Coral Reef questions...

[whogirl'smom]

How many tankside tables are there at the Coral Reef? We are going there for DH's birthday and the manager said they would try to get us a tankside table, since I have a diver scheduled. Just wondered how likely it would be--she did say that if we were waiting a few minutes after checking in, it was b/c they were trying to get us a table next to the tank...Going mid-October, if that helps.

Also, in looking at the kids' menu, I see that a fish chowder and lobster soup are offered as appetizers. My DD LOVES New England clam chowder; are either of these soups similar enough for her to maybe like?

Thanks!

 

[janets]

We did the diver for ds's birthday in February. We were 5 people and I knew that we might have to wait a bit but it was much longer than anticipated, because the immediate tank side tables are I think seating for 4 usually. They put us in a booth that was across the walkway from the tank (still the lower level and really a great view). I had made the ressies months in advance and we had to wait at least 30-45 minutes past our time for the table. The kids were starving by the time we sat down, which meant that it wasn't the dream visit I had hoped for. Oh, and I think there are about 6-8 tables immediately tank side (as in up against the tank).

As for the soup, I've never had the fish chowder but the lobster bisque is a pink creamy bisque w/ pieces of lobster. My ds loves it and it's the only lobster bisque that he's found that he likes (most have a stronger taste of sherry in them). We think it's delicious and if she likes creamy soups (he loves NE chowder also) she might very well like it.

Hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

[danjoan14]

Does anyone know if the dinner menu on allearsnet is the correct menu for the CR? I've read they do have prime rib for dinner. Some say they don't. Do they have the grilled pork chops and chicken?

 

[EMom]

I've heard that you actually might not want to be tankside if you have a diver because you are tooooo close to the tank and it's a bit hard to take it all in. Someone told me that the seats the OP had (lowest level, but across the aisle from the tank) are actually preferable because you can often see more.

OP, what is your opinion? Anyone else have an opinion?

My fear of being tankside is......I've read comments from people who sat there and had kids from other tables cram all around them while they were eating, so they could get right up against the glass. And the kids' parents said nothing, so while the people were trying to eat, these kids were shoving against them nonstop. Let's just say that if that happened to me, Pixie Dust would not be flying. I would never allow my child to do that, so I wouldn't put up with it from someone's else's child. I would just as soon avoid that, but I'd like a good view of the diver.......

 

[bradk]

i had a diver and tankside table in may. it definitely wasn't a matter of being too close. as far as kids go, there were a couple, but they were attacking empty tables, not really getting in the way of us.

 

[jess20k]

I am not 100% sure, but I thought the tank-side tables were for parties of 2, but I may be wrong.

We had a tank-side table and luckily we did not have any children running up to our table. But, the tanks were the only plus for us...We didn't enjoy the food, it wasn't too good. I had the Mahi-Mahi and DBF had some type of chicken dish. Service was so-so and it was terribly LOUD there. Maybe we were just unlucky with the food that night, hopefully you will have a great time because the tanks are really amazing.

By the way, I had the lobster bisque, it was pretty good, but I wouldn't say that it is very similar to the New England Clam Chowder, it is a different kind of taste.

 

[EMom]

It's for DD's 8th birthday (cake, diver with sign, etc.) and so I'm mainly interested in HER having a a good time and being able to see the diver. If the tankside tables are for 2 only (are they?) then our party of 3 cannot even sit there, so it's a moot point. I thought they were for parties of 4. Hmmm......

Was the mahi mahi dry? I hate it when that happens.

 

[bradk]

no, they're not for 2. there might be a couple. we were at a table for 4.

 

[mickeymotto]

Does anyone know how long the average wait WITH and ADR is?

The reason I ask, even with an ADR at some place like Le Cellier, we have had to wait about 30-45 minutes.

I was just wondering if it was as bad here too.

 

[bradk]

it all depends. don't be late for your ADR for one. but if you're in the middle of service, you'll just have to wait until a table for your size is ready.

fwiw, le cellier is the only restaurant i ever personally had a huge wait for.

actually, no, also had a bit of a wait for WCC lunch once, but i was late

 

[disnut1149]

Hi
I just wanted to let EMom know that the Mahi Mahi that I had in December was so delicious. I'm sorry that Jess20K's was not good. I'm going back in August and can't wait to have it again!!

 

[byoung]

My guest is 12.

 

[mickeymotto]

it all depends. don't be late for your ADR for one. but if you're in the middle of service, you'll just have to wait until a table for your size is ready.

fwiw, le cellier is the only restaurant i ever personally had a huge wait for.

actually, no, also had a bit of a wait for WCC lunch once, but i was late

Thats good to hear. We had to wait once at Ohana for about 20-30 minutes one time too. I giess it depends on when and where you go.

Back on subject, are their tables for 5 near the tank?

 

[whogirl'smom]

In a couple of pictures of the inside of the restaurant, it looked like tables for 6 and 4. I think it is the picture at the top of the menu in the dining link that I'm thinking about.

 

[Quinn222]

We had to wait 45 minutes past our ADR time. The waiting area is awful and mobbed because everyone had to wait way too long.

 

[jess20k]

It's for DD's 8th birthday (cake, diver with sign, etc.) and so I'm mainly interested in HER having a a good time and being able to see the diver. If the tankside tables are for 2 only (are they?) then our party of 3 cannot even sit there, so it's a moot point. I thought they were for parties of 4. Hmmm......

Was the mahi mahi dry? I hate it when that happens.

The sauce that was on the mahi mahi was the problem, I just did not care for it...maybe it was just my taste prefernce???? The mahi mahi itself was cooked just fine. Anyway, I also did not care for the cous cous that was also served with it...I guess we just did not have much luck at CR, other than our table by the tank! Oh, and the chocolate wave! (yummy)

 

[happyindisney]

We ate at Coral Reef twice during our last trip. We were lucky enough to have tank side tablesfor each trip and we were a party of four. Both times, I had the Mahi Mahi but asked for the sauce on the side and had the au gratin potatoes instead of the cous cous. If you ask, they will usually accomadate you.

Good luck and enjoy your meal.