Le Cellier versus Coral Reef

[millerjudi]

I need to make an ADR for 11/29 dinner. We have never been to either Le Cellier or Coral Reef. My kids (DD9 DS11) love steak, but my husband and I like seafood. We like a fun atmosphere, but, mostly good quality food. What do you think? THANKS!

 

[Jerseygirl63]

A good compromise is the California Grill. Very good seafood and fantastic steak. You can't beat the view. It has been years since we dined at Coral Reef and I remember the food being just okay. The fish are wonderful to look at but I rather eat a better meal at CG. What ever you decide, have a great trip

 

[texasgirl73]

I had to make that same decision. I ended up choosing Coral Reef because I was able to reserve the diver who will have a sign greeting our family during our meal. We have several great restaurants reserved but having a diver with a sign, that's not something we can get anywhere else.

 

[millerjudi]

I had to make that same decision. I ended up choosing Coral Reef because I was able to reserve the diver who will have a sign greeting our family during our meal. We have several great restaurants reserved but having a diver with a sign, that's not something we can get anywhere else.

That sounds fabulous--how do you reserve the diver?????

 

[Lynn5700]

ok I'm not even joking right now..I love Le Cellier but the steak I had at Coral reef was like the best flavored steak I ever had so far in Disney World..I had it done Medium well and it was delicious. Didn't dip in in A1 Sauce once..very very good!

My husband surprised me with personal menus and the diver,it was awesome!

 

[Lynn5700]

A good compromise is the California Grill. Very good seafood and fantastic steak. You can't beat the view. It has been years since we dined at Coral Reef and I remember the food being just okay. The fish are wonderful to look at but I rather eat a better meal at CG. What ever you decide, have a great trip

What steak did you get there?Were trying CG in october! can't wait.

 

[DCDisney]

I would definitely go with Coral Reef. The steak there for me has always been better than LeC and not nearly as much wait (unless you ask to wait for a front table). LeC is so crowded with tables close togther that for us it really ruins the experience. Coral Reef is loud because sound carries but it's not the same as sitting right next to another table of people and trying to not listen to their conversation

 

[princessreilly]

Sounds like you would be most satisfied with Coral Reef. I think with the ages in your family and your intrest in atmosphere, you'll enjoy it! We loved it, and it's now a favorite!

 

[disneydreamgirl]

We dined at both restaurants on our last trip and we loved Le Cellier - my husband had salmon and has raved about it ever since and the filet I had was wonderful.

We enjoyed Coral Reef, but I think we were too tired that night to do it justice. The table in the booth we were sitting in was very high and I can remember wanting to just lay my head down. Food was very good, though and that tank is unbelievable!

 

[kaffinito]

Le Cellier for sure. I did not like the steak I had at Coral reef. It was way too well done and was like cardboard. I loved the fillet I had at Le Cellier though, very tender and beautifully presented.

 

[TigerKat]

LeCellier for sure - Service at Coral Reef was horrible, steaks had to be sent back, way overcooked...LeCellier - everything was perfect!!

 

[tarheelmjfan]

I don't think CR has a steak on the kid's menu. That may factor into making your choice. You could always order your 9 yo. a steak off the adult's menu like we always had to, if I wanted to eat my food w/o lots of help.

 

[Jerseygirl63]

What steak did you get there?Were trying CG in october! can't wait.

The oak fired beef filet. YUMMO!!!!

 

[iuki]

My vote is for Coral Reef - my absolute favorite for food, ambience, and service.

iuki
3 Months to WDW

 

[moparop]

We went to both. My kids loved the entertainment value of Coral Reef. Even though we didn't have a special diver we were able to score a tankside table (just ask for it at check in). Every diver in the tank stopped and waved to the kids, some even did somersaults and headstands. the kids laughed hysterically at this and it really made our night special and the time fly by.

A pp brings up a good point though. I don't think there are any steaks on the kids' menus at CR.

 

[millerjudi]

Wow!!!! Thanks to everyone--this is incredibly helpful. I have spent so much time researching everything Disney, but I had no idea that there were tons of things I don't know about--like the divers at Coral Reef. I think if were just DH and me, we would go to Le Cellier, but the kids have tolerance for steak that's not fabulous, but I think they will love the divers--sounds great!!! Thanks again!

 

[B-Ride]

We have only eaten at Le Cellier and we never miss it. I have been tempted to try Coral Reef as well but I heard once that the food tasted like it was cooked underwater.

We only had room for one new Epcot restaurant this trip and we booked Marrekesh. Maybe next year we will try Coral Reef.

 

[englishrose47]

We will be trying CR next year , when the kids saw pix of the tanks they didn't hesitate ! Last time we ate at GG which they picked because it "spun"" we were Family of the day and thoroughly enjoyed it but DD is not a fan of Family style meals ,evn though we had royal treatment! She also loves the fish tanks ! I have tried Le Cellier and loved my filet ) theone they discontinued !!) Another fun place to think about is biergarten!!

 

[LSchrow]

I would definitely go with Coral Reef. The steak there for me has always been better than LeC

absolutely, totally agree
CR's steak is prob the best we've had on property, & we've eaten in almost every restaurant there repeatedly (we found neither CG nor LC's food comparable, tho everyone should try CG once for the fireworks view. also, LC has a great mushroom risotto, but filet is mundane at best).

btw, consider flying fish for seafood. a bit more pricey, but excellent.

 

[millerjudi]

We have only eaten at Le Cellier and we never miss it. I have been tempted to try Coral Reef as well but I heard once that the food tasted like it was cooked underwater.

We only had room for one new Epcot restaurant this trip and we booked Marrekesh. Maybe next year we will try Coral Reef.

We ate at Marrekesh in November of 2006 and we loved it! We would go back in a heart beat but we are going for a really, really short trip this year, and we wanted to try something new...