Is the TIW card worth it ?

[Swmhc]

We have tried the Dining Plan and didn't feel it fit our needs, so we just pay as we go. I keep hearing positive reviews about the Tables in Wonderland card, but when I do the calculations, I am having trouble deciding if it's worth it. Sounds like it basically pays your gratuity since it's a 20% discount and 19% gratuity is automatically added to your bill, then it costs $60.

Input welcome!

 

[webray]

Well, we tip 20% or more anyway depending on service, so we never calculate tip into TIW savings, because tip is a given in any restuarant you go to.

If you only eat at counter service, it won't pay for you. We don't like counter service (yuck food).

We like wonderful sitdown meals, great cocktails/wine, etc. That is why we like TIW.

 

[jennylyn_b]

It really depends on how you dine.
We do a ts every night we are there and we usually get a bottle of wine with dinner. We enjoy the dining as an experience not just a fuel up to run around the parks more.
Also, we always tip at least 20% so we don't count that either since we tip at every meal. The 20% discount is off food and alcohol so for us, it is worth it. We paid $75 for the TIW card and on avg. we pay $100 for dinner so after 4 dinners it has paid for itself. That doesn't count the savings we got on lunches.

At California Grill we spent 3 hours there with my parents and spent a ton of money but with TIW we saved $80. It was money we were going to spend either way so the discount is nice.

We are also DVC members so we go to Disney several times a year and the card is good for 13 months...that means even more savings for us!

Like I said, it really depends on how you dine to determine if its worth it.

 

[Disney-Kim]

It is $75 yr I believe and they add 18% tip to the bill.

We have used it the last 3 yrs and get 2 visits out of each year of membership. and its good on the whole bill including liquor and we would leave the tip anyway...so no biggie. it helps a little and always pays for itself.

For 4 adults.....
Our May 2009 trip we saved about $180 and our Sept 2009 trip we saved about $200. so $380 savings...yes we felt it was worth it !

and we are actually going a 3 trip in this year and our April 2010 trip will save us another $200.

this is for 2 couples...so about 1/2 for one couple

 

[Pakey]

Since we tip at least 20% each meal and dine at Victoria & Alberts with wine pairing each trip, we pay for it in just that one meal. All other meals after that are saving us money.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Figure that, including tax, you save $21.30 for every $100 of menu price. This assumes that you will normally tip at 18% of the pre-discount, pre-tax, menu prices. Of course counter service locations that take the card do not have gratuity added.

 

[bluenosemickey]

What CS locations are included with TIW, I didn't know there were any.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Value Resorts, Animal Kingdom, Port Orleans (side that does not have table service)

 

[TDC Nala]

Value Resorts, Animal Kingdom, Port Orleans (side that does not have table service)

Also, Saratoga Springs.


Please, no discussion of personal tipping habits, and tipping questions should be posted to the Tipping Information sticky thread.

 

[kimpossible]

My friend just called from WDW today. She was just told at Tusker House that Disney was going to discontinue TIW. I believe those that have a valid card will still have it honored. Anyone else hear this?

 

[TDC Nala]

My friend just called from WDW today. She was just told at Tusker House that Disney was going to discontinue TIW. I believe those that have a valid card will still have it honored. Anyone else hear this?

I've seen that rumor around before, but I'll believe it when it actually happens.

 

[kimpossible]

I've seen that rumor around before, but I'll believe it when it actually happens.

Boy I hope it's wrong. I called Disney and they are still selling them (although I didn't wait to actually talk to a person). But she called back again and said someone at Pizzafari said the same thing

I'm wondering if I should renew mine early.

 

[Disney-Kim]

Boy I hope it's wrong. I called Disney and they are still selling them (although I didn't wait to actually talk to a person). But she called back again and said someone at Pizzafari said the same thing

I'm wondering if I should renew mine early.

I wouldn't worry about it. They are doing special events lately and that seems like they are making the card even more exciting to have...
I won't worry about it until we hear it from Disney.

half the time the CM's don't know the difference in the card and the dining program. maybe those restaurants are not going to participate????

 

[Uncleromulus]

They just added a # of restaurants to those participating in the TIW program--which wouldn't make a whole lot of sense if they were going to discontinue the card.

 

[LadyGracey]

I just renewed mine at DTD two weeks ago, so they are still selling them, and no mention that they were going to be discontinued.

I hope they don't do away with it--the savings add up if you do a lot of TS restaurants. Mine paid for itself in one weekend trip. I think it is worth it, especially if you order wine or drinks (20% off a $50 bottle makes it a lot easier to stomach the price markup!)

 

[MelanieC]

We have always loved using the TIW card! It saved us tons, but we usually go for two weeks at a time.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I think it costs $75 for AP holders, and it adds 18%, not 19% to the meal. Basically if you spend at least $400 on food and alcohol within the twelve months you have the card, it's a good deal.

I got mine last fall, and have already saved quite a bit, it will more then pay for itself this summer, and then anything else I save this fall will be extra. I also tip at least that much anyway as well, so I don't mind it being automatic with the card.