Is 7:30 ressie at Coral Reef enough time?

[marmalade]

I have reservations for 7:30pm on a 8/25 for the Coral Reef for a party of 8. Will that be enough time for us to eat and get out before Illuminations starts?

We have eaten there before but it was for lunch and only 4 of us, so I have no idea if that will be cutting it to close.

 

[Pakey]

I think you'll be cutting it too close. Coral Reef is notorious for seating late and the service can range from very slow to non-existent.

 

[TDC Nala]

I agree, I would not count on there being enough time. Things could be different for anyone, but according to most reports here, Coral Reef has a reputation for not seating guests on time and serving slowly once the guests do get seated. I'd suggest planning Coral Reef for a leisurely dinner and not one where you're trying to get out the door in time for Illuminations.

 

[Hopefully]

I agree, I don't think it is enough time. It is very unlikely that you will be seated right on time. An ADR is not a resesrvation per se, but it gives you the next available table for a party of your size.
Also, once you leave the restaurant you are in a very congested area to find a spot to view Illuminations

 

[beroh2253]

We have been to Coral Reef now 4 times and have never been seated right away, probably 15-25 minutes from our ADR time. You are also pretty much to the other side of the park so when you get out head to the Canada and England side around the right side. Try to get checked in as early as you can maybe you would be the first of the 7:30 group to be seated. Another thing is Coral Reef has very slow service, so check the menue on line and try to figure what you are going to order and get the server going right away. If you booked on line maybe see if there is a 6:00 time available, book that and cancel the 7:30. I do like Coral Reef and have an ADR in October and maybe it would be best to take your time, enjoy the meal and see Illuminations another night if possible, Illuminations is not to be misses either.

 

[stefani_]

What time does IllumiNations start usually?

 

[focusondisney]

What time does IllumiNations start exactly?

9 o'clock.


And to Op, even if you do get seated on time, with 8 people, everything takes longer. My DH & I might be able to eat & get out in an hour& walk quickly back to world showcase, but with 8, you will only go as fast as the slowest eater/ walker.

 

[marmalade]

Thanks everyone I figured as much. Even though I was hoping you would all say "sure you will have plenty of time"

I tried to get an earlier ADR that same day but they seem to only have 8:45pm which isn't gonna work either. They do have a ADR for lunch that friday but we already have ADR's at Le Cellier, decisions decisions. I guess this just means I get to do some more planning

 

[quadsthen1]

Just last night I canceled a 7:00 ADR for Coral Reef because of a thread on here about the slow service. We had planned it at that time so we would eat and then see IllumiNations, but I think its cutting it too close after I heard about the service. I really wanted to try this restaraunt this trip too, but we have opted for Les Chefs de France at 6:40 instead...hoping that works out better with Illuminations!!