Dining Plan Question - TIW or DDP

[js]

Hi.
I own DVC and was thinking about getting the TIW card for my trip
August 26-Septmber 3, we are staying at BWVs.
There will be 4 of us. My dh, ds-14, my mom and me.
We are all eaters and enjoy a good meal at dinner.
BUT, my mother and I are going the first 3 nights by ourselves and then the guys are meeting us for the last 5 nights (they don't want to be there that long ).

Am I correct in thinking that even though they won't be coming until Wednesday, I still need to pay for them if I got the Dining Plan?

If I were to get the Dining Plan, can I just use up their credits. For instance, my mother and I would use their credits while they weren't there yet (for signature restaurants, etc.?).

A downside that people say to the Dining Plan is that there is too much food. We enjoy ordering our apps, meal and desserts (and drinks) for dinner.
My ds eats an adult meal. I know the DDP doesn't include alcohol but the TIW does. We are staying DVC so we have the fridge so only paying for the alcohol at dinner since we don't need if we wanted by the pool during the day since we get it delivered.

What do you think?

Thanks so much!

 

[TDC Nala]

You will need to pay for the dining plan for everyone listed on the reservation for the full length of the reservation. You can always add the second two after you have checked in and they would not have the dining plan. The problem with that is if they need Magical Express transportation from the airport.

Yes, you can use the credits.

If you want appetizers covered by the dining plan you will need to get the deluxe plan. Appetizers are not covered under the basic plan.

If you are considering getting both the dining plan and the TIW to pay for alcohol, on a $75 membership you need to spend $375 in order to break even on the TIW membership.

 

[DisGirl1971]

You don't mention if you have Annual Passes, but I believe that to get the Tables In Wonderland (TIW) you have to have current annual passes. Being DVC, you probably already know that, but wanted to mention it for other reading the thread

 

[js]

Thank you both very much.
I do not have AP. We have 10 day non-expiring that usually gets us 3 visits.
TIW will cost me $100 and the 18% tax gets added, which is good for me since we usually tip 20%. I think I need to spend $500 to break even.

For eaters, is it worth it to get the DDP-Deluxe?
Thanks.

 

[TDC Nala]

There's been an annoucement by DVC that DVC members will be able to get TIW without being annual passholders. Don't know if it's started yet or how much they are charging DVC members if it has. If it hasn't started yet, then you have to either have an annual pass or be a Florida resident.

You may want to check on the pricing and allotments of the deluxe DDP. There is a sticky thread on this forum with all the prices. (Remember DVC members don't pay peak pricing on the regular or deluxe plans)

 

[js]

There's been an annoucement by DVC that DVC members will be able to get TIW without being annual passholders. Don't know if it's started yet or how much they are charging DVC members if it has. If it hasn't started yet, then you have to either have an annual pass or be a Florida resident.

You may want to check on the pricing and allotments of the deluxe DDP. There is a sticky thread on this forum with all the prices. (Remember DVC members don't pay peak pricing on the regular or deluxe plans)

Thank you. Yes, DVC members can now purchase TIW card for $100.
I am going end of Aug/beginning of Sept so not peak but that is good to know about the DDDP.

I will check out the prices.

 

[csmommy]

We are also trying to figure which is better for our family. We are going in May for DS's 17th b-day & for him it is not about the food ( I know he is crazy! )

We have reservations for dinner at:

50's Prime Time Cafe
Biergarten
Kona

and we are hoping to get into Beaches & Cream.

Breakfast we will have in the room.

Lunch will be quickserve.

As DVC members we hear the TIW card will cost $100 so the breakeven point will be $500. Both DD & I enjoy a glass of wine or beer with meals & at the pool. Originally we were going to go with TIW, but we understand the prices at the restaurants have gone up so we are wondering if the DDP isn't a better value. Any thoughts?

 

[TDC Nala]

We are also trying to figure which is better for our family. We are going in May for DS's 17th b-day & for him it is not about the food ( I know he is crazy! )

We have reservations for dinner at:

50's Prime Time Cafe
Biergarten
Kona

and we are hoping to get into Beaches & Cream.

Breakfast we will have in the room.

Lunch will be quickserve.

As DVC members we hear the TIW card will cost $100 so the breakeven point will be $500. Both DD & I enjoy a glass of wine or beer with meals & at the pool. Originally we were going to go with TIW, but we understand the prices at the restaurants have gone up so we are wondering if the DDP isn't a better value. Any thoughts?

The restaurants you have chosen are all a la carte except Biergarten and are not particularly expensive, so as far as saving money on DDP it may really hinge on whether or not the group tends to order the more expensive entrees and if you prefer dessert at every meal.

If you're going to be making more trips on your TIW membership it may still be a better deal.

Just FYI, TIW is generally not accepted at resort pool bars.