Coral Reef Restaurant - Diver/menu - Discontinued for 2009

[mom2LLN]

Thanks to the helpful people on this board, and Debbi of course, I was able to set up the menu/diver for my upcoming trip as well. I hate to bother Debbi any more than I have to because I know she gets so many calls on the menu/diver, so I'll ask you guys since I've never been to Coral Reef:

If you've got a diver/banner thing set up do you request when you arrive to sit up close to the tank? Or will they just sit you anywhere and you can still see the diver swimming by with the banner from any table in the restaurant? Are there certain tables that have a better "view" than others?

Also several people have mentioned calling to re-confirm closer to your reservation day. Who/what number do you call?

Thanks!!

Debbi told me that she could not guarantee a tank side table at the the time of my reservation, but that I would be able to see the diver/banner from where they sat us. She also said that if we were willing to wait for a tank side table we would be able to do that, but that would be left up to us. They should be able to tell you the wait time for a tank side table when you check in.

 

[Dbaumann]

I lucked out. There were only two other ressie for divers on the day I had requested and CM Patrick said that I can have the last one of the day. He was very nice and took all of my info, and then gave me Debbi's email address to send the pictures to. He told me that there is no real limit and that they can open up just about any picture format we send them. He also stated that they have folders set up on their computer with dates and reservations to store the pictures. It seemed to me that they know what they are doing. Now I just have to come up with the best pictures for my DD birthday menu.

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

I got ahold of Debbi this morning. She is SO nice. I am set up with the diver and menu for our Anniversary on Sept 19th. I am so excitied, I have no idea how I will ever keep this a secret. lol. Now I just need to send Debbi some pictures and we will be all set. This is sooo great!

 

[EMom]

Debbi told me that she could not guarantee a tank side table at the the time of my reservation, but that I would be able to see the diver/banner from where they sat us. She also said that if we were willing to wait for a tank side table we would be able to do that, but that would be left up to us. They should be able to tell you the wait time for a tank side table when you check in.

Having looked at the photos of CR and read many postings, I don't know that being right next to the tank is necessary or even preferable. You get a good view of the fish closeup, but ONLY those in your limited field of vision. You can only crane your neck so far. If you sit a bit further out from the tank, your scope of vision is wider and you can see more. It all depends on what you want.

Any thoughts from those who have dined there as to which is better for viewing a banner?

 

[EMom]

She said that it could be chocolate or white, didn't give any options on frosting and it is free. I know most places will not personalize the 6 inch cakes, but she offered so who knows.

naynay80, When Debbi left a message about the birthday cake, she didn't mention anything about cost. But when someone else from CR called me today, they told me it was the $12.50 six inch cake. (vanilla with buttercream icing or chocolate on chocolate)

I didn't ask if it cost anything, she just told me. So unless Debbi specifically told you it was free, don't be surprised if there is a $12.50 charge. (Did she?) To tell the truth, I was going to be very surprised if it was free.....pleased, but surprised.

The $12.50 cake is usually prepepared, but she said they would personalize it and asked DD's favorite color......for the flowers, I think. So I think it may be a bit fresher than most of the $12.50 six inch cakes at the other restaurants.

Just thought you and others might need that info.

 

[jess-sarah]

My sister has never been to WDW and I wanted to surprise her for her Bday by arranging to have a diver w/a happy bday sign. I heard this was possible but the ADR reservationsits did not know how to reserve this. Does anyone know how to go about this and if it cost extra. We are on the DDP. Thanks in advance!

 

[bradk]

you have to call coral reef directly and speak to a manager to arrange it. it's free. the # is in the birthday cake thread.

 

[jess-sarah]

Thanks alot!

 

[eeyoresnr]

I really want to set up the menu / diver sign for my anniversary in September. My only concern is that Debbi may not be able to call me back as I am in England. Due to time differences and my work hours it may be difficult for me to get to talk to her.
Does anyone know if she will call England or will I be better to get her email? If anyone could let me have her email then I can mail her, explain and apologise for mailing rather than calling.
Hope someone can help or advise

maybe you should try calling Debbi and leaving a msg if you don't get her direct and leave your email address as well your phone # so that she can contact you by email if she can't get you by phone

 

[Chelley00]

Thanks for all the information in this thread, including Debbi's number. We played phone tag for a couple of days, but I was finally able to arrange a diver and menu for my husband's birthday on Sept 19.

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

Thanks for all the information in this thread, including Debbi's number. We played phone tag for a couple of days, but I was finally able to arrange a diver and menu for my husband's birthday on Sept 19.

We are on the 19th too, for our anniversary at 2, what time are you celebrating?

ETA: I just noticed that our dates were similar too. Neat.

 

[Chelley00]

We are on the 19th too, for our anniversary at 2, what time are you celebrating?

ETA: I just noticed that our dates were similar too. Neat.

That's a little scary how similar our trips are going to be!!! We'll be at CR at 4:40pm.

 

[Disney*Dreamer]

That's a little scary how similar our trips are going to be!!! We'll be at CR at 4:40pm.

Yeah, weird. Up until I saw your 2 older children, I was thinking, now this is really weird, because I have a 5yrold and a 2yrold too. Hope you have a fun trip!

 

[naynay80]

naynay80, When Debbi left a message about the birthday cake, she didn't mention anything about cost. But when someone else from CR called me today, they told me it was the $12.50 six inch cake. (vanilla with buttercream icing or chocolate on chocolate)

I didn't ask if it cost anything, she just told me. So unless Debbi specifically told you it was free, don't be surprised if there is a $12.50 charge. (Did she?) To tell the truth, I was going to be very surprised if it was free.....pleased, but surprised.

The $12.50 cake is usually prepepared, but she said they would personalize it and asked DD's favorite color......for the flowers, I think. So I think it may be a bit fresher than most of the $12.50 six inch cakes at the other restaurants.

Just thought you and others might need that info.

Thanks for the info - she didn't say it was free - oh well getting the menu/diver and cake all for 12.50 is a deal (at least I think so)

now i just need to find pictures to email in can't decide if I should do pictures of the kids from the first trip or more recent ones.....I want to include dh & ds in the menu....

 

[mom2LLN]

We will also be there on the 19th.

 

[EMom]

Thanks for the info - she didn't say it was free - oh well getting the menu/diver and cake all for 12.50 is a deal (at least I think so)

now i just need to find pictures to email in can't decide if I should do pictures of the kids from the first trip or more recent ones.....I want to include dh & ds in the menu....

Yes, I'm pleased with the cake situation as well. Especially since I think it will be fresh. She said something along the lines of, "I'll tell our baker what her favorite color is so that can be worked into the decoration." She asked if I'd like flowers or something else and I said flowers were great. She said she could put an image of her favorite princess on the cake, but that would bump it up to a custom cake. They are larger, I think, and we'll have cake left over with just 3 people......and that's with a six inch cake. So we're sticking with the $12.50 six inch. DD does not lack for birthday celebrations. She'll have a cake when we return home and cupcakes at school.

I think we'll be there at similar times. We're there from Sept. 22-Oct. 1.

 

[Crankyshank]

Just a head's up - Debbie is on vacation for pretty much the rest of the month of July.
I did call the switchboard to be transfered to CR, asked for a manager, and I am awaiting a call back.

 

[Sneezie]

I talked to Debbi. I called yesterday and left a message on her voice mail asking to set up a personalized menu and diver message for my brother's 30th birthday - which we will be celebrating during this trip. She called me back a couple of hours later and set everything up!

I have to scan a few pictures of him onto the computer and send them to her to include in the menu!

I'm going to surprise everyone with the personalized menu. I love surprising them with the little special touches that I find here.

 

[Laurafoster]

Debbi has emailed me asking for he photos for our personalised menu, she also put -

"Also if there is a special you would like to include on the menu, please send that as well"

I dont know what she means by that??

 

[kimbac3]

Debbi has emailed me asking for he photos for our personalised menu, she also put -

"Also if there is a special you would like to include on the menu, please send that as well"

I dont know what she means by that??

What she told me was I could put lyrics to a song, a poem or any other special message. I think that's what she means.

Hope this helps!

Kimba