Suggestions: DDP or TIW?

[butsy113]

This year we will be taking guests with us for the first time. In October 2015, DH, DS, DD, and I are taking a friend and her two children. All kids are Disney adults. Then in June 2016, I am taking DS and DD, and we are each taking a friend. Again all children will be Disney adults. I will be paying for only my family's food.

Normally we get the TiW card, and are very happy with it. This time I am considering doing the dining plan, so I don't have to divide the checks up and get money from each individual. Also during the June trip we plan to do Ohana and CM which are in a blackout period anyway.

Any thoughts on what would be best in these circumstances would be greatly appreciated

 

[WMorganS]

We took guests this year (10 days, 2 families of 4, 8 total including us). We used TiW and it was no problem at all, in fact it was way better than DDP (as usual). You're experienced with TiW, so you know the upsides. The only caution I'd make is that if you're not like minded in your tastes, your park choice, and your planning styles, then TiW could get in the way because you have to eat together. This was a total non-issue for us, but if we were going with a different set of friend... someone less Disney oriented, then we might get DDP instead.

 

[thebigman65]

We took guests this year (10 days, 2 families of 4, 8 total including us). We used TiW and it was no problem at all, in fact it was way better than DDP (as usual). You're experienced with TiW, so you know the upsides. The only caution I'd make is that if you're not like minded in your tastes, your park choice, and your planning styles, then TiW could get in the way because you have to eat together. This was a total non-issue for us, but if we were going with a different set of friend... someone less Disney oriented, then we might get DDP instead.

I agree...but if you are all going to have the same reservations then TIW is a no brainer....We took DD's BFF a couple of times and they are both adults....she just gave me an average of what she thought she would eat (I.E. $50 per day) I kept all the receipts and at the end of the trip I gave her back what she didn't use, or she paid me what she was over....that way I didn't have to worry about splitting the cheque, etc. Another way, as long as you have no issue with it, is to pay everything on your CC and then calculate their share after the fact....as long as they pay you before your bill comes in!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Are you staying in one villa or each family getting their own? If you are all in one villa, the credits will be combined. If you are taking people who aren't that familiar with how the plan works, they may use their share of the credits and yours' as well. Unless every use of the plan will be as a group together. Your snack and quick service credits might be used if they use them instead of paying for snacks and extra food.

 

[butsy113]

We will all be in one villa. I hadn't thought of them using our credits. They have used the plan before, so I don't think they would, but it is a possibility. Thank you everyone for your thoughts. I was just a little unsure how well it would work dividing up checks for multiple people. We have done so, with my mom, but that was only one person.

 

[TeeterTots]

Do DVC members get 10% off at all restaurants? If so, for a family of 5 would it be better to just use that discount vs buying TiW card or DDP? Maybe I'm confused?? We have a character dining or TS each night so I considered DDP for the first time but I just don't see how it will save. It's a trap I think? Idk bc I didn't get it the last two trips??

 

[Docmom]

Do DVC members get 10% off at all restaurants? If so, for a family of 5 would it be better to just use that discount vs buying TiW card or DDP? Maybe I'm confused?? We have a character dining or TS each night so I considered DDP for the first time but I just don't see how it will save. It's a trap I think? Idk bc I didn't get it the last two trips??

The DVC discount varies as to where it's accepted, which meals (some only do lunch) and for how much (most are 10% but a few places offer a bit more). Also doesn't cover alcohol. I think the break even point for TIW is about $500. There are some TIW blackout dates now so you could argue it's not as good of a deal as it was before. TIW does cover alcohol while the others do not. We've done all 3. DDP wasn't worth it for our family, especially once our oldest became a Disney adult when she turned 10 (now both are considered adults on the DDP so definitely not worth it). If you go more than once in a 13 month time frame then TIW increases in value because you can use it both times. I was skeptical so I figured out what each would cost based on the trips we were planning in a year based on what I expected us to order. TIW came out as being the most cost effective for us. We're local now so it's definitely worth it as we'll often just go to one of the parks for a few hours and for lunch. When you're figuring out the cost benefit remember that TIW adds an automatic 18% tip. We usually tip at least that much so not an issue. Also tip is not included in DDP so add that and any appetizers (unless you pick the premium one) and alcoholic drinks.

 

[WMorganS]

If you get a 2nd TiW card, does that mean you can buy meals for 20 at once, assuming you and your spouse are both there and splitting the bill, etc, etc.?

 

[Docmom]

If you get a 2nd TiW card, does that mean you can buy meals for 20 at once, assuming you and your spouse are both there and splitting the bill, etc, etc.?

Yes.

" 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."

 

[WMorganS]

Yes. " 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."

Wicked! Thanks!!