DDP or Tables in Wonderland Card

[maiyasmom]

I'm sure this question has been asked on the boards before, but I'm hoping for some opinions to help us decide which is the best option. We are DVC members, annual pass-holders and a family of 3 (DH, myself & DD 10). We have always purchased the DDP but now that DD is considered an adult, I'm wondering if TIW would save us more money. We love to have sit down meals everyday but don't drink alcohol beverages. Has anyone tried both and if so which worked out best economically? Thanks.

 

[fbb]

Of course there's no ironclad answer until we see where you're planning to eat and what you're planning to spend in total, but in our case, the TiW was a better deal, and that was with a 9yo. Once she turns 10, in our case, it will be an larger savings.

But we do like our cocktails, and our afternoon tea.

 

[maiyasmom]

We are eating at O'Hana, Coral Reef, Via Napoli, yak & Yeti, Kona Cafe, Cape May and Teppan Edo. Your thoughts are appreciated.

 

[fbb]

I would lean towards the DDP with that lineup, as I don't think Teppan Edo or Yak & Yeti accept the TiW.

But it would still be worthwhile for you to figure out how you would order differently at the a la carte places like Kona, relative to apps and desserts, if you weren't on the DDP

 

[TDC Nala]

It would also make a difference as to whether or not you have more trips planned within the time you will hold the TIW membership, as the more you spend on the TIW the more you will save, and it might beat the savings you could realize with two or more trips on the dining plan.

the above post is correct - Teppan Edo and Yak & Yeti do not accept TIW.

 

[kwdw]

If planning many days/multiple trips in one year, I think TiW is the way to go.

We eat alot of table service each time we go (typically two meals per day) - and almost always at TiW places - so it works great for us. We're water or alcohol drinkers, no soda/tea/lemonade. Tend to favor appetizers over desserts. We rarely buy snacks (we bring them) and probably do one quick service meal per about 4 days at Disney.

Honestly - I've never run the numbers. And I don't care. Keeping the dining plan in mind and making choices based on it's rules is NOT how I want to travel. And I can't plan my trip SO well in advance that I could guarantee getting full usage out of the plan.

The best ADVICE I can give, though, is to run the numbers for yourself. Pick your meals for the trip from the meals - don't limit yourself to any pre-conceived notions - just "what you might want at that time" and see what you come up with.

 

[ppoe65]

For us (5 disney adults + 1 child) the DDP works. TiW sounds good, but unless you eat all sit down meals, it doesn't give you the discounts. Like many have said we are not drinkers, so we don't save there either. On our last trip,Nov. 2010, we saved about $300 vs OOP and approx $100 vs TiW using DDP. This works for us, but as pp said, run the numbers from the menus.

Good luck & enjoy

 

[Telcogirl]

I would lean towards the DDP with that lineup, as I don't think Teppan Edo or Yak & Yeti accept the TiW.

But it would still be worthwhile for you to figure out how you would order differently at the a la carte places like Kona, relative to apps and desserts, if you weren't on the DDP

The Yak & Yeti gives a DVC discount. They do not take TIW.

 

[lucyem]

Teppan Edo (lunch only m-f) & Yak & Yeti (lunch and dinner daily) give a 10% annual pass discount. You need an AP to get a TIW card.

As for the original question - it depends. There are a couple of CS places that do take TIW as well. Run the menu's, look closely at your eating style and how many trips you might be using the TIW card. You are right that with a 10 yr old child you may find she would prefer kids meals and you would not be saving much with her charged as an adult on the DDP.

 

[ilovepete]

Teppan Edo (lunch only m-f) & Yak & Yeti (lunch and dinner daily) give a 10% annual pass discount. You need an AP to get a TIW card.

As for the original question - it depends. There are a couple of CS places that do take TIW as well. Run the menu's, look closely at your eating style and how many trips you might be using the TIW card. You are right that with a 10 yr old child you may find she would prefer kids meals and you would not be saving much with her charged as an adult on the DDP.

So you can't get it with a seasonal pass?

We are seriously considering it since we will be doing more than one trip within a year span. Plus we are not usually dessert eaters, and on the dining plan, it feels like such a waste if we don't get dessert.