Recent Coral Reef Reviews???

[TinkerChelle]

Anyone recently dined at Coral Reef??? We currently have reservations for Narcoossee's, but after reviewing our itinerary...we are only spending one full day at Epcot and thought it might be nice to go to Epcot for an evening as well....the only restaurant that looks like it might work for us is Coral Reef. I would love to know how the seafood is there and is the atmosphere worth the price of the food? We were going to be able to see Wishes from Narcoossee's during the meal....should I trade that or not?? Help! Can't make up my mind!

 

[dzneelvr]

There were many threads on this during the summer months. punch in Coral Reef and do a search.
As I recall, most of the reviews were brutal. We decided NOT to go there after reading them.

Our favorites in EPCOT are Biergarten and Le Cellier.

 

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

Did both Narcoosee's and Coral Reef in April for the first time. I wouldn't bother going to the Coral Reef again. Food is just so-so and very expensive. I would go back to Narcoosee's in a heartbeat...great food, good service. If you're paying that kind of money, you want a good meal. JMO.

 

[Dreamin' Disney]

One of the highlights of our last trip, in March 2002, was when we dined at the Coral Reef. While dining with 3 kids, I recall they had a special drink for the kids and a slightly better menu than some of the Disney restaurants. We thoroughly enjoyed looking at the array of sea life through the ceiling to floor aquarium tank, from exotic fish to sting rays, etc. Than, who to our amazement did we see? It was Mickey Mouse himself in scuba gear ... what a great surprise. I forget what we ate for dinner .... it was one of the best nights we had! 'Too bad I didn't bring my camera along that night.

 

[DVCTiff]

We too had a GREAT meal at Coral Reef last October. Best meal I had the whole time we were there. When we ate at Narcoosee's it was just okay. The view of Wishes made it worthwhile. That said, I had lobster at Coral Reef and soup and salad at Narcoosee's so that might have something to do with it.

 

[webmomom]

We ate the Coral reef in May. We had not eaten there in a long time. Don't know why, just did not. Anyway we were very happy with our meal. Yes it is a bit pricey, but very good food. I really can't remember what I had to eat, but I do remember telling my husband that the fish was excellent. Cooked exactly right and very, very fresh. The sevice was great and the atmospher is wonderful.

 

[scrump]

I've never been to Narcoossee's, but I've heard that the view is beautiful.

Coral Reef offers a very different type of atmosphere, from what I've read of Narcoosee's. Think of it more as an underwater theme, with lots of blues and greens and darker than other restaurants. The food is good, but it can be on the pricier side. If Wishes mean a lot to you, then I might stay with Narcoossee's, since that will be a very neat experience. But if you'd rather stay the evening in Epcot, perhaps Coral Reef is the better choice? Maybe stay for Illuminations after dinner?

 

[baileysgm]

We had dinner at the Coral Reef in May. The food was very good, but the service was extraordinarily slow. Our PS was at 6:10 and we waited about 15 minutes for our table. We were on the Silver plan, which included surf and turf which is not on the menu, but we had to skip dessert to be able to make Illuminations at 9:00. Our server was very apologetic and gave us complimentary champagne while we waited. I would suggest eating as early as possible in order to enjoy your meal and still get to Illuminations

 

[webmomom]

Originally posted by baileysgm
We had dinner at the Coral Reef in May. The food was very good, but the service was extraordinarily slow. Our PS was at 6:10 and we waited about 15 minutes for our table. We were on the Silver plan, which included surf and turf which is not on the menu, but we had to skip dessert to be able to make Illuminations at 9:00. Our server was very apologetic and gave us complimentary champagne while we waited. I would suggest eating as early as possible in order to enjoy your meal and still get to Illuminations

Having worked in a restaurant and owning one most of my life, you never know what is going on in the back. Sometimes things break causing a slowdown. I always give a restaurant a second chance when something like this occurs, even though I may not know what the problem is. I do not know WDW policy on what they may tell the guests, but I always appreciate being told there is a problem in the back so I know that I will not be getting my food in a timely manner.
We are giving Le Cellier a second chance on our next trip. First time horrid experience all around, between the food not being cooked correctly to the service and management.

Sometimes it is the servers who cause the delay, by either forgetting to put the order in, or not knowing or caring about the guest. If it took as long as you said it would be my guess that it was a problem in the kitchen. I think they should have told you if it was.

 

[TinkerChelle]

Thanks for all the responses! I think we have decided on Coral Reef followed by an evening at the Boardwalk.

 

[MissionMouse]

I think Coral Reef has quality control issues in service and quality. It appears these two areas go up and down and when you visit determines your experience.

When we went the food was fishy...indicating to us that this was not fresh seafood. Love the atmosphere as we sat right next to the aquarium window. I think it is worth a visit to experience Coral Reef first hand. Coral Reef Pictures