How does the Tables in Wonderland card work? We are considering annual passes, but are really debating because of the dining plan. If we get a TiW card, how exactly does that work? How many do we need to buy - does each person need a separate card? We go as a family of 9 (me, DH, 6 kids, and my sister). Does it really save any money after paying to buy it? As a large group, we are automatically charged 18% for tip. Is the 18% before or after the discount? (Not trying to get out of paying the tip - just curious on how it works. We usually tip on the non-discounted amount anyway.)
One card can be applied for up to 10 guests on the same check being paid by the cardholder. http://tablesinwonderland.com/ IIRC, the gratuity is calculated based on the pre-discounted, pre-tax amount but don't hold me to it. Break even point will be ~$375 for AP holders (cost $75) & ~$500 for FL Residents (cost $100). As a party of 9 I would think you could break even after one dinner.
One card works for the cardholder and up to 9 other people (total of 10) so you would only need one card. Note that the cardholder must be present when using the card and they may ask for ID. The tip is on the non-discounted amount but the tax is on the discounted amount. For example without TiW: $200 food and drinks $36 tip (based on 18%) $13 tax (based on 6.5%) $249 total Same Meal with TiW: $160 food and drinks (20% off the $200 above) $36 tip (based on 18% of non-discounted amount of $200) $10.40 tax (based on 6.5% of $160) $206.40 total You saved $42.60 by using TiW.
Like the other posters said, it applies up to 9 people present with you and includes discounts on alcohol as dining plan does not. If you are not a 3 meal a day plus snack family, I don't see why TIW wouldn't work well for you. I prefer TS to CS in the world and frankly, find that most TS isn't really that much more than CS and I get 20% off for most TS places. My tip is included and I save, save, save. W/ only me and DH, I break even at 3 TS meals and we usually do more than that.
Also, TiW applies to wine and adult beverages when ordered in restaurants. That portion of the bill can add up quickly, and is always an extra added charge when on the DP.
TIW is accepted at ten, and only ten, CS restaurants. If you prefer CS to TS it will not help you much. It is blacked out on 8 days per year (that day only, not surrounding days), usually major holidays.
Who can get a TIW card is it available to everyone. Does it save money? We are from IL and making our first Disney trip Dh, me and 2 girls. Not sure if I should get it or am even qualified for it.
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 Menu 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 - Original Menu Amount *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. For the complete list of locations and the rules, go to www.tablesinwonderland.com which is the Official Disney site.
