Coronado Springs Resort - New Unofficial FAQ Thread - November 2011

[richkorn]

Got back yesterday evening after 8 great nights at Coronado. We were (as requested) right next to the DIG site in Cabanas 8A room 8254. second floor corner room with the double windows. I could not have asked for a better place since I have two boys 11 and 4. They used the pool (mainly Jaguar slide on 3 different days). 1 minute walk to bus stop 4 and only about a 4-5 walk over the bridge to El Centro. Although POR was nice, we really liked Coronado much better.

All bus waits were less than 15 min except for on the last day where we waited about 1/2 hour for MK bus. Scooters must have held it up

We only had take out once from PM (Pizza) and got breakfast croissants from Cafe Rix on last morning. They were good. Used up last 9 snack credits and 1 QS yesterday morning on stuff and took it home.

It only rained a bit 1 day and two other days were slightly cool (upper 60's). The rest of the time it was nice and sunny in the 70's.

We went to the Wilderness Lodge and Polynesian for dinners and thought that the DIG pool was much better than those.

TS Places we ate at:
Whispering Canyon
Sci-Fi
Kona (THIS WAS OUR BEST MEAL BY FAR!)
Crystal Palace Breakfast
Cape May
Boma
Mickey's BYBBQ (we loved this and would go again! liked it better than HDD)

Also did MVMCP on Wednesday 11/30.

Will post a few pics when I get a chance.

 

[MusicMouse]

WDWMagic has a report with pictures on the new buffet arrangement at Pepper Market here: http://www.wdwmagic.com/Dining/The-...---A-look-at-the-new-Pepper-Market-buffet.htm. Is it me or is the setup a bit strange?

 

[lovethattink]

I ate the Pepper Market for lunch today. I am very pleased with the buffet!!! I will go back in a heart beat!

I read the review at wdwmagic before I went. The Pepper Market must have received feedback about the large portions, because today the portions were not large. The cakes were half the size. The quesadilla was a slice of a quesadilla. I was able to ask for a small portion of soup. The mushroom soup was amazing!!

I had 2 slices of chicken quesadilla, tilapia vera cruz (didn't care for this, it was very fishy tasting for tilapia), mushroom soup, and strawberry shortcake.

Dh had the same plus pepperoni pizza slice, garlic bread, and icecream with M&M's instead of cake.

Ds had chicken nuggets and fries, an orange, and chocolate mousse cake.

Once I find my battery charger I will post my pictures.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Got back yesterday evening after 8 great nights at Coronado. We were (as requested) right next to the DIG site in Cabanas 8A room 8254. second floor corner room with the double windows. I could not have asked for a better place since I have two boys 11 and 4. They used the pool (mainly Jaguar slide on 3 different days). 1 minute walk to bus stop 4 and only about a 4-5 walk over the bridge to El Centro. Although POR was nice, we really liked Coronado much better.

All bus waits were less than 15 min except for on the last day where we waited about 1/2 hour for MK bus. Scooters must have held it up

We only had take out once from PM (Pizza) and got breakfast croissants from Cafe Rix on last morning. They were good. Used up last 9 snack credits and 1 QS yesterday morning on stuff and took it home.

It only rained a bit 1 day and two other days were slightly cool (upper 60's). The rest of the time it was nice and sunny in the 70's.

We went to the Wilderness Lodge and Polynesian for dinners and thought that the DIG pool was much better than those.

TS Places we ate at:
Whispering Canyon
Sci-Fi
Kona (THIS WAS OUR BEST MEAL BY FAR!)
Crystal Palace Breakfast
Cape May
Boma
Mickey's BYBBQ (we loved this and would go again! liked it better than HDD)

Also did MVMCP on Wednesday 11/30.

Will post a few pics when I get a chance.

Glad you had a great trip! Can't wait to see your pictures!

I ate the Pepper Market for lunch today. I am very pleased with the buffet!!! I will go back in a heart beat!

I read the review at wdwmagic before I went. The Pepper Market must have received feedback about the large portions, because today the portions were not large. The cakes were half the size. The quesadilla was a slice of a quesadilla. I was able to ask for a small portion of soup. The mushroom soup was amazing!!

I had 2 slices of chicken quesadilla, tilapia vera cruz (didn't care for this, it was very fishy tasting for tilapia), mushroom soup, and strawberry shortcake.

Dh had the same plus pepperoni pizza slice, garlic bread, and icecream with M&M's instead of cake.

Ds had chicken nuggets and fries, an orange, and chocolate mousse cake.

Once I find my battery charger I will post my pictures.

I'm so glad you were happy with the buffet, and I'm happy to hear a first-hand report with some details! Can't wait to see pictures!

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

WDWMagic has a report with pictures on the new buffet arrangement at Pepper Market here: http://www.wdwmagic.com/Dining/The-...---A-look-at-the-new-Pepper-Market-buffet.htm. Is it me or is the setup a bit strange?

Just speculation on my part, but since this is a one-month test, they probably didn't want to make changes in the existing fixtures in case the buffet is not well-received. It looks the same as always except for the sign.

 

[LJSquishy]

I ate the Pepper Market for lunch today. I am very pleased with the buffet!!! I will go back in a heart beat!

I read the review at wdwmagic before I went. The Pepper Market must have received feedback about the large portions, because today the portions were not large. The cakes were half the size. The quesadilla was a slice of a quesadilla. I was able to ask for a small portion of soup. The mushroom soup was amazing!!

I had 2 slices of chicken quesadilla, tilapia vera cruz (didn't care for this, it was very fishy tasting for tilapia), mushroom soup, and strawberry shortcake.

Dh had the same plus pepperoni pizza slice, garlic bread, and icecream with M&M's instead of cake.

Ds had chicken nuggets and fries, an orange, and chocolate mousse cake.

Once I find my battery charger I will post my pictures.

I'm so glad you decided to try it out and that you enjoyed it! Since it is a buffet, it is all-you-care-to-eat correct? So it makes sense that the portion sizes shrank so that you are able to try a little of everything if you choose to.

The buffet is an even better bargain now for those on the DDP since it is a CS credit still! It will be interesting to see what happens after the end of the testing phase, and if they do keep the buffet, whether or not they will turn it into a TS credit or not. I would be extremely upset if there is a TS buffet during my trip in February...I planned my DDP menu with Pepper Market as a CS so I would skip PM altogether if it is not a CS credit. Keeping my fingers crossed!

 

[lovethattink]

Just speculation on my part, but since this is a one-month test, they probably didn't want to make changes in the existing fixtures in case the buffet is not well-received. It looks the same as always except for the sign.

There are quite a few sign changes involved with the buffet changes. At each station, there is a lunch time sign with the menu of that station.

I'm so glad you were happy with the buffet, and I'm happy to hear a first-hand report with some details! Can't wait to see pictures!

The pictures are downloading to photobucket at this moment!

I'm so glad you decided to try it out and that you enjoyed it! Since it is a buffet, it is all-you-care-to-eat correct? So it makes sense that the portion sizes shrank so that you are able to try a little of everything if you choose to.

The buffet is an even better bargain now for those on the DDP since it is a CS credit still! It will be interesting to see what happens after the end of the testing phase, and if they do keep the buffet, whether or not they will turn it into a TS credit or not. I would be extremely upset if there is a TS buffet during my trip in February...I planned my DDP menu with Pepper Market as a CS so I would skip PM altogether if it is not a CS credit. Keeping my fingers crossed!

I liked the convenience of the buffet. For someone in a hurry, you can eat and run.

I wouldn't be upset if they changed it to TS as long as it was included in Tables in Wonderland. That way I'd get a 20% discount!!

Yes, it's all you can eat. You can go back up as often as you like.

Now that it's buffet, any tip that is left goes directly to the server instead of to the tip pool. Our server, David was great! The 10% service charge is no longer added to the bill. Tips are not required, but I'm sure they are greatly appreciated.

 

[lovethattink]

Christmas decorations at CSR (El Centro)
The entrance from parking lot

Fountain

There are 2 small Christmas trees and wreaths prior to entering Registration. Instead of the giant signature Christmas tree there is an area of refurbishment.

The hallway to the food areas

 

[DisneyEsther]

lovethatthink: Thanks for the great pictures

We are finally in the single digits (8 more days). Almost slipped about the surprise to my son. This is getting hard. Also, the days seem longer since we are getting closer

 

[lovethattink]

lovethatthink: Thanks for the great pictures

We are finally in the single digits (8 more days). Almost slipped about the surprise to my son. This is getting hard. Also, the days seem longer since we are getting closer

I'm so excited for you! Joining in the single digit dance!

I am in the single digits too, but counting down to POFQ this time. We will definately be back for the buffet while we are on our short get-a-way!

I hope the surprise goes well!

 

[lovethattink]

Pepper Market Lunch Buffet

Sign outside of Pepper Market

Chef Station

Market Station

Pizza and Pasta Station

Just for Kids Station

From the Grill Station

Sandwich Station

Dessert Station

 

[rcraw45425]

Quick question, please don't flame... when was CSR last rehabbed? We were in bldg 7 on Thursday night and our room was pretty bad. Dark and dusty, no laundry bag, two wash cloths total. Glad it was for 1 night. And the housekeeper was pounding on the door at 8am even with the do no disturb placard (didnt arrive until close to midnight). Wanting to know when we were leaving, and when I told him by 11 since that was check out time, he appeared to not comprehend. Another moderate we will skip next time.

 

[lovethattink]

An idea of portion size:

Quesadilla

Tilapia Veracruz with roasted red potatoes

Chicken Nuggets and french fries

 

[snykymom]

So it sounds like the buffet isn't the normal "we put it out, you serve yourself" type of thing - they still serve you? Otherwise "portion size" wouldn't be an issue.

I wonder if that will change if the buffet becomes permanent.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Quick question, please don't flame... when was CSR last rehabbed? We were in bldg 7 on Thursday night and our room was pretty bad. Dark and dusty, no laundry bag, two wash cloths total. Glad it was for 1 night. And the housekeeper was pounding on the door at 8am even with the do no disturb placard (didnt arrive until close to midnight). Wanting to know when we were leaving, and when I told him by 11 since that was check out time, he appeared to not comprehend. Another moderate we will skip next time.

CSR was rehabbed in 2009. It sounds like your issues were with Mousekeeping instead of with the condition of the room (dust, no laundry bag, not enough towels). Did you have issues with the condition of the furnishings?

Many, many people at all resort levels (including deluxe and DVC) have reported mousekeeping trying to enter their room at 8 am on check-out day. This is not a problem unique to CSR (although it is a problem) - it appears to be the result of staffing cutbacks.

 

[lovethattink]

So it sounds like the buffet isn't the normal "we put it out, you serve yourself" type of thing - they still serve you? Otherwise "portion size" wouldn't be an issue.

I wonder if that will change if the buffet becomes permanent.

The salad area was the only place where you serve yourself.

 

[lfaircloth]

I'm really confused....I spoke with a Disney representative last night that said nothing had changed at the eating facilities at Coronoda Springs. But that is not what folks are saying here on these boards - does that mean that all meals will be considered TS and QS meals?? If so that really sucks b/c who wants to use their one TS credit for breakfast each morning? We always grab a QS breakfast here and then go on to the parks. I really wish someone could clarify this issue......thanks!

 

[rcraw45425]

CSR was rehabbed in 2009. It sounds like your issues were with Mousekeeping instead of with the condition of the room (dust, no laundry bag, not enough towels). Did you have issues with the condition of the furnishings?

Many, many people at all resort levels (including deluxe and DVC) have reported mousekeeping trying to enter their room at 8 am on check-out day. This is not a problem unique to CSR (although it is a problem) - it appears to be the result of staffing cutbacks.

Furniture and especially the doors to the bath area were "well loved", but I will say it was extremely quiet there, like we were the only ones around . Who knows, maybe we were given a room that was not supposed to be in service . If we were staying more than 9 hours I would have complained. Our front desk person was definitely less than helpful, she appeared new to the country and very unsure. She never asked for AAA card (thankfully I had it with me!) and had no idea how to direct us out of the front and to our building. Not a biggie, as I said it was just one night.

 

[lovethattink]

I'm really confused....I spoke with a Disney representative last night that said nothing had changed at the eating facilities at Coronoda Springs. But that is not what folks are saying here on these boards - does that mean that all meals will be considered TS and QS meals?? If so that really sucks b/c who wants to use their one TS credit for breakfast each morning? We always grab a QS breakfast here and then go on to the parks. I really wish someone could clarify this issue......thanks!

No worries. The TS and QS service credits have not changed. The Pepper Market is still a quick service restaurant for all 3 meals. So the buffet menu is a great value for the DDP!! For cash customers like myself, the price was reasonable.

 

[lfaircloth]

thanks to lovethattink!!! That makes me feel better!