Free dining at the MODs?

[ShaneH]

I'm hoping for free dining again this year but we are going to try to stay at mod resort. Want to try for CSR, anyone know if they have offered free dining there before? If we cant get that we'll try for POFQ. Anyone know if the food courts are as crazy at the MODS during free dining as they are at the values? We were at POP last year and the food court was a little crazy at times, just looking for some feedback on the MODS during free dining.

 

[rellabee]

We did free dining at POFQ in 2005, and CSR in 2006. Never been to Pop, so I can't compare. At prime meal-times, the food courts were busy, but I would expect them to be....they never felt chaotic to us.

We loved the Pepper Market for a CS meal.....great choices, and you get some limited waitstaff service. It was terrific with small kids! Plus, you check out after you eat, so if there are a lot of people there, you are not standing in line while your meal is getting cold!

 

[ShaneH]

I really like the sounds of the Pepper Market, can you share meals there or is it like table service where everyone on the dining plan has to get their own meal?

 

[rellabee]

I don't recall them being too picky. I know there were days where we would all go in, but someone didn't order a meal (usually me due to morning sickness). We didn't share really, since I was just nibbling a couple bites and typically stealing my husband's desert. My not ordering never seemed to be a problem....it is still counter service, but with linen napkins, real silverware, and servers to bring you drinks! We all had mugs, so the drinks were never shared.

I do recall my two children "sharing", which isn't completely accurate either since one of them was only 2 at the time and didn't qualify for the dining plan. The kids chicken fingers meal was huge and could easily feed both my boys!!

The Pepper Market is definitely a love it or hate it place......not to many people are in between. We loved it! The atmosphere, variety of food, the partial service, and the fact that at least at that time the service charge was covered in the DDP. You might want to check on that with the new 2008 Plan, as perhaps the 10% service charge is no longer included and may need to be out of pocket.

 

[CarolA]

Personally I am in the "hate" it group on Pepper Market.

Food was very good, but 10% for "service" Hmm... you showed me to the ONLY clean table in the room. Guess I couldn't find that on my own? And then you went off to gossip with your friends. Didn't get my beverage etc.... So what did I pay for?

For all other meals I eat there I get it to go. Same good food and no "service" charge. THey have nice tables outside!

 

[skier_pete]

To answer OP question, we were at POFQ last year for FD, and in 2006 in October (NOT FD). In both cases the Food Court crowds were about the same, which is to say not bad at all. Actually, even in the parks I can't say I noticed a lot more people at the CS restaurants for FD than I did for October. The TS restaurants were definitely busier.

SkierPete

 

[kathiep]

We did Free dining last year at CSR; the year before at CBR. We definatey preferred the Pepper Market to Port Royale. More selection, better quality food. There really was something for everyone.

We did have the opportunity to have lunch on POP during Free dining (long story).

Anyway, in comparision to both CBR and CSR, I found Pop to be overly crowded, hectic and noisy.

I don't know if this is a fair judgement since we were only there for 1 meal, but, it was still my impression.

 

[a1tinkfans]

I'm hoping for free dining again this year but we are going to try to stay at mod resort. Want to try for CSR, anyone know if they have offered free dining there before? If we cant get that we'll try for POFQ. Anyone know if the food courts are as crazy at the MODS during free dining as they are at the values? We were at POP last year and the food court was a little crazy at times, just looking for some feedback on the MODS during free dining.

We have been at POR for free dining (see below) and NEVER felt different perhaps a tad busier, but still no issues. I feel that there is less variety at POFQ and no sit down restaurant if thats a factor for you. Mods/POR have offered free dining bounceback several times and we've been able to take advantage more than once. IT IS FABULOUS!
Have a great trip!!