Tables in Wonderland Card v AP discount

[Lisa F]

Because Disney was great to AP holders last year in their special food discounts of 20% at so many ........ but it has gone back to the old days of minimal discounts at minimal places. We didn't get our TiW last year and used the AP ones .......... but they are almost worthless to us now so back to the TiW.

Unless it's changed in the last few weeks, you're only half right. it has gone back to a 10% discount but that discount is available at nearly every TS. We used it on our trip at BoG, CA Grill, 'Ohana... all of the headliners that used to be excluded are still included, just at the lower percentage. It basically doubles the break even point of TiW because you're only getting 10% more than you'd get with AP. I think I'd struggle to break even over AP, even with two trips, so I didn't bother... but I travel solo with my son. Next trip he is a Disney Adult but we had plenty of meals around $40ish with AP discount and tip and it would take a LOT of those to get up to $1500.

 

[HopperFan]

Unless it's changed in the last few weeks, you're only half right. it has gone back to a 10% discount but that discount is available at nearly every TS. We used it on our trip at BoG, CA Grill, 'Ohana... all of the headliners that used to be excluded. It basically doubles the break even point of TiW because you're only getting 10% more than you'd get with AP. I think I'd struggle to break even over AP, even with two trips, so I didn't bother... but I travel solo with my son. Next trip he is a Disney Adult but we had plenty of meals around $40ish with AP discount and tip and it would take a LOT of those to get up to $1500.

Will have to go look at that list. (Of those three we’d only do Cal Grill.) I know in past it wasn’t much good to us, and there is the alcohol factor. With Disney drinks so overpriced (shock) depending on your party that could factor.

Thanks!

 

[Lisa F]

Will have to go look at that list. (Of those three we’d only do Cal Grill.) I know in past it wasn’t much good to us, and there is the alcohol factor. With Disney drinks so overpriced (shock) depending on your party that could factor.

Thanks!

I just gave those as examples of places that were excluded before the big 20% thing. I think pretty much every Disney restaurant on property is included. I know what you mean about before... it was like, a few less popular at world showcase restaurants at lunch only and a handful of less popular resort restaurants. Now even popular restaurants are on the list. I don't know for sure that it's every one but nothing I was remotely interested in was excluded.

The DVC list is a little smaller though, but bigger than it used to be. Not sure why some are excluded from that. on my last trip I just used AP because it was taken everywhere we went.

Drinks could definitely factor, I don't drink much and our bill at BoG was right around $40 with discount, 20% tip and I had a glass of wine... so like I said, I don't spend enough to break even on TiW but people who drink with every meal and eat entrees with every meal and have two adults could, especially if you're doing 2 trips in one calendar year. We just didn't spend all that much on food last time.

 

[HopperFan]

I just gave those as examples of places that were excluded before the big 20% thing. I think pretty much every Disney restaurant on property is included. I know what you mean about before... it was like, a few less popular at world showcase restaurants at lunch only and a handful of less popular resort restaurants. Now even popular restaurants are on the list. I don't know for sure that it's every one but nothing I was remotely interested in was excluded.

The DVC list is a little smaller though, but bigger than it used to be. Not sure why some are excluded from that. on my last trip I just used AP because it was taken everywhere we went.

I know last year some thought they were phasing TiW out. With them killing the website and now if the 10% is widespread I could see TiW disappearing next year. Just the loss in the drinks by the locals probably hurts.

 

[Lisa F]

I know last year some thought they were phasing TiW out. With them killing the website and now if the 10% is widespread I could see TiW disappearing next year. Just the loss in the drinks by the locals probably hurts.

Well I think it really is more for locals who go a lot and then it's really easy to break even. For "frequent travelers" it is less of a sure thing even with 2 trips. I spent about $500 on food on last trip which means I'd have to spend $1000 on food next one...which is possible but I'd prefer to not have to "work for it" and just take the bird in the hand, even if it means giving up some discount if I go over. It's really a perk extended to frequent travelers but is definitely something more beneficial to locals. Who knows if they will phase it out or not, I think even the extra 10% works out for people who go a few times a month, and also families of more than 2.

 

[HopperFan]

Well I think it really is more for locals who go a lot and then it's really easy to break even. For "frequent travelers" it is less of a sure thing even with 2 trips. I spent about $500 on food on last trip which means I'd have to spend $1000 on food next one...which is possible but I'd prefer to not have to "work for it" and just take the bird in the hand, even if it means giving up some discount if I go over. It's really a perk extended to frequent travelers but is definitely something more beneficial to locals. Who knows if they will phase it out or not, I think even the extra 10% works out for people who go a few times a month, and also families of more than 2.

I don't know ... I go about 6 times a year so it for sure can work out for me because I tend to spend most my time at Disney but if I were local ... and TiW went away, I think I would likely patronize much less. I think if the AP discounts are broad they are great for the occasional visitor and maybe that was the point in expanding, to grasp those folks who may not have bought TiW or who were not spending the money on property since the offering was minimal. Who knows what they are thinking anymore?

 

[Lisa F]

I don't know ... I go about 6 times a year so it for sure can work out for me because I tend to spend most my time at Disney but if I were local ... and TiW went away, I think I would likely patronize much less. I think if the AP discounts are broad they are great for the occasional visitor and maybe that was the point in expanding, to grasp those folks who may not have bought TiW or who were not spending the money on property since the offering was minimal. Who knows what they are thinking anymore?

they are thinking GIVE US ALL YOUR MONEY. and as always trying to figure out the best way to do that.

 

[rentayenta]

You can use it on your computer. Maybe look up what you are interested in before you go or maybe use a web browser on your phone? We don't use Apple products in our home so I can't test it for you, my honey is a computer consultant and doesn't like them.

I will do that! Thanks!

 

[rentayenta]

I don't know ... I go about 6 times a year so it for sure can work out for me because I tend to spend most my time at Disney but if I were local ... and TiW went away, I think I would likely patronize much less. I think if the AP discounts are broad they are great for the occasional visitor and maybe that was the point in expanding, to grasp those folks who may not have bought TiW or who were not spending the money on property since the offering was minimal. Who knows what they are thinking anymore?

I did the math and am leaning towards purchasing it.


Thanks everyone, great insights.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

It includes alcohol and more table service restaurants honor it than the AP discount.

I found out with TIW you also get discounts in the food courts of the value resorts since they don't have TS restaurants. I was excited about this when I learned it since I was at the Art of Animation that trip!

There are some block out dates for using Tables in Wonderland so you definitely want to check out the info online. Here's a link to TIW info. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/en_CA/faq/restaurants/tables-in-wonderland-restaurants/

 

[aliciamakino]

How much is TIW? And what if the card holder isn't present at the meal can it still be used? My MIL has one but she won't be with us for every meal, can we still take advantage of it?

 

[CarrieR]

I think it’s $150? Card holder must be present and pay for the meal.

 

[TeresaWen]

We will use the TiW card for three trips. Two 12 day and o e 9 day. We often eat in lounges. TiW more than pays for itself for us. One trip to California Grill is 40 - 50 savings! What can I say...we like our wine...and margaritas

 

[msaseifert]

Is the list on theTOW website the ony places that accept TOW? We are thinking of purchasing it for our April trip since we are coming back inn July. We are drinkers so we like lounges where we can get snacks and drinks....last trip we spent a lot of $$ at the top of the world. There are no lounges on this list which makes me wonder if it will be worth it for us.

 

[rentayenta]

We will use the TiW card for three trips. Two 12 day and o e 9 day. We often eat in lounges. TiW more than pays for itself for us. One trip to California Grill is 40 - 50 savings! What can I say...we like our wine...and margaritas

Us too! If I did the math correctly, we'll make up the cost after day 2. LOL.

Is the list on theTOW website the ony places that accept TOW? We are thinking of purchasing it for our April trip since we are coming back inn July. We are drinkers so we like lounges where we can get snacks and drinks....last trip we spent a lot of $$ at the top of the world. There are no lounges on this list which makes me wonder if it will be worth it for us.

The Nomad Lounge in AK looks awesome.

 

[TeresaWen]

Is the list on theTOW website the ony places that accept TOW? We are thinking of purchasing it for our April trip since we are coming back inn July. We are drinkers so we like lounges where we can get snacks and drinks....last trip we spent a lot of $$ at the top of the world. There are no lounges on this list which makes me wonder if it will be worth it for us.

There are a number of lounges on the list. And we have found if a restaurant is listed (like Narcoossee's) it is accepted at the bar.