Coral Reef with Toddler?

[pixie08]

I am trying to decide on a dining location with my toddler for EPCOT. He really can eat anywhere and has even been to signatures but something that would keep him occupied without having to rush is always nice. We have eaten at Garden Grill the last three trips and while he loved it I was looking for a change. Coral Reef seems like a great option because his favorite place in almost all of Disney is the Seas.

My issue is this: I am worried that if we are not seated on the lower level the aquarium will not hold his attention, or worse he will squirm the whole time to get out of the highchair and run down there. He is a very active 2 year old boy (he will be 2 1/2 at time of trip). So I am wondering if CR will back fire. Maybe we should try Via Napoli since he loves pizza and forget the entertainment aspect. Thank you for any insight!

 

[Hopefully]

You can request the lower level but 1) there is no guarantee and 2) you may have a wait - can he do that?
Only you know your toddler, we don't

 

[Mr & Mrs DD]

We requested the lower level by the aquarium last time. We had to wait about 10 minutes past our reservation time. We really enjoyed the close up view. There is no telling though as to how long you may have to wait for your requested table.

 

[DeanDoug]

When you make your ADR you can request to be seated next to the aquarium, but it may not be accommodated. Wherever you sit you'll have a great view, but if he will want to keep running down to see the water, this could become a nightmare (and dangerous as the restaurant is a bit dark and there are steps leading down). It is truly wonderful, however. Good luck.

 

[pixie08]

We have a very early reservation 4:50,
So if we had to wait 10-20 mins it would be ok as long as one of us walked around or played with him. I think we will give it a try.

 

[bdcp]

DH and I have eaten there our last three trips. We usually sit right next to the aquarium. Our last trip there was a toddler literally screaming through the entire meal. Our waitress apologized and said that it had been going on for as long as the family was sitting there. She said the child wanted to be down near the fish and not sit at the table. It's really not a large enough restaurant to keep the sound from traveling over the entire space. Also, kids always want to go to the aquarium, but there are people seated there trying to eat. I've had small children literally trying to climb over me to see the fish. We also have never been seated at our ADR time and usually have to wait 30 min+ and there is very little seating in the waiting area. After a day walking around Epcot my feet are sore.

 

[DeanDoug]

We have a very early reservation 4:50,
So if we had to wait 10-20 mins it would be ok as long as one of us walked around or played with him. I think we will give it a try.

Enjoy. Do what you think will be magical for you and your family! You are extremely considerate to ask, and that shows that you will be great guests in Coral Reef. Enjoy. It is a magical place!

 

[Twende]

We have an upcoming dinner at Coral Reef. We have a part of 9 including a two year old. I know she is going to love seeing the aquariums and keeping her away from them will be interesting.

I have been told that I needed two ADR's since they do not have a table that will seat all 9 of us. We are split up into a party of 5 and a party of 4. Is this the normal procedure here?

We are celebrating our 6 year old granddaughters birthday here and it was her choice of the place to eat for her birthday.

I asked for our tables to at least be near one another. Is it unrealistic to expect this?

 

[julieFitz]

Honestly, the fish didn't hold my 2 sons (ages 5 and 7) interest as much as I thought they would! It was still a nice meal and a break from the park but now that we've done it once, I don't think we'll make it back any time soon.

 

[pixie08]

Honestly, the fish didn't hold my 2 sons (ages 5 and 7) interest as much as I thought they would! It was still a nice meal and a break from the park but now that we've done it once, I don't think we'll make it back any time soon.

That was the other concern. He might like itbat first but then move on with his attention lol.

 

[Nancyg56]

Enjoy. Do what you think will be magical for you and your family! You are extremely considerate to ask, and that shows that you will be great guests in Coral Reef. Enjoy. It is a magical place!

Exactly. Your ADR is early, so just ask. I have found that ADR before 5 PM at Coral Reff ar not as backed up as the ones after 5. I think that no matter where you dine, you will be in the same boat of every other family with kids. You plan for the worst and hope for the best. Have a good time!

We have an upcoming dinner at Coral Reef. We have a part of 9 including a two year old. I know she is going to love seeing the aquariums and keeping her away from them will be interesting.

I have been told that I needed two ADR's since they do not have a table that will seat all 9 of us. We are split up into a party of 5 and a party of 4. Is this the normal procedure here?

We are celebrating our 6 year old granddaughters birthday here and it was her choice of the place to eat for her birthday.

I asked for our tables to at least be near one another. Is it unrealistic to expect this?

THe upper level has larger booths that will seat 9, or at least they did. The issue is that no matter where you have your ADR, you may need to split up, Coral Reef is no different.

I agree keeping a little one from the aquarium can be interesting. I have been on the receiving end of kids almost in my lap to watch the fish.