BEST. DAY. EVER. May '17 w/Chunkymonkey and Chubbyhubby NEW 8/28 x2 THE END!!

[chunkymonkey]

Ok now that D23 announcements are done and the first episode of the new season of Game of Thrones has been watched...I can finally focus on finishing up this post!

May 6th Part 3: Tiffins is LOVE

We caught the Express bus from MK to AK and we were let off in a backstage area in Asia, close to FoTLK and Tusker House which is where you check in for the Express Bus out of AK. Here's an example of a "crowded" Express Bus.

We headed over the bridge to Discovery Island and had to take some PP pictures of because, look, a boat!

And I took a selfie of Everest apparently.

We had arrived at Tiffins, my new favorite restaurant on property! We ate here for the first time in February and it just blew us away and now we've been here three times this year, pretty much the only restaurant we've repeated on each trip (and again next month with no end in sight, hahaha). Originally this was supposed to be dinner, but I moved it up to a late lunch (like around 3pm) just to keep our evening free. I actually really like going to Signature restaurants for lunch and I wish more of them would open up for the lunch hours. It's a really nice time to eat and relax and you never feel rushed or feel that it's too crowded or crazy loud. To me, having a nice long lunch is our "break" for the day.

While outside Tiffins, I realized they had begun Cast Member previews for Pandora and that got us excited for the trip we booked last minute when we found out AP holders get to go too! (See my table of contents for my first impression of Pandora just two weeks later!)

Once inside Tiffins, we waited just a few minutes and then we were seated. We were seated in a different area we sat in the last time and this area had a lot of carved wooden art on the walls. Hey @Mom2m&k - are you guys in these pictures!?!

As we sat at our table we were handed us a Thank you card that welcomed us back to Tiffins.

To drink, Steve got a glass of white wine. I can't remember what it was but it could be our favorite Reisling, which is the Selbach Oster Riesling. We had that at the California Grill in February and really liked it so much when we got home we found a place that sells it and bought a few bottles to enjoy at home.

I'm pretty sure I got the Snow Leopard Salvation: Snow Leopard Vodka, Belle de Brillet Pear Liqueur, Mint, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer.

It was very good and refreshing!

We were also brought some of their bread, served with a pomegranate molasses and olive oil.

They had their regular dinner menu at this time since it was so late in the day. But it's ok as I was here for two of my favorite things we had last time:

Marinated Grilled Octopus Salsify, Saffron Aïoli, Lemon-Caper Olive Oil

and the

Lobster-Popcorn Thai Curry Soup Lime-Basil Emulsion, Popped Sorghum

Both were just as good as we remembered them. I was soooo happy to return to Tiffins to indulge in these two appetizers!

As an entree I tried something different and got the Pan-seared Duck Breast with Leg Confit, Forest Mushrooms, Parsnip Pur
ée, Truffle Reduction, Huckleberry Compote

This was delicious. I really enjoy duck and this was prepared very nicely. I initially thought it was too rare but it wasn't at all and was super tender and delicious.

Steve got the Seared Hokkaido Scallops Green Garlic Panisse, Spring Tea Textures, Applewood-smoked Bacon Jam

This was really nice as well, look at that awesome sear on the scallops and the green garlic puree was delicious with the tender sweet scallops.

As a side we got some of their fresh spring asparagus which I think was a special that day. It was a very nice plate of asparagus and was grilled perfectly but I wouldn't say this is a must-get item.

We were full and could have left happy but of course I didn't want to miss dessert. Last time I was here they had the most amazing Passion Fruit Creme with tapioca that I just about died over. The server at that time in February told me they were going to replace it with a seasonal watermelon tapioca which didn't sound as good as the passionfruit one but I thought I'd give it a try anyways. To my surprise, when I looked at the menu, the passion fruit tapioca was still there! I was sooooo thrilled! So of course that was what we ordered.

Passion Fruit Tapioca Créme Chocolate Crumble, Citrus Fruits

OMG I just love this dessert so much. I hope it sticks around for a while, at least until after August! (less than a month until we're back there again!)

Geez, can Tiffins get anything wrong? Because so far they have just been ON POINT with their flavors, cooking technique, presentation, service. Boy I can go on and on, but let's just say Tiffin's is our new favorite restaurant and for good reason. Tiffins is LOVE.

After lunch we took some PP pics around the Tree of Life.

We didn't have any FPs for AK, we just came here to eat. So we decided to spend the evening at my favorite park, Epcot!
God I love that EXPRESS Bus. It's the best thing ever!

So we headed back to Tusker House to check in for our ride to Epcot and in no time...we were back in Epcot exploring the Festival Center.

Stay tuned for an incredible Epcot evening...​

 

[amalone1013]

We caught the Express bus from MK to AK and we were let off in a backstage area in Asia, close to FoTLK and Tusker House which is where you check in for the Express Bus out of AK. Here's an example of a "crowded" Express Bus.

Ok, I might have to get this...

This was delicious. I really enjoy duck and this was prepared very nicely. I initially thought it was too rare but it wasn't at all and was super tender and delicious.

This looks good. I look at pictures of fancy meat and I worry about it looking rare, but maybe I'll bite the bullet at Tiffins - it seems like that would be the place I've had duck a few times and enjoyed it before.

 

[KathyM2]

That express bus does sound pretty cool...sigh...just another thing I now want to spend some money on lol!

I love your shirt in these pics! I am going to have to add to my Disney wardrobe on this trip lol I don't have much!

that's the only thing I'm not looking forward to and every time I say to Steve "it's hot today", he's like "give it a few more weeks..........."

Funny that you say that. Yesterday morning it was really hot here in Toronto and I said to my DD, who doesn't know for sure we are going to WDW but has an idea, and I said "if we go to Disney in August it is going to be way hotter than this, and we'll have to be outside for much longer" when she started complaining about how hot she was. But she kept saying "that's different though, it's Disney" Which, yeah, true, maybe we are willing to put up with more discomfort to be at Disney than to be out in the heat at home...but sigh...I am still pretty worried about how we will handle it...

 

[disneyAndi14]

This is making me so excited for our late Tiffins lunch, the food looks delicious! I am also thinking about the express bus, I think it looks so convient per your reviews.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Hi Su-Lynn! I bet you are getting excited about your upcoming trip!!! I just returned from WDW and had a wonderful time! So, I'm a little behind on the DIS. We loved Homecomin' too, and the Moonshine Mash was a total favorite!!

Hi Jenny! I'm super excited but I also feel a lot of pressure. I'm not sure how my nieces will react to Disney. They are pretty shy. My nephew on the other hand is pretty outgoing so I think he'll be ok.
I just want everyone to have a good time. Fingers crossed!
I'm so happy you had a great time at WDW! Do share all about it! Yum, Homecoming! I'm hoping to get there again sometime this fall!

I love reading your trip reports! We were there at the same time as you...and if your headed to Tiffins we may have been there at the same time! I think we had a 3pm reservation!

Hi! Thank you!! Our meal was around the same time! I have a picture from Tiffin's in my latest post. Maybe you guys are in it? LOL.

Ok, I might have to get this...

Just get it and thank me later... hehehe

This looks good. I look at pictures of fancy meat and I worry about it looking rare, but maybe I'll bite the bullet at Tiffins - it seems like that would be the place I've had duck a few times and enjoyed it before.

Looking at pictures of fancy meat sounds like a nice hobby. I look at pictures of all things fancy, not just meat, lol.
I was worried it was too rare too but it tasted delicious. I think duck is one of those meats that when cooked well is just divine. YUM!

That express bus does sound pretty cool...sigh...just another thing I now want to spend some money on lol!

It is such a game changer. I would never want to park hop that much if I didn't have it. 30 bucks for the week is not bad at all and even if you don't' use it as much as you planned, it's a nice to know you have it just in case!

I love your shirt in these pics! I am going to have to add to my Disney wardrobe on this trip lol I don't have much!

Thank you! I got it from Macy's in the US. I know they dont' have Macy's in Canada, but it was from a Beauty and the Beast line they had so maybe you can find it elsewhere? I would offer to get you one but they are sold out at Macy's now! Guess it was popular.

Funny that you say that. Yesterday morning it was really hot here in Toronto and I said to my DD, who doesn't know for sure we are going to WDW but has an idea, and I said "if we go to Disney in August it is going to be way hotter than this, and we'll have to be outside for much longer" when she started complaining about how hot she was. But she kept saying "that's different though, it's Disney" Which, yeah, true, maybe we are willing to put up with more discomfort to be at Disney than to be out in the heat at home...but sigh...I am still pretty worried about how we will handle it...

Yeah it's so true! Bad weather is ok because you're at Disney - even though it's pretty crummy weather it wont' be as miserable as if you were at home or at work. So we'll just have to make the best of it!

This is making me so excited for our late Tiffins lunch, the food looks delicious! I am also thinking about the express bus, I think it looks so convient per your reviews.

Tiffins is my new favorite restaurant for a reason! It's just so yummy and everythign that we've tried as been great. Service is great, and the ambiance is lovely.
Also the express bus is the way to go if you intend to park hop a lot, or even just a little. It's so convenience I an't think of not getting one when we are there!

 

[cinderkelly]

Here's an example of a "crowded" Express Bus.

That is awesome!!! I hate it when the bus is so crowded and I have to stand.

ate here for the first time in February and it just blew us away

I'm trying to convince Bob and the kids to try Tiffins in November. Right now we have an ADR at Paddlefish, I have heard very mixed reviews of it so it makes me a little nervous. But Tiffins looks amazing!

really like going to Signature restaurants for lunch

I really do too. I wish more of them were open for lunch as well. I like having a longer mid-day break rather than taking a couple of hours for dinner when it's cooler park hours in the evening.

As we sat at our table we were handed us a Thank you card that welc

That is so nice!!

Marinated Grilled Octopus S

Yum!

Steve got the Seared Hokkaido Scallops

Again, yum! I usually always get scallops at some point while we are at Disney. Their food presentation is so beautiful!

the passion fruit tapioca was still there! I was sooooo thrilled! So of course

Yea!! I'm going to have to try that! Looks delish

 

[wdwnut61]

Game of Thrones was soooo good last night ok back to Disney.
Tiffins looks great so many positive reviews looking forward to our meal in November. Though I don't think I'm brave enough for the octopus
Express transportation is the best thing ever especially for a meal or to see a show love it.

 

[annie170]

Regarding the express bus, do you have to let them know when you're coming and where you want to go ahead of time? It almost seems too good to be true. I wonder if it will be more crowded once word gets out more.

Tiffins looks fabulous! I know I could get my husband there, but we have a few unadventurous eaters in our family. Are you going with the whole family next month?

You must be getting so excited about your trip next month! Sad reality, I'll be back in school while you're there.

 

[disgeek009]

Great update! Tiffins always looks delicious, especially that dessert. And I'm surprised how empty the restaurant is in the afternoon. I'll have to remember that for future reference.

 

[chunkymonkey]

That is awesome!!! I hate it when the bus is so crowded and I have to stand.

It really was never ever crowded. There were times we were the only ones on the bus.

I'm trying to convince Bob and the kids to try Tiffins in November. Right now we have an ADR at Paddlefish, I have heard very mixed reviews of it so it makes me a little nervous. But Tiffins looks amazing!

Paddlefish does look good too, but I love being able to eat in the parks, and Tiffins is just so good!

I really do too. I wish more of them were open for lunch as well. I like having a longer mid-day break rather than taking a couple of hours for dinner when it's cooler park hours in the evening.

Same here! Just makes sense!

Again, yum! I usually always get scallops at some point while we are at Disney. Their food presentation is so beautiful!

It really is! I like scallop dishes at Disney more than I do regularly it seems.

Yea!! I'm going to have to try that! Looks delish

I love this dessert!!

Game of Thrones was soooo good last night ok back to Disney.

Haha, yes it was! I'm so happy it's back! We've been waiting more than a year for this!

Tiffins looks great so many positive reviews looking forward to our meal in November. Though I don't think I'm brave enough for the octopus

Tiffins is wonderful. Octopus is similar to calamari but they way they make it here, it's so tender and delicious, better than any calamari I've ever had.

Express transportation is the best thing ever especially for a meal or to see a show love it.

I love it too! It's the best service ever!

Regarding the express bus, do you have to let them know when you're coming and where you want to go ahead of time? It almost seems too good to be true. I wonder if it will be more crowded once word gets out more.

It's really great. You just have to have park hoppers to use this. Once you sign up, the first time you use it, it starts the 7-day countdown so you can use it as much as you want to within 7 days. (Unless you just get the daily, then it's good only for that day). You basically just scan your band to "check in" at a kiosk before your bus time. Here is the schedule I found online, you just have to tell them which park you're going to when you check in. Not sure if the schedules changed since then but I'm sure they will let you know.

Animal kingdom bus schedule -Epcot departs :20 and :50; Hollywood Studios departs :10 and :40; Magic Kingdom departs :00 and :30
Magic Kingdom bus schedule -Animal Kingdom departs :00 and :30; Hollywood Studios departs :20 and :50; Epcot departs :10 and :40
Hollywood Studios bus schedule – Epcot departs :00 and :30; Magic Kingdom departs :20 and :50; Animal Kingdom departs :10 and :40
Epcot bus schedule – Hollywood Studios departs :00 and :30; Magic Kingdom departs :10 and :40; Animal Kingdom departs :20 and :50

It starts at 10am and goes until park closing. Usually there is a bus right after closing as long as the park you're going to is open. For example, if DHS closes at 9:30pm, then there should be a bus to MK at 9:50pm as long as MK is open once the bus arrives. But there won't be a bus to Epcot since Epcot usually closes at 9pm...but I think there WILL be a bus as long as there is nighttime EMH. It's pretty easy to figure out once you know the schedule and get the hang of it.

Tiffins looks fabulous! I know I could get my husband there, but we have a few unadventurous eaters in our family. Are you going with the whole family next month?

Yup! My whole family is going! They are pretty adventurous although not as adventurous as me. I know they all eat octopus though.

You must be getting so excited about your trip next month! Sad reality, I'll be back in school while you're there.

Yup getting super excited but also a little under pressure to make sure everyone has a good time.

Great update! Tiffins always looks delicious, especially that dessert. And I'm surprised how empty the restaurant is in the afternoon. I'll have to remember that for future reference.

I've never actually seen Tiffins super crowded. Granted we were there for a late lunch and it was pretty empty but I was able to make same-day ADRs during our Pandora preview and AK was packed that day. I think people with kids tend to avoid the signature restaurants but in all honesty, I think its a great place for them! It's calming and not as crazy as Tusker and the other buffets.

 

[annie170]

Thank you for better explaining the express bus and schedule. It sounds super convenient with the amount of buses and times!

 

[Malia78]

Hi Su-Lynn!

I've been behind since your Bon Voyage breakfast post--love that breakfast! Went twice during my May visits--the characters were all awesome. I didn't really care for entrée but I was not ashamed to ask for a second frying pan of just the Rapunzel sun pastries

Your visit with Gaston's looks like a hoot!

I've only been to Tiffin's once but really enjoyed my meal. Have my reservation for my trip in December.

 

[Bambi-NY]

I'm really enjoying your trip report. Your photos are great. I had no idea about express bus service. Thanks for explaining. Going to try on my next trip. Tiffins looks great.

 

[Tracy161]

Ok now that D23 announcements are done and the first episode of the new season of Game of Thrones has been watched...I can finally focus on finishing up this post!

We caught the Express bus

You could seriously write this 100 times and I will continue to get excited about it! I'm a park-hoppin' kind of gal and the very thought of shaving extra travel time is just music to my ears

To me, having a nice long lunch is our "break" for the day.

Yes! I couldn't agree more. Just ask my room... it only sees me for sleeping hours

Wonderful update and fabulous photos of you and Steve

 

[LindseyJo22]

Well, I've gotten insanely behind on anything Disboards related, but I'm trying to catch up

There were only 3 characters: Goofy, Donald and Minnie. I'm not sure if there are usually more but it seems like maybe cos it wasn't too crowded they don't have too many characters wandering around.

I don't think Mickey was there when we ate here either, but honestly I can't remember. It may just be the 3 characters.

Overall we really enjoyed breakfast.

This was a great surprise breakfast spot! We weren't expecting anything amazing, but they really did have some unique and interesting options.

But really, I come for the unlimited Mickey waffles.

Yep - and the toppings! I had an insane mickey waffle plate at our breakfast bananas foster sauce, plus they had some kind of blueberry compote, plus whipped cream. It was amazing.

We finally got to meet with Joy and Sadness! I think this was the longest line we waited in that morning. I like how Sadness is holding my hand as if she needs guidance, haha.

Love this meet and greet! It does have a long line though - pretty sure this was the longest line we waited in when we did the meet as well.

Then from Northern Bloom we got the scallop dish. It was very good. I like my scallops with a nice hard sear while still being tender inside and this didn't disappoint at all.

Yum! I really liked this one. Now I'm just excited about F&W - we've been looking at menus, and I'm not sure how we're going to eat all the food that we want!

I saved 20% with the AP discount. I love that thing. Maybe I'll pick up the other items on our next trip as I did really think everything was cute and comfy.

Okay, I didn't know this was a thing. Those skirts are amazing! I usually don't shop at Disney Springs, but I should have realized there would be an AP discount. That makes me want to look around a little more

but I definitely prefer the shrimp n grits at California Grill brunch more. That was probably my favorite shrimp n grits I've ever had.

Pretty sure that brunch is the best meal we've ever had. We don't have quite the same fine dining options as you guys do here in Georgia But I am praying they still have the brunch at a reasonable price by the time we get back in May 2018!

But, we were not one of those people and got on a shorter line to enter the park. It still befuddles me to this day.

Yes, I don't get this at all! We've had times where the AP line was distinctly shorter (like Princess weekend), but it's not like that's the only place you can get in with an AP! People are silly.

So we decided to spend the evening at my favorite park, Epcot!
God I love that EXPRESS Bus. It's the best thing ever!

Woo hoo! Express bus was so amazing - though I do wish they would give you a schedule to have on you instead of having to look it up on the Disboards! If it's still around, we'll have to think about it for our next longer trip. Really made park hopping much more enjoyable - and we had an awesome bus driver who told us all sorts of interesting Disney trivia as we drove through the backstage areas once as well!

Love reading as always, and maybe I'll remember to keep up this time

 

[Monykalyn]

Oh Tiffin's looks amazing as usual. Got our lunch booked for August-doing the RoL package (3 courses?). Kinda pricey but with 4 of us we will be able to sample lots of things

I bet your nieces will love Disney! My DS is shy/anxiety issues but he usually does very well (as long as he is fed and watered regularly LOL).

 

[soniam]

I am so gettin' those scallops and passion fruit dessert in about 2 weeks BWT, where's the express bus stop at Epcot. DH and I won't have a car in November and are thinking about doing it. Your report is really making me wish people at work would just go away for the next week and half, so that I can concentrate on my upcoming vacation

 

[bcwife76]

Tiffins is love....I'd say so!! Oh my goodness, I could practically taste that menu through the computer, the way you describe it.....*drool*

sorry.....I need a napkin now

 

[chunkymonkey]

Hi Su-Lynn!

Hi Karilynn!!

I've been behind since your Bon Voyage breakfast post--love that breakfast! Went twice during my May visits--the characters were all awesome. I didn't really care for entrée but I was not ashamed to ask for a second frying pan of just the Rapunzel sun pastries

Hehe next time I will remember to get another set of pastries. It was so much fun and wow you got to go twice! That's so cool.

Your visit with Gaston's looks like a hoot!

He's a riot, I can't wait to meet him again.

I've only been to Tiffin's once but really enjoyed my meal. Have my reservation for my trip in December.

Oooh lucky! BTW, are you definitely going Dec 7-13? I have booked the Dolphin for the 6-11th for now. It was the only days we could use points. So it'll be so awesome if we meet up again! When are you doing the MVMCP?

I'm really enjoying your trip report. Your photos are great. I had no idea about express bus service. Thanks for explaining. Going to try on my next trip. Tiffins looks great.

Thank you so much! The express bus is just wonderful. I'm a little spoiled though. I can't imagine having to park hop and...go through bag check...again!! Hahaha.

You could seriously write this 100 times and I will continue to get excited about it! I'm a park-hoppin' kind of gal and the very thought of shaving extra travel time is just music to my ears

It's magic. It's just magic.

Yes! I couldn't agree more. Just ask my room... it only sees me for sleeping hours

Wonderful update and fabulous photos of you and Steve

Thanks Tracy!!! Just a few more weeks! EEK!

Well, I've gotten insanely behind on anything Disboards related, but I'm trying to catch up

Hi Lindsey!!

Yep - and the toppings! I had an insane mickey waffle plate at our breakfast bananas foster sauce, plus they had some kind of blueberry compote, plus whipped cream. It was amazing.

It WAS insane! So many cool toppings, although I do prefer them with just traditional butter and syrup.

Yum! I really liked this one. Now I'm just excited about F&W - we've been looking at menus, and I'm not sure how we're going to eat all the food that we want!

I know...so much to eat, too little time...gasp. Plus I'm doing that 5k run which will eat up all my morning. Bah, why did I sign up for that again?!?

Okay, I didn't know this was a thing. Those skirts are amazing! I usually don't shop at Disney Springs, but I should have realized there would be an AP discount. That makes me want to look around a little more

Yeah they apparently are a thing. They were sold out of almost everything though. Hopefully when you go there will be more stuff.

Pretty sure that brunch is the best meal we've ever had. We don't have quite the same fine dining options as you guys do here in Georgia But I am praying they still have the brunch at a reasonable price by the time we get back in May 2018!

It was great! I would return, but we're not here on a lot of Sundays it seems. Maybe we'll do it in December again.

People are silly.

WORD.

Woo hoo! Express bus was so amazing - though I do wish they would give you a schedule to have on you instead of having to look it up on the Disboards! If it's still around, we'll have to think about it for our next longer trip. Really made park hopping much more enjoyable - and we had an awesome bus driver who told us all sorts of interesting Disney trivia as we drove through the backstage areas once as well!

Love reading as always, and maybe I'll remember to keep up this time

I just kept a screenshot of the times so I'd always have them. I also wish you can choose the days you want to use it, since trips longer than 7 days happen all the time and there's no way I'm paying per day after the 7 are up...

Oh Tiffin's looks amazing as usual. Got our lunch booked for August-doing the RoL package (3 courses?). Kinda pricey but with 4 of us we will be able to sample lots of things

I seriously think it's one of the best values especially if you order all the pricier items. Yes it was 3 courses for us, plus we got french press coffees which were divine! You will have an amazing meal, I'm sure.

I bet your nieces will love Disney! My DS is shy/anxiety issues but he usually does very well (as long as he is fed and watered regularly LOL).

Thank you! I appreciate the bitof advice. We're jut nervous that she's going to back out of every ride and character meet, and basically go to disney world to ...play in the pool at the resort. Doh. I hope that doesn't happen.

I am so gettin' those scallops and passion fruit dessert in about 2 weeks BWT, where's the express bus stop at Epcot. DH and I won't have a car in November and are thinking about doing it. Your report is really making me wish people at work would just go away for the next week and half, so that I can concentrate on my upcoming vacation

Oh lucky you!!! At Epcot it's to the right of the base of spaceship earth when you're looking at it from the fountains.
YEah these next 24 days are moving soooooo slowly. Hmm Maybe I should start packing...

 

[chunkymonkey]

Tiffins is love....I'd say so!! Oh my goodness, I could practically taste that menu through the computer, the way you describe it.....*drool*

sorry.....I need a napkin now

It's absolutely delicious and one of the best restaurants on property. I hope you get a chance to try it one day!