TIW vs DDP...for DVC

[anbouk]

This will be our first trip w/o the DDP since my three kids are now considered adults for the plan. I hope I am making the right decsion with purchasing the TIW card...my two still order kids meals (chicken nuggets, pizza) vs ordering an adult meal. Why does disney start the adult plan at age 10...I feel that is way too soon. How does everyone feel about this...am I making the right decision? I appreciate your thoughts. I also kinda like the way the DDP worked that it is pre-paid, etc, but we never had room for the deserts we would take them back to the room fridge and half the time they were disposed.

 

[WsPrincess]

We are moving away from the DDP this time and to TIW card. I think that regardless of what age Disney sets people are going to wish it was different. I do wish they had like a mid level but I understand why they do not.

One thing I read was to put what you would have paid for the DDP on a Disney Gift Card and that way it is prepaid but you can order how you want and whatever is left over can be used for something fun at the end.

 

[disneynutz]

Disney offers the DDP to make money, not to give you a deal.
If they didn't make money with it it would be gone.

Disney offers the TIW program to make money.
If they didn't make money with it it would be gone.

Each family needs to see if either program is beneficial to them, their preferences, eating habits etc.

For our family neither one saves us any money and they change our preferred eating habits.

Bill

 

[CarolMN]

Assuming you tip at least 18% for TS meals and pay $100 for the TiW card (DVC member price), you need to spend $500 at participating restaurants to "break even". If you have an AP and buy the TiW as a passholder (costs $75), your break even point would be $375.

I would think that even if the 2 kids order off the children's menu, a family of 4 would not have to eat many TS meals before reaching the break even point.


After break even, you save 20% - which is approximately the tip.

Other advantages of the TiW card -

Eat what you want / what is good for you.

No pressure to order the most expensive items to get your money's worth.

No need to eat dessert at every meal just because it's included.

TiW discount applies to adult beverages and kids' specialty beverages.

No pressure to use up credits.

IMO, you made a good decision. IF you've already purchased, stop second guessing yourself, LOL.

 

[cluvsdisney]

^^^^ITA with CarolMN

We stopped using the DP a few years ago because we hated feeling locked into ADRs and hated the idea of handing money over to Disney for unused meals & snacks even more. With the TIW we are getting a discount on food we would eat anyway - appetizers, salads, drinks, etc. The two of us reached the break even point on one long weekend trip.

 

[Sandisw]

And TIW is good for around 13 months, so even if you go only once a year, it can save you over two trips.

Remember, its also good on drinks and there are CS locations at AK that accept the card....

I've gone through this with my own situation and once you get to the point where you are paying adult prices for everyone, TIW works out if you are doing TS meals anyway...and, I too, like the fact that I can order whatever I want.

Good luck!

 

[Disney52303]

Assuming you tip at least 18% for TS meals and pay $100 for the TiW card (DVC member price), you need to spend $500 at participating restaurants to "break even". If you have an AP and buy the TiW as a passholder (costs $75), your break even point would be $375.

I would think that even if the 2 kids order off the children's menu, a family of 4 would not have to eat many TS meals before reaching the break even point.


After break even, you save 20% - which is approximately the tip.

Other advantages of the TiW card -

Eat what you want / what is good for you.

No pressure to order the most expensive items to get your money's worth.

No need to eat dessert at every meal just because it's included.

TiW discount applies to adult beverages and kids' specialty beverages.

No pressure to use up credits.

IMO, you made a good decision. IF you've already purchased, stop second guessing yourself, LOL.

Thank you for this! We are planning on AP's (for trips in 12/12, 5/13 and 11/13) and are thinking the TiW card will also be worth it for the $75.

 

[alyssa810]

Assuming you tip at least 18% for TS meals and pay $100 for the TiW card (DVC member price), you need to spend $500 at participating restaurants to "break even". If you have an AP and buy the TiW as a passholder (costs $75), your break even point would be $375.

I would think that even if the 2 kids order off the children's menu, a family of 4 would not have to eat many TS meals before reaching the break even point.


After break even, you save 20% - which is approximately the tip.

Other advantages of the TiW card -

Eat what you want / what is good for you.

No pressure to order the most expensive items to get your money's worth.

No need to eat dessert at every meal just because it's included.

TiW discount applies to adult beverages and kids' specialty beverages.

No pressure to use up credits.

IMO, you made a good decision. IF you've already purchased, stop second guessing yourself, LOL.

These are the reasons why we continue to get TIW and our APs rather than looking into the dining plan, and TIW is more than just one trip...plus we only need 1 TIW card, rather than for our family, 3 dining plans.

 

[JohnnyB2]

Hi We have been taking 2 trips to the world with in a 12 month time frame. So we beleive the AP & TIW fits us perfectly.

 

[ddhoeg]

I also like that TIW can be used at some counter service locations. If you are staying at SSR you can conveniently use it at Artist's Palette. I also used my TIW card at food courts at POFQ and Art of Animation a couple of weeks ago.

 

[moobar25]

We're also planning on TIW & APs (as long as we close on our dvc before our next trip). DH doesn't want to eat just because he has to due to DP. Best of all TIW discount applies to adult beverages and it is good for up to 10 people with only 1 card. I also read its good for 13 months.

I liked the old DP when it included the appetizer and tip instead of just desert. Now it really isn't saving us any money- unless you go to the most expensive places or buffets and stuff yourself fool of food.

Our last trip we did DxP, I'm still eating for 2 We went to many signature restaurants and ordered the pricey items. It was nice for a change. We still had pts left so we took our nephews to character breakfast and MIL to Le Cellier. We got lucky and the waiters let us use more pts per meal- they're not supposed to do that. But this was the last time on DP.

 

[peacelover]

This past May, I went with just my son and myself, and we just used the DVC discount and it worked out fine. We stayed at SSR and the Dolphin. got discounts at fultons, kouzzina, rfc, kimonos,picabus. Had a few counter services from POR. Some oop snacks at epcot, such as sushi and the french bakery, It was our cheapest trip yet as far as food costs. 5 days and I don;t think we spent more than $400. No dining plan and no TIW. We just got milk, bottled water,cereal, cookies,fruit, and soda for the room.

 

[moobar25]

This past May, I went with just my son and myself, and we just used the DVC discount and it worked out fine. We stayed at SSR and the Dolphin. got discounts at fultons, kouzzina, rfc, kimonos,picabus. Had a few counter services from POR. Some oop snacks at epcot, such as sushi and the french bakery, It was our cheapest trip yet as far as food costs. 5 days and I don;t think we spent more than $400. No dining plan and no TIW. We just got milk, bottled water,cereal, cookies,fruit, and soda for the room.

About to be a dvc member ... What dvc discount are you talking about? Is it better than TIW? I had no idea about any such thing. Please give me the details.

 

[anbouk]

Thanks all for your responses! Yes we will buy the AP's this trip so we will get our TIW card discounted ($75). We compared pricing for 10 day PH to AP and the difference is abt $50 bucks each ticket plus with the AP we will get another trip out of it. I now feel more confident in purchasing the TIW card..just got to get a listing of all the places which accept it. We have a split stay with AK,Poly,BCV...hopefully all the CS within these hotels accept it.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

About to be a dvc member ... What dvc discount are you talking about? Is it better than TIW? I had no idea about any such thing. Please give me the details.

There are discounts at some restaurants for being a DVC member. They are mostly for specific meals (lunch only) or restricted to certain items (e.g., discount at T-REX and Rainforest Cafe are on entrees only, not the whole check). The DVC discount is available at many of the same restaurants that have an annual pass discount.

Check out this comparison of DVC, AP, and TIW discounts.

 

[RobDoc]

I also like that TIW can be used at some counter service locations. If you are staying at SSR you can conveniently use it at Artist's Palette. I also used my TIW card at food courts at POFQ and Art of Animation a couple of weeks ago.

The Flame Tree BBQ at AK also accepts the TIW - plus the counter service TIW options do not add gratuity, so the 20% just comes off the total bill.

 

[BCV23]

Thanks all for your responses! Yes we will buy the AP's this trip so we will get our TIW card discounted ($75). We compared pricing for 10 day PH to AP and the difference is abt $50 bucks each ticket plus with the AP we will get another trip out of it. I now feel more confident in purchasing the TIW card..just got to get a listing of all the places which accept it. We have a split stay with AK,Poly,BCV...hopefully all the CS within these hotels accept it.

Unfortunately, those CS restaurants don't honor the TiW. In general, it is intended for TS locations. The exceptions tend to be where there are no TS options as at the value resorts and POFQ.

Here's a list of participating restaurants:
http://tablesinwonderland.com/

 

[ddhoeg]

It can be a headache trying to remember which restaurants give a DVC, AP, or TIW discount! I have an app for my iPhone called Disney World Dining by VersaEdge Software that gives quick access to restaurants and menus by park and resort and lists which discounts are available. (It doesn't list the amount of the discount however so always ask.) It has really helped me quickly reference who takes what before we choose where to go. It used to be free I think, but now is $1.99.

 

[Ms. WDW]

Assuming you tip at least 18% for TS meals and pay $100 for the TiW card (DVC member price), you need to spend $500 at participating restaurants to "break even". If you have an AP and buy the TiW as a passholder (costs $75), your break even point would be $375.

I would think that even if the 2 kids order off the children's menu, a family of 4 would not have to eat many TS meals before reaching the break even point.

After break even, you save 20% - which is approximately the tip.

Other advantages of the TiW card -

Eat what you want / what is good for you.

No pressure to order the most expensive items to get your money's worth.

No need to eat dessert at every meal just because it's included.

TiW discount applies to adult beverages and kids' specialty beverages.

No pressure to use up credits.

IMO, you made a good decision. IF you've already purchased, stop second guessing yourself, LOL.

You just convinced me! I purchased the ddp this past trip only because my brother and family wanted it and we were all on the same ressie. But I'm not one for dessert right after the meal but actually felt like I had to eat it since we paid for it! Haha...Then I wondered why I came back 7 pounds heavier! TIW will suit our eating habits so much better. I'll purchase it for the October trip.

 

[staceymay00]

This will be our first trip w/o the DDP since my three kids are now considered adults for the plan. I hope I am making the right decsion with purchasing the TIW card...my two still order kids meals (chicken nuggets, pizza) vs ordering an adult meal. Why does disney start the adult plan at age 10...I feel that is way too soon. How does everyone feel about this...am I making the right decision? I appreciate your thoughts. I also kinda like the way the DDP worked that it is pre-paid, etc, but we never had room for the deserts we would take them back to the room fridge and half the time they were disposed.

We have always used the TiW card instead of getting the DDP, even when all three of our kids were under 10. Before our trips I always figured out the cost of what we'd likely spend on our food paying OOP compared to the DDP, and our trips back then always included some of the more expensive meals like the character buffets. Our OOP costs were never more than DDP and we really like the flexibilty of the TiW card. Now with two of three kids over age ten, the TiW card makes even more sense. You will definitely be better off with TiW if you have kids 10 and over who want to order off the kids' menu.

I don't think switching to adult pricing and menu options at age ten is too soon, at least not for some kids. My oldest son is not picky and has a big appetite - he started regularly ordering off the adult menu around age ten. My ten year old daughter is also not picky, but her appetite is not as large. Sometimes she orders from the kids menu, sometimes she orders from the adult menu but usually can't finish the entire meal. Ten is probably on the younger side of the appropriate age range to move away from kids' pricing and menus, and of course WDW profits more with the younger cutoff. I can definitely see how the DDP besomes unappealing for some families with kids at or near age 10.