food courts for DVC?

[bluslag]

When we first started staying at WDW we stayed at Port Orleans. Our two boys were 9 & 11 and we ate quite a bit at the food court because we did not have the time or money to eat at the upscale restaurants. We only stayed for about 5 days. A few years after that we stayed at BWV's for cash and did a DVC tour and bought there. The first thing we missed was the food court. Even though there were plenty of quality restaurants there we missed the ease, cost and speed of using a food court. We enjoyed taking the food back to our room when everyone was tired from being at the parks all day. I'm sure Disney makes more off those food courts because of the way everything is run these days. I don't think it would hurt the restaurants at all when you realize you cannot get into them at all during lunch and dinners times. Just look at Beaches & Cream.

I'm sure many of you think a food court would cheapen the resort somewhat but if it done right I think it would be a asset. Wouldn't it be nice to think after a long day at the park you could come back to something hot, dessert, coffee, a place to refill a mug, or breakfast in the morning. One other thought is that I don't have much to say about the stores at all the DVC resorts, they all seem to be about selling general merchandise than food.

 

[starbox]

Before DVC, we were used to the food courts at the AS resorts.. After we joined, we were somewhat nostaglic for them... (Hard to believe, I know..)

Our first on-property stay (excluding tent camping at FW) was at CSR. Talk about a food court! For anyone who has not eaten there, there are about six different stations that each offer a wide variety of freshly made entrees (prepared as you watch) that vary from the ole pizza/burger/turkey sandwich protocol - plus each station has a special of the day.

But - the BEST part is that you get your own food cafeteria-style, but a waiter or waitress fills your drink order!!!!! Rock on. You dont have to walk with two trays of food and four large drinks threatening to fall over at any moment.

I was very disappointed to find that the type of dining at Pepper Market is an anomaly.

As for food choices at DVC - I strongly disagree with the notion that POP and the mods are generally superior (although Pepper Market is the wonderful), and we're a family that moved from mods to DVC - so I've stayed and eaten extensively in them on the DDP. I thought CS dining quality and atmosphere was as good or superior at both VWL and SSR. VWL has ample indoor seating and a really lovely outdoor area. AP at SSR is impressive with it's lovely, open setting and kid's artist easels at the tables. The quality of burger-type food at OKW was just as good as the CS at POP and the mods, there was just a lack of selection and indoor seating.

As for the lack of Pizza Hut. Ummm. I get those Pizza Hut kiosk meals for the kids at Target. They remind me of gas station food. I'd take a freshly prepared, wood-oven flatbread with chicken and spinach over a greasy little peperroni pan cardboard box pizza that's been sitting under a warming light any day of the week. I don't really understand how Pizza Hut is something to be envious of. Now if you said that they have Starbucks coffee elsewhere - that's another story.

 

[Deb & Bill]

... Wouldn't it be nice to think after a long day at the park you could come back to something hot, dessert, coffee, a place to refill a mug, or breakfast in the morning. ...

Could that be your own DVC kitchen? I know we keep sodas, milk, juice, snacks and plain old food in our kitchen at DVC. We don't usually prepare meals, but we do have plenty to snack on or drink.

 

[dumbo71]

But what else is there to do at a Marriott but sit out at the pool? We've got four theme parks, two water parks, a large shopping venue, three minigolf courses. I think most people buy DVC to spent the majority of their time doint these things rather than sitting out at the pool all day. I could be wrong, though.

I'd say you are wrong.

DVC owners spend more time at their resorts than do a regularr WDW guest.
DVC'ers know they are coming back soon so they can spend those resort days and not feel like they are mising out.

I used to stay in mods. and deluxes and I remmebr what those resorts were like during the day. They felt empty. As the day wore on it would fill up with people returning from the parks. Haven't experienced that at DVC resorts. Seems much fuller to me with guests more than willing to relax.

 

[dumbo71]

dumbo71, you should try BCV. There you can order a drink at the pool. Options for dining run the gamut from Hurricane Hannah's at the pool up to Yachtsman's Steakhouse. There is also Cape May, Yacht Club Galley, Beaches and Cream, BC Marketplace and the snacks available at the lounges. I would take any of those over Pizza Hut.

And yes, room service is an option at the BCV as it is at BWV.

Oh, I do try BCV. It is better but still not good. Hurricane Hannahs serves hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, fries and a wrap I believe. Those are hardly the menu items you see at Marriott resorts and other top Timeshares. It is also self serve. Beaches and Creeam won't do food to go any more so that is out.

DVC is fine but it simply needs more attention to the food. SSR has the closest thing to what DVC needs but still isn't there.

 

[dumbo71]

. I don't really understand how Pizza Hut is something to be envious of. Now if you said that they have Starbucks coffee elsewhere - that's another story.

I did say they have Starbucks. Others DO have that including Marriott Grande Vista and others.

Pizza Hut is just and example of the choices offered elsewhere.

 

[dumbo71]

Where is this "proven"? I know of Marriott's where there is no poolside service - so even Marriott must not be a "proven" leader.






I can think of at least 4 DVC resorts where guests can enjoy food and a cold beer while at the pool. There may not be any waiters or waitresses if that's critical, but there is food and beer . I know this is available at OKW (Good's-To-Go), BCV (Hurricane Hannahs), BWV (Leaping Libations) and HH (Signals/Sandbar) and I agree, it is relaxing. I think you can also enjoy food and beverages at VWL and VB too. At SSR, Artists Palette is next to the main pool and there are poolside tables where food items and bevarages may be enjoyed. Some even have umbrellas.

Gosh, it looks like guests at all of the DVC resorts can enjoy eating and drinking while sitting around the pool - just like at some (but not all) Marriott resorts. Of course, some (but not all) Marriotts apparently have waiters/waitresses - but I can't recall any of those at WDW.

Where again was this "proven"?

It IS proven because I've experienced it first hand. That is enough proof for me.

If you really want to call the choices we have at DVC Resorts good then you go right ahead. Lets see, burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, day old wraps, chicken sandwich (sometimes).

"Others" have DVC beaten hands down in the food category. Everytime we stay elsewhere my wife complains about "Why can't DVC do this?" I agree.

We love DVC just like the rest of you good folks. We just think the food needs work, plain and simple.

This thread once again shows me that anyone who dares to question DVC or WDW will receive the flames and be asked for "proof" or "facts".

I don't need facts or proof to state my feelings and my direct observations. It is one mans opinion, discount it if you wish.

How about other resorts going non-smoking? WDW and DVC sit on the sidelines to see the response before they act. How about comfortable beds like at Westin and others? Once again WDW and DVC wait and see. Flat screen TV's? Online booking and access to inventory online? DVC dragging behind once again.

Other resort timeshares plow ahead with their resorts all over the globe while DVC stands shivering in the corner like a scared school boy afraid to develop off sites resorts. Why? Because they cannot compete in the real world without WDW at the doorstep. At least they are smart enough to know this. They failed miserably witht the first two ventures so they just plain gave up.

This attitude that DVC is the best is crazy. It is great in many ways but I'm open minded enough to realize there are better things out there and things DVC can learn from others. Go check out other Timeshare forums. Gues what, they think they are the best. Who's right? Nobody really. There are many good ones out there.

 

[crisi]

Deluxe resorts in general don't have food courts. They usually have a counter service place - but its pretty minimal (the real exception is Mara at AKL - its the only one big enough and diverse, I'm not a fan of Roaring Forks either. But even Mara isn't a food court like they have a CBR or Pop). Since the DVC resorts are either attached to Deluxe resorts or follow a condo model, food courts weren't built. As a Deluxe resort fan, the lack of a food court can be both distressing and a relief. Distressing in that sometimes you just want to grab a quick burger and a relief in that food courts at WDW have never, in my mind, been pleasant places - noisy, loud, crowded, and expensive with bad food (Mara again, was the exception - I liked Mara - more than I liked Boma or Jiko).

The DVC resorts do, however, all have a small grocery available, so you can pretty easily have snacks and small meals on hand in your room. And they all have some sort of counter service food - though it may be limited.

 

[jemiaule]

But what else is there to do at a Marriott but sit out at the pool? We've got four theme parks, two water parks, a large shopping venue, three minigolf courses. I think most people buy DVC to spent the majority of their time doint these things rather than sitting out at the pool all day. I could be wrong, though.

One of the things that prompted us to buy an OKW add-on was to have a resort atmosphere where we could relax, go to pools, rent boats, have a comfortable "home" to be at NOT do parks.

 

[BCV23]

Oh, I do try BCV. It is better but still not good. Hurricane Hannahs serves hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders, fries and a wrap I believe. Those are hardly the menu items you see at Marriott resorts and other top Timeshares. It is also self serve. Beaches and Creeam won't do food to go any more so that is out.

DVC is fine but it simply needs more attention to the food. SSR has the closest thing to what DVC needs but still isn't there.

Have you tried Yachtsman's, Yacht Club Galley, Cape May and the QS offerings at BC Marketplace? Great variety between all of those.

I don't see people defending DVC...just stating the facts. I really have zero interest in Pizza Hut or Starbucks but to each their own. You have a preference for Marriott but that is hardly "proof" that DVC is a "follower." It is just your preference which is fine.

 

[Starr W.]

It IS proven because I've experienced it first hand. That is enough proof for me.

If you really want to call the choices we have at DVC Resorts good then you go right ahead. Lets see, burgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, day old wraps, chicken sandwich (sometimes).

"Others" have DVC beaten hands down in the food category. Everytime we stay elsewhere my wife complains about "Why can't DVC do this?" I agree.

We love DVC just like the rest of you good folks. We just think the food needs work, plain and simple.

This thread once again shows me that anyone who dares to question DVC or WDW will receive the flames and be asked for "proof" or "facts".

I don't need facts or proof to state my feelings and my direct observations. It is one mans opinion, discount it if you wish.

How about other resorts going non-smoking? WDW and DVC sit on the sidelines to see the response before they act. How about comfortable beds like at Westin and others? Once again WDW and DVC wait and see. Flat screen TV's? Online booking and access to inventory online? DVC dragging behind once again.

Other resort timeshares plow ahead with their resorts all over the globe while DVC stands shivering in the corner like a scared school boy afraid to develop off sites resorts. Why? Because they cannot compete in the real world without WDW at the doorstep. At least they are smart enough to know this. They failed miserably witht the first two ventures so they just plain gave up.

This attitude that DVC is the best is crazy. It is great in many ways but I'm open minded enough to realize there are better things out there and things DVC can learn from others. Go check out other Timeshare forums. Gues what, they think they are the best. Who's right? Nobody really. There are many good ones out there.

So HH & VB are considered failures? Just for my personal knowledge could you elaborate on this Dumbo, as I value your knowledge and opinions.

You mean Marriott and the other timeshares you own allow you to go online yourself and check inventory and book your room? I tell you that is one thing that does bug me. Crossing my fingers that this will change in the near future.

 

[DisneyFreaks]

I'm sure many of you think a food court would cheapen the resort somewhat but if it done right I think it would be a asset. Wouldn't it be nice to think after a long day at the park you could come back to something hot, dessert, coffee, a place to refill a mug, or breakfast in the morning. One other thought is that I don't have much to say about the stores at all the DVC resorts, they all seem to be about selling general merchandise than food.

I have to agree here. When we stayed at BWV's we loved the location and the view but my family had a hard time finding food. They don't always like to go to a full service, sit down restaurant. They like the convenience of counter service. I do not like to cook while on vacation so it does create a problem sometimes. I get sick of just "snacking" in the room but when I am tired from the park walking all day I sometimes do not feel like going to a formal sit down place to eat either.

 

[Sammie]

So HH & VB are considered failures? Just for my personal knowledge could you elaborate on this Dumbo, as I value your knowledge and opinions.

You mean Marriott and the other timeshares you own allow you to go online yourself and check inventory and book your room? I tell you that is one thing that does bug me. Crossing my fingers that this will change in the near future.

If you want Dumbo's thoughts on HH and Vero you can find them in some locked threads, which will happen to this one if it goes off topic.

All I can say is, if Dumbo loves his DVC I would hate to see what he dislikes. Kinda reminds me of my grandfather. He was constantly critizing us for our shortcomings, but then would say "I really do love ya". Well you know it was kinda hard to believe.

 

[Starr W.]

If you want Dumbo's thoughts on HH and Vero you can find them in some locked threads, which will happen to this one if it goes off topic.

All I can say is, if Dumbo loves his DVC I would hate to see what he dislikes. Kinda reminds me of my grandfather. He was constantly critizing us for our shortcomings, but then would say "I really do love ya". Well you know it was kinda hard to believe.

Thanks Sammie, I'll check those out. I have also had those same thoughts about Dumbo too!

 

[DisneyDVCdad]

The one thing my family missed when we joined DVC was the food courts after about 5 stays at POR. Our 2 visits to DVC have been to OKW which only has Olivia's. We felt buying the soviner cup their was a waste of money. We are trying BWV next maybe the food choices there will be a little better or at least a little closer. When on vacation we really don't like to cook! It cuts down on the park time since we only get to go down once a year.

 

[720L]

I certainly didn't want to start a debate! Just wondered about food courts and got more info than I thought I would! I like that SSR is close to DTD to grab a bite, and there is a store with food in it at SSR. Thanks for all the info!

 

[isyt]

I certainly didn't want to start a debate! Just wondered about food courts and got more info than I thought I would! I like that SSR is close to DTD to grab a bite, and there is a store with food in it at SSR. Thanks for all the info!

I agree, this did get a little off topic. I too love the food courts and would use those for breakfast any day over eating in my room. SS has a nice food court area as well as VWL. BC also has the Market Place which is ok for bagels and other breakfast items. I usually never go back to the room for other meals. BW has the bakery for a quick bite and OKW has the Goods to Go which had a few breakfast items. I usually do book 1 night at POR so my kids can have chocolate chip pancakes at least once. I hope this helps!

 

[CapeCodFam]

We loved the food court when we stayed at the All-stars. That being said, Disney matches the menu prices to the price of the rooms.

 

[MiaSRN62]

starbox says :I don't really understand how Pizza Hut is something to be envious of.

Not necessarily envious of a Pizza Hut specifically....it was just an example. There is food options readily available at my offsite timeshare. I can come home from the parks at 11 pm (depending on the season) and have a variety of menu items delivered to our room if I chose. Sure BCV has many sitdown restaurants around....but I'm referring more to a food court or a nice counter service place like Roaring Forks or AP at SSR. I just feel OKW, specifically, is in need of something like this. Goods To Go is nice up until 10 pm and if the weather cooperates. If it's too hot, too cold, raining, no picnic tables left etc, it's not a good option at all. Sometimes we'll have an early sit down dinner in the parks (maybe 4:30-5 pm), then get back to OKW between 10 pm and 12 midnight and there is nothing available. Even if we got back when Olivia's was still open, we don't always want another sit down place. I'm with those that say if a food court or counter service place is done right, it can be a great asset to the resort. I'd be a rich woman if I collected a quarter every time I heard someone say how poor the food options are at OKW.
Like I said....love OKW but they have to do better than just Goods for a CS meal. In fact, two of our stays in the past 3 years, the Turtle Shack snack stand wasn't even open. Ridiculous. We went over to Goods and all 5 or 6 of the picnic tables were taken up (this was August '06). We ended up going to AP at SSR and were quite pleased with the setup there. Plenty of indoor seating and a nice casual CS meal option.

 

[MiaSRN62]

That being said, Disney matches the menu prices to the price of the rooms.

Well, the WL and SSR have very nice indoor seating CS meals with plenty of tables (and the price of those rooms are far from value resorts). So I think it can be done. Maybe "food court" should be expanded to a nice CS eatery instead with some decent menu options and hours. I don't necessarily need exactly what the All Stars have at OKW. Just something a little more substantial than Goods To Go for a CS meal.