TIW with AP

[crabbie1]

Hi all we will be purchasing annual passes through the disney vacation club but wondered if it was still worth getting the TIW card?
Thanks

 

[erionm]

The TiW Card will get you a 20% discount at nearly all Table Service Restaurants and the discount applies on alcohol. You would need to spend nearly $500 in pre-discounted dining to break even with the TiW card over the roughly 13 months the card would be valid for. Website

The AP Dining Discount is typically only 10% (excludes alcohol) and sometimes has restrictions such as weekdays only and/or lunch hours only.

 

[Kidanifan08]

We still think it is worth it and we plan on buying a new one next week when we are there. We currently have a total of 25 nights of WDW stays planned over the next year, and will definitely be able to save with the TIW card. We generally plan a TS meal almost every day of our trip. I also like to use it at the lounges.

Sadly, V&A is no longer participating, and we never got to use it there. There are some blackout dates so you will want to review those before buying the card. Check out the TIW website for those dates.

 

[sleepydog25]

The TiW Card will get you a 20% discount at nearly all Table Service Restaurants and the discount applies on alcohol. You would need to spend nearly $500 in pre-discounted dining to break even with the TiW card over the roughly 13 months the card would be valid for. Website

The AP Dining Discount is typically only 10% (excludes alcohol) and sometimes has restrictions such as weekdays only and/or lunch hours only.

Agree. If you purchase $500 of food/drink, you will essentially break even. After that, you will save but at a minimal rate since the gratuity is automatically added at 18%, meaning you save only 2% with each purchase. That hold true for solely alcohol purchases. So, if you buy a couple of beers for, say, $14, then you'll be tipping the bartender nearly $2.50. While we have saved with the TIW card in the past, it doesn't always work for us, and it takes away any say we have in tipping our servers should service be poor.

 

[erionm]

After that, you will save but at a minimal rate since the gratuity is automatically added at 18%, meaning you save only 2% with each purchase.

Do you normally tip when you dine at a table service restaurant? If you do, your savings (even with the automatic gratuity) is still going to be around 20%.

For someone that NEVER tips, their savings would be 2%.

 

[supersnoop]

Agree. If you purchase $500 of food/drink, you will essentially break even. After that, you will save but at a minimal rate since the gratuity is automatically added at 18%, meaning you save only 2% with each purchase. That hold true for solely alcohol purchases. So, if you buy a couple of beers for, say, $14, then you'll be tipping the bartender nearly $2.50. While we have saved with the TIW card in the past, it doesn't always work for us, and it takes away any say we have in tipping our servers should service be poor.

That's some interesting logic. By that measure, you'd have to spend $5,000 to break even. Since we often travel with more than 6 people, the 18% is automatic anyway. But $1/drink and 15%-20% is pretty typical anyway. So your "only 2%" savings is just blatantly wrong.

 

[sleepydog25]

Mea culpa. Typing on a mobile device with lots of distractions and I misspoke. TIW does work, but it's the $500 break point that catches us since we often don't eat that much and can use our DVC discount. We do tip 20% unless rendered poor service, though I don't typically tip 20% for a quick bar order unless food is involved. Everyone happy, now?

 

[crabbie1]

Thanks guys. I will buy the TIW card as well. We are planning one sit down everyday 2 days will have a breakfast and dinner due to boyfriends and his daughters birthday. Its her first ever trip to the world and her first trip ever leaving the UK on a plane. So excited as she is a proper girly girl where my DD was always a tomboy until one direction started . Where to book to eat will be the next question for her 8th birthday. It will be a surprise right up till we get on the plane. Anyway , yes we always tip at least 18% usually 20% as I find the service very good in the US. Only ever had one waitress annoy me as I think us britts have a reputation for not tipping and she obviously thought I was one of them. She gave us the bill then circled the tip saying "that does not include my tip". I was quite shocked and I said well the £$15 I did have for you you now will not be having. I spoke to the manager and he offered us a free meal but it was our last dayso I said no. I know it is custom to tip and I always have but being told to is a different story. As we are hoping to visit again in december 15 It will be well worth the money. Thankyou all again

 

[Missyrose]

Agree. If you purchase $500 of food/drink, you will essentially break even. After that, you will save but at a minimal rate since the gratuity is automatically added at 18%, meaning you save only 2% with each purchase. That hold true for solely alcohol purchases. So, if you buy a couple of beers for, say, $14, then you'll be tipping the bartender nearly $2.50. While we have saved with the TIW card in the past, it doesn't always work for us, and it takes away any say we have in tipping our servers should service be poor.

Actually, if you encounter poor service, simply call over a manager and they can override the automatic gratuity and adjust it to whatever level you'd like.

 

[Deb & Bill]

There are blackout dates for using the TIW, mostly around holidays. But there are several popular restaurants that are blacked out for weeks at a time during busy times of the year.

That's why we won't be buying the card this year.

Validity Dates:

**Victoria& Albert’s will honor Tables in Wonderland discount through July 31st, 2014. As of August 1st, 2014 the restaurant will no longer participate in Tables in Wonderland.

*Beginning August 1st 2014, 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickey’s, ‘Ohana (Dinner Only), Cinderella’s Royal Table, LeChefs de France, Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, and Le Cellier Steakhouse will be subject to the additional blockout weeks of: November 23-29, 2014; December 21-27, 2014; March 8-April 4, 2015; May 31-June 20, 2015.

Blockout dates for Tables in Wonderland are Mother’s Day, Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Tables in Wonderland is valid for one year from date of purchase.