Coral Reef

[bamamom]

This will be our first family trip to DW. I'm trying to make it great for both kids, son 9 and daughter 7. Has anyone ate at the coral reef at Epcot? What does the menu look like, is it kid friendly? Is it pricey? I figure with the atmosphere of the fish swimming around you of course you will pay for that. Can you get a table next to the tank when you get your ressies?

Thanks

 

[beccasmom]

http://allearsnet.com/menu/men_crl.htm

http://allearsnet.com/menu/menu_cr.htm

http://allearsnet.com/menu/menu_crk.htm

I’ve attached links to the menus – lunch, dinner and kid’s – and prices. The Coral Reef has a very relaxing ambience and it is really lovely. It is pricey. The seafood is okay. I do not go ga-ga over it, but it is certainly okay. It is overpriced, though, so be prepared for that.

We have had a table next to the “aquarium”, but it is actually better to sit a little further away to get a better view and perspective. The tables next to the glass are really close together and allow for little privacy, which we found to be a tad annoying. (Once, a mother/daughter couple commented on everything we ordered…..not that we’d asked!!) The booths are comfortable and cushy.

The servings are large, so you may wish to share. We made the error of ordering appetizers to share and really became too stuffed to enjoy our entrees. I have never had room for dessert, so I can’t comment there.

 

[laurabelle]

beccasmom- Thanks for all the info! Even though I'm not the OP, I am going to have lunch at CR for the 1st time during my upcoming trip. I think the Diver's Special sounds like a very good deal. I was pleasantly surprised to see you say they have large portions. I've read other reviewers here say the opposite. Dd and I often share our meals and had hoped to share the special. It sounds like plenty of food to me!

 

[pershing]

We didn't care for Coral Reef. It was way overpriced! Seafood was not good (factor in that I live on Cape Cod.) The food took sooooo long that the kids were bored with the aquarium by the time it came.

I asked if they wanted to go back again this trip and received a resounding NO.

Their fav. part was the entrance way! Go figure.

 

[DVCLiz]

Yes, I think it's a little pricy, but it's still one of my favorites!!!! I agree that tables further back offer a better view, plus if you are sitting at the tank, everyone in the restaurant is watching you (or a spot just above your head, but it sure feels odd to look over and see everyone looking in your direction!!!)

I always have the lobster bisque and a lobster tail (anyone see a trend here?) and I think they are delicious, but I would bow to a superior Cape Codder in seafood matters!!! It's probably the kind of place where once would be enough if you didn't really enjoy the menu or the atmosphere.

 

[sleepydog25]

This is one of those love'em or hate'em type places for most. My DW, DD4, and I liked it fine. The portions, though small to some, seemed about right to us. We did appetizers, entrees, and desserts. The kids' menu is fine, especially the pasta which could be served with either marinara or alfredo sauce. Our daughter got hers on the side. . .a nice touch by a very good server. The lobster bisque was very good and my blackened catfish was excellent. We lived in Alaska for four years, so we can hold our own when speaking of things seafood. Sure, it may not be the best seafood or fish you ever have, but it is good. Though many say it is pricey, it's all in how you view it. You will pay just as much for meals at AP or V&A's, but few mention how expensive those are. I think many tend to think that seafood and fish should be cheaper. As you have guessed, the ambience is part of what you pay for at CR.

Regarding being seated next to the tank, I'd still recommend trying it if you wish. Asking for a tank-side table when you make your ressie won't likely do any good, but if you show up early and don't mind waiting for a bit, it's likely you can snag such a table. We truly enjoyed the experience, but the one downside was the occasional three to four kids who would crowd around your table to view the tank while not respecting your space. It was a minor issue with us, but something of which to be aware. Good luck!

 

[jjfjr]

My wife and I ate at Coral Reef this past May and found it to be overrated and over priced. We felt like we were being rushed, our dinners came out while we were still eating our appetizers and we felt the food, while good, was way overpriced for what you get. If we want seafood in the Epcot area we will go to either Flying Fish or BlueZoo.