Reading about Coral Reef on the boards, the consensus seems to be negative although I have been getting the impression things were looking up for this place so we decided to give it a try. Being on DxDDP we like to do a sit down for our meals and when you're in Future World this is the only option
logistically it doesnt make sense to go to WS showcase to eat lunch only to walk back and finish up things we hadnt gotten to then walk back to Beach Club
Im not lazy, but every step is precious during a week at Disney!
2:00 was our reservation time, but we finished at The Seas around 1:00 and went to see if we could be seated early. Not a problem at all. We waited less the 5 minutes and were seated at a table for 2 at beside the aquarium. I love fish so I have to say, I was so excited!
Our server came to the table, reviewed the menu with us and went to get our drinks and a basket of warm soft rolls. We had a few questions and she answered them fabulously.
Appetizers
Field Greens and Endive Salad - with pears, goat cheese, spiced walnuts, and cranberry vinaigrette
Creamy Lobster Soup - tarragon and brandy
My Mom absolutely loved this salad. She said the blend of all the different ingredients was the perfect balance to each other. The vinaigrette was the factor that just set-it all off. I really enjoyed the creamy lobster soup. It was served piping hit and was great with the rolls. I was pleasantly surprised by this soup because I was expecting it to be too salty and thick like so many creamy soups can be.
Entrees
Grilled Mahi Mahi - with Laughing Bird Shrimp, Hearts of Palm, Jasmine Rice, Cilantro, and a Coconut-Lime Sauce
Grilled New York Strip Steak - served with Roasted Potatoes, Mushrooms, Spinach, and Red Wine Sauce
One thing I have learned over the years of dinning at WDW is that the chefs pair what we may think as weird flavors together for a reason
because they are amazing. And that they are meant to be eaten together, not separately. Not a taste of the rice, then the fish (or whatever you may be eating). You have to eat a little bit of each item together in one bite to get the full effect of the flavors. Thats exactly how this Mahi Mahi is to be eaten; a little bit of everything on your fork at one time, and dont forget a dab of the coconut-lime sauce. This dish was amazing and damn-it, it wasnt mine! And my Mom wasnt sharing any more. Cant say I blame her because I did the same thing to her during our last trip at Hollywood Brown Derby.
The photo doesnt do it justice. And the steak was just as outstanding. The roasted potatoes, mushroom and spinach with the red wine sauce was outstanding. The steak was cooked perfectly and hot and juicy. I could go on and on about this meal but I think you get the point.
On to dessert. Ha-ha.
Dessert:
Classic Vanilla Crème Brûlée
Baileys and Jack Daniel's Mousse
All I can say is that these were both great as well. The top of the Brulee was hot because it had just been prepared. The Baileys and Jack Daniels Mousse was nice and smooth. Nothing over powering.
Taking the food, the service and environment into consideration we gave Coral Reef a 9.5. It was such a relaxing, enjoyable meal. Our bill was $103.22 without tip. At this point I would pay OOP for this meal. However let me add this
If I were paying out of pocket, I wouldnt order an $8 dessert (anywhere!!) and maybe not even the appetizer. The Mahi Mahi was $24.99 and the Steak was $32.99 both so worth paying OOP for and so worth a table service credit on the dinning plan. I know what you are all thinking
This girl is making this up! Trust me I was shocked too but so glad I was proven wrong.
Perhaps for QS next time? I've heard some people are preferring that- was great to read your dinner review tho!
Staying at Beach Club allowed us to walk through England and Canada before everything was open. Great time to take a few pictures
except when you forget to put the battery in your camera. So I had to rely on my iPhone. Whoops. Ha-ha
