Tables in Wonderland questions

[got15]

Admin- please move if this is not the correct location..

I am a current AP holder (whose AP expires on Xmas). We do not plan on doing the dining plan on our next 2 trips and wondering if TIW is a good idea. I read a little bit about it online- but have a few questions. 1. Is it worth it? 2. Do I need to buy the spouse card as well? 3. Its good for 1 year- would i be able to use it next year even if I don't have AP? Thanks in advance!

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Is it worth it? If you do a lot of TS yes.

Do you need to buy your spouse a card? No as long as you to are together. The only place that asked for ID was Via Napoli

I'm have no idea about using if your AP expires.

Don't forget to use it in lounges.

 

[bumbershoot]

Worth it if you'll be spending the right amount on food/drinks in the included restaurants.

Spouse card is if you're regularly paying for groups over 10 or if spouse goes solo enough. I've been asked to ID literally everywhere ive used it.

It lasts 13 months from purchase. Even if your ap expires.

 

[supersnoop]

It's valid through the end of the thirteenth month. If you purchase early in the month, you get almost 14 months out of it. You need to spend about $900 to break even. You need a spouse card if your spouse will be using the card without you, or if you'll be dining with more than 10 people.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

The break even is $750 for an AP (i.e. 20% = $150). My parents are FL resident and AP...decided to buy into TiW last summer. We were there for 5 days with them and the card had paid for itself by day 3 of our trip. We were a party of 6, so that helped as well.

 

[cluvsdisney]

For us, it's worth it. We do more table service meals, usually have alcohol with our meals plus a night cap at our resort lounge. It's good at a lot of lounges and restaurants at the Swan & Dolphin. Plus, if you drive to a resort where you use the TIW card, there's not charge to valet park (just the tip).

This website lists all the places which accept the TIW cards plus blackout dates:
http://tablesinwonderland.com/

 

[AngiTN]

If you and your spouse both drink alcohol I think it pays for itself really fast. It's a no brainer for DH and I, we both drink alcohol with all meals at Disney because we aren't driving and it's vacation so it's 2, 3 drinks, each, 2 meals a day. At least.
If you don't, it doesn't so much since the AP will pretty much give you the same discount.
Though in your case this is a little different since your AP expires before your TiW would.
I think because of that alone the TiW would benefit you. If you drink on top of that you really come out ahead.

 

[supersnoop]

The break even is $750 for an AP (i.e. 20% = $150). My parents are FL resident and AP...decided to buy into TiW last summer. We were there for 5 days with them and the card had paid for itself by day 3 of our trip. We were a party of 6, so that helped as well.

A $750 break-even assumes you would not otherwise qualify for discounts. But, with an AP, you'd normally be eligible for a 10% discount at a few places that overlap with the TiW discount. Prior to October, you'd be eligible for a 20% discount at lots of the same places. So I believe you need to account for that in the break-even, which will vary for each individual, but is likely closer to $900.

 

[disneyvoice]

If you purchase a TiW card while you are at WDW can you start using it right away or is it better to call and purchase in advance?

 

[AngiTN]

If you purchase a TiW card while you are at WDW can you start using it right away or is it better to call and purchase in advance?

It's best to purchase there. Unlike the AP, the clock starts ticking on the TiW the moment you buy it

 

[disneyvoice]

Thanks @AngiTN!!!

 

[AngiTN]

Oh, and I'll save you wondering, you have to buy TiW at Guest Services, they don't sell them at Ticket Windows.

 

[Dean Marino]

Is it worth it? If you do a lot of TS yes.

Do you need to buy your spouse a card? No as long as you to are together. The only place that asked for ID was Via Napoli

I'm have no idea about using if your AP expires.

Don't forget to use it in lounges.

I do. You will need an ACTIVE AP to purchase TIW (no Green cards). But as long as you have an ACTIVE AP at the TIME OF PURCHASE? You are Golden, for 1 year. Other qualifying situations: You are a DVC Member, or FL resident. ALL of these are "time of purchase" qualifications.... your AP can expire, you STILL get 1 year.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

A $750 break-even assumes you would not otherwise qualify for discounts. But, with an AP, you'd normally be eligible for a 10% discount at a few places that overlap with the TiW discount. Prior to October, you'd be eligible for a 20% discount at lots of the same places. So I believe you need to account for that in the break-even, which will vary for each individual, but is likely closer to $900.

The only way you can calculate break even is by looking at how much you'd have to spend at participating locations to make back the $150 you paid. So, you'd have to spend $750 at participating restaurants to save $150. Any places that don't take TiW where you'd get a 10% AP discount are irrelevant. It will impact your budget, but it has no bearing on your break even for TiW since you're chosing to dine someplace that's not covered.

 

[bashuck]

There are also 8 holidays where it is blocked out. Four of those are grouped very close together in Christmas Eve/Day, New Years Eve/Day. If you are otherwise any where near the break even point factor those in if that is when you travel.

 

[supersnoop]

The only way you can calculate break even is by looking at how much you'd have to spend at participating locations to make back the $150 you paid. So, you'd have to spend $750 at participating restaurants to save $150. Any places that don't take TiW where you'd get a 10% AP discount are irrelevant. It will impact your budget, but it has no bearing on your break even for TiW since you're chosing to dine someplace that's not covered.

I think you misunderstood my statement. I'm not talking about a place that offers an AP discount but doesn't take the TiW. I'm talking about a place that accepts both discounts. Where they overlap.

If your bill is $100 at a place that offers a 10% AP discount and also accepts the TiW, then the AP would save you $10 and the TiW would save you $20. You can't put the whole $20 towards your break-even, because you really only saved $10 more than you would have without the TiW.