TIW card and service?

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

We are strongly considering purchasing the TIW card since we are getting APs.

For those of you that have used the TIW card, did you feel your level of service from wait staff was no different than when you paid OOP or used the DDP?

Thanks for the responses,

 

[diesel]

I don't tell the waiter about the TIW card until he's giving us the bill. No need to tell them before hand.

 

[TDC Nala]

I have seen no difference whatsoever. I know you don't have to present the TIW card until you pay the bill, but that includes times when they've been told ahead of time that I have one.

Please be careful as this appears to open the door for a tipping discussion...tipping discussions are closed and referred to the Tipping Information Thread.

 

[Pakey]

We've always told them when we were ordering and I've never noticed a difference in service.

 

[Sleeping Becca]

I thought you had to inform them before ordering, I've always had good service.

 

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

I have seen no difference whatsoever. I know you don't have to present the TIW card until you pay the bill, but that includes times when they've been told ahead of time that I have one.

Please be careful as this appears to open the door for a tipping discussion...tipping discussions are closed and referred to the Tipping Information Thread.

Thank you for your response. I am glad to hear you and other posters haven't noticed any differences. I did scan the tipping thread for info about this but couldn't find if it had been discussed.

I think we will definitely puchase the TIW card since it should save us some cash.

 

[TDC Nala]

You are not required to inform your server that you have TIW before you order. Many do it because they feel it is more convenient for the server to have them know. TIW is not like the dining plan, where you have a specific way you need to order.

 

[drenalin'junkie]

We normally tell the server several things....we are TIW,we eat DW a lot,we are foodies.We seem to get better service and a more engaged server that way.

 

[Silver Queen]

We've always told our server before we dine and we've always had excellent service.

 

[mom2of2]

you'll be asked at check in if you are using a Disney Table Service Dining Plan. For those that don't have the DDP they usually say they have TIW or whatever other discount they have. There is an 18% grat automatically added to a TIW check. Just letting you know in advance.
and no, you won't be treated any differently then someone who is paying cash

 

[pumba]

we have had no issues with or without saying upfront that we have the TIW......we love this card and love using it.....have fun

 

[cbg1027]

I haven't noticed any difference in the level of service. When I first got my card, I used to tell the server I had when they asked if I would be using a DDP. But I realized there was no reason to tell them beforehand, so I just enclose the card with the payment when I get the bill now.

I don't think it matters either way.

 

[shoes99]

You are not required to inform your server that you have TIW before you order. Many do it because they feel it is more convenient for the server to have them know. TIW is not like the dining plan, where you have a specific way you need to order.

On our last trip, we used TIW, and at every single TS restaurant we were told that the TIW is indeed a type of "dining plan", and should always be mentioned when ordering. I never experienced any lack of service by saying I have TIW...

 

[FoodLover]

We never tell them in advance. When the bill comes, we just put the TiW card in the folder with our credit card (or room key, if we're charging it to the room). We've never been told this was in any way incorrect, or had any problems with the server.

Mary

 

[Sleeping Becca]

Even if I don't have to, I will continue to tell them I have TIW before ordering. To me it makes it easier for the server. Also it will prob save time, since use of the TIW requires a supervisor to sign off on the transaction. Telling the server in advance allows them to have all of their ducks in a row so to speak. At least that is my theory.

As I stated before, I have not noticed a difference in level of service when using the card.

 

[pixarmom]

We previously used the dining plan, but with two pre-teen "Disney adults," we switched to TIW last March. As others have mentioned, our servers always ask if we are on "a dining plan" at the beginning of each meal. Initially, I thought they meant THE dining plan, and said "no." But then, I realized that when the check arrives, the CM would always have to run back and recalculate with TIW. So I started mentioning TIW when they asked about dining plan. I have not seen any difference in service as a result.

In any event, we LOVE TIW! It's one of the main reasons I'll try to schedule our trips back-to-back in a 12 month period - so that we can get that card!

 

[BriarRosie]

I've never encountered a problem with service because I was using a TiW card. I think bad service isn't relevant. A bad server is just a bad server.

 

[TDC Nala]

you'll be asked at check in if you are using a Disney Table Service Dining Plan. For those that don't have the DDP they usually say they have TIW or whatever other discount they have. There is an 18% grat automatically added to a TIW check. Just letting you know in advance.
and no, you won't be treated any differently then someone who is paying cash

TIW is not a dining plan. When they ask you if you are on a dining plan, they mean the Disney Dining Plan, not TIW or any other discount, because the servers are required to explain to you what you're entitled to on the dining plan. I do not present the TIW card or mention I have one until I pay the bill. Never been a problem. I understand some people believe it makes it easier for the server to present it before ordering but I have never seen that it makes a difference. No matter when you present it, they still have to get a manager to validate the discount.

 

[Kay1]

I wait until they ask if we'd like coffee or dessert. Then I hand them both the payment card and TIW card so they can do everything in one trip.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Tho there is no need to tell them up front (the TIW is calculated after the meal and needs a managers approval) we usually do as a matter of courtesty so the server will know they have to run down the manager after the meal. We've found in the past that this can take some time!!!