'OHANA means CHUNKY! An Aug 2017 Family TR THE END 4/26 - The Last Day and Trip Epilogue!

[Jenny Sanders]

Your family trip is still blowing my mind!!!! You planned everything so well!!!

 

[KathyM2]

We asked our server what is the most shrimp anyone has eaten at 'Ohana. He said 6 skewers. Each skewer holds 25 shrimp. So that's 150 shrimp!

That is a ridiculous amount of shrimp. Ugh. I still haven't tasted them but they sound pretty darn good. Next time, definitely doing O'hana even if I have to go at a stupid time like 3pm lol

Boy we were so full when we left...but mostly Steve and Kevin though, haha.
It didn't stop us from a picture in front of 'Ohana with my Ohana which Kelly kindly took for us:

They look pretty good considering how many shrimp they ate!

We also had a chance to DISmeet up with @KathyM2 and her DD! We rode Soarin' a few times and then I think we did Figment too.

This was so much fun! I had no idea you had just come from such a feast! Surprised you could all still walk..especially Steve lol

So great meeting at WDW Kathy! And then again in NYC!!

It was so much fun meeting you too!! Hope to do it again sometime!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Day 5 Part 1: The Chunky Safari

Today was Animal Kingdom day! After today my family would have visited all 4 parks - then my job would be over, right? Haha, too good to be true as they still had 3 more days left of the trip! Today I booked us later FP+ so they could sleep in some more. While most of them slept in, it turns out Sienna had her own little routine. So for the past 3 days Sienna has been waking up at like 5am and refused to go back to sleep (remember she thought her room at the Poly was her new playground), so either Marc or Ming would take her around the Great Ceremonial House so as to not wake up Eva. They would get some coffee, then get Sienna a snack, her favorite was string cheese.

Happy baby, tired daddy

All the CMs working during the early hours of the day would recognize her and say hi to her each morning! And then towards the end of the trip the Poly ran out of string cheese at the Moana Mercantile...what?!? How is that possible!!?!?

Anyways, Steve and I were up early that morning so we decided to make it to rope drop at DHS before meeting everyone else at AK. We caught a bus over and did important things like ride Toy Story, Star Tours, use the Force, and get a Mickey Pretzel breakfast:

Meanwhile, CS got up early too, so she headed to AK with Kelly and family to get some pictures. I guess everyone was split up again!

Guess they had a lot of fun that morning too!

Steve and I took the express bus from DHS to AK at around 10am, and the twins managed to get the rest of the kids rounded up and we all met up at our first FP+: Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Side Note: I really really miss the express bus transport. That is all.

We went through the FP line, and it was cool because you can go through half of the line with the strollers and then they direct you to park them in the stroller parking area and then you go on through the rest of the line, so no need to look for the stroller parking before you get in line.

We took up about 4 rows on our safari mobile!!! I think that makes it a Chunky Safari!!

Everyone was ready!

We saw a good amount of animals that day! Sorry don't have many pictures as I was trying to keep the girls from standing up.

Sienna: Is it lunchtime yet or do I have to keep munching on mommy's shoulder?

Everyone thought it was a really fun ride despite it being outdoors in the heat and quite bumpy but the kids loved looking at the animals! On the way out you pass by the other side of the stroller parking so you pick up your stroller and head on out. It's a pretty cool line system because of this and I never noticed this before either! The things you learn when travelling with kids!

Our next stop was our first real meal, at our personal favorite, Tiffins, of course!

Sienna was sooo ready for lunch!

We were trying to make her do her "cheese" face but she did not get the memo.

We had an early lunch, at 11:30 so the restaurant was not full. We had a very large table on the right side dining room. We had a wonderful server, I forgot her name but she was the same one we had on a previous visit. I really should try and remember more names, or at least write them down!!

We also received a lovely note:

Since we were on one side of the large table I can only describe the dishes some of us got. To drink, Steve got the Kungaloosh Ale and I got a Jenn's Tatoo:

Kungaloosh Spiced Excursion Ale Draft - USA
(16-oz pour) African-inspired deep amber ale brewed exclusively for Walt Disney World® with sorghum and a special blend of spices including cinnamon and cardamom

Jenn's Tattoo
Ketel One Vodka, Watermelon, Hibiscus, Lime Juice

I think all the guys got beers and I think Kelly got the drink with the passion fruit in it.

Annapurna Zing
Bombay Sapphire East Gin, Passion Fruit Purée, Mint, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer

To start I got my favorite octopus appetizer:

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

I still think this is my favorite octopus appetizer ever. I also like the one from Citricos but I just loved the grilled taste of this one, so tender yet has a bite to it. And that sauce has some sort of crack-sorcery in it because it is addictive!!!

The kids had ordered from the kids menu, I think there was pasta and grilled steak.

I don't think Steve got an app and my sister ate some of my octopus. Kelly and Honyee shared the fish causa which is kinda like a fish ceviche.

Sustainable Seasonal Fish Causa
Peruvian Purple Potato, Aji Amarillo Vinaigrette, Lime Mayonnaise, Cilantro, Quail Egg

As an entree I got the duck, CS got the fried whole fish, and Steve got the a Tiffin's set which I don't see listed on the online menu but it came with a choice of the steak or fish and I think Steve got the fish.

Pan-seared Duck Breast
Leg Confit, Forest Mushrooms, Parsnip Purée, Truffle Reduction, Huckleberry Compote

Whole-fried Sustainable Fish
Fermented Black Bean Sauce, Som Tam, Peanuts

Steve's set with swordfish.

Kelly got the same thing as Steve but with the Wagyu strip loin instead. It's served with forbidden (black) rice and a hearty vegetable curry. I got this set on our November trip and it was sooo delicious!

The wagyu is really tender!!

We also got some sides. This was fingerling potatoes and fried cauliflower with spices They were both very good.

This little buddy had a great time running from one end of the table to the other.

For dessert I think the kids got some sorbet and I had to end with my favorite dessert at WDW: Passion Fruit Tapioca Creme

(forgot to take a pic so this pic is from May)

Passion Fruit Tapioca Créme
Chocolate Crumble, Citrus Fruits

This is seriously the best thing ever!! It's sweet, tart, creamy, fruity with chocolate shavings and bits of grapefruit. It has so many bright crisp flavors but you also get a bit of indulgence from the creamy topping and chocolate. Seriously the best dessert on property, and this is coming from a die-hard 'Ohana bread pudding fan!

Everyone was very happy with their meals and the chance to relax on a very hot and humid day in a lovely environment with good libations. Although I would probably skip the pork ramen as Kevin said it wasn't the greatest.

Coming up...we ride Flight of Passage!!!​

 

[chunkymonkey]

Your family trip is still blowing my mind!!!! You planned everything so well!!!

Aww thanks!! I think everyone had a good "go with the flow" attitude and as long as they kids were not tired and cranky, they were happy, haha.

That is a ridiculous amount of shrimp. Ugh. I still haven't tasted them but they sound pretty darn good. Next time, definitely doing O'hana even if I have to go at a stupid time like 3pm lol

It's absolutely worth it to go at an odd time, then just walk it off in the parks later...hehe.

They look pretty good considering how many shrimp they ate!

Yeah, you'd never know!

This was so much fun! I had no idea you had just come from such a feast! Surprised you could all still walk..especially Steve lol

LOL that just means he's had one too many Ohana meals, he's used to the gluttony!

It was so much fun meeting you too!! Hope to do it again sometime!

For sure!!

 

[disgeek009]

I really feel for your sister and her husband with Sienna waking up so early. Vacationing with babies is exhausting! And no string cheese???

Tiffins lunch looks delicious!

 

[kittylady1972]

What a great day at AK so far. Tiffins is on my list of must-do restaurants, but I haven't decided if we'll try to get it in for our next trip since we have a short trip, or just save it for another time. Sadly looking at those menu items I'm not sure what I'd eat since I'm pretty picky, but I'm sure my family (who are more adventurous eaters) would love it.

 

[wdwnut61]

My DD and her family are in Disney now with their 5 year old DD and 18 month old DS. Definitely a different way of touring with little ones.
At the airport now can’t wait to see them

Looks like everyone had fun on the safari.
I love the pic of you and Steve harnessing the force

Tiffins looks amazing again I remember from your previous report. We are dining there in a few days can’t wait.

 

[missjackiemcg]

I love how you all kind of did your own thing but everyone ended up together and most importantly, no one missed the FP!! The safari pictures of your fam are so cute! Love everybody squished in there together

Tiffin's looks so beautiful, but I am so nervous to ever eat there because I am the opposite of adventurous when it comes to food!! On the other hand....those drinks look lovely!!!

 

[dnllmz]

She is so stinking cute!!!

All the CMs working during the early hours of the day would recognize her and say hi to her each morning! And then towards the end of the trip the Poly ran out of string cheese at the Moana Mercantile...what?!? How is that possible!!?!?

No string cheese! That's not good. My dd was addicted to string cheese. She's 5 now and still loves it but doesn't eat it everyday like she used to.

I think you all managed to handle a big family trip really well. You have some plans together but easily split up. No drama.

 

[Gina Starr]

I keep hearing about Tiffins but I'm too much of a food wimp to try it. Hubby and I aren't very adventurous when it comes to dining. When I looked at your octopus picture my first thought was how do you even eat that?!

 

[Twilight Sparkle]

Sienna is stealing my heart. That photo with the scrunchy face is beyond adorable.

Yes, please to the passion fruit tapioca dessert. That looks and sounds incredible.

 

[anjackson1003]

All caught up on this! So jealous of the 'Ohana dinner. Hoping to grab a reservation for my next trip!

 

[Raeven]

They would get some coffee, then get Sienna a snack, her favorite was string cheese.

And then towards the end of the trip the Poly ran out of string cheese at the Moana Mercantile...what?!? How is that possible!!?!?

I bet it's something they don't stock a lot because it doesn't sell well. I think that's been the case at our local market with the gum I like I'm pretty sure it was sitting there forever before I bought it all over time because now they don't have it

We were trying to make her do her "cheese" face but she did not get the memo.

so cute.

 

[xlsm]

We shall never speak of how far behind I was

I'm back on track now and will resume normal quoting next time, LOL!!

I love your Sienna commentary the most...well, toss up with CS's outfits of course. Super impressed with the shrimp showdown at 'Ohana, wow!!

 

[coloredimage]

Side Note: I really really miss the express bus transport. That is all.

SAME!


Sienna's cheese face is the most adorable thing ever!

 

[Tracy161]

OMG, she is so adorable!

Side Note: I really really miss the express bus transport. That is all.

I would say the same... except I never even got to try it!

We took up about 4 rows on our safari mobile!!! I think that makes it a Chunky Safari!!

I think so!

I never noticed this before either! The things you learn when travelling with kids!

Yeah... I had a taste of that in January... and I'm a month or so away from having a BIG taste of it...

Seriously the best dessert on property, and this is coming from a die-hard 'Ohana bread pudding fan!

Oooh! The 'Ohana bread pudding is my Thanksgiving specialty! I've been making it for years after pilfering the recipe from Allears

 

[annie170]

Ohana is probably my favorite meal in Disney. My husband would love to have someone challenging him eating the shrimp there. And now I'm craving their bread pudding!

That's nice that you were able to spend a little alone time and meet back up with everyone. Have you heard the reason that express bus has been discontinued?

You must have a lot of adventurous eaters in your family to agree to eat at Tiffins. I know my husband would love it there.

What did the kids think of CS's whole fried fish?

 

[kastoney]

While most of them slept in, it turns out Sienna had her own little routine. So for the past 3 days Sienna has been waking up at like 5am and refused to go back to sleep (remember she thought her room at the Poly was her new playground), so either Marc or Ming would take her around the Great Ceremonial House so as to not wake up Eva. They would get some coffee, then get Sienna a snack, her favorite was string cheese.

This picture is everything!!!!!

Steve and I took the express bus from DHS to AK at around 10am, and the twins managed to get the rest of the kids rounded up and we all met up at our first FP+: Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Side Note: I really really miss the express bus transport. That is all.

I never even got to use it and I really miss we. We wanted to do it on our last trip, but alas it was gone. RIP Express Transportation

We took up about 4 rows on our safari mobile!!! I think that makes it a Chunky Safari!!

Everyone was ready!

Doesn't chunky translate to jambo?

Everyone thought it was a really fun ride despite it being outdoors in the heat and quite bumpy but the kids loved looking at the animals! On the way out you pass by the other side of the stroller parking so you pick up your stroller and head on out. It's a pretty cool line system because of this and I never noticed this before either! The things you learn when travelling with kids!

Welcome to my world. The safari does have one of the best stroller systems. Sadly as I'm sure you learned you cant' say as much for all the rides. Fantasyland in particular is a stroller nightmare. You can imagine my glee when Casey finally ditched the stroller !

Kungaloosh Spiced Excursion Ale Draft - USA
(16-oz pour) African-inspired deep amber ale brewed exclusively for Walt Disney World® with sorghum and a special blend of spices including cinnamon and cardamom

Jenn's Tattoo
Ketel One Vodka, Watermelon, Hibiscus, Lime Juice

I think all the guys got beers and I think Kelly got the drink with the passion fruit in it.

Ah, some of my favorite Disney drinks!

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

I still think this is my favorite octopus appetizer ever. I also like the one from Citricos but I just loved the grilled taste of this one, so tender yet has a bite to it. And that sauce has some sort of crack-sorcery in it because it is addictive!!!

Yum! This is one of my favorite apps too. I tried the one at Citricos and it was great, but you are right that the char on this one just puts it over the top

(forgot to take a pic so this pic is from May)

Passion Fruit Tapioca Créme
Chocolate Crumble, Citrus Fruits

This is seriously the best thing ever!! It's sweet, tart, creamy, fruity with chocolate shavings and bits of grapefruit. It has so many bright crisp flavors but you also get a bit of indulgence from the creamy topping and chocolate. Seriously the best dessert on property, and this is coming from a die-hard 'Ohana bread pudding fan!

We missed Tiffins on this trip so I've still yet to try this divine master piece.

Everyone was very happy with their meals and the chance to relax on a very hot and humid day in a lovely environment with good libations. Although I would probably skip the pork ramen as Kevin said it wasn't the greatest.

Looks like a great meal. Thanks for sharing!

 

[franandaj]

Between yours and Dis_Yoda's Reviews of this place, I need to make a reservation here. The next trip on the books is with Karin and Tom over Labor Day weekend next year and I hear that they are big fans of the place too.

Cute pictures of the kids on the safari.

 

[MeghanEmily]

After today my family would have visited all 4 parks - then my job would be over, right? Haha, too good to be true as they still had 3 more days left of the trip!

Haha your job is never done!

Happy baby, tired daddy

So cute! Poor daddy!

And then towards the end of the trip the Poly ran out of string cheese at the Moana Mercantile...what?!? How is that possible!!?!?

Oh no! What a cheese nightmare!

Great photo! I love this tank on you and on @Raeven!

We took up about 4 rows on our safari mobile!!! I think that makes it a Chunky Safari!!

Oh my gosh! Chunky safari for sure!

Sorry don't have many pictures as I was trying to keep the girls from standing up.

The never-ending struggle of keeping kids seated. I can only imagine.

We were trying to make her do her "cheese" face but she did not get the memo.

To start I got my favorite octopus appetizer:

Yum! This is soo good!