Help! Keep Coral Reef ADR or switch?

[wrldpossibility]

We've never been to WDW, so I need help! I booked a 6:10 CR ADR for 7 people (6 actually, because one is under 3) during our trip in Dec. After reading so many bad reviews, should I switch to another restaurant? I picked CR because the adults in our group (except me) love seafood, and I thought the decor would be fun for the kids. Are we better of elsewhere? If so, what would be a fun sit down place in Epcot for three little boys? (Not Garden Grill, since we'll have done Chef Mickey's earlier that day.)

 

[KingdomHeartsFan]

All the negative reviews lately have made me have doubts as well. We have an ADR for Coral Reef next month but I am scared we will not enjoy it. We are big lovers of seafood and one vegetarian... I have read mixed reviews about their veggie offering as well. We will probably keep it and just hope for the best.

 

[mlwear]

I'm still unpacking and doing laundry, etc. We returned around midnight I will write reviews later, but when I saw this thread, I had to reply.
We were at CR on Monday the 14th. Of the 9 TS meals we had, it was in the top 3 by a landslide. Very good. I'm not a seafood lover myself, but everyone else in our party had Mahi-Mahi and Tuna. They all raved it was wonderful. I had a steak, which was wonderful. I did have a shrimp cocktail, which was very good. The shrimp were large and fresh. The sauce was a little spicy, but not so much more than what you might get at the grocery. Dessert was wonderful, also. The chocolate wave is delicious but too much to eat after a huge meal . The orange happiest celebration dessert (can't remember specific name) was said to be very good by others in our party--somehow they managed to eat the whole desserts without sharing, so I will take their word for it The kids make your sundae is very cute.
We weren't seated against the aquarium, but were up a tier and had a fine view.
We had excellent service This was a huge plus as it was during free dining and this was not the experience at all TS's. The restaurants are so crowded and over-booked right now. With so much chaos, if they were able to still provide such a nice dining opportunity, I give them much credit.
We did have to wait a while for our table and the restaurant was noisy. This was obviously a result of the free dining plan, though.
When we return CR will be on our must do list!
Now, what will I write for my dining review.
IMO, don't cancel your ADR.

 

[phisigprincess]

I wouldn't cancel. Yes, I listen to what other people say, but I don't base my decision solely on their reviews. People have different tastes, so they like different restaurants! My opinion would be to keep your ADR and decide for yourself. You might be really happy you kept it! And if you're not, don't go back again.

 

[brat5063]

We have ADRs there for our upcoming trip. I haven't eatten there yet and am a little concerned about the reviews I have been reading too. I don't plan on canceling though, we are giving it a shot.

 

[Quinn222]

Look at the menu, see if it appeals to you. Our family will never eat there again. Poor quality, limited menu and overpriced (when we've been there.) But there are people who love it. You could be one of them. You might have a much better experience.

 

[liamsaunt]

DH and I both really enjoyed our meals at the Coral Reef. We had the mahi with couscous. Dsis had the trout, which she said was only OK. I would recommend it--the restaurant is very relaxing--it is a nice break from the bustle of park touring.

 

[DVCRSheridan]

I would stick with it. We eat there usually every trip & have never had a problem with it. Just understand that it won't be cheap & you won't get very big portions. Other than that, the food has always been good (imo) & the atmosphere is very very nice as well, especially if you can get a table right next to the tank. Try the Lobster Bisque, it is phenomonal!

 

[dznymom1]

We always enjoy Coral Reef and have had some wonderful meals there. As a matter of fact, it is DS15's only request every time we go. He has been going since he was in a high chair and it is still his favorite!

 

[wrldpossibility]

Thank you everyone for your replies. Since we're on the DP (and it won't be during free dining), I won't worry about the cost or overcrowdedness (is that a word?!).

We'll try it and see! I think the kids will enjoy the fish (the viewing that is, probably not the eating!).

 

[1000th happy haunt]

We ate at Coral Reef for the first time back in May. We made another reservation for our upcoming trip in October.

I enjoyed my meal there very much.

 

[shyjade]

I'm not cancelling my ressie for next month. For a brief moment it was tempting, but then I reminded myself:

1) We booked it for the atmosphere (and because I like seafood, DD8 hates it but really wants to dine there)

2) It's too late to get ressies anywhere else decent (or at least that's been my experience lately with free dining)

3) Yes, we're on the free dining package so even if it's just a so-so meal, would it really be that bad?

4) We're also eating at CRT which seems to have nothing but bad reviews lately. But again, we're dining there for the experience; I never got to dine at Disney growing up and I just want to eat in the castle...just once...

5) From the sounds of it we certainly won't starve even if the food sucks at one of the TS meals we have planned....

And finally: We will be at Disney so how can we go wrong?!! It beats eating leftovers at home any day!!!

 

[tyandbash]

We also just got home last night and were also there on Monday,lol. But we loved the Coral Reef!! I had Mahi Mahi and my dh had the steak. Both were excellent!!! My kids also had a great time!! Don't cancel, it is a great place. We are going back to DW in February and my DH has already said we must go back to Coral Reef!! (And we ate at lots of places!!)

 

[Kimber1963]

We've eaten at CR many times. It is always one of our favorites. Keep your ADR's. Go and enjoy!!!!

 

[44disney]

We are also eating at the Coral Reef for the first time -- we'll be there in Dec. on the dining plan. I have moderate expectations for the food but it sounds like a really neat experience.

Last time we went to WDW (in Oct. 2005) we had free dining and had booked O'hana's for supper. Then I started reading a bunch of negative things about it on these boards and thought about changing restaurants. Apparantly the problem was that O'hana's had changed the menu a bit and a lot of people liked the old menu items better. Anyway, I kept the reservation and we LOVED it -- very convenient, great food served quickly (a necessity for DS8 and DD5), and wonderful atmosphere. We are going there again in December.

So... I say keep your reservation and plan on having fun! Who knows, you may actually be able to have an adult conversation while the kids watch the fish!

 

[the Fidge]

My only gripe was a very forgetful server. Usually my dinner gets messed up whereever we go so I am ok with that! DH's get messed up badly! My dinner was great I had the catfish, DH loved his dessert and DS loved the tank! A huge sea turtle came out way cool!

Don't tell DH but I would go back myself (hehehe) but I would check out on here some people have regular servers that they are happy with. SO I would watch to see the names of suggested servers got 2 in case one is off that day! I would do it again though, I would be dining alone though I fear! Dh is our families little grumpy! Whatever you do never mess up his food he turns Grizzly!

Do ask for a tank table , wish I had one, and by all means try around 5:30 pm thats when the divers are there usually!

Have a great time!