Newbie here! Counter Service?

[StampinSheryl]

Hello everyone! I'm so impressed at the Disney knowledge here!

My little family and I are going to Disney in January (Florida). We are staying in the Pop Resort and they have this cafeteria style service. Can anyone tell me what to expect from this?
I'm leaning away from the dining plan and table service because it seems like it takes a big chunk of your day is wasted.
Is the cafeteria food good? Are there healthy choices or am I thinking the old high school "fry it if it moves" kind of cafeteria?
Also, what kind of prices can I expect for this?
Thank you all so much!!
Now I'm off to find some catchy Disney icons like everyone else has.....lol
Sheryl

 

[Mrsduck101]

You can go to allearsnet.com and look at the menu for the Pop Century food court. It also lists prices for you

 

[Miandrea]

I quite enjoy counter service meals instead of sit down (I feel I never have enough time to sit down for a couple of hours). I can find "healthier" foods (stir-fry at the noodle station, sandwiches, soups, salads, fruit, cheese, turkey). Enjoy your trip at POP!

 

[Lynne M]

Here's the link to the allearsnet.com menu collection:

WDW Menus

WDW has a wide variety of counter service food. You'll find the usual burgers and fries, but everything else under the sun, too. There's all sorts of interesting stuff in Epcot, from fish 'n' chips in the UK to shawarma sandwiches in Morocco. The other parks have a great range of choices, too. Have fun browsing through menus, you'll be amazed!

Enjoy your trip!

 

[ReneeA]

I love browsing the menus at allearsnet.com! It's nice to be able to plan out where you want to eat and know what to look forward to.

Have fun!

 

[TinkrBeth]

We are using the dining plan in September because it's free! (yippee ) But I have thought several times over the last few days how nice it would be not to have to worry about those ADRs... We stayed at Pop last November and ate at the food court every night. They have a lot of options, and I don't think I ate the same thing twice. We especially enjoyed the "mom's night out" dinners (different every night...fried chicken, turkey, barbecue...). I think counter service gets a bad rap... it really is NOT like eating at McDonalds at home. Our next trip (which I am already dreaming abouut) I don't think we will do the dining plan, and go mainly with counter service! I hope you love Pop as much as I do!

 

[caegan]

Cafeteria style basically means that it's similar to a buffet in that you go through a line past all the available food and you take what you want. Then when you get to the end of the line you pay for what you have picked up.

I think most places have some semi-healthy choices. Definitely check out the menus so you have a better idea of options. The menus will have prices listed, too.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

One thing to be aware of is that POP is designed in "Pods". Each pod has a different selection of entrees which means if you have a family who likes different foods, you may need to wait in several lines.

The good news is that you pay at one central location.

 

[mom2my3kids]

From what I have read they have one of the best CS meals and a great eating area..

 

[DISUNC]

Just came back from our 3rd time @ the POP! We the POP food court! We are the same as you, dont like wasting time in all the restaraunts. I personally am addicted to their Chicken Alfredo. You also must try their Chicken Ceaser salad!
These people KNOW how to cook chicken!
Enjoy!!!!!