Wow, my first post. I can give you my insight into both of these places for what it's worth as a newbie. Given the choice, I'd go with Coral Reef.
Garden Grill (Table Service) ☺☺☺
Served family style, the food here is like moms thanksgiving dinner is she invited Farmer Mickey, Pluto, and the chipmunks. The service is above average and the price is reasonable. The character interaction is good and you dont have to worry about missing them. Id call it the best character meal at WDW. If only the time you spent eating counted towards the wait time for Soarin.
Coral Reef (Table Service) ☺☺☺☺
A beautiful restaurant set along a 5.7 million gallon aquarium, the Coral Reef gets mixed reviews in spite of a great chef, strong management, and a veteran staff. They use the freshest ingredients, proven recipes and winning technique. They have a wonderful creamy lobster soup, grilled mahi, and the best dessert know to man, The Chocolate Wave. The only things keeping Coral Reef from that fifth smiley face is the noise. Since the Dining Plan cost for this restaurant became 1 credit, more families and less couples have started coming in so the noise level has gone up tremendously.