Spoodles or Coral Reef? ARGH-- Please Help!

[bamagirl@hrt]

After reading many rave reviews of Coral Reef on these boards, I booked it for dinner for our upcoming trip. Then, the menu changed. Then, many negative reviews followed. I try not to let reviews totally influence my choices -- I like to decide for myself. However, when there are consistently BAD reviews, I think I should pay some attention to them. Soooo, I changed my dinner ADR to Spoodles for that night. I do like the looks of the Spoodles menu, especially for our kids, who will be 8 & 5 on this trip.

Now, I'm reading more positive reviews about CR again. I know it's a pretty quick walk to Spoodles from Epcot, where we'll be that day anyway. But, I'm thinking that CR would be even more convenient. Please, please, please give me your opinions on which restaurant is best. For background, DH & I love fish, but only if it's super fresh & very well prepared. A poorly prepared piece of mahi-mahi turned me against it for months! I've consistently read that the steak at CR is good, but neither of us really want to eat steak there, as we already have ADRs for Le Cellier and Yachtsman Steakhouse. Our kids are pretty picky, non-adventurous eaters. Give them chicken nuggets, spaghetti, or grilled cheese & they're happy.

Thanks for all your help. I hope I don't drive my TA crazy with my inability to make a decision & stick with it!

 

[firkat]

Really not a bad problem to have, is it??? I have eaten at both and I vote for CR . . . not because of the menu, but because of the experience. Spoodles seems like a regular restaurant, like you find anywhere. But where can you eat in a restaurant surrounded by huge fish tanks. You almost feel like you are under the water . . . It is something you won't forget, regardless of the menu.

 

[Dani143zz]

i ate at the coral reef and me and my db loved it. we would love to go again but i wanted to try all new places and spoodles might be one of them.. u will enjoy coral reef.. its soo fun and beautiful

 

[DisneyArk]

I vote for Coral Reef.

We were at WDW a week ago. My sons were 8 and almost 6 (DS turned 6 this week). My sons loved Coral Reef. It is dark in there and it was a nice place to relax. We were on the 2nd level and my sons still enjoyed watching the fish, sea turtles and sting rays.

My sons are very picky, but enjoyed the food. Our waitress let the boys order appetizers off the adult menu. DS8 tried the lobster bisque and loved it - he said it tasted like cheese dip. DS6 tried the shrimp cocktail and said he liked it - surprised us! DS8 ate the grilled chicken breast and DS6 ate the cheese pizza. Both boys enjoyed the make your own sundae for dessert. I had the Mahi Mahi and it was wonderful. They have been telling everyone about eating there.

We also ate a Spoodles and the atmosphere was not what I expected, but the food was good. It reminded me of a country restaurant. It is a big open room with a farmhouse wooden floor. The tables are big heavy wooden tables and chairs - farmhouse. The experience was nothing that the boys will remember.

I love the boardwalk area, but it is much more convenient to eat at Coral Reef if you're touring EPCOT.

PS - I see you're also eating at LeCellier. That was my sons' favorite place. They loved the chocolate mouse (moose) and we had a wonderful experience there.

 

[maddhatir]

i was having almost the same problem- i had my ADRs for both CR and Spoodles- but then Spoodles changed THEIR menu! I am a vegetarian and there is not ONE selection on it. i know i can ask beforehand- but i just had a weird feeling not to eat there. so- i kept the CR and added Tony's for our night of the MNSSHP!

NOW I FEEL HAPPY!