Tracey, I agree with you about Pepper Market

[disneysteve]

You are not alone, Tracey. I just heard the Dreams podcast and I totally agree with you.

I had heard so many good things about Pepper Market that a couple of years ago we made a point of going there for lunch one day. It was awful. It was by far the worst meal we've ever had on Disney property. To add insult to injury, it was also the most expensive meal of our trip. The food wasn't good. The service wasn't good. There was really nothing positive about our experience except to say that the space is pretty but that's about it. We would definitely never go back there. @DSNYDREAMER

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Yep, I also agreed on the other thread about that particular podcast (the one about mod resorts that got "grumpy") , Steve. Not a fan of Pepper Market here at all either, have no plans to go back.

 

[samsteele]

Same here. Heard wonderful things about the Pepper Market ribs from blogs so went out of my way one afternoon to eat lunch there. Not great. In fact, not even good. I did love the theming of the resort and got in a good walk around the big loop. Made a couple of detours through the different bldg courtyards including Casitas and thought the grounds and small hidden fountains were gorgeous. Food not so much.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Same here. Heard wonderful things about the Pepper Market ribs from blogs so went out of my way one afternoon to eat lunch there. Not great. In fact, not even good. I did love the theming of the resort and got in a good walk around the big loop. Made a couple of detours through the different bldg courtyards including Casitas and thought the grounds and small hidden fountains were gorgeous. Food not so much.

Totally agree on the goregousnes and theming, for sure, I will say that. I will also say there didn't seem to be an area that was in close proximity to both the pool area, and the main area - so it seemed to me you'd have to choose, if you don't have a vehicle. I could walk much better when I was there, and that place is HUGE.

 

[DLgal]

The Pepper Market is literally some of the most disgusting food on WDW property. I stayed at Coronado once, and that terrible food is forever etched in my memory. And, talk about EXPENSIVE! Not everyone is there "on business" and gets to write off their meals. Coronado was a bad experience for us, through and through. I don't get the love this resort gets.

 

[DSNYDREAMER]

Finally I have found my people!! Before mentioning it on the show I had never met another person that agreed with me!

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Worst food I ever had was at Garden Grill. But Pepper Market has taken a sharp turn downward since they did the remodel a few years ago. It was better around 2009 or '10.

As for price, I don't notice, being on the dining plan/

 

[disneysteve]

It was better around 2009 or '10.

I'll have to disagree with you on that point. I just went back and found my review. It was from August 2009. I didn't realize it had been that long. It was awful then. We haven't been back since so I don't know if it's gotten better, worse (hard to imagine), or stayed the same.

 

[nkereina]

I concur! We ordered a pizza from Pepper Market once and were SO disappointed. We were picturing the doughy Pizza Planet style and it was a crunchy thin crust that did not hit the spot at all. I much prefer WDW operated QS locations, because you at least know what to expect with food type and quality.

 

[disneysteve]

I much prefer WDW operated QS locations

Is Pepper Market not Disney-operated?

 

[nkereina]

Is Pepper Market not Disney-operated?

No, its operated by a third party vendor. That's why you see so many variations in offerings, quality, price, etc. It's operated by the same company who owns the restaurants in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot.

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Wow - did not know that!

 

[Lisann]

No, its operated by a third party vendor. That's why you see so many variations in offerings, quality, price, etc. It's operated by the same company who owns the restaurants in the Mexico pavilion at Epcot.

I'm kind of surprised at this. Don't see the plus side in this at all.

 

[disneysteve]

No, its operated by a third party vendor.

Interesting.

Is there anywhere to see a list of which restaurants on property are and are not Disney-operated? It might be interesting to see.

 

[nkereina]

I'm kind of surprised at this. Don't see the plus side in this at all.

Outsourcing is almost always cheaper.

Interesting.

Is there anywhere to see a list of which restaurants on property are and are not Disney-operated? It might be interesting to see.

I don't know of a list. But I know Patina Group runs Morimoto Asia, Tutto Italia, and Via Napoli. Palmas runs all dining options at CSR including the lounges, San Angel Inn and the Mexico QS at Epcot, and also La Cava Del Tequila in Mexico.

I think most of the dining options at Disney Springs and the World Showcase in Epcot are third party operated. Both Rainforest Cafes and T-Rex are operated by the same company. All dining at Swan & Dolphin. I believe Big River Grill at BWI and Yak & Yeti in AK are as well. This is why you see some that are very strict with the dining plan requirements, and also why some seem to show up on the new dining plan lists very late each year.

 

[pooh'smate]

Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex, and Yak & Yeti are all owned by Landrys

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Yeah, I knew (and was never surprised - object to, but that's a WHOLE 'nother conversation we WON'T have!) to outside operators/sponsors/whatever they call 'em in each case/don't want to get into semantics at Disney Springs and in the parks, but never knew about resorts and food operation - in this case - Coronado Springs, since it is a Disney-owned resort, right? Or am I not right about that? Just surprised at that combo, and wondering if there are any others? (Besides the Swolphin, of course, which are NOT Disney owned).