ok-- I think I know what you're going to say..

[jenniferma]

Hi Everyone...

Wanted to ask a question, but I think I know what you all will tell me, but I will ask anyhow...

We have three girls (at the time of the trip they will be 7, 5, and 20 months). We are spending only one day at Epcot and were planning to do two table service meals there on the dining plan (we think right now we may try the deluxe plan)..

Here's my question-- we are most likely going to do the Askerhaus for one of the meals-- the other one we are thinking of either LeCellier or Coral Reef.

I know everyone LOVES LeCellier-- and I have read mixed things about Coral Reef. I guess I was going to decide based on what our kids might like... we did try Garden Grill last time and although the food was good, we want to try something new. We love pretty much any type of food.. all of us (except the two youngest) love seafood. Based on your opinions-- help us chose please!

thanks!
jen

 

[septbaby]

We loved Coral Reef, had lunch there at the end of August. We were to adult women and a 6yo boy. There was nothing left and we had 2 baskets of bread!

 

[a Really Bad Egg]

Wow...asking for advice on restaurants is always tough because each has his/her own taste.

We enjoy both and they are always finalists on our planning list so I won't recommend one over the other.

However, watching the fish in Coral Reef may be a treat for your kids...it was for us.

 

[Em&Bec'sMom]

We have not eaten at LeCelier yet (on the short list for next trip), but we have eaten at Coral Reef. Food was very good. Based on the ages of the kids you are taking, I would recommend Coral Reef. There was some sort of kids placemat or booklet with activities and crayons, plus a fish guide to help identify the critters in the tank. It was rather noisy, but with smaller children who feel the need to shout "look at that big fish", I see that as a positive.

 

[simonkodousek]

I haven't eaten at Coral Reef, but ate at Le Cellier on our last trip. I have to say, it wasn't what I expected. The portions were small, the prices were high, and the food wasn't out-of-this-world delicious as the prices would suggest. I would go again, just if someone else was paying!

 

[TwingleMum]

You may want to really look at the deluxe DDP most people seem to find it to be too much food especially given the young ages of your kids. My kids really enjoyed Coral Reef and watching the fish tank.

 

[jenniferma]

thanks Twinglemom--

There are just a few things that keep us coming back to the idea of deluxe-- first, baby is free (still under 2).. so that helps. Second-- DD5 is EXTREMELY picky and doesn't really like counter service type food-- i.e. chicken nuggets, hamburgers, french fries -- she doesn't even like pizza! etc.. she will eat food like pasta and fresh fruit and she does like breakfast foods.. so we plan on using many of the TS credits on breakfast. At places that aren't buffet or family style-- I think DD20 months will probably eat DD5's meal and we will pack something for her- she is THAT picky. (plus the baby already eats DD5 under the table!)

Third and final reason for us-- we love character meals and wanted to try and get CRT Adrs this trip.. plus I would love to try Narcossee's (sp) too... plus now I am not sure if Askerhaus is two or one credit-- so that is at least two 2 credit meals we want to eat, and possibly three.

thanks for your advice though-- I am a bit worried about the amount of time it will take to eat the table service meals though.

Anyone else on Coral Reef v. Le Cellier?? THANKS!!!
jennifer

 

[TexasTodds]

We just ate at Coral Reef and Askerhaus on one of our Epcot days. We did the 10:00 Princess breakfast, and then had a 4:00 reservation for Coral Reef (Soarin' took longer, so we didn't get there until about 4:30. It seemed to not be a problem doing two table service meals, except that our waiter at Coral reef kept disappearing...it was about a two hour dinner! My kids (8,5, and 3) loved watching the tank, and there was always something new going by. There was also a dive class that came down, and we did get to see a diver sign. If I could do it over, I might would move Askerhaus earlier (8:30 or 9:00) and still keep the 4-4:30 timing for Coral Reef. we were seated rather quickly ( at the booth at the back of the bottom level--great view!), but the lobby was completely packed by 6:00, and I'm sure there was a long wait!

I'm sure that LeCellier is really good, but after seeing pictures of the inside, it looked crowded, and I don't think that my kids would have enjoyed it nearly as much as they did Coral Reef.

 

[Laurabearz]

I also have to vote for Coral Reef. The kids really loved the Fishes... and I thought the food was really good.

I was underwhelmed with Le Celieir, but then again I am giving it another chance in August.

 

[Jaymie]

We've eaten at Le Cellier many times in the past before our son was born. Then when he was born we tried it twice. Both times were really slow. Maybe it was just us, with a 5 month old the first time and an 18 month old the second, but it took FOREVER. Especially after a long day at Epcot, I didn't love it anymore. We didn't get seated until about 45 minutes after our ADR time and we arrived early. So holding off an 18 month old was not easy. Food was fine.

This past week, we tried the Coral Reef for the first time. Loved it and we aren't seafood people. We were seated pretty close to our ADR time of 5:50 pm, but when we left the restaurant an hour later, the waiting area was completely packed. I would suggest getting an early ADR if you choose the Coral Reef. Our son loved all the fish and we weren't seated next to the tank. It was pretty noisy too, which was fine with us, if our son had made any noise, he wouldn't have attracted any attention.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[libinatorsmom]

we are doing askerhaus for breakfast and coral reef for dinner.... I think both will entertain my daughter so we are able to relax and enjoy our meals... she will be 4 when we go in may...

 

[BarleyJack]

Just to throw this thought out there.....Have you considered Biergarten? Its a buffet style meal with loads of choices, not just your traditional German Fare. There is a live show with a dance floor, and when we were there last weeks the kids were having a blast dancing along with the band! We really enjoyed this place, and tho it may not sound kid friendly at first it really was! Just a thought.

 

[GC&S]

Between CR and LeCellier - I would pick CR, especially with kids. LeCellier is nice, but really, I think the hype is much over rated. The CR has a lot of entertainment just with the fish tanks alone. LC is dark, crowded and it seemed to take forever to get our dinners. Our dd was much happier at CR so that made for happier parents as well. Adults may appreciate the fine dining of LC but kids won't care one bit about it.

 

[Pakey]

Tough choice. Some things to consider.

If you have a party of more than 4, you will not be seated next to the tank at Coral Reef. Your children will still be able to see the tank from your table but they will not be "up close".

Both of these restaurants tend to get behind on seating at ADR time the later in the evening you book. We waited almost an hour at Le Cellier on trip before last with a later dinner ADR (2 weeks ago we had early ADR and were seated on time but the waiting crowd was huge when we left). Also, I heard the CM's telling people who needed high chairs that they may have to wait longer due to not having any more available. We are all adults so I don't know how often that happens. Out of the 6 times dining at Coral Reef, we have only been seated on time once, however those waits were more like 15-20 minutes past ADR time.

Both have okay food, but I'd have to say I prefer Coral Reef a little over Le Cellier. However, I am a fish lover so that may be why.

 

[septbaby]

Tough choice. Some things to consider.

If you have a party of more than 4, you will not be seated next to the tank at Coral Reef. Your children will still be able to see the tank from your table but they will not be "up close".

With the 20 month this maybe a blessing. Sometime real can be too real at that age. We sat in the middle of the restaurant, first tier up. Away form the tank you can see the entire tank. Up close you only see what next to your seat. If there was another option ie. we wouldn't have to wait for a table, I actually think I'd decline a tank side tank.

 

[stephensmum]

We ate at both during our May 07 visit. Food & service was very good at both. Dh 7 myself enjoyed Le cellier, ds9 was bored (too grown up). We all loved coral reef & it's 1 of the top of our list for this years visit. Ds was given a booklet, telling him about the different fish & he had to spot each one. I'd vote Coral Reef.