Another restaurant we hit on this recent trip was the Coral Reef, and thanks to posters here on the Dis Boards I was able to arrange to have the diver swim up with a happy birthday sign for my daughter, and get the nemo cake. The nemo cake cost an extra $7 when compared to the normal mickey cake, but I did not mind paying it based on the picture I had seen on the Dis Boards of the cake, which had some nemo figures on it. The diver service is complimentary, but based on availability.
Well, the restaurant itself- I was a little nervous because I had heard that the food was not so good anymore. I was pleasantly surprised that the food was excellent! The menu seemed limited, but everyone enjoyed their dishes. The restaurant was very noisy, but I did not mind it since I have a toddler myself. I think it would have been too noisy for me though, if I was on a date nite. I liked the calming music in the background. And of course, the tanks were incredible and we were seated quite close to them. Our server was also quite good.
My daughter recieved a personalized menu based on what we had printed on the diver's sign. She liked this a lot and I thought it was a nice touch.
The diver- well, I have to admit I was disappointed. The diver just swam up, held up the sign for one sec, and swam away. I had read on disboards that they usually release some fish food and the fish swarm around them for a minute, but they did not do that. Also, we did not get our sign after the fact. Our server told us that they don't always get the signs back to the restaurant until hours later. It was still neat to see the diver with the sign, but based on what I read here I was expecting more. BUt I can't complain, because if I had not read about it here, we would have not gotten anything! I don't have any really good pics of the diver, because it was so fast. I really wish we had been able to get the sign!
The cake- they changed it. Now it is only a picture of nemo on top of the cake. Again, I was expecting more based on what I had read here... I don't really feel this new cake is worth $7 more than the mickey cake that you normally order, personally. Here's a picture of the cake:
You don't have to get the nemo cake to get the diver, you can still get the mickey cake ($12.95) if you prefer.
All in all, a great time! and thanks to everyone on the DIS that made me aware of this service.
BTW, it was very easy to set up, I just called the regular dining number, and asked for the direct number to the Coral Reef. They gave me the WDW switchboard number, and I called them and was transferred to the Coral Reef. I selected the prompt for the manager, and left my email address. About a week later I got an email and set everything up.
I hope that helps! Enjoy!
Well, the restaurant itself- I was a little nervous because I had heard that the food was not so good anymore. I was pleasantly surprised that the food was excellent! The menu seemed limited, but everyone enjoyed their dishes. The restaurant was very noisy, but I did not mind it since I have a toddler myself. I think it would have been too noisy for me though, if I was on a date nite. I liked the calming music in the background. And of course, the tanks were incredible and we were seated quite close to them. Our server was also quite good.
My daughter recieved a personalized menu based on what we had printed on the diver's sign. She liked this a lot and I thought it was a nice touch.
The diver- well, I have to admit I was disappointed. The diver just swam up, held up the sign for one sec, and swam away. I had read on disboards that they usually release some fish food and the fish swarm around them for a minute, but they did not do that. Also, we did not get our sign after the fact. Our server told us that they don't always get the signs back to the restaurant until hours later. It was still neat to see the diver with the sign, but based on what I read here I was expecting more. BUt I can't complain, because if I had not read about it here, we would have not gotten anything! I don't have any really good pics of the diver, because it was so fast. I really wish we had been able to get the sign!
The cake- they changed it. Now it is only a picture of nemo on top of the cake. Again, I was expecting more based on what I had read here... I don't really feel this new cake is worth $7 more than the mickey cake that you normally order, personally. Here's a picture of the cake:
You don't have to get the nemo cake to get the diver, you can still get the mickey cake ($12.95) if you prefer.
All in all, a great time! and thanks to everyone on the DIS that made me aware of this service.
BTW, it was very easy to set up, I just called the regular dining number, and asked for the direct number to the Coral Reef. They gave me the WDW switchboard number, and I called them and was transferred to the Coral Reef. I selected the prompt for the manager, and left my email address. About a week later I got an email and set everything up.
I hope that helps! Enjoy!
It certainly looks like she had fun! We will be there for a birthday celebration. Would you mind sharing exactly how you got this planned/ordered? By pm is OK if you prefer! Thanks, Kimberly
