TiW break-even point = $375

[rvashko]

Trying to figure out if TiW is worth the investment for our family. Since we always stay on property, the parking perks don't carry any value for us. Also, since we generally tip in excess of 20% anyway, the mandatory 18% gratuity isn't really an added expense

The easy math states that @ $75, with a discount of 20% on meals, the break-even point is $375. Is the easy math correct? Or am I missing something?

 

[vicki_c]

No, that's what it is for the AP holder price (FL residents pay $100, not $75 so theirs is higher).

 

[rvashko]

Yes, we'd be AP holders. Sorry I didn't make that clear.

 

[jwfla422]

You are correct with the amount to break even. The time or amount of meals it takes to get you there won't take too much. If you have kids older than 9 and do some buffets it will add up very quickly! As a party of 3 (myself, my dh and dd who is considered adult at the buffet but still orders many kids items from the kids menu), it can take us about 3 days worth of meals with a buffet for 2 of those to get to the "break even" cost.

Well worth it in my book. Even if it says me $$ on one meal, it's worth it. We don't do the DDP so TIW is a nice perk. We've been members off and on since it started in the early 90s (it was only $25 then!! could you believe it!)

 

[BriarRosie]

I've come to the same math as you at the $75 cost for AP holders. I've been posting the break even point at $375.

 

[rvashko]

Thanks, all. Thing is, we usually stay in a DVC unit and get groceries from Garden Grocer. With three little kids to manage, we retreat back to the resort in the evening and let them lounge around, watching Stacey and Casey (don't know why the kids love them so, but they do), while we prepare dinner. Beats wrasslin' them in a restaurant when they're tired and starting to hit the wall, and stressing everyone out.

I guess my conclusion is that since we generally only eat dinner once (maybe twice) during a week-long stay, and we're not big eaters in the middle of the day for lunch, I don't see us spending $375 on meals to make TiW worthwhile.

Which is too bad. That 20% off is mighty appealing.

 

[BriarRosie]

If you had one table service meal per day, the Tables in Wonderland card would have been worth it.

 

[rvashko]

Agreed. But that won't be happening in the near future.

Oh, well. Maybe when the kids are older....

 

[cbg1027]

Which is too bad. That 20% off is mighty appealing.

And that's exactly what Disney is hoping you will say over and over and over...

 

[BoomNLeon]

We have gotten the TiW card for the last several years and it is absolutely worth it. It is not only a savings on dining, it is also savings at the lounges and bars areound the World. Our trips to WDW are a chance for us to not have to cook so we always eat out and have cocktails or wine in the lounges.

We have saved countless dollars with TiW.

 

[mrzrich]

Is valet parking still free with TIW? That perk alone paid for my card 2 years ago.

 

[marivaid]

When we had the old "Dining Experience" card which we paid $65, it was absolutely worth it. It saved us over $30 on our Cali Grill meal alone. My mom likes to order wine with dinner, and those $8 glasses add up fast.

 

[MickeyNicki]

Is valet parking still free with TIW? That perk alone paid for my card 2 years ago.

Yes it is...this is really helpful to us when we eat at the resorts and just want to drive ourselves over. You have to show them the dining receipt and your TWI card when you pick up your car

 

[rvashko]

And that's exactly what Disney is hoping you will say over and over and over...

I know, but I won't take the bait. At this point, it's a net negative for me.

 

[clc053103]

Thanks, all. Thing is, we usually stay in a DVC unit and get groceries from Garden Grocer. With three little kids to manage, we retreat back to the resort in the evening and let them lounge around, watching Stacey and Casey (don't know why the kids love them so, but they do), while we prepare dinner. Beats wrasslin' them in a restaurant when they're tired and starting to hit the wall, and stressing everyone out.

I guess my conclusion is that since we generally only eat dinner once (maybe twice) during a week-long stay, and we're not big eaters in the middle of the day for lunch, I don't see us spending $375 on meals to make TiW worthwhile.

Which is too bad. That 20% off is mighty appealing.

Hysterical, my 5 year old loves Stacey, we've even watched the Top 5 Must Do's on YouTube!!!!

We have TIW and we reached break even very quickly. but we are a party of 6/7 that eats at least 2 meals a day at TS.

 

[TDC Nala]

It's really not difficult to spend $375 on food and beverages in a year at WDW...some parties spend that in one trip. Dinner for two at V&A with wine pairings would pretty much pay for the membership.

But if you know you're not going to spend enough to pay for the membership, it would not be worthwhile to get one.

 

[MedicGoofy]

Can someone explain TiW for me? I guess reading it on the Disney site and now on here, I am somewhat confused. What do you mean by the 'break even' price? Why would it not just be a bargain getting it? Does each person in your party have to get it, or for just one person paying in your party? Example, my mom and I go, we put both meals on a receipt, can we not use my card?

If it's 20% off food....where is this break even at $375. If you spent $200 on food, would 20% off that still not be a good discount? I am confused somewhat. Maybe because I have never used it

if someone can explain all this, it would be great!!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

No. $375 is not correct. It is $352.11. This is because the tax is also discounted.

Here is a working example, using $100.00 as the original bill to make the math show up easily. Note this is for Table Service. At Counter Service there is no gratuity added.

100.00 - Original Amount
*20.00 - Discount
*80.00 - Subtotal
*18.00 - Gratuity Added based on $100
**5.20 - Sales Tax on $80
103.20 - Final amount charged, takes into consideration discount, gratuity and tax.

Without TiW Discount (and still figuring 18% Gratuity)

100.00 - Amount of Bill
*18.00 - Gratuity
**6.50 - Sales Tax on $100
124.50 - Total

$21.30 - Savings using TiW Card.

(Note - At Victoria and Albert's the added gratuity is 20% instead of 18%.)
* Ignore the asterisks; they are there only so the columns/numbers line up properly.

 

[marivaid]

If it's 20% off food....where is this break even at $375. If you spent $200 on food, would 20% off that still not be a good discount? I am confused somewhat. Maybe because I have never used it

The card costs $75. So while getting 20% off $200 sounds good, it's still only a $40 saving when you paid $75 to get the card.

 

[ccgirl]

Trying to figure out if TiW is worth the investment for our family. Since we always stay on property, the parking perks don't carry any value for us. Also, since we generally tip in excess of 20% anyway, the mandatory 18% gratuity isn't really an added expense

The easy math states that @ $75, with a discount of 20% on meals, the break-even point is $375. Is the easy math correct? Or am I missing something?

The math is correct. The TiW is also good for a year so if you go back again the card can still be used. It is also good for the holder and up to 8 guests (I believe that is the number but may be wrong) so it you go with a larger group the card applies. Alcoholic beverages are also included in the discount. We plan on going to Victoria & Albert's in October so we will use it then and come mighty close to paying for the card with the discount of that one meal alone.