News Coral Reef Shifts to Dinner-Only Hours at EPCOT Beginning January 2026

[Sirwalterraleigh]

While I do agree with this point and the DDP argument, how does, in theory a new management that truly cares, course correct? I am not foolish to believe the next CEO will be any better than Bobby, especially if it’s from within Disney and no one externally is hired or even if someone externally is hired that they would care either. But I am curious what the path to a former version of Disney and the Disney experience would look like that is still profitable that could address so many of the self inflicted wounds Disney has given itself this last decade. The virus has spread so deep within Disney it’s hard to say how, but again in theory what could be done?

…the reality is we passed zero barrier a while ago…which is as depressing in real life as it sounds

 

[Disgruntled Walt]

We dined at Coral Reef for lunch on our departure day back in July, and it was so-so. It certainly wasn't in the top half of our meals on the trip, but the atmosphere and service was good.

Le Cellier I've always found to be overrated. We ate there a couple times maybe twenty years ago, and I wasn't very impressed. Granted, I was an 8 yr old, but I knew what I liked.

I do regret that we didn't get to eat at Garden Grill, since we hadn't been there probably in about twenty years also. Anyone have any recent takes on that place?

It saddens me to see the TS options being reduced at Epcot, where that was always one of the draws. I'm hoping this is a temporary change for the Coral Reef. I could see myself eating lunch there again someday, maybe, but I don't think I'd waste a dinner there. As it is, I'll definitely be skipping it on my next trip, whenever that may be.

 

[Disgruntled Walt]

As a certified night owl, it drives me nuts how much of Disney closes up shop at 9 p.m. each night. We can't be the only people who don't want to rope drop the parks but would much rather hit the parks and the restaurants at night, can we?

I grew up when E-Ride Nights were still a thing, then the Extra Magic Hours when MK would be open until 2am and every day of the week had a different park on EMH...man, those where the days.

I have never rope-dropped a park in my life, and I hope I never have to!

But give me a deserted Main St at 12:30am, with cinnamon rolls still coming out of the oven at the Main St. Bakery...that is my happy place.

 

[Basil of Baker Street]

While I do agree with this point and the DDP argument, how does, in theory a new management that truly cares, course correct? I am not foolish to believe the next CEO will be any better than Bobby, especially if it’s from within Disney and no one externally is hired or even if someone externally is hired that they would care either. But I am curious what the path to a former version of Disney and the Disney experience would look like that is still profitable that could address so many of the self inflicted wounds Disney has given itself this last decade. The virus has spread so deep within Disney it’s hard to say how, but again in theory what could be done?

Yeah, As @Sirwalterraleigh alluded to, it's hard to put the toothpaste back in the tube. Quarterly profits is the name of the game. I don't ever seeing it going back to what we all remember. If they ever tried to go back to a service first model by cutting out the nickel and diming, improving food quality and selection(which would cost substantially more), etc, stocks would probably plummet.

 

[Mr. Sullivan]

I do regret that we didn't get to eat at Garden Grill, since we hadn't been there probably in about twenty years also. Anyone have any recent takes on that place?

I haven't personally been in a long time, but I've got friends who were just there and had a Garden Grill meal and they loved it. They preferred it over their France meal.

 

[AbdulKader2026]

I sure hope this doesn't mean that they're gearing to close, does it? I've only eaten there like twice since 1982.

 

[Centauri Space Station]

I had a great meal there, the short ribs were amazing and the bread pudding is fantastic. Plus they have great bread service too.