Le Cellier or Coral Reef?

[DisOrBust]

I have to say the reports of lonnng waits and snippy "were the most popular at Epcot" has turned me off from LeC. Thats IMHO only.

 

[MrToad]

Last time I tried Coral Reef was back in 1997. It was very average and I remember that the sea bass we paid $40 for was cold upon arrival. I also remember lots of complaints back then about the restaurant. We haven't tried it since, but will be visiting for a 2nd chance this year. I have heard it is much improved although still not excellent seafood especially for those that have access to fresh fish all year long (being from Colorado I don't).

Le Cellier we tried in 2002 and I remember it being pretty good. It didn't blow me away, but I do recall the steak being good. LeC is very popular on this board so I don't know...I haven't had a recent experience. We plan on visiting LeC as well this July.

 

[byoung]

Either one they are both good.

 

[mannasn]

We just got back from our first Disney trip 2 weeks ago, and ate at both of those places for the first time.

The food at Le Cellier was excellent - if you're into steaks and things. My kids got a little bored midway through the meal (they're 7 and 4), but it was worth it and we'd definately go back.

The food at Coral Reef was subpar - I wouldn't even compare it to Red Lobster. I was definately not impressed. The kids were silent the whole meal, though - which is a plus - mesmerized by the aquariums (we waited and got a glass/water-side seat). I doubt we'd go back just because of that one factor. If we want good seafood, we'll visit Fultons or elsewhere.

 

[adrock1976]

Hands down, Le Cellier.

 

[mlwear]

Wow. I'm glad this thread was posted. I was planning on cancelling my CR ressie today because of so many bad reviews and the change in menu. We also have a ressie a LeCellier on another day.
I'm sorry to hijack the OP's thread, but if anyone can be so kind to offer their opinions:
1. With regard to LeCellier--is that true about the long wait with ADRs and the close tables. Those are my two biggest pet peeves. I won't wait long for a table anywhere and I absolutely HATE sitting at tables too close to other people. I am extremely uncomfortable and have left other restaurants when I saw the seating was configured that way. I have to sit on the end at places like Teppenyaki (sp) and still am uncomfortable.
2. I had originally planned to celebrate my BD at CR. I thought the aquariums would keep my kids occupied and we could enjoy dinner. As I wrote before, when I saw the menu changes and terrible reviews I didn't want to chance having a bad birthday meal (I will pout over things like that ). I don't need or want anyone to sing to me or anything but with DP desserts I won't get a cake but maybe a bottle of sparkling wine. Will we be rushed out of their or will we be able to linger a bit. The alternative was to change ressie to Jikos (or other dining that may be more tolerant of an adult birthday celebration).

Opinions, please...will the wait and seating at LeC be such given my uncomfortable nature that I should cancel and maybe schedule CR (or try) as a replacement for LeC. and go somewhere else for BD? Should I leave ADRs alone and go to LeC one eve and CR for my BD?

 

[kitty2kidz]

We arrived 10 min early for our Le Cellier ressie and were seated 40 minutes late--a loong wait!! Then we were literally sitting with the 2 tables neighboring us--our table was a long booth against the wall on one side with chair seating on the other-- we were in the middle closely sharing a booth with the other tables!! I was not as impressed with the food as I planned to be and our dinner with 2 children took 2+ hours we were eating normally but all of the courses were very spaced between--we lost touring time and totally missed illuminations that night at 9 pm with a 645 seating---not happy!! On the other hand we have eaten 3 times at the coral reef--last trip we changed to le cellier never again-- and I dont ever remember a problem at coral reef the atmosphere is great we had good service and good food--- next time we will defanitely switch bak to coral reef!!

 

[dizneydiva2005]

We arrived 10 min early for our Le Cellier ressie and were seated 40 minutes late--a loong wait!! Then we were literally sitting with the 2 tables neighboring us--our table was a long booth against the wall on one side with chair seating on the other-- we were in the middle closely sharing a booth with the other tables!! I was not as impressed with the food as I planned to be and our dinner with 2 children took 2+ hours we were eating normally but all of the courses were very spaced between--we lost touring time and totally missed illuminations that night at 9 pm with a 645 seating---not happy!! On the other hand we have eaten 3 times at the coral reef--last trip we changed to le cellier never again-- and I dont ever remember a problem at coral reef the atmosphere is great we had good service and good food--- next time we will defanitely switch bak to coral reef!!

Wow, thanks for everyones post. I do agree the tables are close at LeC... kinda dark ~ but that's the theme of the restaurant, I'm guessing.
I think I'm going to switch to CR and hope I'm not disappointed.

 

[mlwear]

Wow, I too am thankful for the info. I'm definitely going to have to think about switching some things around. Sounds like LeC will really push my buttons.
I think I can find a good steak somewhere else.

 

[Ohiodisneyguy]

According to when you are going, you may have trouble getting into LeCellier. I made ADRs today for my vacation starting on 8/13 and LeCellier was booked solid for the week(dinner). I had no problem getting into Coral Reef. It appears that LeCellier is one of the most popular eateries on property.