if you had to choose between these two TS restaurants...

[KittyHellstrom]

Would you pick Coral Reef or Ohana?

Just for reference we're a couple with no kids. Thanks

-Kitty

 

[Pumbaa_]

Sorry, can't help. Neither one is on my list of places to go

good luck!

 

[septbaby]

We had lunch at Coral Reef a few years back and really enjoyed our food. In fact we ate EVERYTHING they put in front of us including more than one basket of the bread.

We also loved the aquarium. It was great break from the heat. It is below ground, we had lunch during a rain storm and never had a clue it about the weather.

I don't have 'Ohana on my list of places to try, so can't offer anything on that, sorry.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

Been to both several times.
I would definately pick Coral Reef. We have always enjoyed our meals there. After our last trip to Ohana in Dec, we officially put it on our *never do again* list. The food and service were terrible.

 

[milmore104]

NO question Coral Reef. We do a lunch and dinner there every trip. LOVE IT!!!! When I ask my family what they want for dinner they say "Coral Reef". Food and serve always great for us. Plus the atmosphere can't be beat. We've done 'Ohana it was ok. Felt very rushed. Plus we did it on the night we arrived. We had been up since 3am w/ little food. It was a bit much on our stomachs. We will probably do it again but not anytime soon.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

Been to both several times.
I would definately pick Coral Reef. We have always enjoyed our meals there. After our last trip to Ohana in Dec, we officially put it on our *never do again* list. The food and service were terrible.

I would have to agree with this for the most part. We have been to Coral Reef several times and we always had a good time. The last time though, our service was slow and the food was kind of bland, not much flavor. Ohana was OK, but no one but my husband said that they would go back, but I have picky eaters too. Our best meal that we had was at the Poly, at Kona Cafe. It's hands down much better than the other two, and it was better than Le Cellier to all 8 of us too. This is a must do for us from now on!

What ever you choose to do, it will be fun so don't stress about it to much.

 

[Silver Queen]

Ditto on Coral Reef

 

[loislane]

Never did Ohana, but we loved Coral Reef. We sat tank-side and really enjoyed watching the fish - but that's just us. I had steak, which was yummy. My husband enjoyed his catch of the day fish - except it was grouper and a live grouper in the tank kept giving him the stink eye all through our meal.

The chocolate wave dessert was soooooo good.


Ditto on the other poster who said Kona. We really enjoyed our meal there as well.

 

[IUHoosiers]

We have eaten at both. Our experiences were quite different than others who posted here. In general, both of these are quite popular and you will likely enjoy either one. One person's "favorite" is always another's "never again". All it takes is one bad server or an over cooked steak and the meal is ruined.

With that said, it is unlikely we will ever return to Coral Reef. We, unforunately, had very poor service (food was cold, wrong items brought out, waited 10 minutes for one of the kids meals after everyone else was served, no refills, etc). None of us enjoyed our food. It wasn't so much bad as it was unmemorable. We were also seated along the back wall (not close to the fish) and waited over 30 mintues for our ADR.

'Ohana, on the other hand, is our favorite restauarant at WDW (we have never dined at a signature). We had EXCELLENT service, fresh and delicious food, a window table with beautiful views and really enjoyed the atmosphere. We LOVED the sticky wings, steak/shrimp and the bread budding was to die for!

I have to say, I recommend 'Ohana!

 

[Mark & Donna]

We never ate at 'Ohana but have dined at the Coral Reef twice. While the atmosphere is great and so is the waitstaff,the food leaves a lot to be desired at Coral Reef. My son ordered the salmon and needless to say it was a small portion. Later that evening we went to the food court at our resort(Caribbean Beach Resort) and actually got twice the sized salmon portion there as well as 3 sides! Also the salmon at our resort was much better tasting. We were on the meal plan and had to use a dinner portion while only using a counter service for the meal at the resort.

 

[EvilQueenT]

we have our first adr for ohana's this fall so i can't state personally about the food. i do know the reviews seem to be mixed on these boards. we've eaten at coral reef once...christmas dinner 08. our table had mixed reviews. we were a party of five (four adults) and the adults tasted each others meals. i gave it a so-so fair review but wholly understand we were there during the busiest time of year. a lot of what we tastes just seemed a little bland and haven't felt the desire to return.

 

[AirGoofy]

Been to both. DW absolutely loves Ohana. For me, I think both are really good but one does not stand over the other. If I was in Epcot, then I would eat at Coral Reef. I don't like spending park time to travel for dinner.

 

[Faline]

We have eaten at both and enjoyed both. My grown boys would definitely say Ohana. I really think it depends on what you are in the mood for. Do you want an ALL you can eat, or a more relaxing meal with ordering dinner. I will say that I did not book Coral reef this time because they took the fish(tilapia I think)with coconut rum buerre blanc and pineapple chutney off the menu. That was THE BEST. nothing appeals to me as much now.

I would look at the menus, and decide from there.

 

[Leota]

We have eaten at both once each. They were good & we enjoyed our meals, but were not Wowed enough to make a point of going back.

I'd say they are pretty equal & you should just pick which menu appeals to you more. Also, like a PP said, Coral Reef is a little more laid back while Ohana is more boisterous & playful. Even if you don't have kids, it's fun to watch their games at Ohana. At Coral Reef, the Tank is nice to watch.

 

[KittyHellstrom]

Thanks guys We made a reservation for Coral Reef on the first night we get there.
-Kitty

 

[MickeyNicki]

Honestly...neither as DH didnt like either place. If you want to go just by my opinion I say Coral Reef

 

[purpliequeen]

For a couple with no kids, hands down Coral Reef. Ohana was a miserable experience for us. (No kids as well.) It's a fun restaurant, but definitely targeted for families. The restaurant was crowded, extremely noisy, and there's a lot of action going on (children running around doing coconut races and other things). It's hard to have a convo in there- especially as parents are jumping over your table to take pics of their kids. The food was mediocre- at best. (However, their dessert is fantastic.)

Coral Reef, on the other hand, is awesome. Very, very, very noisy (maybe moreso than Ohana) because the conversations and kids screaming bounces off the glass of the fish tank. However, the ambience/atmosphere is excellent. It's so calming to watch the fish while you eat. The a la carte menu is also a nicer change than the prix fixe meal at Ohana. Furthermore, the dishes are fantastic. Just take a look at their dessert menu for starters! I would recommend the Coral Reef (even to couples with kids) in a heart beat.

 

[RainK]

Its so funny how everyone has such different opinions. That's what is so great about this site.

For us, we ABSOLUTELY LOVE Ohana. Its a *must do* on all our trips!
I have never been to Coral Reef but highly recommend Ohana for dinner. YUM.

 

[kathie859]

Been to Ohana twice (first time was lousy experience, just HAD to give it another try---hated it just slightly less than the first time) Imagine a woman with an annoying voice encouraging children to participate in activities and also singing Hawaiian dities in the key of "shrill" as people throw food in no particular order on your table and on your plate.

Coral Reef was nicer--though noise does reverberate in the restaurant.
Food is good--portions a tad on the small side.

If I had to pick, it'd to Coral Reef.

 

[pianoronni37]

I've been to both, and it's been just DH and myself.

After a *three hour lunch* experience at Coral Reef, and a wonderful experience at 'Ohana with fireworks - my heart lies with 'Ohana. I liked the food (DH *loved* the food), the atmosphere was so nice, I love the Poly, and the Hawaiian singer had us stand up and dance... very nice memories at 'Ohana.