NEWS: Disney Announces Re-Opening Date for Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

Among the line up of fantastic signature dining options at Walt Disney World, there is one notable option that has been missing since Walt Disney World closed temporarily in March of 2020, Victoria & Alberts. Award winning Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian finally has an re-opening date.

Here are the details from Disney Cast Member Nicole Cantore:

Few establishments allow you to indulge in the luxurious cuisine quite like Victoria & Albert’s. I’m thrilled to share this fine dining restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is preparing for its momentous return on July 28, with reservations available starting June 20.

Victoria & Albert’s, a recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award since 2000 and Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award since 2018, is known for its unmatched dining experience with exquisite dishes made with ingredients from across the globe. This restaurant is the only one in Florida to hold the honor of having both the AAA Five Diamond and the Forbes Travel Guide Five Star awards and joins only 26 others in the nation with this same unique distinction.

The time has come to experience its timeless elegance and modern twist on American cuisine. Not only will its flavors be enhanced, but the space will be too. The newly reimagined dining room brings guests into a Victorian-styled setting with murals and wall coverings that showcase a timeless elegance and subtle inspirations of a whimsical garden. For a more intimate evening, the private Queen Victoria’s Room or the coveted Chef’s Table with a front-row seat to the culinary masterminds at work may be the option for you. The world-class wine collection found within its wine cellar, with over 500 selections, perfectly pairs with your dishes by the sommeliers on staff. If you’re interested in zero-proof cocktails, there are delicious beverage pairing options for you as well.

Upon reopening, you’ll savor your way through the Chef’s Tasting Menu. Each dish balances elegant ingredients with unique flavors. With the ever-evolving menu at Victoria & Albert’s, guests will be able to indulge in dishes such as Colorado Lamb with pickled blueberry and violet mustard and line-caught turbot with fennel fondue, and Pernod beurre blanc. Those who enjoy the finest of beef can experience the Wagyu A-5 Miyazaki with sauce romesco and potato rösti. Chocolate lovers will revel in the Spectrum of Chocolate, an ombré featuring specialty sourced chocolates with accents of buttermilk, Grand Marnier, and vanilla.

These dishes are masterfully created by the talented culinary team led by Victoria & Albert’s Chef de Cuisine Matthew Sowers. He has been working at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts since 2006, with over 15 years of culinary experience at Victoria & Albert’s, in addition to curating menus for Remy on the Disney Dream and Fantasy. With more than 30 years of experience, Pastry Chef Kristine Farmer was part of the opening team at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and currently leads the pastry team of the resort, including its three signature restaurants, Disney’s Fairytale Weddings, and even the production of the gingerbread house.

Leading the talented chefs is Executive Chef Kevin Chong, who oversees all culinary operations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It is no small feat, but this chef and his team uphold the reputation that has long been established for these delicious eateries. Of course, we can’t talk about Victoria and Albert’s without mentioning the legacy of Culinary Director, Chef Scott Hunnel. The James Beard award nominee provides direction and mentorship to chefs across multiple resorts, including the team at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Sommelier Israel Perez serves as the maître d’hotel where he and his award-winning team pay special attention to every detail of the dining experience. For over 20 years, he has created memorable experiences for guests at various signature restaurants across the Walt Disney World Resort.

A reminder about Victoria & Albert’s dress code – be sure to dress to impress, as this is an exquisite and intimate dining experience and the culinary crown jewel of the Walt Disney World Resort. Guests are expected to dress accordingly for this upscale location with semi-formal to formal attire that respects the restaurant’s elegant and opulent aesthetic.

The reopening of this fine dining staple comes as part of the multi-year transformation of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, honoring its rich history at Walt Disney World Resort while enhancing its iconic Victorian charm and elegance. This grand transformation began with the addition of Enchanted Rose lounge and the reimagining of Cítricos – which features sophisticated, subtle nods to beloved Disney films – and continued with the reopening of The Grand Floridian Spa. Victoria & Albert’s and the newly enhanced and expanded accommodations at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will open this summer. The transformation will continue with updated offerings across the resort over the coming years.

(Note: All offerings are subject to change.) 

RELATED ARTICLE: 7 Reasons to Stay at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort

by Kristin

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort is the most spectacular and luxurious resort on property.  Everything about it is a picture of perfection and designed to give you one of the best resort experiences you could ever have.  We love everything about this resort and look forward to staying here anytime we can, especially in the Club Level.  Here are seven reasons why you should definitely consider a stay at the Grand Floridian:

7 – Prepare to be amazed as soon as you arrive.

The resort is absolutely stunning. Everything is white, bright, and in pristine condition. The resort looks elegant from the outside and then even more so once you walk in. You have the grand lobby with an orchestra playing, the huge birdcage, and the fresh, clean scents right when you walk in. The grounds are perfectly maintained, and the cast goes above and beyond to treat you like royalty. We really can’t get enough of this resort. It is a dream stay for many guests on property, so if you have the opportunity to stay here, definitely feel privileged to be there!

6 – Great amenities and recreation.

The resort has everything that you could imagine. You have boat and water options, bike rentals, the largest and most grand spa on property, Senses, a hair salon, multiple gift shops and stores, a beautiful pool with cabana rental options, and so much more. This truly is a resort that you can show up and never want or need to leave. If you are staying here, you will definitely want to plan a couple of days to spend relaxing and enjoying the resort, as it would be a shame to miss out on it.

5 – Signature dining options.

Editor’s Note: At this time, not all restaurants have reopened. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app for up-to-date hours. 

There is no way that you will ever go hungry staying at this resort. There are so many different dining options, and they are all amazing. You have The Grand Floridian Café, which is a nice, quiet table service restaurant. You also have 1900 Park Fare, which is a buffet-style restaurant that is also home to some of your favorite characters during breakfast and dinner. There are two signature restaurants, Citricos and Narcoossee’s. Both are delicious and provide a great atmosphere, but Narcoosee’s is our favorite since it is out on the water and offers views of Disney Enchantment and the Magic Kingdom. Then you have the most luxurious and expensive restaurant on property, Victoria & Albert’s. For this restaurant, you will want to make sure you have your suit and most elegant clothes as there is a strict dress code. The menu is prix fixe and is served over multiple courses from the world-renowned chefs. The restaurant is highly rated and has won numerous awards and honors. You have to add this to your Disney bucket list!

4 – Convenient transportation around property.

The transportation has always been a major selling point for staying at any of the Magic Kingdom area resorts. At the Grand Floridian, you have the monorail to take you right to the Magic Kingdom or the Contemporary and Polynesian Village Resort. You also have boat transportation that can help you get to all of those places, as well as Fort Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge. This makes dining at other resorts, enjoying their recreation activities, or trying out one of the dinner shows much more convenient. There is also a walkway from the resort to Magic Kingdom which is a great way to beat the crowd when leaving the park at night. There is so much to do and enjoy across all of Walt Disney World that you want to make the most of convenient transportation so you can do as much as possible in the little time that you have.

3 – Special events and character encounters.

Editor’s Note: At this time, some experiences may be modified or temporarily unavailable. 

There are several unique experiences and events that occur at the resort. There is the notorious Parasol Parade, where the housekeepers walk the grounds with parasols in hand. There is also a newer experience where you can actually meet Cinderella and Prince Charming at the resort. They will greet young guests, take a group picture, and then lead them down the grand staircase to the main floor of the lobby for dancing. It is an incredibly unique and fun experience, and everyone can watch and get involved. Plus… it’s free! Don’t forget to book tea at the tea room at the resort if you are interested in a real tea service with finger sandwiches. For a more princess-oriented tea, try out the Disney Princess Tea Party. You have to have a child in the party to be able to attend. It is pretty pricey, but the smaller guests walk away with a ton of great things from the event. You also get to have a tea party with princesses. All of these events are exclusive to the Grand Floridian, too!

2 – Views of Disney Enchantment at the Magic Kingdom.

Yep, you can watch the Disney Enchantment fireworks from the resort. You can even watch from your room if you book a room with a theme park view. If you would rather watch from the grounds, then head on out to the dock area at the resort. The music is piped in so you will be able to hear the music that accompanies the show while you watch. You also view the Electrical Water Pageant from there, too. Many guests miss seeing this or even know it is there, so definitely take advantage of a great place to watch it.

1 – The most luxurious accommodations on property.

There are stays at the Grand Floridian that might make your head spin to know how much it would cost. With these options come the highest levels of luxury. One of the most expensive stays on property is the Main Building at the resort. This is one of the two club-level stay options on property, and you also get the benefit of staying right within the main building where most of the restaurants, shops, and entertainment are. No matter what room you choose, the Grand Floridian is the only resort where each and every guest receives a nightly turndown service and treats. It is all part of what makes the Grand one of the most luxurious and special stays that you can have while you are at Walt Disney World.