Another Coral Reef seating?

[sjms71]

This will be our first visit to the Coral Reef restaurant. I've read alot post on requesting to sit by the tank when you arrive and to go check in early. I would imagine that most people want to sit by the tank. So, I was wondering for all who have been there how often has that request been granted? There are 4 in our party our ADR is in September at around 6:15ish. Also, does anyone have any pics of the inside of this restaurant or know where I could see some. Thanks

 

[bleeps]

I appreciate that everyone has an opinion -- IMHO, it is not necessary to sit right next to the tank and, in fact, there are some disadvantages to it.

Let me start by saying this is one of the restaurants we visit every trip -- we love the food and the atmosphere. I don't have photos -- but, imagine: the place is basically a long rectangle. One of the long walls is essentially a table-height to ceiling aquarium. There is a row of tables right up next to the aquarium (disadvantages are that you don't get the big picture view of all the fish -- you see what swims right by you, and some parents feel fine about encouraging their kids to crowd up to the tank, even if they are seated elsewhere -- so you have kids jostling right up to your chairs during your meal). Anyway, after that row of tables at the glass, there's another row of tables. Then, there's a platform running the long length and more tables, then another platform and more tables. The place is designed so that all tables look out over the tank, and that "back rows" are elevated so that you can see. OUR favorite seats are the first row on the first platform -- and that's where we are almost always seated without asking.

I personally wouldn't wait longer for a tank-side table -- but, maybe someone else has pictures and you'll decide otherwise. No matter what, though, be prepared to enjoy a nice meal and a great view!

 

[scanne]

Bleeps,

I can totally believe that parents would allow their kids to go right up to the tank, even at the displeasure of other diners. That is partly why I want to be next to the tank. I have a 2 and 4 year old and they love the aquarium, so if we can sit right there, they might just be occupied enough for the whole meal so that DH and I can enjoy our food without too much interruption. I hope that if other kids come up to the tank, that it is brief. I for one would NOT allow my kids to go up if it would be disturbing to other diners. But that's just me. I was taught manners and in turn, teach manners to my own children. Who'd have thunk it?

 

[sjms71]

Thanks very much for the input. I never thought of the kid issue. That would annoy us the most. We have 2 ourselves DD8 and DS6. Never and I mean never in a million years would I allow them to squeeze through two tables to see the tanks. When we go to place like aquariums and stuff, We wait in the back until it is our turn to go to the front. It really annoys me when parents say to their kids just squeeze thru. So, thanks for that point.

 

[Karnak]

Have enjoyed a meal at the Coral Reef more than once, and have been on the furthest away table, and at a table right next to the glass. In my opinion, it really makes no difference; except that I think you can get a better view of the fish from a bit of a distance. You will enjoy yourself at any table methinks.

Enjoy.

 

[BlindTyldak]

Personally I always ask for a table on the tank side of the middle level. it's close enough that you don't feel like you're in the boonies, you can see the whole tank easily, and it's not "primo" enough where people are schmoozing in on your meal.

 

[bleeps]

Bleeps,

I can totally believe that parents would allow their kids to go right up to the tank, even at the displeasure of other diners. That is partly why I want to be next to the tank. I have a 2 and 4 year old and they love the aquarium, so if we can sit right there, they might just be occupied enough for the whole meal so that DH and I can enjoy our food without too much interruption. I hope that if other kids come up to the tank, that it is brief. I for one would NOT allow my kids to go up if it would be disturbing to other diners. But that's just me. I was taught manners and in turn, teach manners to my own children. Who'd have thunk it?

Yeah, it's pretty unbelievable -- and we retain our own manners so we would never tell someone else's children to, ah, buzz off, but it can bee a pretty ugly situation (there really isn't room for extra people to crowd up to the tank). One great thing (and I hope no one else writes to say they don't do this any more -- it was true in December!) is that they give you a "fish finding guide" -- our son has always been totally occupied during meals here using it to identify the fish in the tank. It is a great kids' restaurant in that respect -- plenty of fun to be had, right at your own table (where ever that may be!)

 

[trvlr4301r]

There is a Post your pictures of restaurants thread here on the disboards. On the second page scroll down and there are some of the Coral Reef here. We ate there once a few years ago and waited for a table right up at the aquarium. It was really nice sitting so close...but this time when we go I think I would rather sit back a little bit so you can actually see the whole aquarium. Here's the link. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1116965&page=2&pp=15

 

[sjms71]

There is a Post your pictures of restaurants thread here on the disboards. On the second page scroll down and there are some of the Coral Reef here. We ate there once a few years ago and waited for a table right up at the aquarium. It was really nice sitting so close...but this time when we go I think I would rather sit back a little bit so you can actually see the whole aquarium. Here's the link. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1116965&page=2&pp=15

Thanks for the link for the pics. Now I'm even more excited. I don't know why we never ate there it looks great. I have a better idea about the seating too.

 

[liamsaunt]

Personally I always ask for a table on the tank side of the middle level. it's close enough that you don't feel like you're in the boonies, you can see the whole tank easily, and it's not "primo" enough where people are schmoozing in on your meal.

I agree---you can see the whole tank from this level, and if you are in a group, this level has semi-circular booths, so everyone can face the tank.

 

[irisbud]

My dad and I sat back from the tank on our last visit, and we didn't feel shorted at all. We were actually in the very back row, but still felt the view was great.

 

[trvlr4301r]

Thanks for the link for the pics. Now I'm even more excited. I don't know why we never ate there it looks great. I have a better idea about the seating too.

Your welcome!

 

[TastefullyChris]

I agree---you can see the whole tank from this level, and if you are in a group, this level has semi-circular booths, so everyone can face the tank.

We ate there for lunch with our 2 DS (10 & 12) and we were in the "back" row as far from the aquarium as possible. We could still see the fish with no problem and it was a very peaceful, cool and calming break in the day. The boys loved it and the food was yummy...don't miss the lobster bisque!!! The prices are a little high, but hey! You're on vacation! The lunch special was a terriffic deal...$17.95 per person for either a large baked potato topped with shrimp in a garlic cream sauce or a reuben sandwith (odd choice for a seafood place!) PLUS your choice of soup or salad AND the chef's dessert (no choice...it was a mango topped cheesecake). Hubby and I both had the potato and it was delicious. I don't know if they offer a special at dinner.

 

[Rudy6]

I find it strange that people complain about children at WDW. I do not recall ever seeing children up by the tank. In fact, as others have said the view is better further back.