Dining Plan vs TIW

[goofy4wdw2]

We're having a last minute debate over dining plan vs TIW. Both my husband and I can't decide. We've done TIW the last few trips and it's worked well, liked ordering what we want, but the pre-paid aspect of the DP, combined with using Magic Bands for the credits, sounds nice. We're debating the DP this time because 5 out of 7 of our TS are buffet so our three kids' (ages 3, 7, and 9) out of pocket cost would be more then the dining plan cost. Plus we're doing BOG breakfast which is more expensive than most QS. This is probably the last year we'll consider the DP since our daughter will be 10 soon and the DP cost for her will go up significantly. My main concern about DP is that I might not want to pay OOP for a glass of wine or appetizer since it's not on the DP, and I don't want to feel overly restricted on vacation, so we've even thought maybe we'll do the dp and TIW since we'll go back again within the year and can use TIW again. It seems many DVC guests like TIW, and we have too, but just wondering if many of you like the pre-paid aspect of the DP, particularly with young children and buffets that are priced higher than ala carte. Would love to hear your thoughts!

 

[Missyrose]

Why not do TiW and then put the money for your food budget on a gift card that you can apply to your room charges?

 

[nalajms]

because 5 out of 7 of our TS are buffet so our three kids' (ages 3, 7, and 9)

If 5 of your 7 TS are buffets, and if you have mostly dinner buffets and Akershur or Chef Mickey on the list then you're likely going to be better off with DDP.
I would also stretch the QS credits. If your 3 kids can share 2 QS, then just order 2 especially at breakfast. Then you have an extra for lunch.

We have TiW and regularly add DDP. We only add DDP if the cost of my ADRs will be roughly the same as OOP with TiW or better.

DH prefers it because of the ease and "all inclusive" feel. But since I'm the planner, we only get it if the cost works out.

 

[bumbershoot]

You have to do the math on what your plans are. There are dining calculator websites around, to help you do the math. I think there's one on seeyareelsoon.com (or .net?).

I still don't know how MBs play into the situation. I hate using those things while on the wrist (so awkward) and therefore they are harder to deal with than a card. I never felt that charging to the room was easier or harder than charging to a CC, so I just don't understand that part of it.

 

[deedisneydream97]

We don't have young ones but we used to do the dining plan. When they changed it (no more appetizer or tip included) we stopped using it and have been doing TIW. I just paid $100 for a new one and it is good for 13 months. If you really enjoy an appetizer or wine with dinner, I would go with both after crunching the numbers to see if the dining plan really IS worth it. We usually stay in a studio for one night and then move to a one bedroom for the next six nights. We do the deluxe dining for the one night and it is definitely worth it for the one night (Narcooses for dinner, and another nice place for dinner in Epcot or resort plus two snacks) but I will never do it again for a whole week. Too much food and time wasted sitting down for dinner. And I don't like the regular dining plan because I would rather have an appetizer and skip dessert.

Remember that a tip is not included with the dining plan, so add that in when crunching the numbers.

You will have fun no matter what.

 

[hakepb]

We're having a last minute debate over dining plan vs TIW. Both my husband and I can't decide. We've done TIW the last few trips and it's worked well, liked ordering what we want, but the pre-paid aspect of the DP, combined with using Magic Bands for the credits, sounds nice. We're debating the DP this time because 5 out of 7 of our TS are buffet so our three kids' (ages 3, 7, and 9) out of pocket cost would be more then the dining plan cost. Plus we're doing BOG breakfast which is more expensive than most QS. This is probably the last year we'll consider the DP since our daughter will be 10 soon and the DP cost for her will go up significantly. My main concern about DP is that I might not want to pay OOP for a glass of wine or appetizer since it's not on the DP, and I don't want to feel overly restricted on vacation, so we've even thought maybe we'll do the dp and TIW since we'll go back again within the year and can use TIW again. It seems many DVC guests like TIW, and we have too, but just wondering if many of you like the pre-paid aspect of the DP, particularly with young children and buffets that are priced higher than ala carte. Would love to hear your thoughts!

I'm a bit of the opposite with TIW. Since I'm TIW'ing to save money, I tend to shy away from the most expensive entrees, unless I already know it's great and worth the extra money. It's possible your DH (like me) feels a little more restricted with the TIW than the DDP.

It sounds like you have a sound enough reason to DDP one last time.

 

[Dean]

We're having a last minute debate over dining plan vs TIW. Both my husband and I can't decide. We've done TIW the last few trips and it's worked well, liked ordering what we want, but the pre-paid aspect of the DP, combined with using Magic Bands for the credits, sounds nice. We're debating the DP this time because 5 out of 7 of our TS are buffet so our three kids' (ages 3, 7, and 9) out of pocket cost would be more then the dining plan cost. Plus we're doing BOG breakfast which is more expensive than most QS. This is probably the last year we'll consider the DP since our daughter will be 10 soon and the DP cost for her will go up significantly. My main concern about DP is that I might not want to pay OOP for a glass of wine or appetizer since it's not on the DP, and I don't want to feel overly restricted on vacation, so we've even thought maybe we'll do the dp and TIW since we'll go back again within the year and can use TIW again. It seems many DVC guests like TIW, and we have too, but just wondering if many of you like the pre-paid aspect of the DP, particularly with young children and buffets that are priced higher than ala carte. Would love to hear your thoughts!

Play with the menus and prices but I'd suspect it'll work to your favor with the DDP due to the ages of the children and the buffet's, esp if they're not 2 credit options.

 

[supersnoop]

With three children, I bet the dining plan is a better deal. I usually rank the dining plan last behind the TiW card and simply paying out of pocket. But in this case, the dining plan is probably best.

 

[dreaming4disney]

Since you ran the numbers and it will be cost effective to do the DDP and this will probably be your last time then do the DDP and TIW. You can still use the TIW for your drinks and then again when you come back during the year. Sounds perfect. It's a hard pill to swallow, when your small children are considered adults in the eyes of Disney. Some kids do eat like adults, but many don't. I remember doing the DDP when it first came out, but we have not done it in years. We do TIW and like the way that works better. Have a great trip!

 

[goofy4wdw2]

Thank you everyone! I ran the approximate numbers using that calculator and TIW seemed to come out $100 less likely because most of our sit downs are breakfast or lunch this trip. Of course it will ultimately depend on what we end up ordering but I have to say this is the closest it's been which is probably why I even considered it. We were very torn but since it seems TIW may be cheaper, we opted for that. Plus we'll get a discount on any TS we decide to add last minute if available (might want to try Grand Floridian Cafe and others but not sure what days works best yet). Thank you everyone for your input! I love DISboards!!

 

[Simba's Mom]

My understanding is that the TIW discount is now 10% instead of 20%, which means that you now have to spend $1000 to get your money back. Is that true?

 

[deedisneydream97]

My understanding is that the TIW discount is now 10% instead of 20%, which means that you now have to spend $1000 to get your money back. Is that true?

No, not true. I just got a new one for our trip last week. $100 with DVC discount and 20% most table service (I just checked our receipts for our meals). Changes this year (aside from Monsiour Paul's being eliminated, along with Victoria & Alberts) was Chefs de France will only do it at lunch, not dinner. There may have been some additional blackout dates. I think the hibachi Japan place is also not included.

Counter Service is still Flame Tree BBQ at AK and Pizzafari.

And don't forget, lots of the resort lounges are included...I thought Top of the World was included in the past, but not on the list now.

 

[deedisneydream97]

You may be confusing the reduction on savings for merchandise purchased and some meals with DVC membership....some of those we reduced to 10%. check the member webpage, I think it is under perks.

 

[nalajms]

My understanding is that the TIW discount is now 10% instead of 20%, which means that you now have to spend $1000 to get your money back. Is that true?

It was an April Fool's joke/post that took on life of its own.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Whew! Thanks for letting me know. I guess I'm too gullible.

 

[bumbershoot]

Whew! Thanks for letting me know. I guess I'm too gullible.

Never believe anything written on or around 4/1.