help please with Coral Reef ??

[kdtwiss]

Well,I decided to go ahead and make a PS for dinner - can not miss out on that atmosphere! But we are a party of 6 and it seems all the tables up against the aquarium are only 2 or 4. My oldest ds is autistic and should we be seated away from the aquarium he will have a hard time not going over and bothering people that are sitting next to it. I have made pss for the first seating and plan on getting there about 15 minutes early, so hopefully being seated next to the aquarium won't be trouble - but now I am wondering if I should call back and change my ps to two tables - one for 4 and one for 2. Anyone with direct knowledge of if any of the tables next to the aquarium seat 6, or if indeed it is only 2 or 4, I would apprecite your thoughts.Actually I would appreciate anyone's thoughts. TIA

 

[3disAddicts]

We were just there 2 weeks ago and requested a tank side table. Had a PS for 5:30 and got there about 5ish. We had to wait about 20 or 25 minutes for tank side. Ours was only a 4 person table and that's all I noticed. And yes, some children did come and stand behind our chairs to get a better view, although there's not much room between tables. Didn't bother us, though. But I did notice right across the aisle there were booths, although I don't recall seeing more than 4 or 5 people seated at them at one time. Maybe you could request 2 tables and show up a little earlier hoping for 2 tank side tables. To me it was worth the wait because it was kinda neat watching the divers swim up and interact with us.

 

[meandthree]

I do believe that all of the tables are for four. You could probably squeeze five into the booths but those are still across from the tanks. We went at 7:30 and it was busy at first but after a little while, there were lots of empty tables near the tanks and the kids were able to go over and look in the tanks at that time. If you must eat early then make two reservations, otherwise eat later and I think that you will be fine. I don't think that your son would bother anyone any way I mean my goodness it is Disney!

One tip -- Make sure and order the illuminating ice cubes! My kids loved them in their drinks and you can turn them off and take them home with you. Great souvenier.

 

[rsschneck]

One tip -- Make sure and order the illuminating ice cubes! My kids loved them in their drinks and you can turn them off and take them home with you. Great souvenier.

We have PS for 3 of us in May. My DD is 8 years old and would love the ice cubes. Is there a special drink or do you just ask for the ice cubes in the drink? Do they charge extra? I might like some too!

 

[kdtwiss]

thanks so much . I think I will call back and change the ps to two tables, I don't mind waiting and will do so to have tables next to each other. I really am only going eary to be sure to get the tables next to the fish!! I know you would think a child going next to a table should not really be a problem at Disney, but you know how people can be. It certainly would not bother me, but if by chance we ended up next to grumpy people who were not nice to ds he would be heartbroken, then of course mama lion would need to defend him and well, that is ess than fun sometimes. LOL. Thanks for the tip on the ice cubes - I will be sure to get them!!

 

[meandthree]

The ice cubes are $4.95 and they can be put in any drink. I have a seven year old, a nine year old and a sixteen year old and they all loved them. My husband was totally bummed that we didn't get some also.

One hint, if your 8 year old is a Full House fan, they had dinner at the Coral Reef! That is actually how I came up with the idea to make a PS there. The kids were flipping out because they had watched Full House at Disney so many times. You might want to watch to see if it is on in your area before you go, or ask your little one if they had seen it!

 

[marksommerville]

If I recall correctly, the tables on the floor level (right beside the tank) are 4 person tables.

Up 1 level on the first floor, there are booths and there are tables. The tables are closest to the tank and have a rail. These tables are 6 person tables.

You will still have a great view of the tank but you will not be right up against the tank.

Here is a pic from our booth to the tank. You can see the 6 person tables and the tables on the floor right by the tank.

Hope it helps

 

[tubachick]

I would do 2 tables, and get there early to ask for them next to each other, that is the best way to ensure your seat near the tank, we also get there about 15-20 minutes early to re-request it. good luck.

 

[disneyvoice]

I would suggest asking the CM to make a note on your PS that your child has special needs and for the staff to make every effort to seat you directly next to the tank. WDW usually does a great job of doing everything they can for folks who need some extra assistance - regardless of the reason. I would then say something to the CM when you check in as well. My DH and I will be trying the Coral Reed for the first time in December and can't wait!!

 

[sleepydog25]

Disneyvoice is correct--make sure you let the host/hostess know of your needs. I'm sure they'll be accomodating. Further, we ate there just last week, and they have put a few 2-top tables in open areas on the bottom tier between the viewing glass seats and the booths--it should be fairly easy to move one of those to a 4-top and get your party of 6 seated. I'd even mention that to them.

In defense of those who may not like kids coming over to view fish next to where you're seated, keep in mind that one or two kids coming over for a brief moment is one thing. It's altogether different when you multiply that times several families, all with kids wanting to do the same thing. Further, there's not a lot of room to squeeze in between some of the tables to begin with, and kids are notorious for invading others' personal space. Unlike the nice posters to this site, there are parents who give not one whit what their children do in a public setting like a restaurant, allowing them to roam around unfettered and fancy free, assuming that their kids can do no wrong. After being literally jostled by an unending parade of 3-10 yr olds (sometimes 3 at a time) attempting to get a close-up view of the tank, we finally shifted our table a few inches back toward the next table and scooted our chairs out just a bit to limit the access. We aren't uncaring or mean or grumpy, and we never said a cross word to any of the kids, certainly. They were just curious and excited, as our DD4 was. On the other hand, I think it is proper to keep in mind that although Disney is joyous place, patrons should be allowed some privacy when eating, even in a unique place like the Coral Reef.

As for the blue ice cube, I believe it's called a Blue Whale, and it is available in any kids' drink for the aforementioned $4.95. Tap it once on the side, it goes off. Tap it on the other side, it comes back on. They are cool, and our DD4 was almost as attracted to it as she was the fish in the tank.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Disney is known for being helpful in situations such as yours...don't be shy, ask for what your special needs child requires for a good visit, both for him and all the other patrons. I'm afraid I'm a special-needs adult...hate being shoved and crowded, especially while I eat. Knowing this about myself, I'd probably request a space AWAY from the tank. Unfortunately, there are people who wouldn't think this far in advance, and would be offended by a child shoving past them while they eat, considering it "just rudeness", setting the scene for that protective instinct that just naturally comes when your cub is threatened. So definitely ASK for what your child and family require...I'll bet the Disney magic will kick in for everyone involved!

 

[ducklite]

I don't think that your son would bother anyone any way I mean my goodness it is Disney!

Disney or not, having someone hovering around me or next to my table while I dine is going to disturb me.

While I can sympathize with the OP, I think that she absolutely can not allow her son to hover around other diners.

I would split my PS's into a two and a four, and get there at least 15 minutes early to explain the situation, and ask for two tables next to each other next to the tank.

disneyvoice offered good advice about having your PS noted to your sons needs.

BTW--I don't think they can move the tables around due to fire codes.

Anne

 

[vicb]

Well,I decided to go ahead and make a PS for dinner - can not miss out on that atmosphere! But we are a party of 6 and it seems all the tables up against the aquarium are only 2 or 4. My oldest ds is autistic and should we be seated away from the aquarium he will have a hard time not going over and bothering people that are sitting next to it. I have made pss for the first seating and plan on getting there about 15 minutes early, so hopefully being seated next to the aquarium won't be trouble - but now I am wondering if I should call back and change my ps to two tables - one for 4 and one for 2. Anyone with direct knowledge of if any of the tables next to the aquarium seat 6, or if indeed it is only 2 or 4, I would apprecite your thoughts.Actually I would appreciate anyone's thoughts. TIA

Hello, I have never eaten at Coral Reef so no advice there, just wanted to commend you for a couple of things. First, thank you for being concerned about the other diners comfort in that situation. Second, I'm sure it is not easy to be a parent of an autistic child and planning a trip to WDW must be very challenging. I wish you much luck and hope your trip is a good one!