Garden Grill vs Coral Reef

[goofy4wdw2]

For those of you who have done both recently, which would you recommend for lunch (or dinner)?

 

[Mickey92]

They are very different. Garden Grill is a family style character meal. Coral reef is a traditional table service, but is within the seas area and you are eating in an aquarium type area. I like them both for different reasons. I think food at coral reef is better but the character interactions are excellent at garden grill. I know that does not answer your question, but hopefully it helps.

 

[Lisa F]

the Garden Grill lunch/dinner menu does not appeal to me at all, though we did it for breakfast and have it booked again. I know Coral Reef has a lot of detractors but it has always been one of my favorites and I have never had a bad meal there... we went in December (which may not be that recently?) and the shrimp and grits dish was one of my favorite dishes of the whole vacation (and we did 2TS a day) and my kid LOVED the kids steak... it was a huge portion of grilled tenderloin tips. I love the atmosphere. I love to book right at opening and get there early, it is the best way to guarantee a seat at the tank.

 

[rg35]

We also like Coral Reef despite the detractors. Our meal there two years ago was pretty good, although the desert options were a but lackluster IMO. The kids really enjoyed looking at the aquarium while dining.

One thing to note is that most children will go walk up to the aquarium to have a better look at the undersea action. If you're the type to be bothered by this then it might be a place you'd want to skip (note that this would only be a potential issue if you're seated at one of the tables nearest the aquarium). Fortunately all of the children (including ours) were respectful and not intrusive of the tables nearest the glass, but you never know what straw you'll draw.