Coral Reef vs. California Grill?

[sara74]

We have all our ADR's made but I am questioning the one for Cali Grill as I have read bad reviews lately, I worry that the kids will act up and I looked at the menu and there is nothing that I want to eat on it! (I'm PG and feeling kinda picky today). That and it is 2 credits each on the DP. So I was thinking of switching to Coral Reef (if there is any availability). Is Coral Reef only one credit now? Can you see the fish from the tables - I know the kids would like that quite a bit. Or ressie for CG is earlier than the fireworks (6 PM), would we be able to get a table with a view without too much trouble?

What would you seasoned veterans do? I don't want to call and bug a CM about poss changes until I make up my mind!

 

[markdog]

I had same questions, but we went with Coral Reef because we have some friends and their kids are going to go with us...When I made reservations they told me it was now only (1) one credit for Coral Reef and now anything in Cinderella's Castle is 2 credits

 

[Wendy1953]

You can see the fish from any table in the restaurant and it is mesmerizing to watch them. The food choices are better than CG, and while the view from California Grill is breathtaking, it's not worth 2 TS credits...and actually fireworks should be seen live, outside, it's just not the same watching them from inside (when we were there they didn't turn out the lights or have the music playing.....we were very disappointed)...the food is good at CG, but I prefer Coral Reef...but that's my tastes...not everyone's! The children would most likely like CR better than CG....CG can be very formal, depending on the crowd that night, whereas CR is in a park, and a lot less formal!

 

[Kirsten77]

California Grill is way better! The menu is very small at Coral Reef. You can see the fish in the pavilion, but that view at the Grill with the fireworks you can beat it!

 

[Contemporary_Man]

Have you checked out the menus over on AllEars.net? If you haven't already, taking a look at those should help. I have been eating at the California Grill twice per trip on the last few trips. I am a huge fan of the restaurant. The view is breathtaking and they have always dimmed the lights and piped in the music on my trips. They also have an observation deck to view the fireworks. There are usually plenty of kids in the place, but, in my opinion, it does have more of an adult feel than Coral Reef. If I were taking older children it would be California Grill without question. If the children were younger, I would opt for Coral Reef.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

The Cali Grill has an observation deck outside. It's really lovely.

The sushi is excellent. If you're squeemish about raw fish, try the California Rolls, or the snake in the grass. Those are both cooked.

I've had Veal tournedos which was to die for.
My wife had Salmon which was a mistake. It wasn't bad but actually she preferred the Salmon at Chef Mickey's. I can't say that I disagree with her.
Both of those are off the menu.
The Pork Tenderloin is delicious too.
The Beef fillet also got rave reviews as did the child's beef tournedos.
LMAO my son loaded up on my sushi so I had to help him with his beef.

keep in mind the menu changes often.

It was worth two punches when we went.

Here's some coral reef reviews.
http://allearsnet.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=83&sort=8&cat=34&page=1

And Cali Grill
http://allearsnet.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=162&sort=8&cat=43&page=1

 

[maggiew]

With the age of your kids, I would recommend Coral Reef. They will appreciate the view of the fishes much more than the view out of the Contemporary - especially since you aren't going during fireworks time.

Maggie

 

[Uncleromulus]

That's pretty much as I see it too--. While CG is a fine restaurant, I think CR will be better for the kids.

 

[sara74]

Thanks for the responses. I looked over the menus yesterday and there was nothing on CG that really appealed at the time. DH needs to check them both out and decide. As it is we are going to have to pay OOP for something as we already have more ADR's than credits. Switching from CG to CR would save some right there! DH loves sushi but I can't have it being pregnant anyway. And there is no way we could have dinner late enough for the fireworks at CG with our kids as young as they are! Now I have to have DH make the final decision!

Thanks again for everyone's advice. I am leaning CR at least until DH weighs in!