Coral Reef or Biergarten?

[PrincessTaylorsMom]

For our April trip, we decided to do some ADRs at places we've never been before. I have an ADR for Coral Reef because we love seafood and I thought DDs would love the tank. But now I'm thinking that the atmosphere at Biergarten would be more fun.

Which would you choose and why?

Thanks in advance.

 

[WizardLarz]

Any chance of doing both?

I've never done Coral Reef, but I try to do Beirgarten each trip because it reminds me of my Grandma's cooking. You'll share your table with 2-4 other guest, which can make it a lot of fun.

 

[rackleye]

I've been to both with my three kids under seven and I would choose Biergarten. Coral Reef is feels more formal so I felt the need to shush them a lot. Our view of the tank at Coral Reef was a little distant and partially obstructed. Biergarten is informal and fun with good entertainment and very good food.

 

[JimmyV]

My $0.02.
I would never choose Coral Reef for the view. I've never, ever understood that. Go into the Living Seas exhibit area and look at the tank(s). The view is much better, more interesting, and you can walk around without worrying about ruining anyone else's meal. So unless the food is the draw (and for me, it is not), don't go there. If one is going "mostly for the view", then I would advise simply spending a little extra time in the pavillion.

The food and atmosphere at Biergarten is far more unique. When I want seafood, I go to bluezoo or Flying Fish. But there isn't anywhere else on property that you can replicate what Biergarten offers. Now, having said that, you obviously know your kids best. German Oom-Pah music and polkas are not every kids' idea of fun. Many will love the place. But I could see others who might shrug it off as a place for the geriatric set.

 

[jesswindsor]

I really like Coral Reef, but if I was wanting to go somewhere that had some music and some entertainment and just more going, I would go to Beirgarten.

 

[Masonmj84]

My $0.02.
I would never choose Coral Reef for the view. I've never, ever understood that. Go into the Living Seas exhibit area and look at the tank(s). The view is much better, more interesting, and you can walk around without worrying about ruining anyone else's meal. So unless the food is the draw (and for me, it is not), don't go there. If one is going "mostly for the view", then I would advise simply spending a little extra time in the pavillion.

The food and atmosphere at Biergarten is far more unique. When I want seafood, I go to bluezoo or Flying Fish. But there isn't anywhere else on property that you can replicate what Biergarten offers. Now, having said that, you obviously know your kids best. German Oom-Pah music and polkas are not every kids' idea of fun. Many will love the place. But I could see others who might shrug it off as a place for the geriatric set.

This post conveys my precise sentiments on these two restaurants and I would choose Biergarten for the same reasons.

 

[WishesLuv]

We much prefer Biergarten!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I really enjoyed our dinner at the Coral Reef last month. But I agree that the restaurant has a more formal atmosphere than the Biergarten. I would also suggest the Biergarten. It is a lot of fun.

 

[scoobydooby]

Biergarten is definitely more fun. I hate German food but have eaten there twice and loved the atmosphere both times. I much prefer the food at the Coral Reef but bear in mind you can get a table so far away from the tanks you hardly notice them.

 

[PrincessTaylorsMom]

Thanks for all of the insight. Biergarten it is!

 

[wdwfan22]

Its sounds like you have decided, but just wanted to put in one more vote for Biergarten. We love it there. One of our must dos everytrip. What a fun place! And while most of the food is german, there's some pretty americanized choices.

 

[writersblock42]

If you are going for the seafood, you can probably find some better places than Coral Reef. The amount of actual seafood in many of the dishes is skimpy. My pasta entree had about 4 shrimp in it. There is a difference between watching the tank at the Living Seas and enjoying a meal with in front of the tanks and it is nice. As far as quiet, it was not quiet when we went.

 

[MichelleWDWfan]

I'm glad you made this thread, OP.

I have been rethinking my Lunch ADR for Coral Reef on my 1st day. (this Weds) I have been wanting to eat there (love seafood) but wasn't sure based on mixed reviews. Also they are forcasting rain and thunderstorms for Wednesday.

That evening I am eating at Flying Fish for dinner...
I was planning to eat at CR since they are at the front of the park, then for the evening I was going to head to the other side with the countries.

After reading the reviews not sure what I want to do now.
I am part German...maybe I should go for the biergarten!
(Have never eaten there either)

 

[Southern Bell]

I wanted to eat at both Coral Reef and Biergarten, but chose Coral Reef. I don't think you could go wrong with either and next time I want to do Biergarten. I just decided on Coral Reef last time because I didn't want to share a table and I had already done a couple of buffets. I wanted to sit and be served! LOL! So I can't really compare betwen the two but my husband and I had a wonderfull meal at Coral Reef. We didn't eat sea food though! LOL! He had the steak and I had chicken. Both were great! I think children would enjoy eating there and watching the fish tanks and to me it is not to formal for children. Several were there. It wasn't a super quite restaurant without any noise or talking. Children would not need to behave any different than eating at Applebees or a Ruby Tuesdays and atmosphere would not be alot different except with a fish tank and everything decorated in blue. It was pretty! We enjoyed it and would do it again by ourselves or with children.

 

[ktrask]

This post had the exact question I had in mind for our trip. We still have a while before I can make our ADR's, but I just don't want to feel rushed. I'm poking around for ideas etc and starting to think about it so I'm ready on day 180.

So many great choices, but you've really helped me with this one!

 

[bennifer]

I've been having this exact dilemma! I think we'll do Beirgarten this time. We are doing a lot of buffets, but with a 4 yr old, the entertainment alone makes up for it.

 

[KrazeeK120]

Biergarten, for sure. Food, entertainment, and atmosphere are all superior to Coral Reef.