DVC/Dining Plan/TIW - HELP

[wendypooh]

We arrive in 3 days.................. here's the problem............. DH read last night about the TIW card............... (we've never heard of it before) and now he's thinking this is a better way to go............. versus the dining plan......... we have the dining plan booked............ what is the cancellation policy on that............. I checked the member website but couldn't find anything. We have NOT paid for it yet, was told we pay upon arrival.

Next question............... IS the TIW card a better deal for us? Will it save us money over the dining plan? We WILL be doing at least 1 TS meal a day - and if NOT on the DP will prob. do more........... ( the DP kind of restricts us) anyway - any QUICK advice............. Thanks


Also, we can buy the TIW card at AKL? or no? if we decide to go that route.

Thanks so much for any help and sorry this is such short notice............... (men) LOL

 

[wdwnut]

TIW is available to AP holders. We just did a ladies trip and did the DDP for the first time. It worked out about the same $ wise as our last trip with the TIW. We like the TIW when we go with larger groups. It will generally pay for itself within a couple days. If it were just my DH and I, we probably wouldn't do the DDP.

 

[Disneypubgal]

It really depends on a few things.... first you need to spend about $375 (plese correct me if I get this wrong) to break even on the card. Alcohol and appetizers are included in the discount. We are not big dessert eaters and generally like the TIW better as it is more flexible... If you are ok with the CS, Snack and entree and dessert it is kind of a wash... just my two thoughts!!

I think you have to pick up the TIW card at the parks...I am pretty sure it has to be picked up at a guest services window.
Have a great trip!!

 

[Tara]

It depends on how you like to eat. If you eat more frequently at signature restaurants, you'll probably find the DP isn't worth it for you. If you eat mostly at non-signature restaurants AND you eat counter service meals, then you might find the plan works, though you'll be limited as to what you can order on the plan (no appetizers or alcoholic beverages included).

For our "regular" trips (just me, DH, DS8 staying in DVC resorts) we find TIW works better. For one-off trips, the difference between TIW and the deluxe DP looks minimal. For instance, in June I'm staying at a moderate (so no kitchen) with DS who eats no counter service and can more reliably find things he likes at signature restaurants than regular ones. Then there's our trip in August staying at BCV with my MIL, who DH wants to experience some of our favorite places, meaning we're eating out more than normal). The regular DP doesn't work at all for us - it isn't enough credits to cover the TS meals we tend to eat.

TIW does give you more flexibility because you can order whatever you want. And if you have a car and drive yourself, remember that valet parking is free when you dine at a resort that offers it.

And yes, you can get it at Guest Services at AK or any other park or DTD.

 

[Deb & Bill]

TIW is only for Florida Residents or AP holders. Since DVC members get a discount on APs, lots of members get the TIW card. But it's not a DVC perk. Just like parking isn't a DVC perk - it's a perk for staying on the property.

You have to cancel the dining plan at least 48 hours before you check in. If you don't, you can't cancel it when you check in.

 

[bumbershoot]

Here is a page of info about TIW.

 

[disney ny]

As others have said it is a really complicated question and one I will need to figure out before I go next February. First, you have to buy an AP which is I think the cost someone above is referring to- around $400. If you are only going for a few days once this year than an AP will not be worth it BUT if you get over a certain number of days you will be going to the park in a calendar year than it may be worth it. Then you have to purchase the TIW card which is only available once you have the AP or live in Florida. I think that cost is $100 or so? Then you need to figure up what you would most likely eat at places by viewing all the menus and see if the TIW discount plus cost is still lower than DDP. Not an easy or quick thing to do and with it being so close to the time to go I would probably advise you to stick with the DP this time and look into TIW for the future. That is my two cents............

 

[wendypooh]

Thanks Everyone............ I should have added we ARE purchasing AP's on this trip - which qualifies us for the TIW card. Again, I appreciate all the replies.

 

[BBG-BLT]

So you have to buy a TIW card for each member of the family? How about my 2 year old? Will she need one?

 

[crisi]

TIW gets you 20% your liquor bill too. If you regularly order drinks or a bottle of wine with dinner, it can pay for itself fast.

But, it isn't good at MOST counter service places and it automatically adds an 18% tip.

We don't even go often enough to use APs, but will still buy ONE for the TIW. But we are signature diners and lushes.

 

[peabody58]

We are planning 3 - 4 trips within 12 months starting in Sept. We will be getting the AP and TIW. The TIW is also going at VB where we plan on doing a split stay in May 2011. So for us, yes the TIW is worth it.

 

[rlovew]

So you have to buy a TIW card for each member of the family? How about my 2 year old? Will she need one?

You get 1 card for a group of up to 8 or 10 I believe as long as everyone is using 1 check. Also the person whose name is on the card must be at the meal- sometimes I have had to show picture id since the card is in my name- whether I am the one paying or not.

 

[Figment2]

I did the DDP this past February for 10 days and found it just isn't for me. I never realized that I usually order from the appetizer and salad part of the menu (which isn't part of the DDP). The only place it worked for me was at buffets. Our first dinner, I went with the program (we were at the Wave) but that was my first clue. I really wanted to order one of the appetizers and one of the salads. Next was lunch at Sanaa where I love the tomato soup and the bread service (both not on the DDP). I went with my favorites here otherwise it would have been way too much food.

Luckily we also had the TIW card which paid for a lot of my meals (while visiting friends used my credits).

Good luck with your decision.

Cyn

 

[BBG-BLT]

You get 1 card for a group of up to 8 or 10 I believe as long as everyone is using 1 check. Also the person whose name is on the card must be at the meal- sometimes I have had to show picture id since the card is in my name- whether I am the one paying or not.

Well then that makes it a bunch cheaper esp. since I didn't really like the DDP.

Thanks!!

 

[wendypooh]

OK - another question............... I'm seeing ALL different prices for the TIW card................

Check this link.............

http://www.wdwinfo.com/discounts/discounts-ap.htm#DISNEYDINING

If you click on the Tables in Wonderland link............. it states the price is $60.

So, does anyone know the ACTUAL price, is it $60, $75, or $100............???


Thanks

 

[Tara]

It is $100 for Florida residents and $75 for AP holders. ($60 is the old AP holder price)

 

[wendypooh]

Thanks so much................. I think we will actually just stick with the DP this time and then compare everything - we may end up getting the TIW card for our Dec. trip.


I appreciate the replies!!

 

[franandaj]

Thanks so much................. I think we will actually just stick with the DP this time and then compare everything - we may end up getting the TIW card for our Dec. trip.


I appreciate the replies!!

If you're getting APs you can also get the TIW card now and use that for any drinks and appetizers you purchase that are not covered by the DDP. I believe it is good for 13 months.