Pepper Market & DDP?

[Callalily6]

How does the Pepper Market work with the DDP? I havent been there in a LONG time. When the DDP 1st came out there were restrictions at the PM. I read some of those threads but havent found anything current. Can someone fill me in? Is it pretty much like the rest of the CS places? Order what you want from the list?

[justplaingoofy]

We've been there on the ddp...

Yes, it is a great value...many times we end up splitting something from the Mexican counter. (they did just change their taco salad...and not for the better... it is now strips of beef instead of seasoned hamburg)

Anyway... off my soapbox.. You are restricted for desserts.

[Buzz2001]

The only restrictions are on the tier 2 and 3 desserts. Everything else is fair game, for this year anyways.

[Callalily6]

OK, thanks!

I havent been a CSR in ages. What are the dessert tiers?

And do I have the option of ordering for the kids if they want to eat early, and me and hubby want to wait til later? Or do I have to use all 4 of our meals at the same time? We'll probably eat together anyway, but just checking to make sure.

Pepper Market are CS meals, right?

I recall their portions being huge. Is that still the case?

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[justplaingoofy]

OK, thanks!

I havent been a CSR in ages. What are the dessert tiers?

And do I have the option of ordering for the kids if they want to eat early, and me and hubby want to wait til later? Or do I have to use all 4 of our meals at the same time? We'll probably eat together anyway, but just checking to make sure.

Pepper Market are CS meals, right?

I recall their portions being huge. Is that still the case?

THANK YOU SO MUCH!


We were there in Sept. and the portions were huge. (2 adults split the fajitas). We got a cinnamon roll for our dessert. I think the choices were like cinnamon rolls, crossaints... smaller things...not the huge pastries that they offer.
You can split, but tell them you are splitting because when you arrive at the podium they will give each member a white card. You are supposed to bring the card up to where you get your food and they stamp what you got on the card. You eat, then when you go to exit you give the card and they ring you up. They do charge a "service fee" because they get your drinks., but that was included in the ddp.

Personally, I would split first, then if you are still hungry go back up to get more.

[mel660]

As of yesterday, Pepper Market was not on the 2009 DDP. They are still making that decision, but I read somewhere here that they may not because they were losing money with the DDP.

Melinda

[justplaingoofy]

I would be surprised if a Disney property did not have a quick service offered. I would think they would have to offer something for food.

[3darlings]

We were there last week and we weren't restricted on desserts (on DDP). They let us pick whatever we wanted and they were pretty big! I was not all that impressed with the food, however. My dd12's ribeye was mostly fat - I would not recommend that. The pasta had a marinara sauce that was mostly chunks of tomatoes, fine for most adults but DD10 wouldn't eat them. My chicken was pretty good but I wanted the stir fry and they told me if would be at least 20 minutes before it was ready. My kids already had their meals so that wasn't going to work. The stir fry did look good as did the pizzas. I did leave a tip - our waitress was pretty attentive and I'm a sap! Overall, the food quality was ok but it was alittle slow for CS.

[Lilolvr]

As of yesterday, Pepper Market was not on the 2009 DDP. They are still making that decision, but I read somewhere here that they may not because they were losing money with the DDP.

MelindaAnd it probably won't be in 2009

Last year the PM, Maya Grill and Siestas didn't sign up until December BUT I heard from a friend at CSR that the Pepper Market is losing money by participating in the dining plan.

Also, there will be only 2 restaurants at Downtown Disney that will take it (Captain Jack's and Food Quest in DisneyQuest).

The number of countries is also going down as well. Only Canada, the UK, Norway, Germany, and the US will accept the dining plan.

It looks to be all restaurants that are run by outside companies will no longer be participating in the dining plan.

It's not in stone yet but just a heads up.

[justplaingoofy]

just a guess....but my guess is if they cut back on too many restaurants that are participating less people may purchase the dining plan.

I know I wouldn't want to be restricted to "X" restaurants because of it, plus Adr's can be hard enough to get even with all the participating restaurants.... try to get adr's with less restaurants... :eek:

[TDC Nala]

And it probably won't be in 2009

This is currently a rumor as WDW has not released a complete dining plan list for 2009 yet. We can't at this point state with any certainty that because of the information stated in the post previously quoted, CSR restaurants will PROBABLY not sign up for the dining plan. This is apparently something a guest was told by a cast member. Cast members say a lot of things (witness the manager who gave a previous poster incorrect information about the Pepper Market gratuity), but without an official announcement from Walt Disney World we don't know for sure.

[Lilolvr]

This is currently a rumor as WDW has not released a complete dining plan list for 2009 yet. We can't at this point state with any certainty that because of the information stated in the post previously quoted, CSR restaurants will PROBABLY not sign up for the dining plan. This is apparently something a guest was told by a cast member. Cast members say a lot of things (witness the manager who gave a previous poster incorrect information about the Pepper Market gratuity), but without an official announcement from Walt Disney World we don't know for sure.Correct, everything about the DDP is a rumor at this point until it is in print on 1/1/2009. And even then, its all subject to change.

A heard from a CM who heard from a manager so I guess its really a rumor. :rotfl:

[Buzz2001]

I was told by two CM's that Spring Foods is out but as lilolvr stated, all things are subject to change between now and the end of the year.

The Pepper Market will undergo some changes in the future. A date has not been set but that will be the next big project at CSR. Spring Foods is looking to transform the Pepper Market into a Boma style buffet.

PS - counter service (specifically the Pepper Market - tips are included in the DDP)

[maggs]

PS - counter service (specifically the Pepper Market - tips are included in the DDP)

I was going to PM you when we got back Buzz about our experience at Pepper Market but thought I would leave it. I have to say we loved the hotel and Pepper Market but I see no reason as to why the staff and manager of the Pepper Market would be so ill informed as to give us wrong information, if that is what it is. The whole experience was frustrating and upsetting. I will post again when I receive a reply.

Maggs

[Buzz2001]

I was going to PM you when we got back Buzz about our experience at Pepper Market but thought I would leave it. I have to say we loved the hotel and Pepper Market but I see no reason as to why the staff and manager of the Pepper Market would be so ill informed as to give us wrong information, if that is what it is. The whole experience was frustrating and upsetting. I will post again when I receive a reply.

MaggsNot sure why they would tell you that. Maybe that's why they are discussing changes to the PM and/or not participating in the DDP possibly.

[hambirg]

Ahhh. . .you all are making me miss CSR so much! :( We stayed there for our first trip to WDW and it was just amazing! Everything was perfect. . .great room, great service, awesome food! I have fond memories of PM. Our next trip we stayed at POFQ and it was nice, but just not the same. I was hoping to stay back at CSR next time, but if they are not going to be on the DDP that would kind of be a hassle. :(

[chimo2u]

I am thinking of switching resorts because of this recent development. Our whole idea of staying CSR club level was to access some of the great food at PM at counter service credits for our suppers... however.... now that PM may not be on the dining plan, I may change our reservation to AKL club level since we all loved it there. I am on the fence right now.
Marie

[disneymagicgirl]

As of yesterday, Pepper Market was not on the 2009 DDP. They are still making that decision, but I read somewhere here that they may not because they were losing money with the DDP.

Melinda


I would absolutely change our resort if this is is the case for our March trip! How could we not have a CS place??:confused3

[disneymagicgirl]

This is currently a rumor as WDW has not released a complete dining plan list for 2009 yet. We can't at this point state with any certainty that because of the information stated in the post previously quoted, CSR restaurants will PROBABLY not sign up for the dining plan. This is apparently something a guest was told by a cast member. Cast members say a lot of things (witness the manager who gave a previous poster incorrect information about the Pepper Market gratuity), but without an official announcement from Walt Disney World we don't know for sure.

I hope you are right! But if places don't get added to the plan i will have to change resorts and adrs!

[G-Duck]

We were at CSR last week and ate at Pepper Market multiple times. It is a counter service credit on the dinning plan. Great value for counter service, and they have cake, pie, ice cream and pastries for dessert. I ate at the Grill and had the roasted chicken one night, and a Steak the second visit. Both were very good.

[2manypets]

I am thinking of switching resorts because of this recent development. Our whole idea of staying CSR club level was to access some of the great food at PM at counter service credits for our suppers... however.... now that PM may not be on the dining plan, I may change our reservation to AKL club level since we all loved it there. I am on the fence right now.
Marie

I called two days ago, yesterday, and today to have the CM's verify if PM and Maya Grill were part of the DDP for 2009. I tried on three seperate days just in case I got a misinformed CM (imagine that!!) All the CM's did say they were included. They just recently signed on. As did the Yak & Yeti and Tutto Italia.

[ajinkyan]

thanks for the info - useful thread...

[disneymagicgirl]

I called two days ago, yesterday, and today to have the CM's verify if PM and Maya Grill were part of the DDP for 2009. I tried on three seperate days just in case I got a misinformed CM (imagine that!!) All the CM's did say they were included. They just recently signed on. As did the Yak & Yeti and Tutto Italia.

good to know...thanks!:thumbsup2

[Buzz2001]

I called two days ago, yesterday, and today to have the CM's verify if PM and Maya Grill were part of the DDP for 2009. I tried on three seperate days just in case I got a misinformed CM (imagine that!!) All the CM's did say they were included. They just recently signed on. As did the Yak & Yeti and Tutto Italia.I spoke to my contact and still nothing for CSR but for all your sakes, I hope I'm wrong.

[disneymagicgirl]

uggh buzz! u are stressing me out here:eek:

[matthew&haleysmom]

uggh buzz! u are stressing me out here:eek:

Me too! I really don't want to have to change resorts!

[KatMark]

I talked to my TA who works for an affiliate of Disney and they have not been informed of any additions to the Dining Plan as of yet. I hope for all of you that they are sign up. We won't alter our plans to stay at the CSR...we'll just eat our counter services at the parks or one of the other resorts (which we like to do anyway) and we always bring cereal and milk with us.

[2manypets]

I spoke with a fourth CM's this morning and had her dig into it. Yes they are signed up for the DDP. They just signed up for it recently. Buzz, maybe your contact hasn't been informed yet?:confused3

[1stTimeDisneyer]

I called last night to try to dig into the Pepper Market and DTD being on the dining plan. The CM said that she cannot say they are on the list yet, but she would not worry about changing hotels. She said if she were me she would just keep all the plans I have. She also said the places in DTD do this every year. So I guess for now we are holding tight at CSR.

[disneymagicgirl]

still waiting to see....:rolleyes1

[Momto3Girls&Max]

Can someone tell me what is going on here -- I've posted twice to this thread and both times my posts have disappeared. The first time I thought maybe I might not have hit submit, but the second time I'm absolutely positive I did.

Anyway, I wanted to let others know that we were told in August, 2008 that the 10% service charge WAS NOT included on the DDP and told to leave it on the table for the server. Now we hear from others that it is supposed to be included. I just wanted to warn people of the confusion and let them know that the service charge IS covered by the DDP so they're not misled like we were.

[IckyMickey]

You know I posted to this thread also and it's gone. Then I went in and checked on my posts and it appears that someone moved some of the posts to the Tipping Info thread without letting us know. The problem was that we weren't subscribed to that one.

Here is where it went.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=29144291#post29144291&highlight=

[Momto3Girls&Max]

You know I posted to this thread also and it's gone. Then I went in and checked on my posts and it appears that someone moved some of the posts to the Tipping Info thread without letting us know. The problem was that we weren't subscribed to that one.

Here is where it went.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=29144291#post29144291&highlight=

Thanks for clearing that up. I felt like I was in the Twilight Zone :rotfl: .

[su_A_ve]

same here!

[iheartdisney]

I would not stay at CSR if I was on the dining plan. Based on 3 things.
1. Kids Meals. The kids meals are at ther own "station, so you are very limited on what they can eat. When we went there at dinner time, the only side item the children were allowed was a bag of plain lay's potato chips.
2. Dessert. You go up to the counter and see all of these lovely cakes, tarts and pies. When you ask what is covered by the meal plan, they point out the day old cookies and danishes. (which when bit into, I thought I might lose a tooth, so by day old, I think I am being generous)
3. Service Charge. I don't know what service we were charged for, but both our server and at the counter we were told we had to pay the 10% service charge. As I said, I don't know what service we were charged for, because we had to refill our own drinks.

This might have been just an "off" night when we stopped by in Sept. But we drove over to CSR specifically to go to the PM for dinner because we loved it in 2005 when we stayed. But I think that one meal has turned me off from ever staying at CSR again. Sorry.

[justplaingoofy]

3. Service Charge. I don't know what service we were charged for, but both our server and at the counter we were told we had to pay the 10% service charge. As I said, I don't know what service we were charged for, because we had to refill our own drinks.



You had to pay the service charge on the ddp? I was there in January & Sept of this year and was told it was included in the ddp.

Sorry to hear of your problems. I was greatly dissapointed in September when we went there for their taco salad. They changed it from seasoned hamburg to strips of beef. :headache: Needless to say we ended up with the fajitas and a cinnamon roll for dessert.

[bethclayton]

i am thinking of upgrading our ASM stay to CSR in late jan, but concerned about the possibility of them not participating in the DDP. i called today and was told by the dining person that csr's contract was pending. then, she transferred me to the resort so i could see if they had any add'l info. the cm told me that they do not have any of that info....and to be honest, she was really rude about it, i was taken aback because the people at disney are always so pleasant on the phone. :confused3 after reading some of the threads on here i am dying to upgrade to csr but that cm is making me second-guess their customer service. i hope it was just a fluke.

[KatMark]

i am thinking of upgrading our ASM stay to CSR in late jan, but concerned about the possibility of them not participating in the DDP. i called today and was told by the dining person that csr's contract was pending. then, she transferred me to the resort so i could see if they had any add'l info. the cm told me that they do not have any of that info....and to be honest, she was really rude about it, i was taken aback because the people at disney are always so pleasant on the phone. :confused3 after reading some of the threads on here i am dying to upgrade to csr but that cm is making me second-guess their customer service. i hope it was just a fluke.

I doubt very much you were transferred to the resort, they usually transfer you to "central reservations". I hope that is the case because in seven stays at the CSR we have had nothing but terrific CM's. However, one of the CM's from the CSR is a regular poster on the CSR thread, and she indicated she saw the finalized list and that Pepper Market and Maya Grill are on the dining plan.

[Buzz2001]

i am thinking of upgrading our ASM stay to CSR in late jan, but concerned about the possibility of them not participating in the DDP. i called today and was told by the dining person that csr's contract was pending. then, she transferred me to the resort so i could see if they had any add'l info. the cm told me that they do not have any of that info....and to be honest, she was really rude about it, i was taken aback because the people at disney are always so pleasant on the phone. :confused3 after reading some of the threads on here i am dying to upgrade to csr but that cm is making me second-guess their customer service. i hope it was just a fluke.They are back on for 2009!!! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[bethclayton]

thanks, buzz! can i ask where you get your inside scoop? i'll admit i am a nervous nellie and will kick myself if i upgrade ad then can't use the ddp there, so i am afraid to make any changes until i "know" the info is for sure. my biggest worry is not being able to buy snacks there because we tend to buy almost all of our snacks at the resort after we come back in the evenings.

by the way, i have to tell you... i LOVE your CSR site. :worship: it has singlehandedly convinced me to want to stay there; i was not even considering them previously. :thumbsup2

[NC State]

Anyway, I wanted to let others know that we were told in August, 2008 that the 10% service charge WAS NOT included on the DDP and told to leave it on the table for the server.

Help! We are on the DDP and this will be our first time at CSR. I know that tips are not included for TS on the DDP. So what's the 10% service charge about? :confused3

[KatMark]

Help! We are on the DDP and this will be our first time at CSR. I know that tips are not included for TS on the DDP. So what's the 10% service charge about? :confused3

There is an automatic 10% service charged added at the Pepper Market (food court) at the CSR. This is because 1) it is not Disney owned; 2) you are seated at a table and given real napkin, silverware, plates, etc., 3) a server takes your drink order and brings it to you. Some people have said the 10% is not included on the dining plan (as a previous poster in this thread pointed out) and some said it is (we did NOT pay the 10% when we were there in September--it was included). I have a feeling that not all the people at the Pepper Market are aware if it is or isn't included nor do the cashiers. We stay at the CSR every year and we eat at Pepper Market one, two or three times while there. We normally avoid this issue because we get our food to go. If you do this, the 10% is not included. We don't do it to avoid the 10%, but we like to take our food outside to sit by the lake to eat.

[Matt71]

The 10% service charge is added to your bill just like a gratuity at a TS restaurant. It's still well worth the counter service credit. Where else can you use a CS credit and have steak for lunch?:thumbsup2

[ShellyLynn3630]

I just wonder what Disney would say if someone emailed them directly about the 10% charge at PM? Would they really be able to set the record straight on this issue?

[Momto3Girls&Max]

We just got back from a trip (12/20 - 12/26) and ate at Pepper Market and were SOOOOOOO disappointed in our meal. We have eaten here many, many times over the years and have always made a special trip over to CSR for dinner at Pepper Market. The ribeye is gone from the menu, the Chinese food has been changed and the new choices leave a lot to be desired. DH and I agreed that it's no longer worth a special trip. I was worried that we'd be there at a peak time (we were there for dinner at 6pm) but the restaurant was deserted. The only bright spot about the whole dinner was that our server showed up out of nowhere to help bring our trays of food back to the table and was very attentive throughout the meal. We left him an extra tip on top of the 10% service charge.

We did have a really great meal at Maya Grill but that's another thread.