A great big pickle...sigh.

[KatMark]

Aww, thanks! Not looking good. I'll survive.



TSD just for BOMA?? Forget it...lol...that's more $$$$

I think your chances of a renovated room at CSR are very good - the majority of DIS'ers who have posted recent reviews have had a refurbished room...and just in case you don't (but I think you will) you can always ask if one will be available the next morning -that usually works out great.

Pepper Market - maybe you'll be guests who like it!! But is it an absolute to eat there? It's so much more fun in the parks...but certainly get your QS money's worth at the Pepper Market (or so I've read since we haven't used it there b/c I'm one who felt confused and overwhelmed - didn't give it a chance really). And if it's not too hot there is beautiful outdoor seating over looking the lake.

Hey, and you can even have a view of animals at CSR - darn..forgot his name lol...but there is an alligator and some babies, I think!! Everyone looks for Hank (?)

Christine, it's Glen (and mom is Allie). Here's a picture of Glen:

 

[LuvvsMickey]

Glen the alligator! Yes, that is an, er, um, animal - reptile. Yeah.

Well yes, Boma is important. What if we're stuck in the hotel the entire trip because of killer hurricanes and tropical storms n' stuff? Or if there is a big 150 degree heat wave and we won't be allowed outside? How many hamburgers can one eat? Geesh. You need to plan for these things, you know!

The Pepper Market menu I've seen looks amazing. We're not fussy eaters at all and are pretty quick learners. I'm sure if we're not getting the hang of the procedure there, someone will gladly slap us upside the head and show us how it's done. Ticket, order, give ticket, get food, take ticket back, sit, eat, give ticket to cashier and pay. VOILA. All done!

A renovated room would make me very happy! They look absolutely stunning. I love dark wood.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Christine, it's Glen (and mom is Allie). Here's a picture of Glen:

Gee, I wasn't even close!! Did someone on the CSR thread call him Hank? I must have gotten it somewher besides my imagination!

Thanks, Kathy!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

See, all this posting and you've almost made up your mind!! Hey, we'll be BFF by the time you're done and then you can go with me!!

 

[robinb]

If I am understanding correctly, the tip is included in the QSdining plan, right? If I am purchasing the QSdining plan, I don't want to be paying out of pocket for anything. I need to save my pennies for DTD shopping!


So... ... what do ya'll think of Coronado Springs for a romantic getaway? *ducks and runs!!!*

As far as I know, tipping at the Pepper Market is NOT included on any DDP. I left a tip when we ate there last December under the regular DDP and my waitress was SO thankful because most people DON'T tip. I asked at the check-out to make sure. Even so, the quality of the food at the Pepper Market is worth the extra 10% ($2-$4 for dinner) over any other food court at WDW. Where else can you get a full grilled steak dinner for the "cost" of a Counter Service meal?

As for the CSR itself, it is a great resort. The pool is the best moderate on property and I like the different sections of the resort. BUT ... you don't have a king bed at CSR.

 

[LuvvsMickey]

Actually, I was thinking about your predicament. I was thinking that if I make the wrong decision and this whole entire trip is a complete disaster...maybe my hubby would go with you!! Your idea sounds even better. Wee hoo!!

 

[KatMark]

As far as I know, tipping at the Pepper Market is NOT included on any DDP. I left a tip when we ate there last December under the regular DDP and my waitress was SO thankful because most people DON'T tip. I asked at the check-out to make sure. Even so, the quality of the food at the Pepper Market is worth the extra 10% ($2-$4 for dinner) over any other food court at WDW. Where else can you get a full grilled steak dinner for the "cost" of a Counter Service meal?

As for the CSR itself, it is a great resort. The pool is the best moderate on property and I like the different sections of the resort. BUT ... you don't have a king bed at CSR.

I agree. But we've always been told (three years in a row) that the 10% was included. They (meaning the Pepper Market management) really need to be consistent about this.

And why no king bed at CSR? They have them and their adding 100 more (they've done about 60 already).

 

[Minnie&Nana]

As for the CSR itself, it is a great resort. The pool is the best moderate on property and I like the different sections of the resort. BUT ... you don't have a king bed at CSR.

Just wonderin'...Why wouldn't they have a king bed? CSR has king rooms and some more dbls are being changed to kings now.

Thanks!

Actually, I was thinking about your predicament. I was thinking that if I make the wrong decision and this whole entire trip is a complete disaster...maybe my hubby would go with you!! Your idea sounds even better. Wee hoo!!

You're getting nuttier by the minute....you'd better make a decision so you can get back to your normal nuttiness!

 

[robinb]

Just wonderin'...Why wouldn't they have a king bed? CSR has king rooms and some more dbls are being changed to kings now.

Thanks!

I stand corrected. In that case, I think the OP should go with CSR and take her extra money for a dinner at Boma. Actually, I would recommend Jiko's.

 

[robinb]

I agree. But we've always been told (three years in a row) that the 10% was included. They (meaning the Pepper Market management) really need to be consistent about this.

I specifically asked at Pepper Market check-out and I was told it was NOT. If you think about it, it doesn't make any sense that it would be included at CSR since tips in general are no longer included in the DDP. I ate there last in December of 2008.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

We all get things off now and then - just today I told someone AS SP was the last to be refurbished - not!!!

Oh, well...I tried to correct it later.

How's Madison? My DD closest friend lives there - such a nice place to raise a family.

 

[LuvvsMickey]

As far as I know, tipping at the Pepper Market is NOT included on any DDP. I left a tip when we ate there last December under the regular DDP and my waitress was SO thankful because most people DON'T tip. I asked at the check-out to make sure. Even so, the quality of the food at the Pepper Market is worth the extra 10% ($2-$4 for dinner) over any other food court at WDW. Where else can you get a full grilled steak dinner for the "cost" of a Counter Service meal?

As for the CSR itself, it is a great resort. The pool is the best moderate on property and I like the different sections of the resort. BUT ... you don't have a king bed at CSR.

No, it doesn't have to be a king bed. A queen is fine. Just no double. So tipping is required? Ugh. Not what I wanted to hear. Where can one find a definite answer on this? KatMark? There is so much confusion about the tipping requirement.

 

[robinb]

So tipping is required? Ugh. Not what I wanted to hear. Where can one find a definite answer on this? KatMark? There is so much confusion about the tipping requirement.

Even so, it's not a big deal as the tip is only 10% at the Pepper Market. Leave $4 on the table and call it a day.

 

[LuvvsMickey]

You're getting nuttier by the minute....you'd better make a decision so you can get back to your normal nuttiness!

Tee hee. I'll have my decision made in the marnin'! I'll be up all night trying to figure it out. Sigh.

I specifically asked at Pepper Market check-out and I was told it was NOT. If you think about it, it doesn't make any sense that it would be included at CSR since tips in general are no longer included in the DDP. I ate there last in December of 2008.

I understand tipping for TS meals. Pepper Market is QS, no? What exactly is the tipping for? Now I know why there is such a love/hate thing with Pepper Market! lol

 

[LuvvsMickey]

Even so, it's not a big deal as the tip is only 10% at the Pepper Market. Leave $4 on the table and call it a day.

It's a big deal to me. Different strokes for different folks, right?

 

[karibritt01]

Hey, we'll be BFF by the time you're done and then you can go with me!!

Now isn't THAT romantic?! Monkey in the middle!

But we've always been told (three years in a row) that the 10% was included.

We were told that, too. But I still leave a dollar or 2 if the waitress is friendly and keeps my drink full.

I understand tipping for TS meals. Pepper Market is QS, no? What exactly is the tipping for? Now I know why there is such a love/hate thing with Pepper Market! lol

Pepper Market is a cross between QS and TS. When you go in, the host gives you your ticket and seats you. (I love not having to find an empty table in a packed food court!) Then your waitress comes by and takes your drink order, and (if she speaks English) will answer questions. You then take your ticket and go stand in line at the station of your choice for food. Once you get your order, you go sit at your table. On a good day, the waitress will come back and refill your drink as needed.

 

[Minnie]

Did you check the price of a "pool view" room at the AKL???

We are most definitely not adventurous eaters and when we stayed at AKL we found plenty of choices at Maras

Our fave resort is the WL but if you don't want to see pine trees then I'd stay at the AKL

 

[robinb]

How's Madison? My DD closest friend lives there - such a nice place to raise a family.

Madison is a great place! I live right near one of the lakes in a really great neighborhood . Is your DD's friend a student here? I came here to go to school and ended up returning 2 years later to stay.

I understand tipping for TS meals. Pepper Market is QS, no? What exactly is the tipping for? Now I know why there is such a love/hate thing with Pepper Market! lol

I think the reason why there is a 10% surcharge at the Pepper Market is because (1) the PM is not Disney Owned and (2) the convention traffic at the hotel. I am sure that one of the reasons why people hate the PM is the 10% surcharge. It does seem kinda silly to pay someone to bring you your Diet Coke where you can get it yourself everywhere else. The waitstaff also clears your table as you eat ... a lot like a server at a buffet.

The other reason why people don't like the PM is the different "stations" of food. If you and your family don't all eat at the same station you are unlikely to eat your whole meal together because the food comes out at all different times. Most of it is all freshly made so it's not like it's slopped on your plate cafetria style like at more Disney food courts and cooking food fresh takes time. For instance, when you order a pizza they make it in front of you and put it in the oven. At other food courts they just grab the next one on the conveyor for you. FWIW, I think the PM pizza is probably the best in WDW.

 

[KatMark]

I wish they would straighten it out...it is a good part of the reason for the love/hate relationship with PM. The best way to avoid it? When you arrive at the PM, tell them you want a "to go ticket" and then proceed to order your food and take it with you and you WON'T pay the 10% and you can eat outside by one of the tables surrounding the lake:

 

[robinb]

It's a big deal to me. Different strokes for different folks, right?

I don't quite understand ... you have a deluxe resort booked now, you're thinking about booking another deluxe instead and you just found out that CSR would save you even more than that and you concerned about $2-$4 per meal (for both of you!) at a specific restaurant? Seriously, that 10% tip is a drop in the bucket compared to everything else you are spending or thinking about spending.