But one little story did catch my eye regarding Disney's Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World.
Coronado Springs, for those unfamiliar is a moderate tier resort and also one of the larger properties. Along with guest rooms, Coronado houses an on-site convention center making it a favorite for business conferences. That's exactly why I didn't like staying there a few years ago.
As someone who love Mexico and Southwestern architecture, I found the theme is incredible and the entire resort gorgeous. However if you don't pop for a preferred room, you might feel like your room really is in Guadalajara when you make your morning sojourn for coffee. Worse than that, I really tired quickly of having to dance around business casual commandos and dodging black roller bags in the food court.
This is one of those (admittedly unfair) complaints of Disney fanatics like me. We get irritated when we're on vacation and trying to grab a bite before hopping on the shuttle to Animal Kingdom and find ourselves waiting behind some conventioneers, rambling about spreadsheets and marketing concepts while their bagels get toasted. Stay at the Radisson next time Willy Loman! I'm trying to get my fun on!
(the view on the way to breakfast - unfortunately I'd started walking the night before!)
One of my fondest memories of staying at Coronado however was breakfast at the Maya Grill. This was roughly 6 years ago and there were only 2 dining options; the Pepper Market food court and the aforementioned Maya Grill, which is a table service restaurant. Back then Maya's breakfast was buffet style.
That's one T of course; two T's would be Jimmy Buffett. However any resort that wants to offer a Buffett Breakfast can count on me to make the first reservation! That would probably be more appropriate at the Caribbean Beach resort anyway. Lord knows it needs something. But I digress . . .
According Walt Disney World's website Maya Grill is no longer offering a buffet breakfast. The resort's dining page now describes it as a la carte. Which I believe translates roughly to "same food as the buffet, but we expect you to stay in your seat and tip better now. "
The good news . . . or buenas noticias (thank you Dora!) . . . is that there is a new buffet option at Coronado Springs. The Parks blog has announced this week that the Pepper Market food court will be a food court no more. At least for a while. Coronado is testing out a buffet concept in Pepper Market.
The Pepper Market buffet is offering breakfast and lunch. From what little they're giving away of the food options, it sounds like much of the same fare that was available in the food court, along with breakfast items and "Mexican" cuisine favorites that were found at the old Maya Grill buffet. In other words, if like me you're a fan of scrambled eggs and refried beans, this is your spot.
If the quality is as high as before, I could be persuaded to stay there again.
My only concern is does a buffet concept relieve the register gridlock most Disney food courts suffer from, or does it only increase it? I hope the former.
Hopefully this will alleviate waiting in line to get food only to stand in another line as you literally watch the heat swirl it's way off the plate, laughing in your face as it disperses into thin air. Leaving you with a room temperature entree, if you're lucky, by the time you find a table.
Now at Pepper Market, you pay one price at the door and then it's on like Senor Donkey Kong. And yes, this too will be an All-You-Can-Eat option. Which of course means you're going to pay more upfront than when it was a food court. That just means it's up to you to make sure you get your money's worth. Pace yourself. No tortillas on your first plate. That's filler. They're counting on that!
Nobody ever said buffets are for the weak!
I can't wait to hear what people think of the food at the new Pepper Market buffet. If you happen to be staying at Coronado Springs and eat at this new concept, or know someone who does, please comment! I am certainly loco enough to rearrange an entire vacation plan in the name of good Mexican food!
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