although window tables are highly coveted. At the appropriate time, the lights are dimmed and the music piped in, creating a magical moment that is tough to beat.
If you are unable to score a table during Wishes, don’t fret. Those dining before or after the show need only visit the 2nd floor check in desk for an invitation to enjoy the show from either the restaurant’s lounge or its private observation deck, both located just outside the restaurant on the 15th floor.
3. My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party
If you have a little princess celebrating something special, My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party could be a dream come true. The party is designed for girls ages 3 to 9, and adults must be accompanied by a child in this age range. The price for one adult and one child is $333.64 including tax and gratuity. Additional children pay $234.98 each, while adults may join for an additional $98.66 per person. Girls are encouraged to dress as their favorite princesses.
The experience begins with the announcement of each girl individually, who is then presented with an Aurora tiara. She and her party are then seated, with great pains taken to ensure that every girl, regardless of height, has an excellent view of the center of the room. At her seat, an elegantly crafted 18-inch My Disney Girl Aurora doll (hers to keep!) is waiting. Pink tea cups are also set at each girl’s place (adults get white cups), along with a place card naming the girl as princess of a particular flower. A live pianist plays as everyone gets settled.
The rest of the experience is a carefully choreographed blend of entertainment, gift presentations, food, and beverages. Princesses receive apple juice in their tea cups, while adults drink hot tea. The presented foods are also different, with adults receiving more sophisticated fare. Everyone receives the same excellent cake at the end, though!
The experience is fairly fast paced, and kids who are slow eaters might not have time to finish their food. Combined with the excitement, which can prevent hunger, don’t be surprised if your child’s plate goes back mostly full. Just remember that you are not paying for the food so much as for the entertainment, personalization, and gifts. The full gift list includes the doll, the tiara, a princess bracelet, a necklace, and a fresh rose. Boys are not forgotten, as they each receive a sword, a shield, and a Duffy bear.
Of course, these are not the only pricey yet worth it experiences at Walt Disney World. From dining with an Imagineer to a Hollywood-inspired spread at the Brown Derby, exciting experiences can be found at every turn. What are your favorites? What are you hoping to try on your next trip? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
