Will Tiffins survive?

HubbDave · Aug 25, 2016

Our group of 8 dined at Tiffins last week for lunch. Most of us used the "Taste of Tiffins" option. They sort of hid that. We were not initially given that menu...I had to ask. We really enjoyed most of the food there (not the octopus. Flying Fish did this better).

Anyway, we have heard from people (social media, cast members, etc) that it is not bringing in the crowds. It was rather empty when we were there. It is right near where you would enter Pandora, and is otherwise off the beaten path.

My question is...will they survive until Pandora opens?

_auroraborealis_ · Aug 25, 2016

Probably.

They may have to play with the menu, and I think it will be more viable when they have a Rivers of Light and a Pandora.

soniam · Aug 25, 2016

When we ate there and at Nomad Lounge, the servers agreed about it being slow. They also generally agreed that they were spending this year to get ready and have it all down when Pandora opens. I think it will be more popular then. We loved them both. I can't wait to go back in December. It will be a tough choice for us next summer with DS as to whether we eat there or Tusker House for Donald.

TheRustyScupper · Aug 26, 2016

HubbDave said:
heard from people (social media, cast members, etc) that it is not bringing in the crowds

1) Correct.
2) In fact, more than 1/2 the SERVERs have either transferred out or have a transfer request submitted.
3) No guests = no tips.
4) My (personal) guest is that it will revert to a 1-TS eatery, even after Avatarland opens.

Lesverts · Aug 26, 2016

With the prices it charges I cannot see it being a 1-TS. Unless they significantly alter the menu.

JerseyJanice · Aug 26, 2016

They made LeCellier a 2 credit without changing anything other than the prices. No reason that they can't flip it here and lower the prices to make the place 1 credit.

LovesTimone · Aug 26, 2016

Until they get a following it will be hard to fill with 2 TS credits, or go the 1 table service at lunch and 2 at dinner, but then they might need to offer additional options in the evening. While the food looks interesting, the price point for meals is rather high and AK just doesn't have that type of crowd at night yet, once Pandora and River of Light gets going then they will see a up tick in interest.

MakiraMarlena · Aug 26, 2016

AK is apparently not the evening/nighttime destination WDW was hoping it would become, while still in the absence of Rivers of Light and Pandora. Time will tell.

if it becomes 1 TS they will definitely be using less expensive ingredients.

tony67 · Aug 26, 2016

I'm sure they will...but staffing will be an issue it seems. Obviously they expected to have Rivers of Light by now.

For the time being they may need to come up with some sort of solution where they rotate people in one or two daya a week form some other location.
Not the best - but at least staff can make money the rest of the time - service will probably not be great since they are not there every day and may be unhappy that they have to work for next to nothing a day or two a week (is it really that slow?).

Having some happy hour pricing on drinks and apps (not just small plates and/or "Taste of Tiffins" menu) might work as well - and advertising that in several places through the park - getting people in having a few drinks may keep them limping along.

Tigger's ally · Aug 26, 2016

Enlighten me on this "taste of Tiffin's" menu please. First I heard of it and we travel in a month. Might go ahead and change a Yak for a Tiff if it makes sense. I take it that it is small plates, but need more info. TIA

Sargeant Tibbs · Aug 26, 2016

Tiffin is completely unappealing to me. The food doesn't seem to warrant the price and the interior design looks cheap and uninspired, definitely not what I associate with tiffin in 19th century British India. To me it seems they threw this place together because they needed a cash cow for ROL packages. Granted, this opinion is only from viewing pictures of the place, but pictures are what draw me into any any wdw restaurant. If the atmosphere doesn't seem to be there, I'm just not interested. For the money, I'd rather leave and go dine at one of the TS restaurants at AKL. I think perhaps others would agree with at least some of this assessment, otherwise the place would be hopping.

ciera321 · Aug 26, 2016

Tigger's ally said:
Enlighten me on this "taste of Tiffin's" menu please. First I heard of it and we travel in a month. Might go ahead and change a Yak for a Tiff if it makes sense. I take it that it is small plates, but need more info. TIA

Here you go...
Entrees
Taste of Tiffins - Choice of Two of the following Entrees, served with Jade Blend Rice - Flash-fried Icy Blue Mussels, Black-Eyed Pea Fritters, Crispy Yellowtail Snapper, Sustainable Seasonal Fish Crudo, 72-Hour Beef Short Rib, Salad of Roasted Baby Beets, Market Vegetable Curry, Marinated Grilled Octopus, Chermoula Rubbed Chicken or Masa and Pulled Pork Tamale $28

dgthree · Aug 26, 2016

I hope it does survive! It was one of the very best meals I had on my last trip. One of my friends said it was almost on par with Jiko in her opinion.

I also don't understand the people who are criticizing the decor, as I (and all the companions I dined with) thought the artwork was quite beautiful.

ravenclawtrekkie · Aug 26, 2016

dgthree said:
I hope it does survive! It was one of the very best meals I had on my last trip. One of my friends said it was almost on par with Jiko in her opinion.

I also don't understand the people who are criticizing the decor, as I (and all the companions I dined with) thought the artwork was quite beautiful.

Agreed. Not quite up there with Jiko, for me, but I really loved the food. I'd go back if I could afford it - that sort of meal isn't in my budget often.

I thought the whole experience was lovely. The service was good, the atmosphere/decor/etc was very nice. I went shortly after they opened.

Grumpy247365 · Aug 26, 2016

I hope so. I just booked a lunch there and I am really looking forward to trying the food.

RAPstar · Aug 26, 2016

ciera321 said:
Here you go...
Entrees
Taste of Tiffins - Choice of Two of the following Entrees, served with Jade Blend Rice - Flash-fried Icy Blue Mussels, Black-Eyed Pea Fritters, Crispy Yellowtail Snapper, Sustainable Seasonal Fish Crudo, 72-Hour Beef Short Rib, Salad of Roasted Baby Beets, Market Vegetable Curry, Marinated Grilled Octopus, Chermoula Rubbed Chicken or Masa and Pulled Pork Tamale $28

Just wanted to note that this is only available at lunch (unless I missed something lol)

Lisa F · Aug 26, 2016

TheRustyScupper said:
1) Correct.
2) In fact, more than 1/2 the SERVERs have either transferred out or have a transfer request submitted.
3) No guests = no tips.
4) My (personal) guest is that it will revert to a 1-TS eatery, even after Avatarland opens.

completely unsurprising. There are plenty of 1-TS more exotic things they could offer, like Skipper Canteen. It is hard to introduce a new park signature I think. They seem to lag below resort signatures in quality and it's not quite the same atmosphere with park attire on everyone (rather than just some people). The current in park 2TS already had HUGE followings and were made 2TS more about demand than food quality - CRT & Le Cellier. HBD is the only exception of a restaurant that was always a cut above the rest and is 2TS but it still pales compared to resort 2TS... it just already had a following and also has the F! dinner package to help it along.

lustergirl · Aug 26, 2016

Well I for one didn't know it was a 2 table service credit. I had originally booked it my upcoming trip in November but changed my mind. I looked at the menu and prices and thought "Too rich for my blood." I booked Tusker House instead.

loves to dive · Aug 26, 2016

I think it will be o.k. It seems to take time for expensive or slightly different TS to take off. They may have to tweak the menu, which is a shame.

jenjersnap · Aug 26, 2016

Interesting. I was unable to get an ADR in the month after my 180 opened - it seemed to be completely booked for dinner the days we had open. It wasn't a high priority so I gave up looking but I may add it if we can get in now.

Will Tiffins survive?

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