Tables in Wonderland... am I missing something?

[vdub322]

Although many people are uncomfortable with having the tip already determined at the beginning of the meal, (having worked as a server before) I understand why they do it. Many people would calculate their tip based on the amount AFTER discount when they receive the bill, rather than the actual bill. The TiW system eliminates any fear on the server's part that they will be tipped unfairly or any awkward explanation by the server of the pre-discount amount. I actually worked at a place when I was younger where many of the servers bluntly explained which amount the tip should be based upon. That would definitely negatively affect my dining experience.

We are getting TiW for our January trip (AP holders) and I am glad to hear that bad service is not common just because the tip is included. I think having it calculated for us will be a big help, since DH can't seem to get the hang of calculating in his head!

 

[Dean]

Although many people are uncomfortable with having the tip already determined at the beginning of the meal, (having worked as a server before) I understand why they do it. Many people would calculate their tip based on the amount AFTER discount when they receive the bill, rather than the actual bill. The TiW system eliminates any fear on the server's part that they will be tipped unfairly or any awkward explanation by the server of the pre-discount amount. I actually worked at a place when I was younger where many of the servers bluntly explained which amount the tip should be based upon. That would definitely negatively affect my dining experience.

We are getting TiW for our January trip (AP holders) and I am glad to hear that bad service is not common just because the tip is included. I think having it calculated for us will be a big help, since DH can't seem to get the hang of calculating in his head!

I personally don't mind it being included and the reality is that we usually up it to 20%, or slightly more, assuming the service warranted it. However, I share the concern that it's built in and could affect service and I don't appreciate the option to change it downward if appropriate. For me, this likely hurts them because if the tip is built in for a meal where I feel it wasn't warranted, I'd be more likely to talk to management and tell them so. The other issue is that 18% is not appropriate for buffet's as an automatic, even at Disney.

 

[vdub322]

I personally don't mind it being included and the reality is that we usually up it to 20%, or slightly more, assuming the service warranted it. However, I share the concern that it's built in and could affect service and I don't appreciate the option to change it downward if appropriate. For me, this likely hurts them because if the tip is built in for a meal where I feel it wasn't warranted, I'd be more likely to talk to management and tell them so. The other issue is that 18% is not appropriate for buffet's as an automatic, even at Disney.

I would have to agree with your points about the inability to adjust and the buffet thing. The amount of work that goes into serving a $200 meal at Chef Mickey vs a non-buffet is definitely something to consider.

 

[Dean]

I would have to agree with your points about the inability to adjust and the buffet thing. The amount of work that goes into serving a $200 meal at Chef Mickey vs a non-buffet is definitely something to consider.

It isn't my intent to get into a discussion of the nuances of tipping for buffet's or otherwise, but the appropriate etiquette for buffet's is more in the 10% range though I do believe that usually the server's at Disney's buffet type options (I'd include the preplated locations in this line of thinking),do more than for most buffet's. Still not 18% worth though as a rule, IMO. The other issue with the TIW is that the standard for ETOH is 15% IIRC.

 

[weathernlu]

Another thing to look at when comparing the discounts is the DVC (and Passholder) Dining Discount may only be offered on weekdays or only for breakfast and lunch. The TiW discount is valid for all meals though there are about 6 black out days. There are also far fewer places that offer dining discounts to Passholders and DVC Members when compared what available with the TiW Card. And as other have pointed out, the TiW discount is valid for alcohol.

I realized this last night. Thanks! Most of the DVC discounts do not line up with when and where we are eating.

 

[weathernlu]

Here is our schedule, can someone tell me if this would make sense for us. I can't figure it out!

Day 1:

Lunch in the park at Epcot (we may try one of the countries or just quick service)
Whispering Canyon for dinner

Day 2:

We are at Magic Kingdom and have not been able to get ressies for anything. Probably quick service unless we can land something walk up. Any suggestions, we have only done Crystal Palace in the past.

Day 3:

50's Prime Time for lunch
Mama Melrose for dinner (assuming we keep this, we aren't sure yet)

Day 4:

Lunch at probably Pizzafari in AK, we always eat there
Dinner at Rainforest but we have Landry's card with $50 off

The rest of the vacation we stay in our room at SSR but we are doing Legoland and Universal for a couple of days.

Party of 6, 4 adults, 1 12 year old, 1 8 year old.

What you guys think?

 

[staceymay00]

Some have reported getting the discount at the Sassagoula Floatworks food court at Dixie Landings French Quarter since the full service restaurant at PO is at Riverside. I am not sure if that is official policy.

We got a TiW discount there almost two years ago. Could have changed since, of course, but TiW has officially been accepted there in the past.

We usually get a TiW card and much prefer it over the DDP, however we are eating fewer TS meals than we used to eat, so I'm not sure if we'll continue to buy one. I've always viewed it as a 20% savings (once the initial cost is covered) since we typically tip 18-20% anyway. We've never had anything but good service using it, so the 18% automatic gratuity has never been an issue.

 

[freya]

Does anyone know how it works if you have 2 guests with you that want to pay seperately? I know they will apply the discount to others with you, but not sure if they can still get there own bill.

 

[Dean]

Does anyone know how it works if you have 2 guests with you that want to pay seperately? I know they will apply the discount to others with you, but not sure if they can still get there own bill.

All have to be on the same check to get the discount.

 

[freya]

All have to be on the same check to get the discount.

Would you happen to know if 2 credit cards can be use to split it?

 

[CRobin]

Would you happen to know if 2 credit cards can be use to split it?

I suspect they might split the bill, but don't be surprised if they won't. The rule is that the named holder of the TIW card is entitled to the discount.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Dean]

Would you happen to know if 2 credit cards can be use to split it?

I don't know for certain, maybe others have more experience in this situation. I doubt they would and give the discount but you never know. What you could do is alternate if you have more than one meal that's applicable and then the one on the low end can ante up at the end.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Splitting depends on the location.

It is required that all using the TiW card must be on one check. I have had times I have been with friends and/or relatives who were on DDP and I would have all non-DDP items on my check.

Some locations may require the payment of the check using TiW to be by one person, some will allow two, and some will allow unlimited cards but you have to tell the server how much to each card.

 

[SamSam]

Does anyone know how it works if you have 2 guests with you that want to pay seperately? I know they will apply the discount to others with you, but not sure if they can still get there own bill.

2 years ago we were vacationing with friends and this is how it worked for us.
We used our TIW card, received one check, then they allowed us to split the amount on two different credit cards. I don't know if that's standard procedure or not, but it worked that way for us at 4 different restaurants that trip.

 

[ToddyLu]

Got the official word from MIL tonight--she kept all the receipts from our trip 10/26-11/02. The TIW card saved us $350 this trip. DH and I also used it this past May to eat at the same restaurants. So 2 trips on one card. We were 4 adults in October and ate at Cali Grill, Brown Derby, Bluezoo, Shulas, Boma (twice) and Fulton's several times. We each ate about $450 in food with the most expensive meal being at Cali Grill at $100 each.

We will be keeping TIW.

 

[weathernlu]

Here is our schedule, can someone tell me if this would make sense for us. I can't figure it out!

Day 1:

Lunch in the park at Epcot (we may try one of the countries or just quick service)
Whispering Canyon for dinner

Day 2:

We are at Magic Kingdom and have not been able to get ressies for anything. Probably quick service unless we can land something walk up. Any suggestions, we have only done Crystal Palace in the past.

Day 3:

50's Prime Time for lunch
Mama Melrose for dinner (assuming we keep this, we aren't sure yet)

Day 4:

Lunch at probably Pizzafari in AK, we always eat there
Dinner at Rainforest but we have Landry's card with $50 off

The rest of the vacation we stay in our room at SSR but we are doing Legoland and Universal for a couple of days.

Party of 6, 4 adults, 1 12 year old, 1 8 year old.

What you guys think?

Anyone?

 

[Chuck S]

Anyone?

It looks like you have 3 "for sure" table service venues, plus Pizzafari that accepts the TiW. Will you be going back to WDW anytime within the next year?

If this will be your only WDW trip for the next 12 to 13 months, then I'd be inclined to say no to both the TiW and DDP, and just pay out of pocket.
It also depends upon what you'd order at the table service places, as to whether it would be worth it. Adult drinks? Appetizers and entrees, then maybe. IF you only order entrees, with no appetizer or desserts, then likely not worth it.

If you'll be making another trip this year, even if a smaller group, then I think the TiW would likely be worth it.

 

[maburke]

Anyone?

Are you asking if TIW makes sense for you? Is your trip this weekend? Check the blackout dates -- Thanksgiving may be blacked out -- any other days?

 

[weathernlu]

It looks like you have 3 "for sure" table service venues, plus Pizzafari that accepts the TiW. Will you be going back to WDW anytime within the next year?

If this will be your only WDW trip for the next 12 to 13 months, then I'd be inclined to say no to both the TiW and DDP, and just pay out of pocket.
It also depends upon what you'd order at the table service places, as to whether it would be worth it. Adult drinks? Appetizers and entrees, then maybe. IF you only order entrees, with no appetizer or desserts, then likely not worth it.

If you'll be making another trip this year, even if a smaller group, then I think the TiW would likely be worth it.

That's kind of what I am coming up with, that I will likely just about get my $100 back. I guess it would be worth it incase we do make it back within the next year. If I buy it the first day, which is Sunday 11/25, when would it expire?

 

[weathernlu]

Are you asking if TIW makes sense for you? Is your trip this weekend? Check the blackout dates -- Thanksgiving may be blacked out -- any other days?

We do not get there until Sunday so I think we are good.