Prebuying Disney giftcards for meals?

[pigletto]

Why not put half on gift cards and half in cash?

I think that's probably the best plan. We'll certainly go over the $1000 mark, and then it's half as much cash to have in the room safe. Just makes me feel a little better.

 

[mom2my3kids]

I thought I read you can take your gift cards to the front desk and they will add them to your room card spend account..I was thinking of purchasing a 1000 for my food budget..once its gone I will use cash/debit cards...

 

[kiramay]

Just in case you fall into a Florida resident, DVC or AP category, OP ... have you looked into the Tables in Wonderland card? If you're doing a lot of buffets and can get one, it might be worth it. Might not (you'd have to spend $500 on TS to be worthwhile), but its 20% off all your TS.

If I'm none if the above, can I still get a TIW card? If we do 6 TS, my estimate is about $673 in TS meals, not including adult beverages.

 

[kiramay]

Never mind my last post. I see its exclusive. Bummer!

 

[My3Princez]

If I'm none if the above, can I still get a TIW card? If we do 6 TS, my estimate is about $673 in TS meals, not including adult beverages.

Run the numbers to see if it's worth upgrading one person's tickets to an AP and getting the TIW card. It may not be, but if it saves you enough it might be worth it.

 

[kristenrice]

Run the numbers to see if it's worth upgrading one person's tickets to an AP and getting the TIW card. It may not be, but if it saves you enough it might be worth it.

I agree. Depending on your length of stay, you may be able to save quite a bit by using an AP room discount and the TIW card. Only one person needs the AP to qualify.

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[My3Princez]

I agree. Depending on your length of stay, you may be able to save quite a bit by using an AP room discount and the TIW card. Only one person needs the AP to qualify.

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Don't you get discounts on merchandise and at some quick-service places with an AP too? Plus free parking, but that only helps if you are staying off-site anyway.

 

[kristenrice]

Don't you get discounts on merchandise and at some quick-service places with an AP too? Plus free parking, but that only helps if you are staying off-site anyway.

I believe it is 10% off on merchandise at some locations and there are also discounts on tours and certain other events. I don't know of any AP discounts available at restaurants but that doesn't mean there aren't any.

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[My3Princez]

I believe it is 10% off on merchandise at some locations and there are also discounts on tours and certain other events. I don't know of any AP discounts available at restaurants but that doesn't mean there aren't any.

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I didn't word that right - I think there are a few quick-service places you get a discount with the TIW card.

 

[kristenrice]

I didn't word that right - I think there are a few quick-service places you get a discount with the TIW card.

Yes! The food courts at the value resorts and most of the CS places at AK accept the TIW card. I believe the CS restaurant at SSR and the restaurant at the WWOS accepts it as well. In addition, because they are counter service, the 18% gratuity is not added. Don't forget, the 20% includes any alcohol as well so that Lapu Lapu or bottle of wine is also included in the discount.

We had a family meal at O'Hana one night...7 adults (one was 10 though), 5 kids and one infant...and 2 TIW cards between the 13 of us. Our tab alone had 5 Lapu Lapu's on it. My sister's family of 4 and my family of 4 were on one tab and our bill was $315 before the discount. The TIW saved us $63 on that one meal. Since we were a party of 13 (one party of 5 and one party of 7 + an infant), the 18% gratuity would have been added automatically anyways because of our party size so the tip would have the same amount either way.

We used the card(s) on our family meal at Chef Mickey's (dinner), LeCellier, 50's Prime Time Cafe, Boma, Sanaa, Pizzafari, and Olivia's. It *more* than paid for itself on just that one trip. I'd actually bought it in 2011 for our F&W trip and only paid $75 for it. Even at $100, it would have been a great deal.