Garden Grill or Coral Reef.......

[vital]

Which one the first night? We will be arriving at MCO at 230pm on a Monday. I'd like to try to go to a park the first night and at least eat. I'll be with a 6yo and 50yo(who is like a 35yo). We are taking the 1130 flight so we won't be exhausted when we get there. I've been holding out for the Toy Story meal but would like to go ahead and at least make a few ADR's. I figured Epcot would be the best for the first night since it doesn't have a lot of rides and maybe we could watch Illuminations. What are some suggestions? We are staying at POFQ so the boat to DTD is also an option. Sorry so unorganized, just typing as I think

 

[1princessesmom]

We haven't been to COral Reef, but we LOVE Garden Grill. THe food is great and the character interaction is wonderful. We celebrated our DS's 1st birthday there, and went back 2 years later to celebrate his 3rd at Garden Grill!!! ENjoy!

 

[cobbler]

Garden Grill.

 

[suzimar57]

been to both - prefer food at garden grill - all you can eat skillet, plus your 6 y/o can "watch" the scenes overlooking the living with the land ride while the restaurant revolves - fish in aquarium at coral reef is nice, but the food is quite expensive and not consistently good (based on meals we've had there several times, kind of hit or miss, i guess)

 

[aunt kelly]

I would definately choose Garden Grill over Coral Reef for the first night for a 6 year old. A character meal is a great way to start a WDW trip. The only thing I might suggest is that you do the character meal and then call it a night. Travelling is hard on a 6 year old and grown-ups too! We always try to be in bed early on our first night so that we can be at the parks the next morning when they open.

 

[vital]

Thank you all. How late is Illuminations? I'm going in June so I know it will at least be 845-900. Would it be worth it to stay up or should we plan on watching the night we eat at Le Cellier?

 

[ougrad86]

Had a very nice meal at the Coral Reef, and enjoyed watching the aquarium. My DS said the mac and cheese was really good; he wants to go back for that reason!
Haven't ate at the Garden Grill, tho, so can't really compare the two.
Get a fast pass at Soarin' before you go in to eat if the wait is long enough. Absolutely my favorite ride!