Quick Trip, Quick Fix, Quick Service! -Final Thoughts QSDP/Complete 8/25

[catne]

enjoying your reviews...great photos.

 

[onelilspark]

Thanks for an update...can't wait to read more.

Thanks!

Thanks for the great reviews, I'm really enjoying them! I'm staying at CSR next month so a few trips to PM will be had.

Just remember to look for the salmon!

Was that $45 for just the two of you? I live in So Cal, overpriced food center of the west coast, and that seems crazy to me for a counter service. I eat w/ the Spouse at Claim Jumper, Cheesecake Factory, and other places for less than that.

I guess maybe business people are expensing things, so they jacked up the prices? It seems like I won't be going there to eat anytime soon.

I never even thought of that! True...we could have eaten at the Cheesecake factory for less than that. Most places were working out to about $30 with the desserts. But PM was very expensive. I guess that's why it's a good "deal" for those on the DP. To be honest, I'd rather eat what I enjoy than worry about getting a deal.

I'm back!! Just caught up on your report. Everything sounds good but you're right about the Pepper Market, a little too pricey if you don't have a dinning plan!! That's a crazy amount for just 2 people for cs!! Anyway, can't wait to hear about the other restaurants you ate in!

Welcome back! If I wasn't on a DP, I'd avoid the PM like the plague.

Great update! I'm still reading

Thanks!

enjoying your reviews...great photos.

Thanks to you too!!

 

[onelilspark]

Due to the severe lack of pictures for this update, I thought I'd combine two

I realized on the bus ride over to MK's EMH, that I forgot to grab a water bottle from the room. Oops. We also realized we still had 7 snack credits left and we'd be leaving the next day...so when we got to the MK, we hit up a cart and grabbed a bottle of water...nothing spectacular, but if you're keeping track of how our snack credits were used, we're now down to 6.

Casey's Corner

We got to the MK in time for a ride or two, and then Spectromagic and the fireworks. At 11 (park closing) there was another Spectromagic and EMH would begin. Since Main Street was a zoo and we were shopping (I don't know why we thought that was a good idea) we decided to wait a bit before heading over towards Adventureland to start our nighttime adventure! How to pass the time though... And like a beacon, calling to me, I saw Casey's across the way... So we hopped inside and ordered some Corn Dog Nuggets

Much to my horror, my brother had never had Corn Dog Nuggets before Apparently he's never been on a trip with me since I've discovered my little gems. This needed to be rectified, stat. Now, we could have gotten a meal on the DP, with fries and the whole bit, but we weren't really hungry, just looking to pass the time with a snack to share (and honestly, it's corn dog nuggets...) And even though they're less than $4, they don't count as a snack So I did what any practical person would do...I whipped out my KTTW card. OOP it was! ...oh, and we got 2 ice waters.

Tip: Ice water is free! (free...Disney?! It is so!!)
Ok, I have yet to find anything that comes close to how good these are. I mean, sure, BWW (Buffalo Wild Wings) has Corn Dog Nuggets, but they're just...different. So I gathered my yellow mustard and we took our seat. Now, I sing the praises of them all over the boards. My brother's only real experience with Corn Dogs has apparently come at a gas station at 3am...I didn't ask for more details His comment after one bite? "Oh my God, I didn't know Corn Dogs could taste this good!" Phew...now I don't have to disown him

The crowds were now decidedly heading towards the exit, so we finished up, cleaned up (unlike the people next to us, slobs! ) and headed upstream!

Cafe Rix

The next morning was check-out so we headed over to El Centro. I gave my brother my mug and asked for some Diet Coke & told him to use a snack credit for a danish of some sort. Told him to use a snack credit too. (Do you feel like this is ominous??) And I went to check my bag with RAC. Which, side note: is awesome. Could be because I was the only one there checking my bag, but it took all of a minute, if that. Checked my bag, printed my boarding pass, and I was on my way. Saved the wait in line at the airport. And my bag showed up in Rochester...I guess that's important too

So after doing that, I joined my brother in Cafe Rix. He was just finishing up with the mugs, so I took them (you can fill your own) and found us a table while he got the food.

...Ok...Here's the problem. My danish? While everywhere else on Disney property it would have been a snack? Not a snack at Cafe Rix (which btw is at Coronado Springs.) My brother isn't as well versed on all things Disney, he's a huge fan, just not a fanatic...'cause there's a difference. So he didn't think to ask before ordering. Even so, I just assumed it would count. So he paid OOP. And it was a good $4-5. Kind of ridiculous for a danish. I mean, it was tasty, but not that tasty. Prior to this trip I thought people were being a little silly with "CSR is so pricey compared to other resorts. Wah wah wah." Yeah...not so much. I hardly ever complain about costs. I mean, if something is worth it, it's worth it. But if I can get the same thing for cheaper...and I know I can?? That annoys me. /rant. Sorry. I felt bad that my brother had to pay out of pocket for it.

He decided to get a breakfast sandwich because he said, "it looked delicious and it needed to be in my belly." He knew that wasn't a snack, and it was his choice, so I didn't feel too badly for that. Actually, I think his sandwich cost about as much as my danish! (Ridiculous? Yes.) He really enjoyed his sandwich. I know it could have been a meal if he wanted, but he didn't want that, he just wanted the sandwich.

I checked all the baked goods on our way out just to be certain that indeed the danish wasn't a snack. And yeah, it wasn't. On all the signs, they do have posted what is a snack and what isn't. And get this...only the biscuit counted!!

So as far as Rix is concerned, it was tasty. My brother loved his sandwich. My danish was well, a danish. Be prepared to check what counts as a snack before ordering or pay OOP. I didn't take pictures because I was thrown by the whole snack debacle. And my Mom was joining us at the AK that day, so I was trying to text back and forth with her before turning my phone off for the day (it's a work blackberry, don't need to be tempted on vacation!!!) So sorry about that. But in case I haven't posted it, here's the coffee station at Rix:

Not Nescafe! The other thing I noticed at Rix was that the employees here were the least friendly of all the CSR employees I encountered (actually maybe of my whole visit.) Not to say they were bad, just got a "really, must I help you" vibe from them. But they did their job. I stopped in at the beginning of the trip to get our mugs and it was a borderline hassle. So I really wasn't overly impressed with the Rix Cafe. I mean, it was great to just grab our drinks to fill our mugs, but other than that...ehhhh, I could take it or leave it.

...oh, and this starts the great snack escapes of 8/3/2009! Stay tuned...

 

[that's nice]

Maybe you didn't have just one

You could be right!! LOLOL


We ate at Pepper Market for breakfast on our trip. It is good that you can get 2 drinks. I got an OJ and a bottled water to take to the park. It is quite pricey though... thank goodness for that DDP!!!

WE walked though RIX but didn't buy anything. You would think that a danish would be considered a snack. Hmmmm

 

[onelilspark]

You could be right!! LOLOL


We ate at Pepper Market for breakfast on our trip. It is good that you can get 2 drinks. I got an OJ and a bottled water to take to the park. It is quite pricey though... thank goodness for that DDP!!!

WE walked though RIX but didn't buy anything. You would think that a danish would be considered a snack. Hmmmm

Yeah, you would think

...apparently I'm still bitter I think I need to let it go...

 

[Macsfiveplus1]

The strange thing is on our trip the Rix Cafe had the friendlier CM's. I talked to them all the time.

I am going to try those corn dog nuggets in September. It is on my list. Out of pocket or not.

 

[brookelizabeth]

Wonderful reviews of Pepper Market and Rix Cafe - I am taking mental notes for our upcoming trip! I am a big breakfast eater, while DH prefers a quick bite....did Pepper Market (or anywhere else at CSR) have anything that would qualify as a snack for breakfast? Like bagels or muffins?

I am THRILLED (I know I've said it already) about the coffee!!!!!

And I'm so glad I am not alone in my Corn Dog Nugget love Seriously, I dream of them and can't wait until they are MINE once again!! I would so pay out of pocket for them as well, they must be had!

 

[shebaxric]

Found ya! I am very glad that you enjoyed the CHH, because that is honestly one of my favorites. I am glad that you got the Itouch application we discussed eons ago, too. I really look at that thing frequently and know how helpful it'll be when we go in 3 months. I cannot wait for your Yak & Yeti review. That's one CS I want to try more than any of the others. I hope you weren't disappointed!

 

[onelilspark]

The strange thing is on our trip the Rix Cafe had the friendlier CM's. I talked to them all the time.

I am going to try those corn dog nuggets in September. It is on my list. Out of pocket or not.

Go figure on the CMs I guess it's just the luck of the draw!

And you should get yourself some corn dog nuggets!!!

Wonderful reviews of Pepper Market and Rix Cafe - I am taking mental notes for our upcoming trip! I am a big breakfast eater, while DH prefers a quick bite....did Pepper Market (or anywhere else at CSR) have anything that would qualify as a snack for breakfast? Like bagels or muffins?

I am THRILLED (I know I've said it already) about the coffee!!!!!

And I'm so glad I am not alone in my Corn Dog Nugget love Seriously, I dream of them and can't wait until they are MINE once again!! I would so pay out of pocket for them as well, they must be had!

I know PM had a rather extensive dessert area during dinner, but I didn't think to check for snacks during breakfast. I was too busy muttering about my danish

I've tried to find suitable replacements for Corn Dog nuggets in everyday life...but I've failed Nothing comes close!! They started selling them over at AK now, but the ones there are more expensive than the ones at MK. I don't get it

Found ya! I am very glad that you enjoyed the CHH, because that is honestly one of my favorites. I am glad that you got the Itouch application we discussed eons ago, too. I really look at that thing frequently and know how helpful it'll be when we go in 3 months. I cannot wait for your Yak & Yeti review. That's one CS I want to try more than any of the others. I hope you weren't disappointed!

I should get to Y&Y soon And thanks for the suggestion on the app. It was really useful! As you can see, I'm passing along the suggestion

 

[lucas]

I'm late to the party but I just saw your QSDP review. We'll be at WDW soon and are considering Starring Rolls. Sandwiches and desserts look good. Now I'm off to read the rest of your review!

 

[Pooh&OurHunny]

thanks for the update. My husband is the same as your brother when it came to using the dinning plan so he hates the dinning plan. He says he is on vacation and he is not going to figure out points or credit. We were in Epcot and he said he was going to get a snack (mind you all the the meals and stuff I take care of) but I busy shopping and he needed a snack so he told them just charge it to our room key inside of using snacks point. So I understand how you feel. Can't wait to read more.

 

[onelilspark]

I'm late to the party but I just saw your QSDP review. We'll be at WDW soon and are considering Starring Rolls. Sandwiches and desserts look good. Now I'm off to read the rest of your review!

The party's still goin!

The sweets at Starring Rolls are great...those sandwiches looked good enough for me to put it on my list

thanks for the update. My husband is the same as your brother when it came to using the dinning plan so he hates the dinning plan. He says he is on vacation and he is not going to figure out points or credit. We were in Epcot and he said he was going to get a snack (mind you all the the meals and stuff I take care of) but I busy shopping and he needed a snack so he told them just charge it to our room key inside of using snacks point. So I understand how you feel. Can't wait to read more.

Men I just felt bad for my brother because I told him it was a snack, and then it wasn't. My bad. Oh well, I got to bring home treats that way!

Up next: Yak & Yeti CS!

 

[onelilspark]

My Mom joined us for the day at Animal Kingdom. As we were walking around, almost exactly at noon, we were passing Yak & Yeti and there was hardly any lines, so we jumped up and placed our order!

At this point, we had 2 CS left and 6 snacks. Yes...six. So we told my Mom, "lunch is on us." I have to say, it was a great feeling, my parents are the kind of parents that it's offensive to them if we buy them a meal. (Honestly, any time it's not a holiday or birthday and we buy them something, it better not have cost a lot!) But she knew we had these credits and they were already paid for. So there was no argument, in this case, she allowed us to buy

Back in February I had the egg rolls and fried rice. Loved it. Both of those items are considered snacks on the DP, so since we had so many snacks left, I saw no reason not to get that as my meal.

My Mom & brother decided on the same thing, the drink was the only difference. They both went with the honey chicken with a frozen lemonade for dessert.

Fried Rice:

Egg Rolls:

Honey Chicken:

...what you don't see here is that it has chicken on top, then rice & veggies underneath. There's a lot of food in that container!

Frozen Lemonade:

They also gave us the biggest soft drinks. It was kind of funny actually. My Mom and I split the Diet Coke and still threw away half the drink

The food was really good. It was a lot though. I mean, if we had a fourth person, they would have been well fed too! My Mom left about a third of hers, I left a good portion of rice, and my brother even had some left over! The lemonades were really refreshing since it was so hot out. Little brother and Mom chose well. (And I'm glad they shared.)

Only negative with Y&Y is the lack of seating. We didn't have a problem really finding a seat, but when we were finishing there were people looking around. And it's all out in the hot sun. We snagged a table with an umbrella, but there were plenty of people who weren't so lucky!

IMO, Y&Y is the best CS option at AK. I love it and look forward to it!

 

[lucas]

Love your reviews and pics - great job!

Yak & Yeti counter service is another place we were considering and your review helped me make up my mind to go for it. Thanks!

 

[onelilspark]

Love your reviews and pics - great job!

Yak & Yeti counter service is another place we were considering and your review helped me make up my mind to go for it. Thanks!

I'm not a huge fan of Chinese food, but I really like Y&Y for some reason They have a frozen Coke place across the way too! YUM!

 

[that's nice]

I want to try Y&Y but I can't pull myself away from Flame Tree! LOL

Maybe in October if we are on the 'other' side of the park I'll try it.

 

[medicgirl911]

I have to agree with the previous poster...I really want to try Yak and Yeti but we LOVE Flame Tree so much I can' tear myself away! Just might have to try and make it over to AK 2 days instead of just one!

 

[DisneyFaeriePrincess]

Yum that all looks so good! We ate at the table service at Yak and Yeti and it was delicious but haven't done the cs. I just can't bring myself to eat outside, because we almost always go in the summer it's too hot for me and I crave air conditioning! If we ever go in the cooler months it will definitely be something I want to try!!

 

[DLo]

We had egg rolls there last year and enjoyed them. Will have to try the fried rice this trip. Thanks for the pics.

 

[Dreamer & Wisher]

You can get fried rice and egg rolls with a snack credit? That's a great value. . . we have reservations for the Table service restaurant though. HMMMM, maybe I should change my reservations to Breakfast at Tusker House. But then we couldn't get those yummy Fried wontons they have for Dessert.

Decisions Decisions!