Getting a table by the tank at Coral Reef

[Linleedo]

We asked for a table by the aquarium for our 35th anniversary. They told us it would be a longer wait, which was ok with us. We experienced the rudest kids ( who had parents that were encouraging them to squeeze in to see) who were sitting on the top level of tables. I love kids. But, this was ridiculous. These kids were actually moving in so close, they were leaning on my thighs. It was a horrible dining experience . We had to ask the parents to come and get their kids so we could eat. Not fun! Come on people. Have some respect. The second row of tables away from the aquarium would be a much better choice.

 

[amycakes]

We have sat by the tank with our adult friends at a table of four and not been bothered. Also, we have sat in the second tier seating when we had our children with us. We prefer the second tier seating for a view of the entire tank. When our children asked to go up to the tank (like other children ) I told them that there is an area in the pavilion they could go to, after our meal, where they could view by the glass.... as long as they ate their veggies!! Problem solved! I can not believe that children would be allowed to infringe on other diners.

 

[Huff]

Most of the tables along the tank glass are for two people. With 4 people we're usually seated at the next level up which still has a great view.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

I wish they still had the divers who would hold up personalized signs!!!!

1) YEP !
2) Also, the personalized menus with JPG photos of the diners was cute.
. . . people could email their photos and have them printed on their menus
. . . people could also have personal messages printed on the menus
3) But, spreading the word via Internet messed it up.
4) So many people wanted the diver signs and menus that it overwhelmed the staff.
5) They stopped it for everyone.

 

[Nancyg56]

1) YEP !
2) Also, the personalized menus with JPG photos of the diners was cute.
. . . people could email their photos and have them printed on their menus
. . . people could also have personal messages printed on the menus
3) But, spreading the word via Internet messed it up.
4) So many people wanted the diver signs and menus that it overwhelmed the staff.
5) They stopped it for everyone.

That is what I heard too. It is a shame really, because the unadvertised magical moments that the CM's everywhere could make happen are disappearing rapidly. When something extra is now being demanded, it tends to go away.

I remember that when teh GM of the Coral Reef called us to confirm she would try to make this magic happen she was very clear...no promises. They would do their best. Well their best was pretty darn special! We did not get the menu, but never said one word, we were just thrilled with teh diver.

 

[yaya74]

1) YEP !
2) Also, the personalized menus with JPG photos of the diners was cute.
. . . people could email their photos and have them printed on their menus
. . . people could also have personal messages printed on the menus
3) But, spreading the word via Internet messed it up.
4) So many people wanted the diver signs and menus that it overwhelmed the staff.
5) They stopped it for everyone.

Things that I have learned from DIS.... didn't know about the diver and the sign thing until now...

 

[TheRustyScupper]

didn't know about the diver and the sign thing until now

1) It used to be that
. . . a diver would bring a sign down and show to you and everyone
. . . this could be things like "Happy Birthday, Suzie" or "Happy 10th Anniversary, Jim and Joan".
2) It was cute.
3) THEN . . .
. . . people would arrive late for their ADR and complain (sometimes LOUDLY) that they did not get their sign
. . . or, the diver did not spend enough time in front of the tank for viewing
. . . or, their camera flash bounced off the tank "glass", they did not get the photo, and wanted a replay
4) After podium people got SCREAMED AT enough, they stopped the practice.

 

[yaya74]

1) It used to be that
. . . a diver would bring a sign down and show to you and everyone
. . . this could be things like "Happy Birthday, Suzie" or "Happy 10th Anniversary, Jim and Joan".
2) It was cute.
3) THEN . . .
. . . people would arrive late for their ADR and complain (sometimes LOUDLY) that they did not get their sign
. . . or, the diver did not spend enough time in front of the tank for viewing
. . . or, their camera flash bounced off the tank "glass", they did not get the photo, and wanted a replay
4) After podium people got SCREAMED AT enough, they stopped the practice.

so sad... was this diver-thing an extra cost service or complimentary?? If it was at an extra cost, I could probably understand the "demand" from customers... but again, it is impossible to get everyone satisfied..

 

[Malibustyle23]

Are there seats in the restaurant that you can't see the tank at all? It has been almost a decade since we've dined there and I've forgotten the complete layout. I don't want to make a tank viewing table request if it's not necessary but don't want to miss out.

 

[GillianP1301]

We have eaten there twice and got a tank side table both times. These were both lunch times, so less busy, so I'm thinking the early dinner ADR time should help. We just ask when we check in and it's never been an issue. From what I observed, it seems to be smaller parties at the tank side table (we are 2) and most were either 2 or at most 4. If you are a larger group, I'm not sure they could as easily accommodate.

 

[beccasmom]

We have had good luck with getting one of those tables and it has been easier with an early seating time. However I agree that the views are much better in a booth on a higher level. The tables near the tank are pretty close together too.