DDE/Tables in Wonderland

[pennilessinpa]

We're a family of 5 (DH, DW, DD (16), DS (12), DS (10)). We are headed to BCV for 12 days. A few years ago we went for that long and did the old DDP, but that was when the 2 youngest were child prices.

Well, they're still child appetites but adult prices, so we don't think the DDP is going to be a good value.

So ... now we're wondering about the DDE/Tables of Wonderland idea.

Has anyone tried it with a family around our size?
Did you get one card or two?
Did you like that the tip was automatically added on?
Did you think there were enough restaurants to choose from?
About how much do you think you really saved?
Did you ever try the DDP and which do you think was/is a better value?
And most importantly ... would you do it again??

Thanks for your opinions...we could use some input!

 

[LittleMissMagic]

Ahh.... that is exactly why we don't do DDP - we don't eat enough. Not to mention, we eat a lot of table service and probably not enough CS.

I've never tried DDP... wish I could help.

 

[ryanmcin]

We currently use DDE/TIW, it is GREAT!! Much better (in my opinion) then the DDP. You only get one card, I think you can get a 2nd card for $25. Our family is a family of two and the card paid for itself in two days. A family of 5 could pay for the card in a single meal at somewhere expensive. If you do alot of TS and Character meals then the DDE is a must, if you just do CS meals then DDE might not be a good choice. Having the tip added in doesn't bother me, we usually tip around 18% so it doesn't have any affect on our spending habits. I think that we have saved around $200 so far. For budgeting purposes we estimated our meals prices for our trip next month and we should save around $190. We haven't had any interest in the DDP becuase we eat alot of TS meals and alot of signature meals so we would run out of credits and be paying out of pocket anyway by the end of our trip. We typically don't order the most expensive item of the menu so the DDP would really save us much, if anything, in the long run.

 

[dvc_bwv]

We're a family of 5 (DH, DW, DD (16), DS (12), DS (10)). We are headed to BCV for 12 days. A few years ago we went for that long and did the old DDP, but that was when the 2 youngest were child prices.

Well, they're still child appetites but adult prices, so we don't think the DDP is going to be a good value.

So ... now we're wondering about the DDE/Tables of Wonderland idea.

Has anyone tried it with a family around our size?
Did you get one card or two?
Did you like that the tip was automatically added on?
Did you think there were enough restaurants to choose from?
About how much do you think you really saved?
Did you ever try the DDP and which do you think was/is a better value?
And most importantly ... would you do it again??

Thanks for your opinions...we could use some input!

DH and I have never done the DDP, but have done DDE/TIW for about 5 years and we love it. We don't do DDP because we don't tend to eat as much as required to eat on that plan and we do mostly TS meals. I think the TIW would work well for your family.

You get one card. There is an extra charge for a second card, but if you all eat together there is no need for the second card. Sorry not sure of the cost of the second card. You must have at least one AP to get the TIW.

We used to tip 20%, but now the tip (18%) is included. This is ok with us, but as far as we are concerned they are losing 2% on their tip since it is now included.

TIW gives 20% off of your food, beverage and alcohol. No other plan gives discount on alcohol so if you order beer or alcohol drinks with your meals this is a better deal.

TIW can be used at the following locations:

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]All-Star Music Resort
Intermission Food Court
All-Star Sports Resort
End Zone Food Court[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]All-Star Movies Resort
World Premiere Food Court[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Animal Kingdom Lodge
Boma-Flavors of Africa
Jiko-The Cooking Place
Victoria Falls[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Beach Club Resort
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
(eat in only)
Cape May Cafe
Martha's Vineyard Lounge
Rip Tide Lounge[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]BoardWalk
Belle Vue Lounge
ESPN Club
Flying Fish Cafe
Spoodles[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Eagle Pines and Osprey Ridge Golf Club
Sand Trap Bar & Grill[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Caribbean Beach Resort
Shutters at Old Port Royale[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Contemporary Resort
California Grill
Chef Mickey's
Outer Rim Lounge
The Wave[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Coronado Springs Resort
Maya Grill[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Crockett's Tavern
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (9:30 p.m. show only, offered seasonally)
Trail's End Restaurant[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
1900 Park Fare
Cítricos
Garden View Lounge
Grand Floridian Cafe
Mizner's Lounge
Narcoossee's
Victoria & Albert's (excluding Chef's Table)[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Old Key West Resort
Olivia's Cafe[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Polynesian Resort
'Ohana
Kona Cafe
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (late show only)
Tambu Lounge[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Pop Century Resort
Everything Pop Dining (excluding merchandise)
Classic Concoctions[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Port Orleans Resort
Riverside:
Boatwright's Dining Hall
River Roost
French Quarter:
Scat Cat's Club
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory [/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
The Turf Club Bar and Grill
The Turf Club Lounge
Artist's Palette [/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Wilderness Lodge
Artist Point
Territory Lounge
Whispering Canyon Cafe[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] Yacht Club Resort
Ale and Compass Lounge
Crew's Cup Lounge
Captain's Grille
Yachtsman Steakhouse[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]DOWNTOWN DISNEY Marketplace
Cap'n Jack's Restaurant[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]DOWNTOWN DISNEY Pleasure Island
Raglan Road[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]DOWNTOWN DISNEY West Side
Planet Hollywood[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Epcot
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Biergarten Restaurant
Bistro de Paris Restaurant
Chefs de France Restaurant
Coral Reef Restaurant
Tutto Italia Ristorante
Le Cellier Steakhouse
Nine Dragons Restaurant
Restaurant Marrakesh
Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
San Angel Inn Restaurante
The Garden Grill Restaurant[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Disney's Hollywood Studios
50's Prime Time Cafe
Hollywood & Vine
Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
The Hollywood Brown Derby
Tune-In Lounge[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Magic Kingdom
Cinderella's Royal Table
Liberty Tree Tavern
The Crystal Palace
The Plaza Restaurant
Tony's Town Square Restaurant[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Animal Kingdom
Tusker House Restaurant
Pizzafari
Flame Tree Barbecue
Restaurantosaurus[/FONT]​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Disney's Vero Beach Resort
The Green Cabin Room
Shutters Restaurant
Sonya's Fine Steaks & Chops (Sunday Brunch not included)[/FONT]​

[/QUOTE]

 

[BriarRosie]

Norma pretty much spelled it out, but ryanmcin answered the question about the 2nd card.

Unless your family is going to split up and not have meals together, you only need one card. Only one adult has to have the annual pass and therefore present it to purchase the TiW card. Cost: $60 for the year. The second card (or even a REPLACEMENT CARD - don't lose it!) would be $25.

If you spend $300 at any of the restaurants Norma listed, you've hit the break even point on the card. Anything you spend at meals after that would present you substantial savings. Basically, you'd be saving what you'd normally tip on non-discounted meals, plus discounts on any alcohol served at those places, as was mentioned.

 

[foxlore]

Could you send me a link where the cost is $60? I swear what I received said $80 and I thought that was a little steep... I'm wondering if that was a FL res price rather than AP... DH and I are celebrating our anniversary and his birthday at WL next month - just a short trip... We actually are only about 30 mins away since moving to Orlando last summer, but we wanted a get away and what's better than WDW?! We're doing the DDP, but it is just a short get away... After reading this I'm thinking we might be better off in the long run doing TIW... Thanks!

 

[NHWX]

The Florida resident price is higher than the AP rate. I know the information is on www.allearsnet.com.

I would urge the OP to think as whether one parent is more likely to be the one paying the bill. My dh generally likes to outside and moving so if there's a chance to take the kids out of the line at AKL or watch the geyser at WL while I quietly finishes my tea, he's more than happy to do that. Unfortunately for him, he was the one who ordered the card so his name is on it. Some CMs will take the card only from the person whose name is on the card; one even asked to see a picture ID.

It's a pretty good deal for us. The same active dh doesn't want to be bothered counting credits, etc. He just wants to be able to eat what he wants, whenever. It's his vacation too and DDP wouldn't be restful.

NHWX

 

[foxlore]

Thanks for the info I'm going to look into it and talk it over with DH. I would definitely put it in my name - I'm the common denominator... If anyone goes I'm there! LOL

 

[jenstall]

The first time I used DDE was on a trip with 3 other family members. The card paid for itself during the first meal. I think one of the big advantages is the fact that it is also good for alcoholic beverages. Even just 1 glass of wine each at dinner starts to add up. And if you have a bunch of lushes in your family, it adds up fast!

I picked up the new TIW card this week in anticipation of my Dad joining me at WDW in a couple of weeks. He really only likes table service restaurants so we have plenty of reservations and the card will pay for itself by our second.

Also, we usually tip 20% unless service is horrendous so the automatic gratuity actually saves us a little. I see no need to add an additional tip on top of what they add automatically.

 

[foxlore]

Okay that's all you had to say - WINE... LOL I think this will be beneficial for us... It really does add up and no we're not lushes - but we do like wine with our meals... Heck, I like wine about any time! LOL You're right that would add up quickly... I also agree about the gratuity - we usally do 20% too so it would actually save us a bit as well. The only time we don't do 20% is if the service is poor... Honestly I haven't had that be the case at WDW thus far... always pleasant...

Oh I take it back - we had a horrid experience at Ohana last year - just so awful we'll never return - not even our DS would ever return and he was only 6 at the time... Still, it wasn't the server's fault - she was awesome.

 

[momjkm]

Great info in this thread--- I am not the OP but really appreciate it--- I think we are going to try it next month--- and hopefully get to use it again (if we can go) in June....

The 18% tip for a buffet is a little high (jmo) but being able to discount alcohol makes it ok


Where can I get the DDE BEFORE we get to WDW? I am arriving late at Pop but would like to be able to use it then/there for late snack/breakfast in AM before gettitng to a park..
Thanks Jill

 

[jenstall]

The 18% for buffet is a bit much, but we usually wind up only doing one buffet (Boma) so it doesn't bother me too much. We save enough money at the other places.

The day I arrive in Orlando I usually swing by Downtown Disney to pick up my annual pass and the dining card. Saves me from having to pay for parking at one of the parks just to pick up my passes. If you're driving I think that's your best bet. I don't think they mail the TIW card.

 

[noritake1]

Should I buy the card before i get there? When does it start working if I buy it from home prior? thanks Jill

 

[BriarRosie]

Should I buy the card before i get there? When does it start working if I buy it from home prior? thanks Jill

If you order it in advance, you'll need your annual pass identification number. I found it easier to present my AP to Guest Relations. Any Guest Relations in or out of the parks and at Downtown Disney can sell them.

If you do order it in advance, it will have a starting date from when you ordered it, but they tend to add an extra month "window" to it. At least when it was DDE and not Tables in Wonderland. I don't know if they changed the way they do it now.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Another fan of the TiW card (still think it is a stupid name though )

I have priced out the different DDP plans and consistantly come out ahead on TiW. I did a spreadsheey and put in what we would realistically order vd ddp price. came out hundreds ahead (YMMV)

We will share an appy sometimes, each get an entree and rarely get dessert, if we do we share one. So while we could potentially save money on DDP, we would not based on how we actually order/

The other thing is I hate having to have adr's daily. We are there next month and I have one. Just one

We are going off season and I will call and see what is available that day or the next day. We do quite well this way actually. Much harder to do peak season of course

Good luck and let us know what you end up doing

 

[Karlzmom]

We're a family of 5 (DH, DW, DD (16), DS (12), DS (10)). We are headed to BCV for 12 days. A few years ago we went for that long and did the old DDP, but that was when the 2 youngest were child prices.

Well, they're still child appetites but adult prices, so we don't think the DDP is going to be a good value.

So ... now we're wondering about the DDE/Tables of Wonderland idea.

Has anyone tried it with a family around our size?
Did you get one card or two?
Did you like that the tip was automatically added on?
Did you think there were enough restaurants to choose from?
About how much do you think you really saved?
Did you ever try the DDP and which do you think was/is a better value?
And most importantly ... would you do it again??

Thanks for your opinions...we could use some input!

Smaller family "core" group, but with visiting family had up to 7 at some meals. I'll give my input and you can decide if it works for you or not...

Previously used DDP, [old plan with Appies and tips included]. Seemed like a good value, but we were left with pre-paid credits left over due to an illnesses and a "just-don't-feel-like-it" evening...so not so great as it turned out. I also felt like we "had to get our money's worth"

This trip, we TIW'd it. The tip being included really didn't bother me, as it works out to approximately the same amount that you would leave at 15% on the full bill [I.e., Disney is making sure the discount is from the corporate pocket, not the server] Seriously, a $100 bill = $15.00 tip @15%. TIW makes the $100 bill = $80.00, so the 18% tip = $14.40 in tip....just slightly less than what you'd normally leave.

We only got one card...there are pros and cons to doing this. Obviously, the extra $$ for the second card would have to be deducted from any savings before you are in the black. On the other hand, I HAD to be the one to pay the bill everytime, whether DS-now 3 liked it or not.

I quit tracking the full savings once we "broke even", on day 4 of 10. For us is was "very worth it." The list of available restaurants was more than adequate, and I loved that even a adult beverage from the hotel lounge was eligible for the discount. With your family size you'll have no problem getting your money's worth. With us going back in Sept, the card will be pure savings....We are definately TIW people...its clear that your save 20%, none of this "save up to30% nonsense for us.

 

[dvc_bwv]

Should I buy the card before i get there? When does it start working if I buy it from home prior? thanks Jill

It is better to get the card at WDW. Depending on when you are going if you order ahead of time it may take 30 days before you get the card.

 

[dvc_bwv]

This trip, we TIW'd it. The tip being included really didn't bother me, as it works out to approximately the same amount that you would leave at 15% on the full bill [I.e., Disney is making sure the discount is from the corporate pocket, not the server] Seriously, a $100 bill = $15.00 tip @15%. TIW makes the $100 bill = $80.00, so the 18% tip = $14.40 in tip....just slightly less than what you'd normally leave.

The tip is figured on the full amount of the bill before the 20%, not after the 20%. If the bill is $100 the tip is figured on the $100, not on $80. If figured on $80 the server loses out on the tip.

 

[pennilessinpa]

Wow, this is some great advice! I was always leaning toward the DDE - I just don't want to feel like I need to "chow down" to get my money's worth.

As for the tip, I know it's on there, but gee it's not really even like tipping if it's automatic. I want the server to know I appreciate their work - I thought that's what a tip was for??!!?? Anyway, I'm probably just overthinking it a bit....

We probably will just go with the one card too - my dh and I were wondering if we split up the family in 2 parks or something , but is that really worth 2 cards ....? One sounds fine.

Thanks for all the tips - I love to hear other "seasoned veterans'" points of view.