Tables in Wonderland for Dummies. ;-)

[supersnoop]

Keep in mind that many of the same places give a 10% AP discount, so really need to be spending closer to $1000 to make TIW worthwhile.

There is actually very little overlap between TiW and DVC discounts. . My rule of thumb is $625 for break-even.

 

[supersnoop]

This is a GREAT tip! Its actually one of the big reasons we're staying at POP this trip because I can use my TiW card there to feed my teenagers without breaking the bank (hopefully).

Also be aware that you can get the TiW discount on refillable mugs at those food courts. That's another hidden benefit (or loophole).

 

[Fizban]

Thanks- that's what I was thinking- I see that I worded my question incorrect. So, tables in wonderland basically pays for gratuity.

Pretty much.

 

[mmouse50]

Where do you find the blackout dates for the TIW cards?

 

[disneynut]

Tablesinwonderland.com

 

[evilqueenmindy]

Thanks- that's what I was thinking- I see that I worded my question incorrect. So, tables in wonderland basically pays for gratuity.

It also gives you free valet parking at the resorts. That's pretty great savings

 

[HopperFan]

That has never happened to me.

Except for with counter service of course. But that's expected.

Which brings up another point. If you do find yourself using the food courts, see if the one you're at takes it. Since there's no tip at the counter services, it makes the total discount better.

Counter Service is a great perk especially since it includes Flame Tree BBQ, Restaurantasaurus and Pizzafari at AK. We def use it at the first two!

Where do you find the blackout dates for the TIW cards?

*Beginning August 1st 2014, 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickey’s, ‘Ohana (Dinner Only), Cinderella’s Royal Table, LeChefs de France, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, and Le Cellier Steakhouse will be subject to the additional blockout weeks of: March 8-April 4, 2015; May 31-June 20, 2015; November 22-28, 2015 and December 20-26, 2015.

Blockout dates for Tables in Wonderland are Mother’s Day, Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Tables in Wonderland is valid for one year from date of purchase.

These are fine with us because we don't travel there on the holidays and blackout time frames, although those are just a few of the restaurants.

NOW THE AP 10% has many more limitations like:
- No Magic Kingdom Restaurants
- Only Rainforest and Yak & Yeti at AK
- Only H&V and HBD at DHS (so not where we normally eat)
- Black out dates
- Biergarten is only wide open at Epcot and only 8 others offer limited service, like only lunch and most no weekends.
- Resort hotels a variety but not all, like no Polynesian, CSR, dinner shows, some only have their less popular like Contemporary only has Wave ....
- DTD has a variety that offer it but lots of lunch only, blackout dates, limited number of guests etc.

 

[CarrieR]

If it helps, the math is 1.032x the menu price... so a $15.99 entree is $16.50 with TIW, tax and tip included.

Just finished a five day trip on which we bought TIW. Four adults, eating modest TS meals once a day (including some meals where we just got apps, or sides, or salads - and no sigs,) and we stayed at Pop where we ate a couple of meals. We saved appx $83 so far. Going back for ten days in Dec and a week next April, so the $100 cost is totally, completely worth it for us.

 

[gdrj]

Keep in mind that many of the same places give a 10% AP discount, so really need to be spending closer to $1000 to make TIW worthwhile.

As other have noted, not exactly accurate.
1- TIW discounts alcohol
2- TIW is available at more restaurants.
3- AP discount may not be available for breakfast, lunch and dinner at participating restaurants.

It also gives you free valet parking at the resorts. That's pretty great savings

Just a reminder it is for while you are dining with a Dining Receipt.

 

[KangaFan]

Also be aware that you can get the TiW discount on refillable mugs at those food courts. That's another hidden benefit (or loophole).

I had wondered about those---I am bribing my teens with them. We don't usually get them but we also usually go in January and I want to make sure my kiddos drink enough water in the parks so I promised them they could use these for unlimited refills at the resort as long as the drank water only in the parks and at our in-park meals.

 

[SingingMom]

OP here.... Thanks for all the info. I didn't realize the refill mugs were included. Oops. Lol

We are here now & we purchased the TIW. I am going to double check now about the partner card for DD, since she will be here for DCP.

The three of us had an expensive lunch (early dinner) at Brown Derby and did very well with the discount! Since we enjoy a few cocktails with our meals during vacation, this card will pay for itself very soon! Lol

 

[Lesverts]

Just to point something out.

$50.00 bill with 20% discount = $40.00 + 18% tip is $47.20
$50.00 bill with 18% tip = $59.00 with 20% discount is $47.20

Only difference is that in scenario 1, waiter/ress gets 7.20 tip, compared to 9.00 tip in scenario 2.

Isn't math exciting?

 

[jessicag13]

If it helps, the math is 1.032x the menu price... so a $15.99 entree is $16.50 with TIW, tax and tip included.

and now i'm off to update my excel sheet...
(yes, i've already planned out what i'm ordering- officially, it's to budget; but unofficially, i need 6 months to decide among all the delicious food options.)

 

[Momtomouselover]

Does anyone know how TiW would work if the majority of the party is using a dining plan but two of us are using TiW? Will they split up our checks and apply the discount? Thanks for info.

 

[Woth2982]

Also be aware that you can get the TiW discount on refillable mugs at those food courts. That's another hidden benefit (or loophole).

Oh this is good to know! I am going in Dec, again in Feb and possibly once more in Sept (upgrading my ticket in Dec this year when I go). I have already spent $140 on Hoop De Doo, so I know I will spend more than $500 to "break even," but this little tid bit helps up the dollar value spent!

 

[purple figment]

Does anyone know how TiW would work if the majority of the party is using a dining plan but two of us are using TiW? Will they split up our checks and apply the discount? Thanks for info.

There will be 2 bills - one for the items being covered by the dining credits and a second bill for anything being paid out of pocket. The TiW discount can be applied to the OOP items.

 

[HopperFan]

Does anyone know how TiW would work if the majority of the party is using a dining plan but two of us are using TiW? Will they split up our checks and apply the discount? Thanks for info.

And you can even use both for just your party. We sometimes order appetizers and alcoholic drinks with our meal. They bring two checks, one that covers the items on the DDP and one that covers the items discounted with TiW.

 

[Savagekids]

Will TIW on a refillable mug if I purchase it at a resort where the quick service does not take TIW?

If not, can I purchase the refill mug at a resort where I'm not booked? We're staying at POR so we could easily hop over to POFQ for a mug and binets.

 

[AngiTN]

Just to point something out.

$50.00 bill with 20% discount = $40.00 + 18% tip is $47.20
$50.00 bill with 18% tip = $59.00 with 20% discount is $47.20

Only difference is that in scenario 1, waiter/ress gets 7.20 tip, compared to 9.00 tip in scenario 2.

Isn't math exciting?

Only issue with your math is common practice is to tip on non discounted total so in scenario 1 tip should be based off $50, not $40

 

[supersnoop]

Will TIW on a refillable mug if I purchase it at a resort where the quick service does not take TIW?

No. You can only use TiW where it's accepted. If the resort food court doesn't accept the TiW discount, then you obviously won't be able to get the discount.

If not, can I purchase the refill mug at a resort where I'm not booked? We're staying at POR so we could easily hop over to POFQ for a mug and binets.

Yes. The mugs can be used at any resort, so you can purchase it anywhere.