Hi- We would like to go to Coral Reef for a meal in Dec- it is one of my kid's favorite restaurants because of the fish tank. My kids are now considered adults by disney standards at 11 and 13 but they DO NOT have adult tastes.. In fact, I really can't find anything on the menu that they will eat. My 13 yr old who has a form of Autism really wants to go here again- because he likes the setting... Do you think if I asked in advance that they would make something special that is not exactly on the menu such as chicken strips or perhaps a plain piece of salmon served with french fries?
The chefs at ALL the restaurants are well known for helping guests with special dietary needs. Let the server know your needs, and most times they'll have the chef come out to talk to you. My suggestions would be:
If you go at lunch they have a pan seared tilapia which you could ask them to leave off any sauces. They also have a BBQ Salmon Sandwich, which again you could ask that all sauces be left off.
For dinner, they have seared salmon, again just ask that the sauces be left off.
ALSO....just because your kids are considered adult ages, doesn't mean that they can't order off the kids menu.
The kids menu has grilled mahi mahi, grilled chicken breast and grilled fish of the day. Again, ask about sauces. And French Fries are available upon request per the menu (and I'll wager that if you decide to order the adult fish instead, maybe because of portion size, that they'd happily substitute whatever sides the adult meal has for french fries).
If you're on the dining plan, remember that even if you order a child's meal, an adult credit will be used. I've read about "adult" credits getting larger portions of the children's food, so you might ask about that if the children foods appeal more, that way it's not a portion size concern too.
I don't have any truly special dietary needs, but I am a bit picky about some things, like too much sauce on anything.....or sauce that I may not like....so I almost always ask for sauces/dressings to be "on the side"....then I can choose whether and/or how much to use. You might try that with your son so that if he's feeling adventureous he could try a fork dip into the sauce...and if he doesn't like it, it can go away. I know some autistic kids can have moments of adventureness, but obviously you know your child best, so it's just a suggestion. If the sauce anyhere would upset him, be sure they note to not bring it even on the side.
Since there are foods that your child can eat with just some easy cooking differences, I doubt it's necessary to put special requests on your ADR. These are changes that your server/cook can handle for you. NOW...if he will ONLY eat breaded chicken nuggets, and NOT grilled chicken or the fish, then you might have to ask about special food being brought in, because I don't see that Coral Reef serves nuggets....but I don't know that they'll do that, I have read both positive and negative results about this option. Another option might be to bring him a "to go" CS meal that he'll eat (Electric Umbrella is not far away and has chicken nuggets/fries). Problem with that is that either it will get cold while you wait for everyone else's food to be fixed, or he'll finish eating before your stuff arrives (though maybe the fish tank will keep his attention long enough for you to eat). Running out just before your food arrives is possible, if you are willing to do that so that his food is warm.
Another possibility if all the kids really want is to watch the fish......schedule an ADR for later in the evening and just do dessert.....later in the evening they won't be as busy either, meaning you could linger to watch the fish without feeling guilty for holding up a table for longer than eating dessert.
