Flip-flopping done! TIW wins with wife's WINEy input.

[peabody58]

Short story long - In Sept, DW and I will be at AKL-Jambo for 4 nights, then the 2 DD's and their men join us for a week at BLT.

I've been pre-planning the dining situation and trying not to be in my normal control freak commando mode. This trip DW and I plan to chill and only attend the parks on 3 days of the trip, and we'll let the young adults run wild without us. Our only rule is that we all be together for our TS reservations.

So I've been crunching numbers for the TS dining we want, including comparisons to the Dining Plans and available DVC/VISA discounts. We have a car and will be grocery shopping for breakfast and light snacks. 8 TS's meals are planned, QS/groceries for remaining eats. Until last night, the DVC/Visa 10% discount had the edge by about $25 savings. We'll I made all of our 'final' reservations last night with a few tweaks, and even got 'Ohana and BOG with no problem at all. Now TIW was in a small lead by $10. Then the wife reminded me that she plans on having her glass of wine at every possible meal, and that's when I realized that I too would end up consuming mass quantities of liquid courage. Couple that factoid with the plans to enjoy TOTW at least 3 times for MNSSHP fireworks, and the calculations made TIW a no brainer.

It was interesting to see how close in cost all the dining options came. However, when you take into account your eating styles (3 of my guests eat like birds), the economical scales quickly tilt in the favor of one or the other. The Disney Dining Plans came out the most expensive with way too much food for all of us. The DVC/Visa discounts are an excellent alternative to TIW, and had this trip been just DW and me, we would most likely have gone that route. TIW option worked for this trip due to there being 6 of us and our plans to eat at 8 TS locations. At this point I don't have any other trips scheduled in the coming year, but it will be nice to know that we have the TIW option should we decide on a quick get-away.

 

[mom2rb]

I had to figure all of that up in December. With trips in December and June with 17 year old twin boys and bringing my 13 year old nephew on the June trip, TIW won. DH and I will have our 20th anniversary trip in October and I plan on using TIW a lot then for TS and wine.

 

[disneynutz]

Need to take advantage of TIW while you can. Rumors are that the program will be going away as Disney continues to squeeze us for more profit.

Bill

 

[js]

Im at Disney between Christmas and New Years. I have always had TiW but not traveled at busy times. Is there a blackout date? I just assumed I wouldnt be able to purchase.

Thanks.

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

I bought TIW in December and I have been keeping a spreadsheet. So far we have been at Disney for 5 nights with 2 of us. Then 5 nights with 5 of us. We have broken even, and are now $65 in the black, for a net savings of about 6%. We will go back for 5 more nights in December, so I think our total savings will end up at 10-12%.

All in all, it is a good experience. The waiters seem to like it because it is simple.

We could have saved more, but we decided to try Victoria and Alberts and The Boathouse, which were not covered. (But the Boathouse does have the DVC discount)

 

[js]

Are there blackout dayes for use?

Thanks.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Last year NYE & NY day were blackouts. We ate at Artist Point on NYE and did get the DVC discount.

http://tablesinwonderland.com

 

[js]

Last year NYE & NY day were blackouts. We ate at Artist Point on NYE and did get the DVC discount.

http://tablesinwonderland.com

Thank you. With just NYE blocked ouT I may get it since we leave NY Day. We are a family of four, all adults, and Im also trying to get back next year for Wine and Dine Half Marathon.

 

[Halle]

Need to take advantage of TIW while you can. Rumors are that the program will be going away as Disney continues to squeeze us for more profit.

Bill

Oh No!! Where did you hear this???

 

[jillt2ph]

And don't forget to use your TIW card at the Artists Palette if you happen to be staying at SSR. Or eat at Flametree BBQ in AK. Every couple of bucks helps!

 

[Anal Annie]

DOH!!! You just reminded me that our TIW expires in August I think (activated in July last year). Was just starting to plan ahead for fall & winter (whether or not to renew our AP's when they expire in July). Was going to plan a quickie 4 n trip in Sept. for just me & DH for F&W. But so I guess since they don't take it at the F&W kiosks it will be our first trip w/o it I think since we became DVC members. Guess we'll see how we get along with the DVC / AP discounts. But bummed no alcohol covered!! YIKES!!

 

[peabody58]

And don't forget to use your TIW card ... at Flametree BBQ in AK. Every couple of bucks helps!

Absolutely!! I changed our dining plans from Y&Y to the FT BBQ to help maximize TIW savings as well as improve our touring flexibility (no fixed time).