For foodies and Disney fans, one of the age-old questions inevitably ends up asking: “What are the fanciest restaurants in Walt Disney World?” There’s a generally agreed upon three top if you’re looking for fine dining. These are the fancy options, though you shouldn’t ignore some of the nicer experiences like Tiffins, Narcoosee’s, and Topolino’s. They just aren’t quite as fine.
So if you’re looking for a fine dining experience, what are the three?
Takumi Tei, Monsieur Paul, Victoria & Albert’s
You’ll find two of those in Epcot. Takumi Tei is in the Japan pavilion on the way to Morocco. Monsieur Paul is on the second story in the courtyard of shops in the France pavilion. Victoria & Albert’s can be found in the Grand Floridian (but it is closed Sundays and Mondays). For all these experiences, there is a minimum age of 10 years old.
If you can only pick one of them, you’ll want to know where the best value is for your money. I’ve been lucky enough to dine at all of them within the last two years and am happy to share my opinion if you’re also a big foodie and love fancy experiences. This post aims to compare the various elements of a fine dining experience to crown an inevitable winner where your money will be best spent. I’ve done my fair share of Michelin dining outside of Disney, so that’s what I’m keeping in mind when it comes to picking winners for these experiences.
If you want to read full reviews, check out these posts below for my experiences:
Who’s got the best food?
Truly, the winner here is Victoria & Albert’s. They take risks with flavours and foods and put together memorable combinations that weren’t predictable. As well, with the larger menu, the variety is enough that if you don’t like one particular course, there are multiple more coming for you. The portions are just right that you aren’t completely full immediately and nothing is ever disappointing.
Who’s giving you the most food?
If you’re looking to get the most value (aka, the most courses), then the clear winner in this case is Victoria & Albert’s where you can opt for a ten-course menu (that doesn’t even include the takeaway treats that you get). Monsieur Paul gives you eight courses when you include the takeaway treat and Takumi Tei gives you seven, but no takeaway treat. So if you’re in it for the food, it’s the ten-course. Keep in mind we’re still talking fine dining portions, so you won’t walk away stuffed.
Who has the best service?
While Victoria & Albert’s is top-notch with their service team, I have to give the service award to Takumi Tei. The Japanese culture in general is deferent, respectful, and constantly atop of the service. Victoria & Albert’s and Monsieur Paul are hardly slouches either. The service at all three is above and beyond, but Takumi Tei is just one extra step above.
Where will you get the best drinks?
Overall, Victoria & Albert’s was the winner. Not only did they have a robust wine pairing for the price, but every wine paired perfectly with the courses. More than that, the speed of the pours meant that while there was a lot of wine, you could pace it out during your dinner and never felt overwhelmed, which I’ve experienced at other Michelin star restaurants.
Which has the best atmosphere?
While the harp player at Victoria & Albert’s was amazing, I have to give this one to Monsieur Paul for the chance to dine and watch the Epcot fireworks. It’s a perfect mix of fine dining experience while also having that magical moment. Plus, even though you’re in the France pavilion at the parks, you wouldn’t know it. The soundproofing is truly fantastic and you’re in a world of your own.
What about the “je ne sais quoi”?
It’s Victoria & Albert’s for sure, given the privacy and the attentiveness. Plus, the live harp player is truly an unexpected thrill that makes an amazing meal even more sublime. It really does make you feel like you’re in a private experience. The hotel is just beyond a few doors, but you’ll never feel that way.
Is there really a winner on price?
There’s really not a winner in this category. It’s going to start expensive and only get worse as you add on wine pairings, additional meal amplifications, and then comes tax and tip. This is the one category where unfortunately, there’s no winner other than knowing that you’ll get your money’s worth. Victoria & Albert’s is going to run slightly higher in cost even at the most basic level.
So with all that in mind, which one is the ultimate Walt Disney World fine dining experience? In my opinion, it’s still Victoria & Albert’s. It’s truly a cut-above and gives you the most value for the price. It’s still expensive, but you’re receiving great food, fantastic drinks, attentive service, a memorable environment, and amazing entertainment. If you can only pick one, I would recommend dining here (if you can get the reservations!)
For more details of each location, click the links below. You’ll get valuable information like dress code, menu variations, pricing, and more!
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