DVC Newbie- AP? TIW? What to do

[hjvigz72]

So we're super close to closing on our contract and are wondering what the best buy for us will be. We are thinking that we should buy an Annual Pass, and then Tables in Wonderland as well. Since we are buying resale, we're not 100% sure what bennies (if any) we will be afforded. (our contract was sent to ROFR on 3/16 - so we're hearing mixed answers) Even if we can't get a discount on the AP, it's our understanding that as AP holders, we can still purchase TIW. So- looking for clarification on that.

We're all "adults" by Disney standards since our youngest will be 11, the rest of us are 21+. We're not planning on doing too much in the way of character dining, and are hoping to book a 2br villa (anywhere) so that we can eat a quick breakfast in the room.

MAIN QUESTIONS ARE THESE:

• Do we all have to have an AP, or can just 3 of us have the AP, and the others just buy park tickets for the stay? We understand that only one of us has to have TIW in order for all of us to enjoy the discount.
• Is TIW annual as well? Does the begin/end date work similarly to the AP?

Thanks in advance!

 

[hakepb]

DVC points reservations are always "Bring your own tickets", so mix and match away.

TIW is supposed to expire at the end of the 13th month ... So it's a little longer than AP. (I've had TIW's issued to end of 12th month but we didn't have a 13th month trip planned so I never fought it) my current TIW is end of 13th month.

 

[gharter]

TIW question: Is this only one per party at the table or does each person need to have it? We are looking at purchasing it. I thought I saw $150 for the first person and $50 for each additional person. This would hint at every person needing it to get the discount for the entire table. Is that correct?

 

[erionm]

TIW question: Is this only one per party at the table or does each person need to have it? We are looking at purchasing it. I thought I saw $150 for the first person and $50 for each additional person. This would hint at every person needing it to get the discount for the entire table. Is that correct?

From the TiW website:

The Tables in Wonderland discount is good for up to 10 people including the member, as long as everyone is on the same check, and the Tables in Wonderland member is paying the bill. If you have the Tables in Wonderland card, and your spouse or partner has the Tables in Wonderland secondary card, together you may cover up to 20 people (including the member and his/her spouse/partner). Both members must live at the same address and be 21 years of age or older.

 

[gharter]

Thanks, I must have missed that paragraph when I was looking at it. Makes it an even better deal as I thought we both would need to purchase it.

 

[hjvigz72]

Ok, so if TIW is 13mo, does the start day start at the time of purchase or after first use like the AP?

Looks like both will benefit us!

 

[erionm]

Ok, so if TIW is 13mo, does the start day start at the time of purchase or after first use like the AP?

Looks like both will benefit us!

TiW starts at time of purchase.

New APs start when activated, not on first use. This typically happens on the same day for most people.

 

[hjvigz72]

Ok, so I'll hold off on the TIW for a few months, but maybe do the AP soon. Thanks!

 

[Bill Fenner]

We're not yet DVC members, but have been AP and TIW holders for years. We are always on different cycles - just get the TIW at the beginning of your next trip after your previous one has expired. There is no renewing TIW, you just buy a new one.

We didn't notice that our TIW had expired, and they gave us the discount anyway, if we promised to get a new one ASAP. Obviously, that was discretionary, but it reinforces the "buy it for when you need it" strategy.