Is It Possible to Use TIW with the Dining Plan?

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

My SIL is going to WDW in May. She wants to buy the DDP. Her DH already has an AP w/ a TIW card. She asked if it was possible to use both ( TIW for drinks, etc). I told her I didn't know, but would ask those far more knowledgeable than I... Is this even a good idea?
TIA.

 

[ToddyLu]

Yes, You would order say an appetizer and alcohol and put it on a separate ticket, then they would take 20% off that receipt. I thnk it is worth it. I consider using my TIW card like getting "free tipping", since the card is 20% off and tipping is usually 18%.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Thank you, ToddyLu - will pass the info along.
I wasn't sure if it was allowed.
What would we do without the Disboards and all the great info/people on them?!?

 

[ToddyLu]

I don't know....everything I know about Disney, I learned here. I am addicted to the Dis, which is why I am here on a Friday Night in my PJs, stalking the threads.

 

[psindone]

We have used both all the time. We have the DxDP and use our TIW card for any wine or drinks that we order. It works out fine.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Thanks!

 

[TDC Nala]

Yes. But since I have TIW, I would never use the dining plan unless I was only interested in counter service meals since you cannot get a TIW discount on most counter service meals.

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Yes. But since I have TIW, I would never use the dining plan unless I was only interested in counter service meals since you cannot get a TIW discount on most counter service meals.

They're not planning on CS - as a whole - maybe here & there, tho.

They have mostly sit-down places reserved, from what she told me.

So, is there a reason she shouldn't use the dining plan at all? From what she told me, she was thinking the dining plan gave her about 20% off what it would normally cost her for her meals. TIW would save her another 20% on drinks & such...

That's why I posted this: I REALLY don't get Disney math - and told her I would check with you guys. My eyes glaze over at the mere mention!

Thanks for any and all input... (I have an ulterior motive as well - we're going to WDW in Aug - never know when I'll learn something that can benefit us as well.) This is all just so much to "digest"...

Thanks to everyone for your help.

 

[Cafeen]

They're not planning on CS - as a whole - maybe here & there, tho.

They have mostly sit-down places reserved, from what she told me.

So, is there a reason she shouldn't use the dining plan at all? From what she told me, she was thinking the dining plan gave her about 20% off what it would normally cost her for her meals. TIW would save her another 20% on drinks & such...

That's why I posted this: I REALLY don't get Disney math - and told her I would check with you guys. My eyes glaze over at the mere mention!

Thanks for any and all input... (I have an ulterior motive as well - we're going to WDW in Aug - never know when I'll learn something that can benefit us as well.) This is all just so much to "digest"...

Thanks to everyone for your help.

The biggest and most important one is Flexibility. TiW is accepted at many more locations than the DDP. On top of that, you can eat however you want, rather than the way the DDP prescribes.

So, for instance, you decide to eat a light lunch of an app and dessert, while it's covered on the DDP, you're losing out the cost of the entree, whereas on TiW you pay for what you get.

Third, it may be in some people's best interest (either Club Level guests, or Villa/Cabin guests) to eat in more often than eating out. This doesn't work so well on the DDP (any level of them).

Lastly, you can use TiW while staying offsite.

IMO, those would be the four biggest reasons to go TiW.

As far as deciding which is best, it's math. It's annoying, but it's the only way to guarantee that you know what's best for your situation going in (unless one of the obvious cases above). Since they already have the TiW card, the cost of that is moot. The next bit is:

• Do they plan to eat according to the plan anyway? This means using all of the DDP credits as specified (or if thinking DxDDP, 2/3 of those credits at TS locations)?
• Do they plan on ordering 1 Entree, 1 Dessert, and 1 Drink each at each meal? If looking at Deluxe, add an Appetizer to that.
• Do they plan on eating solely at DDP participating restaurants?
• Do they plan on splitting several meals (thus leaving left over credits)?

(Yes, I like nice lists , though I may be overusing them lately)

If the answer to those is No, then TiW will very likely be better. If the answer is Yes, then the combination will probably work alright. (Though, they will still want to run numbers to make sure).

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Thank you for the explanations, Cafeen!
All I can say is that I'm glad she's doing the math & not me!
I WILL do the math for our trip tho - with your caveats in mind.
I'm pretty sure we'll just be using TIW for our trip in Aug. as we're staying on rented points at BCV. Can't wait!
Thanks again!

 

[TDC Nala]

Not if you still want DDP. If they're planning on a lot of character meals and buffets/family style, and they have several kids, it's probably still worth it. I don't like the way I'm forced to order on DDP and won't use it (I generally do not do Disney's buffets.)

 

[gretchenohar@hotmail]

Got cha - thanks!