Coral Reef with children?

[Princess89]

I was considering dining at Coral Reef, but I heard that going there with children is not ideal. I have 2 children DS10 and DD2. They are both children that love aquariums, and was hoping for some insight on dining there with children. Thanks!

 

[jayhjay]

I haven't been, but I have seen tons of reviews of folks who went with kids. I think pretty much any restaurant in WDW is fine with kids (except V&A). THis one seems especially suited with the aquarium. I think you should be fine.

 

[angel's momma]

DD(7 at the time) is the reason we went to Coral Reef, and she loved it.

We'll be returning in Dec.

Do you remember why it was considered to not be ideal for children?

 

[Princess89]

The reason was that it was a slow moving meal. Even at less busier times, and that although the aquarium may appeal to children you may be seated further away and may cause children to become restless.

 

[LodgeMan]

We just ate there with our 9 and 6 year olds and it was the most enjoyable and peaceful meal of the week.

 

[rluey29]

Wow, someone told you it wasn't ideal for children?

We went in May and had an ADR for about 5:30. My wife requested a tank-side table at check in and we had to wait about 15 additional minutes, but let me tell you....it was well worth the wait! My DS5 has ADHD and we knew that it might be trouble asking him to be patient for a 2 hour meal. That tank kept him occupied the entire time. The sharks, turtles, stingrays, etc. would swim right in front of his face. He was very excited! He even had two scuba divers come down and communicate with him. It made for some good pictures. I wouldn't think that it would be as fun for the kids sitting in the back of the restaurant so hold out for the front.

 

[angel's momma]

The reason was that it was a slow moving meal. Even at less busier times, and that although the aquarium may appeal to children you may be seated further away and may cause children to become restless.

Thanks for the info.

I can see how that would apply to some children.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Actually its a perfect spot for kids--there were a ton of them there the night we dined at Coral Reef. Other than ours, I had a hard time spotting any tables without kids.

 

[melomouse]

We went for lunch last fall as walk -ins and were seated right next to the tank. My kids were mesmerized throughout. I'm the first to protest unruly or whiny kids in the nicer restaurants, but that was not the case here. It was utterly peaceful and our server was the best!


Enjoy!

 

[the Fidge]

my ds 10 loves fish so I am pleased to say the atmosphere I got a "WOW cool Mom", from DS that might as well be a letter from the President that I am a good citizen! (hehehe). I noticed all the children reallly loved the tank and if you make ADRs around 5:30pm, even better! The divers are in the tank and the wait time is not as bad! If all the stars line up you can score big points when the SEA TURTLE PEEPS OUT!!!

ALso request a tank table and by all means enjoy the view and have fun! Lots of children there I noticed all in awe of the tank!

 

[paigevz]

We've been several times and never had a tank-side table, despite asking to wait longer for one this last trip. Anyway, the servers were very attentive to the kids, bringing little plastic dolphins for the rims of the glasses that the kids loved, suggesting food that wasn't on the menu (steak for my non-fish eater), and just talking and interacting with them. My kids are very active, the older diagnosed ADHD, and did just fine. They were given a fish spotting guide, so they could identify the fish they saw. They loved the food and the make your own sundae dessert, and the atmosphere with the big tank is just calming. You know, I've heard recommended before that if you have an active or anxious child you should put a fish tank in their room because it calms and soothes, and that sure seems to be the case here. Every child in the place seemed calm to me.