Coral Reef-Not impressed

[inloveindisney]

We didn't have such a great time at Coral Reef. Loved the atmosphere, but the service wasn't so great, the bathroom was dirty (odd, but I always rate the bathrooms for some reason), and the food just wasn't very tasty.
Now, I will say that I went expecting to get crab legs or lobster and didn't find either on the menu, which I found odd for a seafood restaurant. I got the salmon and my non seafood husband got chicken. I felt is was pretty bland. My daughter got the meat pasta (I think that's what they called it) and it was horrible. She wouldn't even eat the meat and honestly I don't blame her it was terrible.
I've heard such good things about coral reef. Maybe my expectations were too high. Not sure.

 

[swald91]

I was hesitant to go there the last trip - but with free dining-why not, right? Well, I am not a seafood fan but everyone else in my party is. So we went. I thought the food was good-better than the Wave & we enjoyed the atmosphere. If I was paying out of pocket...not so sure. Glad we went & if we are lucky enough to go during free dining -we'll probably go again. Sorry to hear you didn't like it-thank goodness Disney has many other restaurants to choose from!!!!

 

[PoohBear321]

I have an ADR for there during our upcoming vacation. Hopefully the food is decent when we're there. I've eaten places that were great one trip and so-so the next. I'll give it a try...my son will love the atmosphere even if the food isn't spectacular.

 

[Pakey]

I'm sorry that you did not enjoy it. We have eaten here several times and have probably tried every dish on their menu at one time or another. We have found that certain dishes are pretty good and others are not.

And I have seen this bathroom in less than pristine condition before too. With the dark colors in there, it certainly shows.

 

[parrothead928]

I have an ADR for there during our upcoming vacation. Hopefully the food is decent when we're there. I've eaten places that were great one trip and so-so the next. I'll give it a try...my son will love the atmosphere even if the food isn't spectacular.

Do not order the Lobster Salad and Bisque. The Bisque is WONDERFUL, but the Lobster salad is so bad that the fish in the tank would not eat it!!!!

 

[lacrosse_lady72]

We couldn't disagree with you more. We've seen countless reviews on just about every restaurant at WDW and our opinions seemed to be contradicting of the general Dis population.

Coral Reef was our absolute favorite and we ate at many signatures our last trip including California Grill, Jiko, Narcoossee's, Artist Point and Yachtsman. The food was amazing, my mom LOVED her salmon and I LOVED my NY Strip. I don't like salmon and I enjoyed what I tasted. The steak was the best I have ever had, the seasoning was perfect and anyone who can cook what I call "medium" perfectly gets more props. The atmosphere was wonderful, we requested an aquarium seat and got it, the service was some of the best, the food was wonderful and we even had a turtle hanging out by our table.

Les Chefs de France was our second favorite experience. The food was equally as amazing but the service was a tad slow. We asked for a window seat because I love to people watch and it was during the Thursday soft opening of the F & W Festival and we got a PRIME spot, it was the best. The service was great only slow, it was very busy and the lady who was waiting on us was extremely nice, very attentive, apoligized for the speed of our meal as if there was a little lag in the kitchen or maybe they we down a couple of people.

It's weird because we ate at 10 TS restaurants and Les Chefs and Coral Reef were our favorites where these restaurants seem to get a little more negative reviews than others. And Le Cellier and Kona Cafe were actually our least favorite by far. At Le Cellier, the flavor seemed to have completely disappeared- although the service was good. And opposite Le Cellier, at Kona Cafe the service was some of the worst I have ever had but the food was pretty good...

Sorry I rambled on I seem to do that a lot.

 

[emmabemmainc]

I DO agree with you, OP. We went last year, expecting a great meal--and between the 4 of us, there was only one dish that was spectacular--the appetizer, The Land & Sea (or something very similar)--I got the strip--it was tough and most of it was inedible due to the fact that I don't like eating fat and things I can't chew into smaller pieces.

I honestly think it depends on the day you go and people just have different tastes--if everyone had the same taste, there'd only be one type of restaurant at WDW.
Anyways--sorry OP that you were disappointed--but believe me, you aren't the only one! Thanks for sharing!

 

[psindone]

We have not been there in quite some time. Over the last few years we have found that the food is not what it used to be. By changing the Living Sea's to include Nemo they have raised the attendance in that area so now the restaurant is more popular than ever with families who never knew it was there. I have found that since they started disney dining and free dining the menu in many of the park restaurants has become the same. Not to many special ones anymore. I think that some of the nicer restaurants in the hotels are better. If you are looking for fish the Coral Reef is not the place, I would recommend the Flying Fish on the Boardwalk. You won't be dissappointed.

 

[kayabercho]

yea seriously, over rated.

 

[freshmanjs]

the bathroom was dirty (odd, but I always rate the bathrooms for some reason)

makes sense to me. anthony bourdain says in his book to always take a look at the bathrooms...the kitchen isn't any cleaner

 

[Stitchfans]

When we went there last March we enjoyed whatever food was placed before us just wish there could of been a bit more especially since it was so darn expensive. It is a real shame to walk away still hungry after spending a small fortune. Yes the atmosphere is amazing and so was the service. But we will not be returning there, it is a once in lifetime experience for us.

 

[dburg30]

I agree with the OP, wasnt that thrilled with CR at all. Now, I got steak, but the others in my party got seafood and they werent really happy with it either..

And the atmoshere? Dunno I was actually disappointed in the way it was laid out and the tank and stuff.

 

[MickeyNicki]

I am hoping they change the menu by the time we get there for our Jan 09 dinner, we are not crazy about it but I know our nieces will love the atmosphere

 

[brookeprincessbaby]

We will be having our first meal at Coral Reef next week. A friend suggested it to us. Hope it's good, but I'm sure my daughter will love the atmosphere!

 

[B-Ride]

the bathroom was dirty (odd, but I always rate the bathrooms for some reason)

Not that odd. Every year on our trip to WDW my son wants to collect information on the best restrooms for the "Unofficial Guide to WDW Restrooms" that he plans on writing. I said "go ahead" but you are definitely not taking any pictures.

 

[suzimar57]

as much as i'm disappointed there aren't many fish/shellfish options, DH and i do enjoy eating here - steaks are great with that potato gratin side, and the desserts are wonderful! (although i do miss having lobster tail here....)

 

[Lynn5700]

WOW sorry you had a bad experience! We loved it there! my steak was cooked perfect and the flavor was amazing!

 

[maj42169]

Well, our Coral Reef experience ranks with that of the OP..............not good! Those of you that got great steaks were lucky! My husband's "medium" came out almost burnt and was dry as a bone! I thought the salad was good......but it was a salad......greens and dressing......

I might have been willing to give it another try, but now I am hearing that it is a 2 credit meal for the '09 dining plan............NOT worth 2 credits.......