Should You Dine Under the Sea at EPCOT?

We’ve talked about the flavors of World Showcase at spots like Teppan Edo, Le Cellier and Chefs de France. We’ve learned about the wonderful Norwegian spread at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall for Guests looking to experience character dining. For Guests looking to enjoy a bottomless dining experience in EPCOT’s Future World, we’ve discussed the fun of the Garden Grill Restaurant, the rotating restaurant that gives you a peak of a popular ride in The Land Pavilion.

But, did you know you can dine under the sea during your EPCOT Park day? It’s true, Princess Ariel isn’t the only one dining under the sea. You can enjoy the underwater beauty of Coral Reef Restaurant in EPCOT Future World on your next vacation. This fun seafood table service restaurant is tucked away in a somewhat hidden spot and tends to been of those underrated Disney dining spots you just don’t hear people talking about. This article is all about providing interested Guests, a Coral Reef Restaurant review to help explain why you might enjoy dinner at this spot on your next Walt Disney World Resort vacation.

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This table service dining spot opened in 1986. Attached to the popular Living Seas Pavilion, Guests have the chance to dine alongside marine life like tropical fish and even sharks as they enjoy a meal with all the magic and quality typical of Disney dining. The Living Seas its home to attractions like The Seas with Nemo and Friends and Turtle Talk with Crush. Hop in a “clamobile” to embark on a storybook ride as you search for Nemo, or chat it up with your favorite sea turtle surfer, Crush in an interactive show.

Take your time strolling the Living Seas to check out tropical fish tanks, see Florida manatees, and learn about ocean life and how you can protect the oceans. As always, helpful Cast Members are on hand to answer questions about the species you are learning about.

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The Living Seas and Coral Reef Restaurant are such neat spots. In fact, these areas of EPCOT were featured in a popular ABC Family tv show back in the day. Many of our favorite television families visited Walt Disney World in the 90s and the Tanner Family from Full House was no different. Coral Reef Restaurant was featured in a failed proposal attempt when Danny Tanner tried to pop the question to his girlfriend Vicki.

If you are ready to jump in to dine at this spot, make an advance dining reservation as soon as your booking window open. This spot is open for lunch and dinner each day and features a seafood menu and plenty of delicious cocktails to enjoy as you admire the beauty of the fish that swim beside your table. Speaking of fish, over 2,000 species are living in the tanks beside your table, so be sure to look for all the incredible critters swimming by.

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Let’s talk food! Menu highlights in the appetizer section include the Seafood Artichoke Dip made from a creamy blend of seafood, spinach, and artichokes. If you are craving soup, opt for the smooth and delicious New England Clam Chowder. This delicious soup is made with tender baby clams, flavored with thick applewood-smoked bacon, potatoes, and flavorful cream. The clam chowder is a must-have appetizer in my opinion.

Entrees range from around $26 to $40 and include dishes like the Grilled Mahi Mahi, Seared Verlasso Salmon and the southern seafood classic, Shrimp and Grits. The Grilled Mahi Mahi is served with a Street Corn-style Salad and Cilantro-Lime Crema over Garlic Jasmine Rice. The Seared Verlasso Salmon entree is served with Roasted Parsnip and Piquillo Pepper, Bacon, and Lemon Beurre Blanc.

My menu choice, the Shrimp and Grits is made with Cajun-grilled Shrimp with a Seared Grit Cake, Andouille Hash, and Cajun Emulsion for a new take on a delicious southern classic. If you’d rather not order seafood opt for dishes like the Slow-roasted Prime Rib, Mushroom Ravioli or Harissa Chicken.

The Slow Roasted Prime Rib is a 10 oz. cut of beef served with fluffy roasted potatoes with caramelized onions and a mixed herb pistou. The Mushroom Ravioli is a delicious plant-based option. The ravioli is stuffed with roasted mushrooms and served with scallions, blistered tomatoes, and a silky tomato-lavender broth.

If you are feeling like a chicken dish, opt for the Harissa Chicken served with a saffron couscous, tangy citrus yogurt, and spice-roasted seasonal vegetables.

When it comes time for dessert choose from options like the Key Lime Tart, Mixed Berry Mousse, The Chocolate Wave or the plant-based Baileys Almande and Jack Daniel’s Mousse. All the options are delicious, but I recommend The Mixed Berry Mousse that is served with vanilla chiffon cake, fresh seasonal berries and a shortbread cookie.

If you are flipping through the cocktail menu you’ll see options like a Paloma, Antioxidant Lemonade, Spicy Poblano Margarita, Rum Runner, Rum Swizzle and Chocolate Martinis. The expansive cocktail menu at this spot is one of the hidden details I love, that is so often overlooked. Take the time to try a new cocktails with your meal at Coral Reef Restaurant.

@wishuponastarwithanne

💫 Have you dined at Coral Reef Restaurant in Epcot? #epcot #disneydining #disneytravelagent #waltdisneyworld #disneyfood

♬ Under The Sea ( From “Little Mermaid”)[Marimba Island Remix] – Marimba Island

After dinner, stroll World Showcase Lagoon and enjoy the beauty of the Park. This hidden spot never disappoints and provides yet another unique dining experience for Guests at EPCOT. So what do you think, should you dine under the sea at EPCOT?