Coral Reef and the Dining Plan

[350ceo]

I noticed that the coral reef is a $$$ level restaurant, but not labeled a signature dining experience. I assume this would still only count as one table service meal against the dining plan? All the other non-signature or diner show restaurants I selected where only labeled as a $$ level on the Disney web site, so I just wanted to make sure I have this dining plan thing straight.

Thanks guys/gals

 

[shoppingnut]

They recently changed coral reef to one point on the dining plan. I think the quality of food isn't great and the service terrible there. I'd consider going someplace else. http://www.allearsnet.com/din/dining.htm has all the menu's and dining plan info.

 

[350ceo]

Is it really that bad? I was just planning on lunch and though it had a unique setting for a nice lunch. I though it would make for a better lunch then a quick service. We are doing Le Cellier for dinner that day so it's more about the sights then the food at Coral Reef. Still not worth it?

 

[shoppingnut]

Here's a link that has reviews on the restaurant that will help you decide. http://allearsnet.com/reviewpost/showproduct.php?product=83&sort=8&cat=34&page=1

 

[Blue-Lightning]

If you're going for the scenery and you already know the food might not be great... then okay. The Corral Reef is one of the few letdowns at Disney.

BL

 

[New2WDW]

Is it really that bad? I was just planning on lunch and though it had a unique setting for a nice lunch. I though it would make for a better lunch then a quick service. We are doing Le Cellier for dinner that day so it's more about the sights then the food at Coral Reef. Still not worth it?

I have read many reports and talked with many on this site that basicly said......if you have somewhere else to go then you may want to do so! I was thinking the same thing about the scenery but since I did not have any meals to play with and I did not want to take a chance I decided to lock up something else!

 

[350ceo]

it seems quality compared to price is the main problem. people's expectations aren't being met. i think i'll look into some of the Worldshowcase restaurants for lunch as well

 

[lawyergirl77]

it seems quality compared to price is the main problem. people's expectations aren't being met. i think i'll look into some of the Worldshowcase restaurants for lunch as well

Any restaurant in the WC is a MUCH better choice!! :wave:

If you do want to see what the Coral Reef is like, you could always go there for some dessert after Illuminations... or... you know... a mid-afternoon chocolate-filled, highly nutritious snack... :lookaroun

 

[meatloafsfan]

I will be the dissenting opinion - If you want to go to coral reef (and you're on the dining plan) I say go!

I have actually read a number of recent reports that stated they enjoyed the coral reef and the food was good (although be prepared because the portions do tend to be on the smallish side).

So go eat and enjoy.

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

I have eaten at the Coral Reef and I was not impressed. I like the idea of watching the fish and the whole atmosphere, but the menu and the service leave little to be desired. I felt that it was overpriced for the quality and quantity of the food.

If I want good seafood I will go to either the Flying Fish, Narcoosees or Fulton's crab house.

Pam

 

[mousermerf]

I've been there and had mediocre food, but wonderful service. I think it's pretty. I think doing appetizer and dessert there seems right - just not using the dining plan for it or anything.

A great value on the dining plan - typically with good service and food - are the Concourse Steakhouse and Maya Grill.

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

I second the Concourse Grill. We had an excellent meal there back in March. My daughter actually had dreams about the prime rib and sauteed mushrooms that she had there after we got home.

Pam

 

[GoofyMom2]

We have an ADR for Coral Reef in Sept using the free DDP.....I know I have read mixed reviews but I have always wanted to try it. So I figured the best way would be to try it for free!

We are also going to Le Cellier, WCC, and O'Hana for dinner so I know we will have at least 3 outstanding meals!

I had debated about the Concourse....still tossing it around in my mind.....

 

[DisneyPhD]

We just ate at Coral Reef last week using the Dining Plan. Keep in mind that with the dining plan, you get an appetizer (shrimp cocktail, salad, etc) entree and desert so while the portions may not be huge, you won't leave hungry. Our meals took a while to come out of the kitchen, but we had a party of eight so that may have had something to do with it. Our waitress was very attentative though. It wasn't the best food that I've had, but it wasn't horrible either.
Our ADR was for 5pm. We got to see two sets of dive teams exploring the "seas" which was very cool. At one point one of the divers was interacting with some of the diners, when two sea turtles came along "interacting" with each other. The diver didn't see them at first but saw that that side of the restaurant was laughing at him. He turned around to see what was happening and quickly covered his eyes. The diver went away for a minute and came back with a sign saying "Privacy Please". He then went and got a black cape to provide a little more privacy.
A quick note about the cost of the dining plan. We had two adults and one child in our party which cost us about $85 per day for a snack, counter service meal and table service meal. Our Coral Reef meal alone "cost" $180

 

[GoofyMom2]

OK, we were very iffy about going to Coral Reef.....we were going more for the atmosphere than the food. So, after reading so much negative it pushed us to change. I now changed that day's dinner ADR to Crown and Pub at 8:00, hopefully we will be able to get an outside table and see Illuminations. Now I know we will have a good meal, so less stress......Nice atmosphere for this place as well!

 

[yazmin182]

I havent' heard anyone mention one of the top restaurants in my opinion! Les Chefs De France located in Epcot! The food is absolutely delicious, and you have so many choices for dessert! The atmosphers is wonderful, it feels like you really are in Paris.

Goofymom, if you still need one more place, this is it! YOu won't be dissapointed.


So you know, i had the lobster bisque which was so tasty and creamy, the cheese plate as an appetizer was great too. I had the chicken which was excellent and my mom had baked cod fish with salmon that she said was amazing!

For dessert i had a classic, creme brulee, hmm mmm. it was a great experience. Def. a must on my list.