Maya Grill
Located at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
Dinner

Setting a priority seating at this full service restaurant was surprisingly easy. Initially I was pleased that we were able to get the exact time that we requested, but this momentary glee was tempered by the thought that maybe we had made a mistake. I tried to consol myself by rationalizing that the reason it had been so easy to get a table was that the restaurant is located at one of Disney’s far-flung moderate resorts and not at one of the a theme parks.

Undaunted we walked into a half empty restaurant continuing to believe that we were about to share in a dining experience worthy of the drive over from Disney’s Polynesian Resort where we were staying.

The restaurant is nicely broken up with multi-levels and tables that are spaced far enough apart as to offer a more relaxing atmosphere than is often found at the theme park restaurants. An open kitchen with it’s wood burning grill and the promise of an innovative fusion of old and new world flavors allowed a certain anticipation to build up.

After being seated our server Elizabeth quickly found us and with some authority assisted us with a review of the wine list and menu before retreating to obtain our wine selection.

I was a little disappointed that the menu did not more closely mirror the Nuevo Latino cuisine or “fusion of New and Old World flavors”, promised in the Disney literature. Instead the menu was largely populated with items such as, “Our Traditional Rib-Eye Steak”, “St. Louis Style Ribs”, “Steak and Catch” and “Pork Chops”. These very non “Nuevo Latino” selections may have been an attempt to play to the large convention business the Coronado Springs resort caters to and who by in large patronize the restaurant. I quickly formulated a plan to disregard these steak and chops dishes and focus on the regional dishes also scattered over the menu.

For an appetizer both my dinner companion and I selected the Seafood Skillet with gulf shrimp, baby clams, mussels all prepared in a “zesty” garlic sauce. Not exactly “Nuevo Latino” but the most appealing of the four appetizers being offered. Here we experienced a split decision regarding this appetizer. I enjoyed the mix of textures and the overall flavor, while my friend felt it fell a little short in the quality of the seafood.

For entrees we both selected the Ensopao de Mariscos. This grilled fresh seafood with spiced rice and vegetables seemed, at least to us, to present the best opportunity to experience a taste of the dining adventure that had brought us here. The dish was hearty and tasty and enjoyable and at $28.50 I was grateful.

Our dining experience was raised a level or two on the “why did I make the drive here meter” when Elizabeth instead of simply handing us a dessert menu brought a serving tray to our table that displayed all six of the desserts being offered. I thought this little added touch was nice, although it did not make the selection process any easier. Even though I may have been willing to roll the dice on the selection of an entrée I was however not so free with my dessert. I would not go so far as to define it as a character flaw, but there are really only a couple of desserts that I typically will order. Fortunately for me I was able to spot a Cheesecake with caramelized Walnuts and Chocolate Espresso Sauce that allowed me to ease back into my comfort zone.

Drawing all my thoughts together regarding our adventure in dining at the Maya Grill I have come to a few conclusions. The service was outstanding. Elizabeth who has been serving guests at the Maya Grill since it’s opening was knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. The food was nicely presented and tasty enough, as not to leave us feeling disappointed. The atmosphere was comfortable and relaxing. All of this added up to an overall enjoyable dinner, but one that did not come without a hefty price tag. So don’t let the moderate billing of the Coronado Springs resort lure you into thinking that its full service restaurant will offer you a moderately priced dining experience.

Appetizer
Seafood Skillet - gulf shrimp, baby clams, mussels in a zesty garlic sauce - $9.95

Entrée
Ensopao de Mariscos - Grilled fresh seafood with spiced rice and vegetables - $28.50

Dessert - Cheesecake caramelized Walnuts Chocolate Espresso Sauce

Sample Menu

Here are a few but not all of the other offering found during our visit.

Single Pork Chop - $15.00
Catch of the Day - $20.00
Bone in Strip Loin Steak - $23.00
St. Louis Style Ribs - $18.00
Chilean Salmon Filet - $20.00
Steak and Catch - $24.00
Our Traditional Rib-Eye Steak - $23.00
Maya's Filet Mignon - $24.00
Bone in Strip Loin Steak - $23.00