Did we come for the rides or the food?!?! - 14 Days of Dining COMPLETE!

[MistressMerryweather]

Loving your reviews! Straight forward and to the point. I'm really enjoying it. Can't wait to hear about Pepper Market. We are staying there in 9 days and have never stayed at CSR and have been nervous about Pepper Market.

Your family is super cute, too!

[The_Aviator]

We woke up and DD wasn't feeling so good so we decided not to rush into the parks and just take our time at the resort. So at about 12:30pm we rocked up to the Pepper Market to have some lunch.

I'll just point out now that the Pepper Market is unlike most other CS places. As you arrive you are greeted by a Cast Member, who gives each member of your party a card, a napkin with cutlery inside and takes you to a table. I'll explain more as I go along

Here are some pictures of the menu...





These were also given to us by the Cast Member, and I thought it was a nice idea to be able to peruse the menu at the table before going to order.

Now ordering is where this place really becomes interesting. On one side of the restaurant are a bunch of different kitchen setups, which they call stations. They have a Grill Station, Hot Sandwich Station, Kids Station, Pasta Station, Pizza Station, Market Station and the Chef's Station, as well as a bar and a bakery. Some of the stations share the same kitchen, eg. the pizza, pasta and kids stations. Basically all you do is take your ticket with you to the 'market', go to the counter you are interested in and tell the CM behind the counter what you want. They will then stamp your card with the name of the item you just purchased.

Some of the dishes are pre-prepared or are semi-prepared and can be ready to go in a couple of minutes. Other dishes are prepared right in front of you and can take up to about ten minutes.

So onto our meals. DS had a Shrimp Pappardelle pasta ($14.99). This was prepared in front of her. Apparently it tasted delicious. I wouldn't know though...



DM got a Mozzarella Chicken Sandwich ($9.99)...



DD got Rotisserie Chicken served with Fries and Grilled Vegetables ($13.50, Sorry, no pic of this!)

As for me, I decided to have a pepperoni pizza. They have both 8" and 14" pizzas. I asked if I could get the 14" on the DDP and she said no worries, so I did! ($14.99)

The pizza was made fresh, so I watched them put the toppings on and put it in the pizza oven. It took about ten minutes to prepare.





It's big, isn't it?

We were all fairly happy with our meals. I was very happy with mine, the only complaint I had was that it was too big! Everything was hot, fresh and delicious, and the servings were very generous. Even if none of our choices interest you, there are so many other things to try that I'm sure there must be something that can please everyone!

As for the staff at this restaurant, you have a waiter/waitress who will take drinks orders and keep drinks filled. If you have a refillable mug they will fill it with whatever drinks you want and keep it filled. We had two mugs which was enough soda for us, so we used our credits on three waters and a coffee. We also got a cappuccino, which was OOP. (It seems that in most cases, regular coffee or tea is a DDP beverage but Cappuccinos aren't. ) Overall we were happy with the wait staff.

The kitchen staff were also friendly! They were talking with guests while preparing their meals and were able to explain any questions.

For dessert we went over to the bakery. They had a huge selection of sweet items at the bakery including muffins, cakes, cookies, yoghurt, ice-cream etc. DS and I decided to have a Chocolate Mousse Cake ($3.95), while DD and DM wanted something simple and went with a Yoplait Original Raspberry flavour yoghurt ($1.95).



I didn't get a pic of the yoghurt here, but I have a pic from another purchase of the same yoghurt that I'll post soon!

We were very happy with our dessert. It was a decent size for a CS dessert and was one of the best desserts served at WDW!

So all in all, the Pepper Market is definitely one special Counter Service restaurant and I would recommend it to anyone. However, it's probably best suited to those who are staying at the CSR or have a car, simply because it isn't the easiest resort hotel to get to. You can also get very good value out of a CS credit here. DS and I spent over $20 on our meals, so that is pretty good value out of one credit! I reckon WPE and this place are probably the best CS credit values out there. Even if you aren't on the DDP, I think the quality of the food and service at the Pepper Market makes it a great place to go for a quick meal.

Cost:

4 CS credits used - 24 remaining
Bill Total - $79.83 (avg $19.96ea)
Running Total - $866.07

NEXT UP: Dinner at the Maya Grill!

[MistressMerryweather]

Woot! That was awesome. Totally relieved my fears about Pepper Market. Did you have to pay the 10% gratuity with your dining plan. Was it added on for you?

[The_Aviator]

Originally Posted by MistressMerryweather

Woot! That was awesome. Totally relieved my fears about Pepper Market. Did you have to pay the 10% gratuity with your dining plan. Was it added on for you?

Thanks for bringing that up! I was planning on explaining that in my third review of the Pepper Market, but I'll just explain it here quickly

Put simply, no, it isn't included in the DDP. This is stated on the bottom of the ticket that you get the stamps on. This led us to believe that they would just calculate 10% at the check-out and we would pay it, which we would have been more than happy to do. However, when we went to the check-out they did not charge the 10% to our account. We were unsure what had happened, since there are so many conflicting views of this on the internet. Our server on the third trip came up to us and made it clear that the gratuity was not included, implying that we would have to give her the tip directly. Not sure if this is true or not, but we just did what she said and left about 10% of the total cost on the table.

Personally I do not like this method very much. It's advertised everywhere that there is a 10% service charge and I'm sure all guests, us included would be happy to pay it at the end of the meal. It just seems so much easier than giving it to your server and avoids any issues.

[chocolateMinnie]

always found that the PM is poor compared to other cs places. Love the pizza and the salad is pretty good too. Depending on CM you are not allowed some of the desserts on ddp. Also feel awkward about the staff approaching you for tip as they have on last three visits but I believe this place isn't owned by Disney. Great pictures.

[OceanAnnie]

I have been lurking, but had to post!

You have done a wonderful job with your dining reviews. Pictures are great. Comments interesting and to the point. Lots of good information and entertaining! Love that you included the credits, prices of the dishes, bill total, and running total. That is a real service to everyone interested in eating at WDW and the dining plan.

Your thread is the most well laid out and comprehensive dining review I have read! I lurk a lot on the restaurant board, rarely post. But I had to let you know, excellent job!

[sjs314]

Good review of the Pepper Market, I have read so many people who complain about it and have wondered why. We stayed CSR on opening day Aug 1st 1998 for a week and ate quite a few meal at the Pepper Market which at the time was different but the food was good. Back then they did not give you menus to look at beforehand, but you go to the various stations ordered and picked up what you wanted. I recall them having and especially good omelet station at breakfast. We were paying OOP so they added the tip to the bill.

That was a great value being able to order the 14" pizza

I agree I would not travel to CSR to eat there. I do however like the whole system as opposed to other CS places, you know you have a table waiting once you come back with your food

[The_Aviator]

Originally Posted by chocolateMinnie

always found that the PM is poor compared to other cs places. Love the pizza and the salad is pretty good too. Depending on CM you are not allowed some of the desserts on ddp. Also feel awkward about the staff approaching you for tip as they have on last three visits but I believe this place isn't owned by Disney. Great pictures.

It's interesting what you say about the dessert thing. On all three occasions they didn't seem to have any problems with us choosing whatever we wanted. And our desserts seemed to be closer to the top end of the pricing band! This is one of the things that irks me about the dining plan. If they say non-alcoholic bev it should mean anything without alcohol, if it says dessert it should mean anything that could be called dessert etc.

As for the tip thing, yes it is awkward. It wouldn't be so difficult for them to change the current "Gratuity not included on dining plan" to say something like "Gratuity not included on dining plan, please pay server" or "Gratuity not included on dining plan, you will be charged 10% at checkout" because at the moment it would just lead anyone to believe that they would just get charged at the checkout. I don't understand why they have to make it so difficult, they should just spell it out in plain English!

However, at least in our experience the food was good and I reckon we would return there if we stayed at CSR again.

Originally Posted by OceanAnnie

I have been lurking, but had to post!

You have done a wonderful job with your dining reviews. Pictures are great. Comments interesting and to the point. Lots of good information and entertaining! Love that you included the credits, prices of the dishes, bill total, and running total. That is a real service to everyone interested in eating at WDW and the dining plan.

Your thread is the most well laid out and comprehensive dining review I have read! I lurk a lot on the restaurant board, rarely post. But I had to let you know, excellent job!

Thank you sooo much! I'm so glad you're enjoying it and I hope it will be useful for people visiting WDW in the future

Originally Posted by sjs314

Good review of the Pepper Market, I have read so many people who complain about it and have wondered why. We stayed CSR on opening day Aug 1st 1998 for a week and ate quite a few meal at the Pepper Market which at the time was different but the food was good. Back then they did not give you menus to look at beforehand, but you go to the various stations ordered and picked up what you wanted. I recall them having and especially good omelet station at breakfast. We were paying OOP so they added the tip to the bill.

That was a great value being able to order the 14" pizza

I agree I would not travel to CSR to eat there. I do however like the whole system as opposed to other CS places, you know you have a table waiting once you come back with your food

Yes, having a table waiting is excellent and they do seem to have enough table! Even at peak period in the morning (never ate breakfast, just saw the queue) they were still able to get everyone seated.

And the 14" pizza really is good value, since if you ordered it through room pizza delivery you would get the same thing but use 2 TS credits!!!!!

[mullysisters]

Great dining review.Many people on the boards have been negative about The Pepper Market but I really enjoyed when I stayed at CSR in 2008.
Cape May Clambake is my first dinner at WDW each trip. I love it!
Looking forward to more!

[Dizneydawn]

I am usually over on the Trip Reports thread and just pop in here to check on my favorite places and what is new but I have to tell you, I am totally impressed.

First - as an 18 year old guy to be willing to love Disney and then take the time to write about his dining experiences is amazing!

Second - You really have an insightful way to not only get the food quality across but also a caring for others to make their experience easier from what you have witnessed yourself.

Class act and as a Mom to three kids (20, 17 1/2 and 15) who love Disney as well and "get it," you are a great role model for some who might not and I am sure your parents are proud.

You actually made me call my Daughter (the middle one) and tell her I still have hope she can someday find a guy who loves Disney as much as she does since all the guys she knows does not understand her love of the Mouse!

For all of us older (and I mean older than 25) Disney Lovers, you give hope that your generation is indeed, not a lost cause!!!

WELL DONE!!!!!

[chocovrdmicears]

I agree with Dizneydawn - I am so impressed with your report!
First - Your family is beautiful!
Second - The care, detail and time you have put into your report has not gone unnoticed. I have read a gazzillion food reviews and really enjoy yours.
Third - Your parents must be very proud of you (sorry..probably a dorky thing for an 18 yr old kid to hear) But as a Mom, I am so impressed with your interest and expression of your family vacation. As a mom of 2 kids much younger (7 & 8 yrs) I only hope that they will grow up to share my passion and love for Disney.
Very well done.

[juliebug1997]

Thanks for all the information and pictures! I can't wait to see what you thought of LeCellier.

[juliebug1997]

Thanks for all the information and pictures! I can't wait to see what you thought of LeCellier.

[The_Aviator]

Originally Posted by mullysisters

Great dining review.Many people on the boards have been negative about The Pepper Market but I really enjoyed when I stayed at CSR in 2008.
Cape May Clambake is my first dinner at WDW each trip. I love it!
Looking forward to more!

Thanks! I hope you enjoy the upcoming reviews, there's still a LOT more to go!

Originally Posted by Dizneydawn

I am usually over on the Trip Reports thread and just pop in here to check on my favorite places and what is new but I have to tell you, I am totally impressed.

First - as an 18 year old guy to be willing to love Disney and then take the time to write about his dining experiences is amazing!

Second - You really have an insightful way to not only get the food quality across but also a caring for others to make their experience easier from what you have witnessed yourself.

Class act and as a Mom to three kids (20, 17 1/2 and 15) who love Disney as well and "get it," you are a great role model for some who might not and I am sure your parents are proud.

You actually made me call my Daughter (the middle one) and tell her I still have hope she can someday find a guy who loves Disney as much as she does since all the guys she knows does not understand her love of the Mouse!

For all of us older (and I mean older than 25) Disney Lovers, you give hope that your generation is indeed, not a lost cause!!!

WELL DONE!!!!!

Thank you for your very kind words! It really means a lot to me

Originally Posted by chocovrdmicears

I agree with Dizneydawn - I am so impressed with your report!
First - Your family is beautiful!
Second - The care, detail and time you have put into your report has not gone unnoticed. I have read a gazzillion food reviews and really enjoy yours.
Third - Your parents must be very proud of you (sorry..probably a dorky thing for an 18 yr old kid to hear) But as a Mom, I am so impressed with your interest and expression of your family vacation. As a mom of 2 kids much younger (7 & 8 yrs) I only hope that they will grow up to share my passion and love for Disney.
Very well done.

Thank you so much! I'm glad you are enjoying my reviews as much as I am enjoying writing them

Originally Posted by juliebug1997

Thanks for all the information and pictures! I can't wait to see what you thought of LeCellier.

No worries! Le Cellier will be coming up probably sometime within the next week I suppose, if I continue to write at about the same speed. Let me tell you now though, it was awesome!

[weswife]

I enjoyed your review!You are doing an awesome with the details! The pics. are wonderful! Can't wait to read more!