Coronado Springs Resort for a first timer

[Fiona35]

Having asked a question earlier about what area to ask to stay in, and getting totally unexpected answers, I'm inclined to believe the answers this board might give, rather than the internet!!

If anyone could answer any of my questions for a first timer I'd be very grateful.

1 - We'll be arriving probably by taxi or private car as transferring from Cabana Bay, will we be able to get assistance with our bags from check in to our room as we won't have a car to drive around to the building we will be staying.

2 - With the free drinks refill, I understand that the bar near the dig site will do this as well as Pepper Market, do they operate on the same opening times?

3 - I've read that they have a campfire where you can roast marshmallows, is there somewhere you can buy the marshmallows & roasting sticks?

4 - We're hoping to do a grocery order but I'm a little confused as to when to order the delivery for? Is it better to order for our arrival day and hope someone can help us with it, or better to order for the day after arrival and hope someone can assist us then as I'm not sure where they might store it if we are not there to take delivery? Or do we have to wait at reception for it to arrive

5 - Last question for now - is Pepper market food court similar to other food courts in that you order your food, collect and then pay, as we have read somewhere that you are seated at a table and then go order, which would mean we have to tip rather than it be a counter service? ( Not that it bothers us tipping but I would hate to not tip and then be asked where is my tip! How embarrassing!)

Thank you all so much

 

[Lynzer4]

Having asked a question earlier about what area to ask to stay in, and getting totally unexpected answers, I'm inclined to believe the answers this board might give, rather than the internet!!

If anyone could answer any of my questions for a first timer I'd be very grateful.

1 - We'll be arriving probably by taxi or private car as transferring from Cabana Bay, will we be able to get assistance with our bags from check in to our room as we won't have a car to drive around to the building we will be staying.

-- Yes, Bell Service can take you and your bags to your room. But while is looks large (an it is... walking is horrible and you could walk to your room with your bags fast then bell service can help most times)

2 - With the free drinks refill, I understand that the bar near the dig site will do this as well as Pepper Market, do they operate on the same opening times?

-- No, the pool will have different hours. Depending on the time of year the pool bar will close earlier then Pepper Market. And it won't be open early in the morning yet. I believe their don't open until like 10am and if I remember closed by 8pm.

3 - I've read that they have a campfire where you can roast marshmallows, is there somewhere you can buy the marshmallows & roasting sticks?

-- Yes they do on certain nights. Disney will provide sticks and marshmallows but it might be limited. We only roasted one each but I am sure they would give you a few more.

4 - We're hoping to do a grocery order but I'm a little confused as to when to order the delivery for? Is it better to order for our arrival day and hope someone can help us with it, or better to order for the day after arrival and hope someone can assist us then as I'm not sure where they might store it if we are not there to take delivery? Or do we have to wait at reception for it to arrive

-- I used Amazon Prime Now (its a 2 hr delivery service) last time and I had it scheduled to arrive 2 hours after I landed at MCO (you can order 24 hours in advance). My personal experience was that it only took us an hour from MCO to the hotel. We wanted to get to the parks so bell services said they would hold everything. We just had to call when we got back to our room (which was going to be after midnight... they said that was fine). To my surprise they delivered my order (and luggage) to my room and put everything cold in the refrigerator and put all the snacks on the table. Bell Service will hold everything (even cold items) if you are not in your room. I would suggest ordering it everything to arrive right about the same time you plan to arrive to the hotel. Again bell service will help you get everything to your room.

5 - Last question for now - is Pepper market food court similar to other food courts in that you order your food, collect and then pay, as we have read somewhere that you are seated at a table and then go order, which would mean we have to tip rather than it be a counter service? ( Not that it bothers us tipping but I would hate to not tip and then be asked where is my tip! How embarrassing!)

-- I only did lunch once a while back so it might of changed but someone did show us to a table. We didn't leave a tip as we got our food and drinks. After we got a table we walked up to order like a food court. I will say that the last few times I have stayed at CBR (its usually a mix of fun and a conference) we didn't ever eat there. I got food to go once and then grabbed snacks a few times.

Hope that helps a little!!

Thank you all so much

1 - We'll be arriving probably by taxi or private car as transferring from Cabana Bay, will we be able to get assistance with our bags from check in to our room as we won't have a car to drive around to the building we will be staying.

-- Yes, Bell Service can take you and your bags to your room. But while is looks large (an it is... walking isn't horrible and you could walk to your room with your bags faster then bell service can help most times)

2 - With the free drinks refill, I understand that the bar near the dig site will do this as well as Pepper Market, do they operate on the same opening times?

-- No, the pool will have different hours. Depending on the time of year the pool bar will close earlier then Pepper Market. And it won't be open early in the morning yet. I believe they don't open until like 10am and if I remember closed by 8pm.

3 - I've read that they have a campfire where you can roast marshmallows, is there somewhere you can buy the marshmallows & roasting sticks?

-- Yes they do on certain nights. Disney will provide sticks and marshmallows but it might be limited. We only roasted one each but I am sure they would give you a few more.

4 - We're hoping to do a grocery order but I'm a little confused as to when to order the delivery for? Is it better to order for our arrival day and hope someone can help us with it, or better to order for the day after arrival and hope someone can assist us then as I'm not sure where they might store it if we are not there to take delivery? Or do we have to wait at reception for it to arrive

-- I used Amazon Prime Now (its a 2 hr delivery service) last time and I had it scheduled to arrive 2 hours after I landed at MCO (you can order 24 hours in advance). My personal experience was that it only took us an hour from MCO to the hotel. We wanted to get to the parks so bell service said they would hold everything. We just had to call when we got back to our room (which was going to be after midnight... they said that was fine). To my surprise they delivered my order (and luggage) to my room and put everything cold in the refrigerator and put all the snacks on the table. Bell Service will hold everything (even cold items) if you are not in your room. I would suggest ordering everything to arrive right about the same time you plan to arrive to the hotel. Again bell service will help you get everything to your room.

5 - Last question for now - is Pepper market food court similar to other food courts in that you order your food, collect and then pay, as we have read somewhere that you are seated at a table and then go order, which would mean we have to tip rather than it be a counter service? ( Not that it bothers us tipping but I would hate to not tip and then be asked where is my tip! How embarrassing!)

-- I only did lunch once a while back so it might of changed but someone did show us to a table. We didn't leave a tip as we got our food and drinks. After we got a table we walked up to order like a food court. I will say that the last few times I have stayed at CBR (its usually a mix of fun and a conference) we didn't ever eat there. I got food to go once and then grabbed snacks a few times. And if you think a tip is required it would be more like a place that does drinks for you (golden corral type - a few dollars) then 20%.

Hope that helps a little!!

 

[Fiona35]

Thank you for the answers, a big help.

 

[hamilkm]

Having asked a question earlier about what area to ask to stay in, and getting totally unexpected answers, I'm inclined to believe the answers this board might give, rather than the internet!!

If anyone could answer any of my questions for a first timer I'd be very grateful.

1 - We'll be arriving probably by taxi or private car as transferring from Cabana Bay, will we be able to get assistance with our bags from check in to our room as we won't have a car to drive around to the building we will be staying.

2 - With the free drinks refill, I understand that the bar near the dig site will do this as well as Pepper Market, do they operate on the same opening times?

3 - I've read that they have a campfire where you can roast marshmallows, is there somewhere you can buy the marshmallows & roasting sticks?

4 - We're hoping to do a grocery order but I'm a little confused as to when to order the delivery for? Is it better to order for our arrival day and hope someone can help us with it, or better to order for the day after arrival and hope someone can assist us then as I'm not sure where they might store it if we are not there to take delivery? Or do we have to wait at reception for it to arrive

5 - Last question for now - is Pepper market food court similar to other food courts in that you order your food, collect and then pay, as we have read somewhere that you are seated at a table and then go order, which would mean we have to tip rather than it be a counter service? ( Not that it bothers us tipping but I would hate to not tip and then be asked where is my tip! How embarrassing!)

Thank you all so much

For number 2, they do serve breakfast at the pool bar (have done this for the last year or so). I'm not exactly sure on opening times, but I think it is around 7am. We have eaten breakfast there before heading to the parks a number of times. They do close earlier than the main food court though.

 

[buzznina]

Additional Info; Cafe Rix is another place for free refills. You do not have to buy any marshmallows, CSR will provide them and I have yet to see them run out DW and I can only handle 1 or 2 marshmallows at the most but our DDs will have about 3-4 each

 

[HopperFan]

Pepper Market used to be different but now just like any other food court in how it's handled. We feel the food is much better than most food courts and unless something has changed they serve food on real plates, real silverware. Some complain they are slow but some food is cooked to order - just like other food courts. I personally find all food courts slow if you want the fresh cooked items. It is a great decor and nicer than most others.

The plus of CSR is SO many options for dining! Multiple places to fill your mug. Great grab and go & bakery items. If on Dining Plan I think it is one of the best hotels to stay as far as "at hotel" options. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/coronado-springs-resort/dining/

In this photo from Mouseplanet the food stations are the farthest away, then you see the check outs and in the foreground is the seating. Drink station is that alcove to right.

https://www.mouseplanet.com/11270/Coronado_Springs_Resort_A_Photo_Tour

 

[Roxyfire]

Cafe Rix (right next to Pepper Market) is open at 6 am: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/coronado-springs-resort/cafe-rix/
Grab and go style eating with a pair of fountains for the refillable mugs. They have ice cream, pastries, and fancier coffee drinks as well as some prepacked snacks and a few varieties of alcoholic drinks.

Siestas Cantina (next to the pool area) is open at 7 am: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/coronado-springs-resort/siestas-cantina/
Simple walk-up window similar to those you'd see at a local waterpark (or at least one of the ones around here).