What does everyone think about the Coral Reef?

[Innkeeper's Club]

For the first time next month I made a lunch ADR at the Coral Reef and I was wondering what is everyone's opinion about it?

 

[Hakunamatata]

Not one of my favorites. I grew up on the gulf coast so I know my seafood. What seafood they do have does nothing for me. The atmosphere is nice but Landrys company does a better aquarium dining experience. I would say go if you have never been just to say you have done it.

 

[JohnByers]

Agreed, food was so so to me but layout and scenery was pretty cool. Def worth doing once

 

[sxeensweet]

Atmosphere is cool but did not care for the food. Had better seafood/fish at non seafood restaurants on property. Lol. Went once and have not been back.

 

[harryk]

You are paying for the view - the food is so-so. Needs lots of work - since it first opened it has not improved. Why should they? Visitors come to see the fish and the two legged fish in the tank. It is almost as though they have a captive audience.

 

[zurgandfriend]

I have to agree with the others it's the view not so much the food. I will admit I have not been there is a few years but in looking over the lunch menu if it were me I'd order some appetizers and then go straight for dessert, the entrees didn't do much for me but I'm not a fan of salmon or mahi-mahi.

 

[PAW PAW 70]

Totally agree food is so so.

 

[wdwhoneymooner]

Tried it once years ago and we haven't had the urge to go back. Like others have said, food was "OK". But I still thought it was a nice thing to experience at least once. We are always willing to give something a try even with so-so reviews. But if this is a consideration vs. a restaurant you really like, I wouldn't bother. If it's to fill an available reservation in your plans, then yeah it's worth a try.

 

[sophie_the_pooh]

We went in 2014 and really enjoyed it. The view was amazing and the food was actually good. DH and I both had the mahi-mahi and my son (then 2 1/2 years old) had the salmon on the kids menu (fish of the day), and we all enjoyed our meal! We are going back for DH's birthday during our September trip, mostly for the experience, and we are looking forward to it!

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Too much good stuff in World Showcase for me to mess around with dining in Future World.

 

[Tinkerfan4ever]

We ate there for the first time in Oct 2014. We were a little worried because of the less than stellar reviews. Needless to say, we really enjoyed it. This was one meal where my picky niece and nephew didn't complain at all and cleared their plates. We were not seated right by the aquarium, but we still felt we had a good view. Our waitress was very attentive. Here are a couple pictures. I wouldn't hesitate to eat here again.

 

[FrostyNaples]

Wasn't a fan - you can get the aquarium fix by going to 'the seas'.

I don't think the value was there, personally i'd go back to T-Rex before this restaurant.

But we had to try it once!

 

[JTT]

I've always enjoyed the food and the atmosphere.
I live in Louisiana and love seafood.
This is an upscale seafood place. Enjoy!

 

[tglancy]

Have been twice and gotten tables right by the aquarium twice. Kids LOVED the view and it is a great way to pass time while waiting for food. My kids are super well behaved at restaurants, but after a day at the parks they can be a little...extra, so it was nice to have that bit of distraction. The food was ok, but you aren't really paying for the food. We were on the Deluxe Dining Plan, so I don't know if we would feel the same paying out of pocket, but we enjoyed it. The turtle cheesecake dessert was amazing, though.

 

[SeanWM48]

for the most part the posts in this thread match what i've always heard about the place - great to look at but the food is meh. have not eaten there myself yet though.

 

[jjbuster2]

1st Disney trip ever in 2005, we had like the first lunch reservation when they opened and were sat at the second to last row despite the restaurant being empty (due to just opening). They offered my then 4 yr old a 'fish finder' (booster seat); the food was not memorable. We decided to give it another shot last trip, fall 2014, and were sat at the 2nd to last table on the last row (my 13 yr old was wishing she was offered that 'fish finder' again), food was okay but not fabulous. If I was paying out of pocket, I probably wouldn't do it again. That said, both of those previous trips had free dining plans so if we're on that again it might get one more chance to strike out or finally hit the ball.

 

[popcenturylover]

Love the atmosphere although, it is a bit loud. The food was good & our server was excellent. ( this was in 12') Haven't been back, as there are so many "new" places for us to try.

 

[Hockey89]

People here have said it is like Applebee's.... If that is true, It is awful

 

[Innkeeper's Club]

To everyone who responded just wanted to say thank you for your opinions.

 

[ginadee]

Im in the minority. I loved my meal here. Had the lobster pasta and it was great. So was the dessert.