Bistro de Paris instead of Coral Reef?

[LoraJ]

I was originally going to book us at Bistro de Paris when I made my ADR's many moons ago. But didn't realize we could only do that 30 days in advance.

So I booked Coral Reef instead. At the time, Coral Reef was getting great reviews and they had the crab claws which is what my DH was interested in.

Now the crab claws are gone and the reviews seem to be mediocre. The 30 day window for Bistro will open up in two weeks, so I am contemplating changing. Anyone here that has eaten at both that can give some insight? We have yet to dine at either place. It's just the two of us.

If I do change, do I make sure they have availability, have them make the ADR and then cancel Coral Reef? Or do they have to cancel Coral Reef first as to not double book?

 

[Twilightlover]

I've been to both. I would go Coral Reef over Bistro. The service at Bistro was not good. While our waiter wasn't rude he just ignored us. He chatted with everyone around us, a British couple with their daughter and a Bistro groupie and her husband who spoke french. Granted we were exhausted but he could have started conversation. We had our just married buttons on and everything. Just not a fun experience and the food was only ok.

Forward to Coral Reef. We were seated about 5 minutes after we checked in. The food was great and our server was wicked awesome. We had never been so he told us his favorite dishes and drinks. He came back often to chat and asked us about our wedding and if we were enjoying our honeymoon. Just a great experience. The seafood was great too!

 

[din]

We have been to both, but it was lunch at Coral Reef and dinner at Bistro. It is hard to compare the two as the food is so different, seafood vs french. If you like seafood, Coral Reef will have more selection as Bistro has only a few items, but if you are looking for foie gras or duck/lamb the Bistro is where you want to go.

However, unlike Twilightlover, we like Bistro better than Coral Reef, everytime we eat there we have always had excellent service and good food. Since there are two of you, I would recommend that you take your time for diner and not rush as I notice they do not like to rush.

 

[castle ball hat tree]

I think both places are wonderful and both places are very different. Go with your instinct but don't give up one ADR 'til you have the other one.

 

[OKW Lover]

Bistro is much better than Coral Reef, or any other Epcot restaurant for that matter.

 

[LoraJ]

Do the meals at Bistro really take 3 - 4 hours like I read in another post?

If we go, we won't be doing wine pairings. I don't like to be rushed, I like relaxed but not toooooooo relaxed.

I will have my DH re-look at the menus. I know they are both very different restaurants but Bistro seems to have a bit more on the menu.

 

[Pumbaa_]

bistro changes their menu often, so don't get too attached to what you see. More of an idea of the type of food they serve.

Again, very different types of restaurants, one is a signature one is not. One is on the DDP, one is not

It all depends on what experience you are looking for at dinner.

 

[Pakey]

Coral Reef is a Disney theme restaurant where the acquarium is the star. Bistro is a dining event where the food is the star. No comparison between the two. Yes dinner can be long at Bistro but that is what fine dining is supposed to be. An opportunity to enjoy the food, not rush through to get back into the parks.

I have always made a backup ADR early and then cancelled it at 30 days to get Bistro. Just tell the CM you want to check availability at Bistro and then once CM confirms there is availability (it's usually easy to get in at Bistro since it's $$$, not on dining plan and no children's menu), you can book it and cancel Coral Reef in same call.

 

[TDC Nala]

I'd also throw in, since you appear to be a couple without children, that CR is going to be crowded with families and quite noisy.

Bistro isn't on the dining plan, and doesn't have a children's menu, so it's likely to be quieter, if that interests you. It'll also be more expensive.

 

[LoraJ]

We're not on the DDP, so that's definitely not a concern.

We like to eat late, around 8p - 8:30p. We're staying at the BCV, so if we don't get out until 11pm, will the International Gate still be open so we can exit?

Sorry for all the silly questions.

 

[webray]

Just the two of you, no kids. Go for Le Bistro!

 

[TDC Nala]

I don't think you're going to have any problems being let OUT of Epcot.

 

[B-Ride]

I don't think you're going to have any problems being let OUT of Epcot.

My understanding is if it gets too late they make you stay and help clean the park.

 

[LoraJ]

I know I'll be able to get out of the park, I just want to make sure that exit by the BCV will be available to us. I know it may be a silly question.

 

[TDC Nala]

They'd have to let you out that way, as there is no other method of getting to the Beach Club from Epcot. There's no bus from the front of the park.

If the park is closed it's possible you'd be escorted out.

I'd also have to say I can't confirm that you'd be permitted to remain in the restaurant that long. You might check with the restaurant about when their latest reservations are.

 

[Pakey]

We usually stay at BC and are frequently finished dining after park closure. We have always been able to exit through international gateway to walk back to BC without any problem. And after splitting a bottle of wine at Bistro, I have often wished a golf cart would come by and give us a ride but unfortunately, we've always had to walk.

 

[LoraJ]

We usually stay at BC and are frequently finished dining after park closure. We have always been able to exit through international gateway to walk back to BC without any problem. And after splitting a bottle of wine at Bistro, I have often wished a golf cart would come by and give us a ride but unfortunately, we've always had to walk.

Great, thanks!

 

[Twilightlover]

Yes Bistro is more for adults in atmosphere, I think nothing can beat the tank at Coral Reef. We didn't mind the families. We requested a booth on the lower level so maybe that blocked out some of the families for us. To me Victoria and Albert's beats Bistro.