Difference in TIW and DDP?

[fireman17]

I am curious about the difference between TIW plan and the DDP?. We've been going to WDW since 2003 and in 2007 became DVC members. In 2010 we used the QSDP for the first time and it worked great for our family and wish we had used it on other trips.
I see now that DVC members can purchase the TIW card for a set price how does that work compared to the QSDP we might purchase on our next trip.
TIA..

 

[vicki_c]

It's totally different.

The Dining Plans are basically pre-paying for your food.

TiW is a discount card, allowing 20% discount at participating restaurants, which are mostly Table Service. Very few CS locations take the TiW card - a few places in Animal Kingdom, value resorts food courts, and Artists' Palette @ SSR. When you use TiW at Table Service locations, an 18% gratuity is also added.

At the $100 DVC member price for TiW, it will take $500 in dining using the card to break even. If you don't think you will spend $500 in eligible dining, it would not be worth it for you.

We don't do the DDP so we love our TiW card - but we have APs as well - and only pay $75 for the card, so it takes us less to break even ($375) and start coming out ahead.

 

[Geomom]

A couple more facts:

• The TIW also gives you the 20% discount on alcohol at the participating restaurants.
• The TIW cannot be used for packages or on holidays

 

[TDC Nala]

DDP is not a discount, it is a method of prepaying your meals. Depending on how and where you spend your meal credits, you may or may not realize a savings on your prepayment. Tip is not included so you have to pay the tip. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

TIW is a straight discount of 20% off the full bill, including alcoholic beverages. Plus an automatic 18% tip. This is for informational purposes only, please don't discuss preferences regarding tipping, as tipping discussion on the Restaurant boards is limited to one thread on the main board. But you still get a discount. Some say that it is just a 2% discount with the automatic tip, but that's assuming no tipping at all.

TIW does not apply at Teppan Edo, Yak & Yeti, or for the Fantasmic or Candlelight Processional meal packages. DDP can be used for these.

TIW applies at only nine counter service restaurants in all of WDW. The rest of the participating restaurants are table service. If you prefer counter service, TIW is not your best bet.

TIW has eight blackout dates a year, usually major holidays. DDP has no blackout dates.