TIW vs DDP 12/28-1/3/17 What should we do/would you do?

[hjvigz72]

We've never done anything other than the MYWP w DDP, this is our first trip as DVC members, so this kind of planning is all new. We will be a group of 11, split 5 & 6 in our travel plans, but eating together a few times while we are traveling. Our group of 5 is as follows: 4@21+years, 1@11. (have to pay adult dining for her-total DDP price for our 5 is $1855) (Other 6 are 4@21+, 2 under 7years old-they are buying the DDP, but we can save them at least at Spirit of Aloha.)

If we purchase TIW(haven't purchased TIW yet), we could cover at least 10 of us when we eat together. We will be drinking, so saving 20% with TIW there is quite nice! In addition, the Spirit of Aloha savings alone would cover the cost of the TIW. I'm totally leaning TIW since it seems like we're paying out of pocket so much anyway, but would love to hear of your experiences/opinions. We realize there are black out dates during our travel plans at least on 12/31 and 1/1. If you think there are others, please advise.

Our ADR's as follows:
Biergarten/Candlelight Processional (11) - 2TS/Plan is to Pay out of pocket($60/pp) (can't use TIW)
Be Our Guest (11- lunch) - QS -can't use TIW here for lunch, valid for dinner only
Beaches N Cream (5) - plan was to pay out of pocket (Save 20%TIW)
Sci Fi Dine In (5) - 1TS or Save 20%TIW
50's PT (5) - 1TS or Save 20%TIW
Spirit of Aloha (11) - we decided to pay out of pocket - $776 or $620 with TIW
Coral Reef (5) - 1TS/12-31-16(can't use TIW)
Tony's Town Sq (5) - 1TS/1-1-17 (can't use TIW)
Sanaa (5) - 1TS or pay out of pocket(Save 20%TIW)
Raglan Rd. (5) - 1TS or pay out of pocket(Save 20%TIW)

THOUGHTS?

 

[Axel]

Overall, we've had better experiences with TIW than the dining plans. Granted, we haven't been on a dining plan since the first overhaul of it way back when. That said, TIW has more freedom, IMO. With the dining plan, we used to feel pressured to over eat in order to get the most out of the meals we had essentially already paid for. With TIW, we get what we like and get a discount on it, simple as that. The discount on alcohol is excellent, too. Plus, since TIW is good for 13 months, you can get multiple trips out of the card depending on how often you go. We do three or four trips a year as DVC members and AP holders, so TIW pays for itself after our first trip and after that is when we really start seeing it as valuable, especially given that we're on a quest to eat everywhere!

 

[Disneylover99]

Definitely TIW.
Most of your ADR's are not a great value when using the DDP anyways.

 

[Barbydoll8]

TIW breaks even at about $750. If you are going to spend more than that, which it looks like you are, TIW is the way to go. Also check the DVC website under Member Perks to see if any of your locations take a DVC discount. (I don't believe so but it's worth a look see) and even if it's not listed, always, always ask about what discounts that place takes. Also if you are a Disney Visa cardholder and/or an AP holder you may be able to get a discount on dining with those. Discounts may apply for all or one of these things but you can not stack them. One discount only.

DP is just too much food for how my family eats. TIW works well as DH drinks so discounts apply even at resort lounges.
I'm tracking TIW this year to see if it will remain worth it or if I will just go DVC/AP/DV discounts next year.

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

We did an experiment about 5 years ago. We went twice - a few months apart for a week each time. One trip was DDP and one trip was TiW only. The difference in the amount spent on food was less than $5. In all fairness, we don't use DDP the same way most people do. We use our TS credits almost exclusively at signatures then eat in the room (DVC has either a microwave and small fridge in a studio or full kitchen, so eating in the room is easy with a little planning and creativity) half the time. QS always felt like over-eating or not getting our money's worth. So the money calculations include groceries either way for us. The fact that alcohol is paid for OOP either way but has a discount with TiW helps. That we can order exactly what we want to eat rather than from DDP allowed choices (typical) allows TiW to fit us better. Since this experiment, we have only used DDP twice - as a "free" QSDP - never DDP. We don't find the usual DDP worth it at all. If you do a lot of buffets and have found DDP to be a value for you before, then TiW may not be the best option for you.
You can combine the two and get TiW discounts on everything OOP, including alcohol and extra appetizers, even when the rest of the meal is DDP...

 

[hjvigz72]

Definitely will hit that $750 mark with Spirit of Aloha alone! I purchased the DDP already, but have plenty of time to cancel. It kills me that an 11 year old is an "adult"! I highly doubt she'll be that adventurous.

As for TIW, looks like I can only buy that once I'm on property, right? We are also Disney Visa card holders so I guess I'll do more digging and spreadsheeting!

 

[NicoleLarson]

Remember TIW at the Luau is good for the late show ONLY. So make sure that's the show you see. I agree DDP COULD be a better value if you were eating at more expensive restaurants but you're not, so this will not save you any money. Don't forget you also get free valet at any resort.

 

[Barbydoll8]

looks like I can only buy that once I'm on property, right?

You can order it online but I recommend buying when you get there at any guest services location. You can not buy it at the hotel.

 

[Dreamin192]

I don't know if this is true for TiW, or if this is even true at all, but we were told on our last trip at several locations that we couldn't use DDP and a discount (AP). We weren't trying to get a discount on food covered by the plan, just the meals we bought for our two year old twins who weren't on the DDP. One waitress even told us before we ordered that she would split the bill so my twins would be on their own and we could use the discount but then acted like I was crazy when I mentioned it and the end of our meal and told me she would get the manager if I continued to make trouble. Insane as I was just confirming what she said at the start of the meal. We said no it was fine, paid and left. We will never go to Yak & Yeti again.

So, be aware if you're dining together with people on DDP and you decide to do TiW instead.

 

[NicoleLarson]

I don't know if this is true for TiW, or if this is even true at all, but we were told on our last trip at several locations that we couldn't use DDP and a discount (AP). We weren't trying to get a discount on food covered by the plan, just the meals we bought for our two year old twins who weren't on the DDP. One waitress even told us before we ordered that she would split the bill so my twins would be on their own and we could use the discount but then acted like I was crazy when I mentioned it and the end of our meal and told me she would get the manager if I continued to make trouble. Insane as I was just confirming what she said at the start of the meal. We said no it was fine, paid and left. We will never go to Yak & Yeti again.

So, be aware if you're dining together with people on DDP and you decide to do TiW instead.

This is not true at all. Y&Y is owned by Landrys which owns RFC. We actually used 3 things in Feb of 2016. DDP, DVC and my DD7 had a free birthday meal. It was no problem, we even split credits with my parents that weren't on the plan. We've used TIW AND DDP several times and never an issue.

 

[hjvigz72]

Remember TIW at the Luau is good for the late show ONLY. So make sure that's the show you see. I agree DDP COULD be a better value if you were eating at more expensive restaurants but you're not, so this will not save you any money. Don't forget you also get free valet at any resort.

We're at the 8:15 show and hoping to also watch fireworks afterward from the "beach" provided it's not blocked off due to the new croc restrictions.

 

[hjvigz72]

We may just do both considering how many we plan to pay for out of pocket anyway. Thanks all!

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

If you are OK paying for the 11 people, or paying and getting reimbursed by your party later, then TIW is the way to go. I like the way you can order what you want and get a discount. Keep in mind that your return may be lower if you are getting reimbursed later, because you have paid the TIW fee, while your party will get the 20% off without paying the fee. If you are just picking up the check for everyone, it will not matter.

TIW is optimal if you have an annual pass and go multiple times a year, but it also works well if you have a large party. Check out your restaurants, because some don't take TIW (like Boathouse, Victoria and Alberts), and the blackout dates will be an issue as you know. (Never mind, I re-read your first post).

I find when I tell the server that we have TIW, they relax and we get great service. They don't have to spend time educating us on the rules of the DDP, and they know they will get a tip.

 

[hjvigz72]

If you are OK paying for the 11 people, or paying and getting reimbursed by your party later, then TIW is the way to go. I like the way you can order what you want and get a discount. Keep in mind that your return may be lower if you are getting reimbursed later, because you have paid the TIW fee, while your party will get the 20% off without paying the fee. If you are just picking up the check for everyone, it will not matter.


TIW is optimal if you have an annual pass and go multiple times a year, but it also works well if you have a large party. Check out your restaurants, because some don't take TIW (like Boathouse, Victoria and Alberts), and the blackout dates will be an issue as you know. (Never mind, I re-read your first post).

I find when I tell the server that we have TIW, they relax and we get great service. They don't have to spend time educating us on the rules of the DDP, and they know they will get a tip.

Not too worried about the others in our party not having paid - I feel like we're getting our money's worth with the other restaurants as well. PLUS - as DVC members, I know we'll be back within the year and can take advantage of it again too. We may use the TIW and DDP together this trip. It may not totally benefit just us this trip, but I know it will pay for itself and that's comforting.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I don't know if this is true for TiW, or if this is even true at all, but we were told on our last trip at several locations that we couldn't use DDP and a discount (AP). We weren't trying to get a discount on food covered by the plan, just the meals we bought for our two year old twins who weren't on the DDP. One waitress even told us before we ordered that she would split the bill so my twins would be on their own and we could use the discount but then acted like I was crazy when I mentioned it and the end of our meal and told me she would get the manager if I continued to make trouble. Insane as I was just confirming what she said at the start of the meal. We said no it was fine, paid and left. We will never go to Yak & Yeti again.

So, be aware if you're dining together with people on DDP and you decide to do TiW instead.

you are nicer than I am... as soon as she made that comment about making trouble I would have started making trouble. Starting by asking her to send over the manager and then by asking him to remove the automatic tip from her bill and suggesting he find someone with people skills for her job LOL!

 

[purple figment]

As for TIW, looks like I can only buy that once I'm on property, right? We are also Disney Visa card holders so I guess I'll do more digging and spreadsheeting!

You can purchase the TiW over the phone, but it becomes active as soon as they process your order so most wait until they arrive at DW to get the full 13 months (approx) that it will be valid (i.e. purchase it on July 18, 2016 it will be valid until Aug 31, 2017.)

 

[Dreamin192]

This is not true at all. Y&Y is owned by Landrys which owns RFC. We actually used 3 things in Feb of 2016. DDP, DVC and my DD7 had a free birthday meal. It was no problem, we even split credits with my parents that weren't on the plan. We've used TIW AND DDP several times and never an issue.

you are nicer than I am... as soon as she made that comment about making trouble I would have started making trouble. Starting by asking her to send over the manager and then by asking him to remove the automatic tip from her bill and suggesting he find someone with people skills for her job LOL!

Good to know, thanks for the information! This was our first trip as AP holders and we figured we might as well get a discount on the full price we were paying for our twins food. After the waitress was so rude and misleading about it we didn't bother to ask anywhere else because we didn't want to cause an issue. She made it seem like we were trying to cheat them out of money or something. We'll chalk it up to poor customer service. We saw her maybe a total of three times the entire time we were there, not exactly a great experience. We did enjoy the food though so maybe we'll give it another try next trip.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Don't forget about black out dates for TIW, too. It won't be good NYE or NYDay. The discount will only cover 10 people. So one will be OOP. The card holder must be the one to pay for all ten meals.

 

[DekrRini]

I just want to clarify things. I'm going Nov 29-Dec 9 this year. If I purchase the TiW on the 29th, will it be good until the end of Dec 2017 or should I wait until Dec 1st to purchase it? I'm also going in May 2017 so the two days this trip won't matter so much as to whether it will be cost effective or not.

 

[supersnoop]

I just want to clarify things. I'm going Nov 29-Dec 9 this year. If I purchase the TiW on the 29th, will it be good until the end of Dec 2017 or should I wait until Dec 1st to purchase it? I'm also going in May 2017 so the two days this trip won't matter so much as to whether it will be cost effective or not.

Yes, purchasing on the 29th will give you and expiration of Dec 31st. Waiting until the 1st to purchase it will give you and expiration date of Jan 31st.