Hi Megan,
As this is one of my favorite places to eat, I do know how difficult it can be to find if you don't know it's whereabouts. Coral Reef is tucked away to the right hand side
outside of The Seas with Nemo and Friends Pavilion (
see this map). As you are walking towards the pavilion and you are looking straight ahead at the "
Nemo attraction" (where the Sea Gulls are squawking) instead of going to the left side of the pavilion to see "
Turtle Talk with Crush" and all of the fish filled tanks that you are talking about which are inside of this pavilion.......you will instead go to the right side of the pavilion (outside) and you will come to a dead end, this is where Coral Reef is located (tucked away in the corner). This is the only way to access "
Coral Reef" and I think most people go inside the pavilion and try to find a door leading to it and give up as it is too hard to find. These directions seem so simple in my head, but they may seem very difficult to follow, so if you have any further problems locating this great restaurant, please ask a cast member and they will direct you there very easily! I hope I have helped and not confused you more!?!?
Have a magical day!