Keep Hearing Food Is So-So At Sci-Fi & Coral Reef....

[devine]

I've never been to the CR, but even though I've heard bad things about it, I still want to try it. I like to give people and places the benifit of the doubt.

and even though i haven't been to the Sci Fi since 05, I'll probably never go back unless it's for dessert only.

We went, and maybe it was just b/c it was a rainy day, or what, but we had a miserable meal there. The food we got was less then so so, and flavorless (at least mine was, BTW a BBQ chicken sandwich should have some flavor and shouldn't be cold) our server was rude, and we felt rushed to leave. Although the onion rings were good, that's not enough reason to return.

we did enjoy sitting in the car, and watching b movies, but I'm in no rush at all to ever return.

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

Went to Coral Reef last Setp. 07 and this June 08 had the NY Strip and it was really good steak as good or better hen Le Cellier and the Baileys and Jack Daniel's Mousse best dessert at Disney. Have ADR's for this Sept.

Case in point, the "good chef" was on that night.

and even though i haven't been to the Sci Fi since 05, I'll probably never go back unless it's for dessert only. . . The food we got was less then so so, and flavorless (at least mine was, BTW a BBQ chicken sandwich should have some flavor and shouldn't be cold) our server was rude, and we felt rushed to leave. Although the onion rings were good, that's not enough reason to return.

The "bad chef" was on that day.

Every WDW restaurant deserves at least one shot. Go and make your own opinion.

- Jennifer

 

[paintnolish]

I've read the reviews, but I prefer to make my own decisions! I went to both places last trip and enjoyed the food as well as the atomosphere. ADRs for both places for my honeymoon!

 

[princessesx2]

We just came back from WDW! Loved Sci Fi...I was concerned with the reviews I had read but I figured how bad could a burger be! We had lunch ADRs for 2:30pm....it was really hot out and kids were worn out so we went @ 2 to see if we could get seated (this was on 7/3...park was not all that busy...as none really were PACKED this trip) They seated us right away and my dd's 7 and 2 LOVED the car....the b movies kept them entertained and my 2yo loved the fact that it was a CAR she was sitting in. With 4 adults 2 kids on DxDP we had:
Apps: Chili, Spinach Dip with chips and 2 onion ring orders (all were devoured and were really good)

Meal: Kids burger, Kids beef and Mac, 3 burgers and a ruben ALL WERE GREAT!

Dessert: Chocolate tart x3 and cheesecake pretty good but we were all full from apps and meals.
Plus my daughter (7) got a milkshake which was really good!

Service was great and friendly...kept drinks filled, and brought all items needed (including xtra napkins for 2yo! quickly and happily....totally did not mind the 18% tip...actually tipped her 20% as she was that good...now if only Disney could find more like her!

 

[bellenbuzz]

It is so informative to get feedback from all you DIS'ers.....Thank you so much!
I have put off both restaurants on past trips because of the negative reviews, BUT, good point on giving it a try....
Since getting Dining Plan, I guess I feel if I use a TS on one of these places, and its "yukkie", I'll be disappointed that I could have gone to a much better place, BUT, I also like to try restaurants we haven;t been to yet.....

For sure, I think we will give SCI-FI a try, for the atmosphere, Not use the DP, pay OOP and go for lunch......

Hmmmmmmmm, I love the planning !!!

Now My DD age 7 wants to pick out some smilie dudes, here she goes:

 

[maj42169]

Coral Reef, actually I was pretty disappointed in it. Now I ordered steak, and maybe you shouldnt do that at a place called 'Coral Reef'. I dunno, but I've had better steaks at Denny's. I was suprised how small Coral Reef was, and was actually disappointed in the tank view. I wasnt next to it, and maybe there is more to it then I saw, but what I could see wasnt impressive IMO.

It must have been your view of the tank, because from where we sat it was amazing! We were not right up on the glass, actually had a booth that was facing the glass. It was up one level from the tables and we were able to see everything just fine. Now the food, well, I was pleased with my crab legs, but the shrimp coctail app was so small that I couldn't find the shrimp!!

My husband was not imprpessed with the food. He had the salad for the app, didn't like it at all, but I (the salad lover) thought it was delicious! We can't remember what he ordered as the main dish......not memorable, and desserts.....can't remember them either!

 

[SurfinTX]

My husband was not imprpessed with the food. He had the salad for the app, didn't like it at all, but I (the salad lover) thought it was delicious! We can't remember what he ordered as the main dish......not memorable, and desserts.....can't remember them either!

That is why it is so hard to get an acurate sampling for how good a restaraunt is. All four of us at the CR found the food to be above average during our stay. The atmosphere is what really makes it more enjoyable, quieter than many of the places we ate at. We will catch the Drive-In next time just to compare. I'm not expecting to be wowed by the food but will enjoy the theme.

 

[LuvsTig]

I LOVE the Sci Fi Diner but was disappointed in the last meal I had there. (very DRY turkey club) but it didn't put a damper on the whole experience. I love the B movies and the incredible theming. It's a welcome oasis in the mid-day heat. At lunchtime you instantly leave a hot sunny Florida day and enter a cool starlit evening. I think it would be a shame to not give it a try. Even for a milkshake and an order of onion rings you can't go wrong.
ENJOY!!!

 

[Missin'Disney]

Even w/ my booth facing the tank, I still didn't love CR. Over an hr. wait for our 7:00 ADR, spotty service, mediocre food and soooo noisy & crowded
Yuk! is all i can say...

 

[tmws66]

I had been very hesitant about the Sci-Fi Dine In, but because my husband wanted to go we ate there last week. Let me tell you I was very happily suprised. First of all because everyone is watching the movies it is one of the quietest restaurants. I had the burger and DH had the Smoked Turkey Sandwich. Both were good and there were no complaints. Really enjoyed it.

It has been a few years since we ate at Coral Reef, but when we did it was good.

 

[bellenbuzz]

Either its GREAT or its YUK !!!

On a side note: Why Would WDW allow a restaurant to have such mediocre food ????? If they do any research they would hear these reviews and make better menus or make better food......


Any opinions on that ???

 

[annie1995]

We haven't tried Coral Reef yet, but Sci-Fi was YUCK in our opinion. Someday we will go back just for a dessert or appy the atmosphere is really cool, but thats it.

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

We go to Sci-Fi every trip because of the atmosphere - we think it's a hoot! I always order a burger & vanilla shake with Kaluah added - yum One year my mom ordered a chicken sandwich - said it was awful So I always stick with the burger & shake - for lunch!

We did the CR once & I would go again with a "first timer" because it's a fun atmosphere but it is expensive.

 

[BelleLovesTheBeast]

I enjoyed the Coral Reef last Sept. I had the lobster roll and soup. It was really good. For dessert I had the Chocolate Wave. We liked it and will be going back again on our next trip.

Sci Fi on the other hand is the worst restaurant and the only one at Disney I'll never go back to again. The food was cold and tasted terrible. It's the only time I've ever not been able to eat what I ordered. The atmosphere is nice but the food is terrible.

 

[susieq76]

We love Coral Reef- its a must do on every trip- My kids specifically ask for it! I did have one yucky appetizer there last trip and the waiter saw I didn't like it and brought me my favorite- the bisque!

Try it- it really is good!

We also like Sci Fi- but again- for burgers and stuff. I love the spinach dip and the milkshakes- and my boys love the cars & movie!

 

[pixie08]

We like the atmosphere at Sci-fi..it is a lot of fun but really only get burgers and shakes.

Coral reef is decent but imo it is way overpriced for what you get if you pay oop.

 

[momandseandodisney]

I hear the same thing about Sci Fi but we are going to try lunch their anyways. How bad can you screw up a burger and shake?

Exactly , the atmosphere is great, give it a try

Coral Reef , this Sept will be the 3rd year in the row going (I always order the same thing) blackend catfish YUMMY, really a nice atmos. too!

 

[Cindy B]

We went to Coral Reef for the first time last year during free dining. It was the best meal of our trip!

All four of us loved it!

 

[kimgof]

We will be trying CR this Sept. I can tell you we loved the Sci Fi when we went. Great atmosphere. Go, try and see for yourself. You never know based on a review if the reviewer is being overly picky or had a bad day that day. I know people that hated restaurants that I loved. Also, a lot depends on your server too. I say go for it.

 

[Cindy B]

We went to Coral Reef for the first time last year during free dining. It was the best meal of our trip!

All four of us loved it!