Is EPCOT’s Coral Reef Restaruant the Worst Restaurant at Walt Disney World?

Finding an affordable and tasty restaurant at Walt Disney World is a regular challenge for parkgoers. With the rising cost of tickets for park entry, souvenirs, and snacks, a sit-down meal has become a luxury most cannot afford. Therefore, when parkgoers do splurge, they want more bang for their buck, and it appears this one restaurant isn’t cutting it.

It has been a long-argued fact among parkgoers that the Coral Reef Restaurant located in EPCOT has lost its luster. According to the website Disney Dining, the Coral Reef Restaurant continues to face criticism. Some have gone as far as to call the restaurant one of the least desirable options at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT.

The restaurant opened in 1986, and at the time, it was beloved for its ocean-themed design and massive aquarium. Scoring a table next to the massive fish tank was one of the park’s toughest reservations to secure. And like any new attraction, Coral Reef became a hot ticket with families who loved the fact the fish entertained their children after a long day at the park.

According to Walt Disney World, the aquarium, called The Seas, is “one of the largest man-made ocean environments on the planet, and holds enough water to fill 54 Olympic-sized swimming pools.” The habitat was designed by marine scientists, and it holds around 2,000 sea creatures and over 60 different aquatic species.

However, with all of the newer and more modern dining options Walt Disney World provides, Coral Reef has shifted in popularity. Disney Dining says guests have taken issue with its overall dated look, calling the restaurant dark and the menu uninspiring.

What Are the Biggest Issues With the Coral Reef Restaurant According to Parkgoers?

The Coral Reef Restaurant holds a special place in the hearts of Disney parkgoers, thanks to its rich history of creating family memories. It’s also gained popularity among Gen Z, having been prominently featured in iconic episodes of “Full House” and “Boy Meets World.”

However, those without nostalgia for the restaurant may not feel the same way. The website All Ears wrote, “Out of 129 reviews, our readers gave Coral Reef a rating of 6.96/10, and 71% of reviewers recommend dining at this controversial restaurant.”

One reviewer called the food “mediocre” and felt like the atmosphere was “tiring,” but they noted that “the aquarium helped make up for some of its lows.” Some diners did praise the ambiance, specifically parents of children who may be excited by the aquatic animals.

The biggest overall complaint diners appear to have with Coral Reef Restaurant at EPCOT was the inconsistency of the food. Some parkgoers found their orders to be fabulous, while others said their orders weren’t as good. As the typical price point of Coral Reef is around $30 per person, it would help its reviews if there was consistency in the food’s quality.

Additionally, Disney Dining pointed out that the menu itself is rather limited, and “with only a handful of entrée and appetizer options, guests often feel constrained when choosing their meals.” With EPCOT offering such a vast array of dining options, Coral Reef is often overshadowed in the quest for variety.

Ultimately, it’s a matter of opinion when it comes to whether or not Coral Reef restaurant is a hit with parkgoers. For those who enjoy aquatic life or those with smaller kids, the restaurant will likely be a hit nonetheless.