No Divers or Personalized Menus at Coral Reef in '09

[forgop]

I would not pick 'ohana expecting great service, complaints are extremely common here regarding service and it is why we will not patronize 'ohana

just sharing

But I've seen numerous complaints about the food at Coral Reef as well.

 

[Tiger926]

But I've seen numerous complaints about the food at Coral Reef as well.

As someone who has eaten at both restaurants many times, I must say they are both pretty bad. Hopefully, the restaurant will now concentrate on the food and service as it seems that the whole diver/menu thing took up an inordinate amount of time and maintenance for a free program with not much benefit to Disney.

Tiger

 

[pearlieq]

Can't say I blame them at all.

Between the complaining and the hounding the poor reservation woman and the people who felt the need to book 6 divers every year because they're celebrating their cousin's-sister's-hairdresser's dog's birthday and dangit they're special, I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did.

Frankly, Disney doesn't "need" to offer it. Most likely there will still be plenty of people willing to pay for overpriced crabcakes and the ones who no longer wish to go to Coral Reef will probably just choose another Disney dining venue.

 

[beautifultomorrow]

I am really suprised at what an "uproar" there is about this. Especially considering Debbi was telling people 6 months ago that they didn't plan to continue it in 2009 -- but to check back in December just in case they changed their minds. It was a free service. I can't believe how many people say they were going there just to get the diver and menu. I love the view at Coral Reef and the food is always wonderful as well. To me the diver and menu were just an extra bonus. I'll still return on every trip

 

[Zeebs]

You know what, we visited WDW in Oct, I didn't get a diver or a personalised menu at the Coral Reef, we didn't ride in the front of the monorail, didn't wake tinkerbell up from her slumber, didn't win anything in Year of a Million Dreams and Guess what..........

We had a fabulously magical time. We were at WDW, yes it was our first time so maybe when you go so often you have to look for the Pixie dust who knows but if that is the case I would stop going for a while.

The magical part of our dinner at the Coral Reef was the fact that we were eating with a spectalular outlook, the kids loved it and there was a massive turtle sitting right by the glass it was fabulous. There was a great debate with Grandpa that it was real. The food was so nice (mine was my joint favourite with the meal I had at California Grill) everyone apart from my FIL enjoyed their meal and his was just because it was too spicy for his likening, (he didn't understand the menu if he had asked I would have explained).

We would go back, but if you don't like the food it seems like a waste of money to go just for a "free" menu to me.

Kirsten

 

[BabyRN]

When I went last April I didn't even know that these freebies existed. My husband LOVED the food (he got the King Crab). We were all set to go back this coming April until we found out they no longer have the King Crab on the menu. So, off to Narcoossee's for us which means I have to sacrifice my Hoop Dee Doo review that I really wanted to go to!

 

[RMulieri]

Can't say I blame them at all.

Between the complaining and the hounding the poor reservation woman and the people who felt the need to book 6 divers every year because they're celebrating their cousin's-sister's-hairdresser's dog's birthday and dangit they're special, I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did.

Frankly, Disney doesn't "need" to offer it. Most likely there will still be plenty of people willing to pay for overpriced crabcakes and the ones who no longer wish to go to Coral Reef will probably just choose another Disney dining venue.

AMEN

 

[RMulieri]

You know what, we visited WDW in Oct, I didn't get a diver or a personalised menu at the Coral Reef, we didn't ride in the front of the monorail, didn't wake tinkerbell up from her slumber, didn't win anything in Year of a Million Dreams and Guess what..........

We had a fabulously magical time. We were at WDW, yes it was our first time so maybe when you go so often you have to look for the Pixie dust who knows but if that is the case I would stop going for a while.

The magical part of our dinner at the Coral Reef was the fact that we were eating with a spectalular outlook, the kids loved it and there was a massive turtle sitting right by the glass it was fabulous. There was a great debate with Grandpa that it was real. The food was so nice (mine was my joint favourite with the meal I had at California Grill) everyone apart from my FIL enjoyed their meal and his was just because it was too spicy for his likening, (he didn't understand the menu if he had asked I would have explained).

We would go back, but if you don't like the food it seems like a waste of money to go just for a "free" menu to me.

Kirsten

I agree...we never got a pincode or an upgrade either and we always have an awesome magical time.

 

[the Fidge]

Can't say I blame them at all.

Between the complaining and the hounding the poor reservation woman and the people who felt the need to book 6 divers every year because they're celebrating their cousin's-sister's-hairdresser's dog's birthday and dangit they're special, I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did.

Frankly, Disney doesn't "need" to offer it. Most likely there will still be plenty of people willing to pay for overpriced crabcakes and the ones who no longer wish to go to Coral Reef will probably just choose another Disney dining venue.

I had the diver and menu for DS birthday in April 06 as well as ordering a wonderful cake. This feature was wonderful. I ordered this in plenty of time and did not overwhelm or HOUND Debbie over there. I supplied 3 pics, I sent one but she said go ahead and add a few more.

Now I did see many disers honestly abusing this service and demanding of it as well. I could not believe the insistance and abuse of this perk. I sent a letter to disney to compliment this wonderful gal and the staff. I know not many folks were doing the same. Just abusing it with the request for any and all events everyone at the table. How could they keep up when this perk was being abused. I also noticed folks wanting near a photo album worth of photos on the menu.

THis is no suprise to me that this has come to an end. Its like offering free coffee somwhere and the customers come in with carafes to be filled and start demanding lattes be free too!

I am very glad we were able to enjoy and VALUE this wonderful bonus and not abuse it. I would have paid gladly to receive it.

 

[the Fidge]

Can't say I blame them at all.

Between the complaining and the hounding the poor reservation woman and the people who felt the need to book 6 divers every year because they're celebrating their cousin's-sister's-hairdresser's dog's birthday and dangit they're special, I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did.

I spit out my tea laughingOMG how true!!!!!! Now to make a new cup of tea!

 

[RMulieri]

Can't say I blame them at all.

Between the complaining and the hounding the poor reservation woman and the people who felt the need to book 6 divers every year because they're celebrating their cousin's-sister's-hairdresser's dog's birthday and dangit they're special, I'm surprised it lasted as long as it did.

Frankly, Disney doesn't "need" to offer it. Most likely there will still be plenty of people willing to pay for overpriced crabcakes and the ones who no longer wish to go to Coral Reef will probably just choose another Disney dining venue.

Because" I'm good enough,I'm smart enough, and doggone it people like me"

 

[Lady V]

Well...it was free and then people start expecting it and it ruins it for everyone....maybe they need to do away with all these things that were suppossed to be 'pixie dust' because now people think thay automatically deserve them. Where is the 'pixie dust' in that? maybe they should do away with all of that and then gradually start doing little 'dustings' again to bring back the magic!!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

THis is no suprise to me that this has come to an end. Its like offering free coffee somwhere and the customers come in with carafes to be filled and start demanding lattes be free too!

I did NOT! I drove to seven different Dunkin' Donuts (okay, fine, I went through one shop's drive-up twice) and carted home eight medium iced coffees... which I then transfered to the empty gallon jug I'd brought along for just that purpose That's not the same as going in with a carafe... is it?

 

[Nohal]

I am so sorry to hear this latest cut in service. We had a personalized menu made for our 25th anniversary this past Sept. I didn't request a diver. The menu with our pictures was a nice rememberance.

 

[hippsmom]

I have a diver scheduled for my dd's b-day on 12/18. Debbi was nothing but lovely to me and she talked me into sending pictures for the personlized menus. She seemed just as excited to do something special for me as I was to receive it!

 

[Nancyg56]

Given the number of complaints about the food/service I've seen about Coral Reef, the thing that seemed like I was willing to still have dinner there was the sign and menu. It sounds as though are are plenty of other places I can go instead...maybe I'll replace Coral Reef with Ohana.

I would not pick 'ohana expecting great service, complaints are extremely common here regarding service and it is why we will not patronize 'ohana

just sharing

Yeah, 'Ohana is not my favorite either. My family likes it but I find the food okay, the service a little harried and the atmosphere loud. I liked CR. The food was good and the service my table got was excellent. Some of our party was at a different table with a different server and they did not have the same experience. I did discuss this with management.

My guess is they stopped the service because of the number of complaints for something that is NOT guaranteed and is FREE.

I think you are right, too many problems for a little extra that is free.

You know what, we visited WDW in Oct, I didn't get a diver or a personalised menu at the Coral Reef, we didn't ride in the front of the monorail, didn't wake tinkerbell up from her slumber, didn't win anything in Year of a Million Dreams and Guess what..........

We had a fabulously magical time. We were at WDW, yes it was our first time so maybe when you go so often you have to look for the Pixie dust who knows but if that is the case I would stop going for a while.

Same with us. Magic is what you make it.

We did have a diver for my DH birthday. We were thrilled that it happened but did not request one again. I think that it must have gotten to be a lot of effort and many many complaints.

 

[maxiesmom]

I've always wanted to eat at the Coral Reef, and maybe now I will try it. It sounded like it was turning into a circus, instead of a restaurant. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a loud, boisterous meal now and again. But if that is what I am looking for, I will book a character meal. Or Biergarten.

I wouldn't be bothered going someplace just for free coffee either. But if they were offering free iced mochas with whipped cream, then you had better stay out of my way!

 

[RayaniFoxmur]

I am very glad we had this done when we got engaged! When my now husband called to arrange it, it was several months before the YOAMD, even though we visited during that time. It truly was a magical moment for us and a beautiful engagement!

It's a shame that it's being discontinued, but I feel like so many people were doing it that it was starting to lose it's uniqueness. Like it was no longer very special. But that's just me.

 

[jenjersnap]

I am glad we got a chance to do these for our anniversary ... it added a little something to our trip that was very much appreciated. Debbi was never anything but kind and professional to my DH (who did the arranging).

These special little perks become victims of their own success as they are publicized here on the disboards (another example are the custom cakes at GF - that poor CM who takes orders is equally overwhelmed!). Just an observation. I believe most of the knowledge of it had to have come from here. We had the only diver sign during our entire lunch in 9/08 and there was GASPS of surprise and clapping when he popped up, clearly unexpected by most!