3 EPCOT Restaurants We AVOID at ALL COSTS

When it comes to Walt Disney World’s theme parks, there’s none better known for its dining than EPCOT. However, not every restaurant at the park is created equal, especially in the minds of our readers.

We took to our Facebook page to ask which eateries at EPCOT’s second gate our readers to their best to avoid, and you did not hold back on your thoughts!

Coral Reef

Located at The Seas Pavilion, Coral Reef may be EPCOT’s most famous restaurant thanks to appearances on shows like Full House and Boy Meets World. However, that doesn’t mean that the restaurant’s stagnant menu is still enticing guests today, even with the unique atmosphere looking out into the aquarium.

So, here are the basic issues with the food at Coral Reef from our experience: The restaurant’s menu – which is unsurprisingly seafood-focused with an emphasis on American cuisine – is limited. There are a few options, and even fewer customization options. What is offered is fine. Not great, but fine. And while that in and of itself is (to risk driving a point home too bluntly) fine, it drags the restaurant down when it’s in a park with some of the most unique and iconic eateries in Disney World. Heck, this seafood-focused restaurant arguably doesn’t even offer the best seafood options in EPCOT!

As reader Steve put it, “To be fair, even though not a bad experience but I wouldn’t go back to Coral Reef as a one and done for me.”

So, where should you go instead? Shiki Sai in the Japan Pavilion has some of the best sushi and seafood we’ve had in ALL of Disney World. Give it a try on your next trip to EPCOT!

Nine Dragons

Located in the China Pavilion, this restaurant offers traditional Chinese food dishes…which may be part of the issue.

Nine Dragons’ menu offers takes on spare ribs, beef, chicken, fried rice, kung pao, pot stickers, and other Chinese food favorites, and does them well. For example, during one of our most recent visits to the restaurant, we tried the Sichuan Shui Zhu Beef — a $35 soup of bistro beef, white mushroom, baby corn, wide glass noodle, and Sichuan chili oil broth — and enjoyed it!  As we wrote at the time, “the beef was tender and slightly on the chewy side in the best way, and the broth was the star of the show. We also really appreciated how full the soup was of mushrooms and baby corn.”

However, the issue — similar to Coral Reef — is that this menu of Chinese staples feels slightly basic when compared to some of the more unique options found throughout the park, especially in the World Showcase. As several readers pointed out, they don’t eat here because they “get the same food for less at home.”

Instead, check out a more unique option like Spice Road Table in the Morocco Pavilion! The menu there is full of shareable small plates…but do yourself a favor and get your own order of Hummus Fries. You’ll thank me later.

Starbucks… In the morning

Speaking of the same food at home, Starbucks locations at Disney parks can be a bit contentious, as some guests can’t get through a day without them, while others scoff at the long wait for the same food and drink options as typical Starbucks.

EPCOT’s Starbucks at Connections Cafe in particular gets slammed in the mornings, with long waits abounding. Is it really worth losing out on (literally) valuable time inside EPCOT to get the same frap, croissant, or sandwich that you can get at the Starbucks at the local mall?

EPCOT is unique in that it has four Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea locations around the park! The company is based in Florida, and it’s something different than your regular Starbucks order.

BONUS:

While the Rose & Crown in the U.K. Pavilion isn’t bad by any means, it’s worth noting the restaurant’s most iconic dish — fish and chips — is available at the Yorkshire County Fish Shop quick service spot next door.

While EPCOT’s dining has a well-earned reputation for top-scale quality, there are some restaurants in the park that our readers avoid. If you’re interested in sharing your thoughts on this, or any other Disney or travel-related topic, follow us on the AllEars Facebook to join in on the next conversation!

I Actually Can’t Believe People Still Do This at Disney World Restaurants

Which EPCOT restaurants do you avoid? Let us know in the comments below.

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