epcot dining - I need help!

[njchilds]

We are planning on spending two half days in July at Epcot. The first night we are going to the Biergarten but I just can't decide where to go the second day. On the second day we plan to stay in the future world section and plan on leaving the park after lunch because we are doing the pirates/pals cruise that night. I was initially booking Coral Reef but I keep changing my mind. Help me decide between Le Cellier, Coral Reef, or San Angel Inn for lunch. I have looked at all the menus but I just can't make uo my mind. I looked at the map and figure all three were pretty close to FW if not directly located in it. It is myself, my DH, and two boys 2 and 5. We have not eaten at any of these. What would you do?

 

[TinkerKell-ey]

We love San Angel Inn . . . I think they have the best chips and salsa I've ever had (good margaritas too!). Nice atmosphere with the boats from the ride going by. I am not a fan of Coral Reef, but seafood is not high on my list. I've never been to Le Cellieur . . . though we have tried. Just waited too long and were never able to get ADRs. I think that says something in itself. It is a must do for us on our next trip and I will make the ADRs ASAP!! Not to add to your tough decision but, Les Chefs de France has a fantasic lunch (and you might see Remy-too cute!)! And the creme' brulee is unforgetable!!!

BTW - Biergarten is fantastic --- make sure to try the cucumber/tomato salad, have a pretzal roll-with butter and don't miss the bavarian cheesecake!

 

[jacksmom]

Coral Reef is one of our favorites!

 

[KatMark]

I would hands down pick LeCellier. We've not been to Coral Reef in over ten years so I can't comment on how it has been lately; we've never done San Angel because neither DH or I are fans of Mexican food (he'll eat it if he has no other choice, I won't touch it). We've done LeCellier five or six times now and had a wonderful meal and great service each and every time.

 

[Donop26]

What about Garden Grill? It's in Future World, has characters for the boys that aren't princesses (Mickey, Chip & Dale, Pluto, I think?) and it seems the food gets pretty good reviews. Haven't tried it yet, but am booking it for our upcoming September trip.

I was going with Coral Reef as well because we wanted to eat in Future World, but changed my mind with the mixed reviews Coral Reef gets. Also, we have a large aquarium about 20 minutes from our home that we visit at least twice a year, so an aquarium is really not a big deal to my kids. But, what really threw me over to Garden Grill over Coral Reef is the fact that a big complaint is you wait after your ADR and then service is slow and the meal takes a long time. Even with an aquarium, how long are little ones going to sit through a meal?

As far as the other two, I have never tried, but I don't think you could go wrong with either one of them, they seem to get consistently good reviews.

 

[njchilds]

Thank you all for such quick replies, making my decision even more difficult. I'm not really sold on Coral Reef but am interested in Le cellier and now San Angel as we love mexican. Is the Garden Grill on the dining plan and is Le Cellier far (in relative terms) to the attractions in FW? We don't want to venture too far into WS if we don't have to. As of right now I am able to get a ressie to all three at the time but I haven't officially booked anything. Oh decisions decisions.

 

[KatMark]

Thank you all for such quick replies, making my decision even more difficult. I'm not really sold on Coral Reef but am interested in Le cellier and now San Angel as we love mexican. Is the Garden Grill on the dining plan and is Le Cellier far (in relative terms) to the attractions in FW? We don't want to venture too far into WS if we don't have to. As of right now I am able to get a ressie to all three at the time but I haven't officially booked anything. Oh decisions decisions.

Yes, Garden Grill is on the dining plan but they do not serve lunch -- only dinner. LeCellier is the first country you hit on one end from entering from Future World and San Angel would be the first one you hit entering from the other side of Future World.

 

[RatatouilleFoodie]

The Coral Reef has a very relaxing atmosphere and really good food. I love their lobster bisque. They even have non-seafood choices.

Le Cellier is great if you are looking for a wonderful filet. The mushroom risottos is really nice that comes with it. The Prince Edward mussels are good for an appetizer or the crab cakes. It's one of my favorites.

San Angel Inn has a beautiful atmosphere with the view of attraction. However, the food leaves a little to be desired. I've been a few times and the food is rarely hot, just warm and too tasty in comparsion to other Mexican restaurants I've been to. It's great if you aren't going food the food but for a romantic atmosphere.

 

[carps09]

Le Cellier definitely. We had a Le Cellier ADR during our October trip, and decided at the last minute that we wanted to try to change it to something else at Epcot. The CM at Guest Services talked us out of it! She said, you can you what you want, but I really wouldn't turn down an opportunity to eat at Le Cellier if I were you! We kept it, and we were definitely happy we did!

 

[wild.zinnia]

We ate at Coral Reef and it was great. The food was good, our waiter was very nice (especially with a lactose intolerant person) and we were one table away from the huge aquarium.

I haven't eaten at Le Cellier, but that was actually our first choice and we just couldn't get a table there.

 

[DisneyGal358]

We really like Le Cellier. Great food, beautiful dining room and great service.

Coral Reef is beautiful but we felt very rushed through the meal. I'm allergic to seafood and wasn't thrilled with the quality of the non seafood food. My husband had a nice meal.

San Angel is beautiful but we aren't crazy about the quality of the food. Service isn't great and it's really dark. We've been there a couple times but it's mostly for the atmosphere.


Have a great trip!

 

[njchilds]

I think I'm finally sold on Le Cellier simply because all the reviews are so good. My only concern is bringing the little ones who are fairly good in restaurants. I know all the restaurants are kid friendly but does anyone have any comments on kids at Le Cellier?

 

[Got Muchness]

Unless you just get lucky you aren't going to get an ADR for Le Cellier this late in the game. It books up so fast. I just made mine 180 days out and by the time I called at 8am all that was left was lunch ADR's and not many.

However, that being said I love Coral Reef! Great atmosphere and really good food. All five in my family love it!

 

[njchilds]

We are not going until July and had no problem getting a unch ressie which is what we wanted anyway. I'm just worried that it is too fancy for the kids. Any thoughts?

 

[Avonlady1001]

We are not going until July and had no problem getting a unch ressie which is what we wanted anyway. I'm just worried that it is too fancy for the kids. Any thoughts?

Definitely not too fancy for kids! Last year we went w/ my DD4 & DS1. We've also been when DD was 3 & 2. At 2, she was actually asleep in the stroller when we got there & they let us bring the stroller right up to the table. They removed the chair & I pushed her under a little. They are very family friendly & the we haven't had a bad meal yet.

While you wait, there's a kidcot station off to the side, outside the restaurant. DD worked on her mask while we waited for our name to be called. It was very nice.

It's one of our favorites in Epcot and a must-do each trip. It is hard to get ADR's but if you got a lunch spot, I'd take it.

Enjoy!

 

[Family24]

Our family of four just returned in early February. Our kids are 12 and 8 and we all loved Coral Reef. We had a later lunch reservation and it was very quiet. It was a great atmosphere and we had a wonderful waiter. He even took our picture for us. The food was great and there were several families with children but again not crowded. Two years ago we had dinner at Le Cellier and that was also great. I really do not think you could go wrong with either restaurant. Both are kid friendly so whatever you decide have a great time. Just one thought the tables at Le Cellier are close together while at Coral Reef seem more spread out.

 

[webstah]

Just an FYI, Le Cellier is the only place I've seen (there could be others, but I haven't seen them) that has steak on the menu for the kids meal.
Definitely a change from the usual kids fare

 

[ToyStoryBo]

Just an FYI, Le Cellier is the only place I've seen (there could be others, but I haven't seen them) that has steak on the menu for the kids meal.
Definitely a change from the usual kids fare

Good point! I know my kids loove to eat steak! This will def be a bonus for us if we're able to get a ressie there!