Which one is best for little kids, in Epcot?

[smellyann]

Coral Reef, Teppanyaki, or Marrakesh? The kids will be 1, 3 and 5, and I want to know which would be best to take them to for dinner as far as food, entertainment, ambiance... in other words, over all. All opinions appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Tinkerbell_Tiffany]

I would think the corral reef with young kids, the tank will keep them busy...

 

[smellyann]

Okay, that's what the CM said and where we have ADRs so far. I've just been having second thoughts...!

I see you're in PCB - we used to live there!

 

[daretodream]

I agree with Coral Reef.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I agree as well. Even entertaining for the adults!!

 

[smellyann]

Thanks, everyone!

 

[Disney Planner Mama]

Coral Reef is great for the little ones, but if you are looking for a world showcase restaurant might I suggest Biergarten? We took our DD3 there when she was two and she still talks about it and still shouts out the toasts that they do if prompted. Our girls had a wonderful time dancing and listening to the oompah band.

 

[Ms.Mouse]

If I had to choose one of your choices, I'd also say Coral Reef BUT for kids, Biergarten was a blast

 

[Minnie824]

I just wanted to say NOT Marrakesh. We went there last year w/DDs aged 4 and 1.5, thinking the dancers, music, etc, would be loud and keep them entertained. I ended up leaving for a bit w/DD1.5. It was like a library in there. SO quiet! The dancer was there for about 5 min and the music for 10. And, we really didn't care for the food. Just my opinion.

 

[Kimi313]

Out of those three I would also pick Coral Reef, the tank is huge and the children will enjoy looking for the sharks and turtles among the fish. The Teppanyaki is fun for young children but the 1 and 3 year old might get scared when they set the grill on fire to begin cooking. We have also eaten at Morraco and we also found it very very quiet and we waited for 45 minutes and the bellydancer never came out and then we went outside and there she was outside the building doing a demonstration. go figure! We have been to the biegarten years ago and are going back this summer but what I remember of it, very loud, lots of music, people laughing, and always something going on.

 

[MareQ]

I just wanted to say NOT Marrakesh. We went there last year w/DDs aged 4 and 1.5, thinking the dancers, music, etc, would be loud and keep them entertained. I ended up leaving for a bit w/DD1.5. It was like a library in there. SO quiet! The dancer was there for about 5 min and the music for 10. And, we really didn't care for the food. Just my opinion.

We had a great time in Marrakesh with our kids- but then again - I know my kids are abnormal. They LOVE eating out and actually sit still and are quiet during meals at restaurants - we're really not sure how that happened because both DH and I are figity people but we're not questioning our good fortune - LMAO!


Back to the OP's question - Coral Reef is an excellent choice, I also second Biergarten. The kids love the entertainment and love getting up to dance etc We love Teppenyaki but we avoid it with the kids because of reaching hands and the hot table and my children also wouldn't eat the food there(No typical menu for kids and my kids are at least typical in the food they eat burgers, fries, chicken strips, pizza, pasta )

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I have never been to Teppanyaki (going on my next trip though!) but I'm not sure I'd chance it with kids that young. The 1 year old would probably be in a highchair which would be OK, but many 3 year olds wouldn't understand the need to keep their hands off the hot part of the grill.

I took my son to a similar place when he was 4 1/2 and he did great, but I wouldn't have chanced it much younger. He's also an only child and we went just the two of us, so I was able to pay a great deal of attention to keeping him safe. I think with three little kids you wouldn't be able to talk to your spouse, you'd be too busy doing "zone defense".

 

[averysmom]

WE liked Coral Reef for the "entertainment" factor - but my kids had much more to eat at Marrakesh (sp?) Couscous, grilled meat, veggies are my kids style of eating!
I'll also mention Beirgarten to you. I love it there - my kids (aged 4 mos to 3 years) have never stayed awake through an entire meal there - even with the noise! WE've fed the kids (tonnes of food!) and then the get sleepy in the cold and dark and we've brought in our strollers and they've fallen asleep! Then we could finsih our our meals at our leisure!

 

[smellyann]

Thanks for all the great information! I'm feeling much better about our choice of Coral Reef now. Biergarten just doesn't interest me as a vegetarian; I feel like I'd be loaded down with meat, meat and more meat! I'm sure my husband would have loved it, though, with the kids.

You guys are the best.

 

[MICKEEP]

I just wanted to say NOT Marrakesh. We went there last year w/DDs aged 4 and 1.5, thinking the dancers, music, etc, would be loud and keep them entertained. I ended up leaving for a bit w/DD1.5. It was like a library in there. SO quiet! The dancer was there for about 5 min and the music for 10. And, we really didn't care for the food. Just my opinion.

We had the same experience at Marrakesh last December. On top of the bad food and non-existent entertainment we had the worst, most unattentive waiter in the world. (And Marrakesh used to be one of our top 3 favorite restaurants)
I agree that Coral reef would be a good choice with little kids but I also must put in a vote for Teppanyaki.

 

[Jrabbit910]

We ate at the Japanese restaurant last year and there were kids at the next table that loved the show the chefs put on. I would just make sure that any of the restaurants that you picked has something to please the kids. or you can let the 5 year old pick, I am sure he/she will be happy in making the choice for dinner!!

 

[MEM]

I'd like to put in a vote for Teppanyaki - the chef-guest interaction was excellent with my kids and when we were there in 2003, young kids were not seated near the "hot" part of the grill. The kid's menu was a pleasant change from all the chicken fingers/pizza/burgers. I have made ADRs there
again this summer.

 

[GretchGraham]

We had the same experience at Marrakesh last December. On top of the bad food and non-existent entertainment we had the worst, most unattentive waiter in the world. (And Marrakesh used to be one of our top 3 favorite restaurants)
I agree that Coral reef would be a good choice with little kids but I also must put in a vote for Teppanyaki.

Has this been mostly everyone else's experience with Marrakesh? We were thinking of this place for dinner with the children specifically for the entertainment factor. Coral reef was out for us as it wasn't visually stimulating enough for DD9 (with autism). We tried Teppanyaki last year and that didn't really work for us either. We really thought the music and dancer at Marrakesh would work for us. Should we try Biergarten instead?

 

[budbeerlady]

Thanks for all the great information! I'm feeling much better about our choice of Coral Reef now. Biergarten just doesn't interest me as a vegetarian; I feel like I'd be loaded down with meat, meat and more meat! I'm sure my husband would have loved it, though, with the kids.

You guys are the best.

Check out this thread for "Veggies", it made me put Biergarten on my list of places to eat. I figure there I will have more choices to pick from. I am afraid to try Coral Reef, I am a picky veggie and nothing looks good to me.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1092624