Cape May Clambake or Coral Reef?

[vossjemi]

We are a party of 3 adults/3kids ages 11, 9, and 5. We currently have Princess Brkfast at Askerhus booked at Epcot at 8am for an early start on our day there. We also have a 5:25 Coral Reef ADR, but I've been reading so much about Cape May that I'm second guessing. And we can get an ADR about the same time as our Coral Reef one.

It just looks like so much more value for your dining credit and I understand its close...like you can walk or boat there? My son will PIG OUT on crab legs!!! Me too!! My husband will like some of the seafood offerings, but will probably focus on the pork/beef. Its a Sunday so looks like no fried shrimp which my husband would love, but that's ok. MIL will like it all, and just more availability for the 2 girls to try things than at Coral Reef I would think. Kids 9 and younger can choose from any buffet item, right? Or are they limited to kids buffet?

What do you think? What would you do? We do plan to go back to see Illuminations (unless everyone is just too tired). And what is the best way to get to Cape May if we change up our ADR? We will have a rental car that week as well and will probably drive to Epcot that morning. Thanks so much!

 

[Pakey]

I'd rate them about equal on food but the atmosphere/unique setting of Coral Reef is superior to Cape May. While the service at Coral Reef is unpredictable, we have always encountered the nicest CMs at Cape May.

To get there, you need to exit via the International Gateway in World Showcase (it's between UK and France before you cross the bridge to France). Once you exit and pass the boat dock, the signs will tell you which way to Beach Club (stay to the right) or you could go left over a bridge and go to the Boardwalk.

This way will take you into the back of the Beach Club lobby (blue hotel, first one). Cape May will be immediately to your left. It should take you 5 minutes at a leisurely pace to walk from the Epcot exit to the Cape May entrance.

 

[Snurk71]

Coral Reef gets the nod for "the experience" - eating by the fish tank.

But Cape May is way better on the food variety and enjoyment in our families opinion. Plus they have a couple of kid-friendly things at Cape May - the tablecloths are paper and there are crayons on the table to draw/color, and they give you some (gross) saltwater taffy with the check.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

We didn't care for Coral reef but really enjoyed Cape May. I thought the foodd was better at Cape May.

 

[bcrook]

I prefer the Coral Reef for food and atmosphere. I think the Cape May buffet is pretty ordinary. That being said, I would encourage you to head over to Beach Club and enjoy the boardwalk area. Try the buffet (the Crab legs are good) because you are using the dining plan. I will never pay over $200.00 for my family of four for that food though - I never use the DP.

 

[vossjemi]

Another thought is we are actually heading over to the Clearwater Beach area for 3 days after WDW. We plan to visit Winter of Dolphin's Tale movie and see the entire aquarium there. So, Coral Reef aquarium isn't necessarily a MUST since we'll see sea life elsewhere. I think I'm more interested in the quality of the food and variety for the value of the dining credit.

Oh and ok so those crab legs are tempting me... LOL But we could do that in Clearwater too. I was just curious if you had to choose, which one would you do??? Especially if it could be like 10 years or never before you ever get back.

 

[Quin]

Short version: Coral Reef is good for watching fish. Cape May is good for EATING fish.

It sounds like for your entire group Cape May is the better choice. Everyone can eat from all items on the buffet. The crab legs are good, but DH also liked the non-seafood options (I, um, was too busy with the seafood to honestly sample much else). Plus you can try multiple little desserts. Any chocoholics in the family? Oreo bon-bons......mmmm......

You can spend just as much quality time watching the fish at the Seas without eating at Coral Reef. In the regular part of the Seas pavillion, after the Nemo ride through the aquarium, kind of opposite the Crush Turtle-Talk room there is a ramp/hallway leading to a large circular observation room in the middle of the aquarium. Periodically CMs are there giving talks and demonstrations. You can just sit on the (carpeted) floor and watch and watch; this is not a 'show' so there is no time limit.

 

[laine&connorsmom]

We love Cape May, I think it will make everyone happy in your party. Yes, kids can eat from both adult and kids buffet. In my opinion the food here is better than Coral Reef, if this is a must do for you just make a late adr and get dessert.

 

[krayzmelmel]

I live in Clearwater, and the Marine Aquarium here is mostly a hospital for injured marine animals. They have a big tank for the big fish, turtles, sea otters, sting rays and of course, the dolphins. There is also a cute eco boat tour that you can take which was more fun that I thought it was going to be... they even drop you off on an island completely made of shells! Florida Aquarium is quite nice if you are heading the Tampa way...

Cape May is yummy, and the whole Yacht and Beach Club area is a nice breather away from the crowded parks.

Have fun! The weather is just GORGEOUS right now... I just want to spend the whole day outside!!

 

[traceym]

We visited both in May of this year. We enjoyed the food at Cape May the most. The experience of Coral Reef was okay, my kids (10,9,5) really weren't that impressed. (They have been to Chattanooga Aquarium and Atlanta Aquarium though.)

 

[vossjemi]

I live in Clearwater, and the Marine Aquarium here is mostly a hospital for injured marine animals. They have a big tank for the big fish, turtles, sea otters, sting rays and of course, the dolphins. There is also a cute eco boat tour that you can take which was more fun that I thought it was going to be... they even drop you off on an island completely made of shells! Florida Aquarium is quite nice if you are heading the Tampa way...

Cape May is yummy, and the whole Yacht and Beach Club area is a nice breather away from the crowded parks.

Have fun! The weather is just GORGEOUS right now... I just want to spend the whole day outside!!

Yes, I had heard that, and I think that is what is most special about it. I think we will do the eco boat tour. We did one in Puerto Vallarta and swam with dolphins in the wild that was just incredible. We stay in the Belleaire Beach area and just love it!!! Cannot wait for the 2nd half of our vacation...RELAXATION. hahaha

So, we took the plunge today and switched our Coral Reef res to Cape May. I think we will all be more pleased with the food offerings and can see our sea life at the exhibit mentioned above or later. The kids already saw the most amazing underwater seaquarium at the Atlantis in the Bahamas so Coral Reef might be underwhelming for them anyways.

Thanks for all the replies...and now to dreams of crab legs....

 

[Bellefan22]

Cape May is a must-do for my family each trip. The food never disappoints, the atmosphere is great, and the service is excellent. I vote try it!