Walt Disney World Vacation '09 - Day 5 Part 3

After experiencing the Nemo ride and checking out the aquarium for a bit, we decided to head over to the Coral Reef restaurant. We were a bit early but it was fine, we just sat outside the restaurant for a bit and relaxed.

We had been looking forward to this meal for so long. I will admit, when we got inside I was a bit surprised, it wasn't the atmosphere I expected.


It was dreary inside. The dark colors coupled with dim lighting made everything seem drab. I realize it was supposed to mimic being in the ocean and well, obviously the ocean isn't bright and colorful...or is it? Ha!

This is where we sat:

Wasn't a bad seat but of course we would have loved to have been closer to the aquarium. The kids were fairly well behaved. We didn't order an appetizer as we had the dining plan and well, appetizers aren't included in the plan.

The entrees were disappointing. The portions were very small. Now, maybe because I am used to larger portions, what we were given might have been what a 'normal' portion should be? That's fine but when you have a child who is under 3 and is not able to be on the meal plan, you are told you can share entrees with them. I really didn't have anything to share with Wyatt so I wound up having to order something for him and paying out of pocket.

On the bright side, the food was tasty but for the portions, I think it was overpriced. I got Seared Sterling Salmon - with ratatouille $23.99, Fawn got Wild Mushroom Lasagna - roasted wild mushrooms, wilted arugula and spinach, fortina, parmesan, mascarpone and ricotta cheese, rustic tomato ragout $16.99 and CJ got Grilled New York Strip Steak - served with roasted potatoes, watercress and tomatoes tossed in caramelized shallot vinaigrette $30.99

For dessert, I ordered the famous 'Chocolate Wave' - served with brandied cherries $7.99

It was yummy but wow, $7.99?! Oh well, eating here was an experience I will always remember but I know we will not go back. There are so many other restaurants we would love to try and of course, we have our favorites so the Coral Reef was a once and done.

To be continued...