When is TIW worth it?

[Tiger926]

We have done both DDE/TIW and DP (both regular and DxDP) many times, and there is no more DP for us! I finally convinced hubby to go back to TIW for our trip in March, and it was fab! The best is that the kids can share an adult meal, and that's worth it big time for us! We also aren't forced to follow the restrictions of the DP, as TIW lets us eat the way we want to eat.

Here is a great breakdown for our upcoming 2 week scheduled summer trip for 2 adults, 1 child and 1 toddler (will be turning 3 in middle of trip, so he would be free):

** We always do a split stay, so last few nights would be no DP **

DP x 10 nights = $959.97 plus tips (not sure how much), plus extra meals for kids = $1150.00?

TIW x 12 nights/13 days = $1378.00 (including cost of card, plus tax and 18% gratuity) for 21 TS meals and 5 CS meals (breakfast and a few lunches)

This total includes CRT (which takes 2 credits), as well as several other buffets that are subject to summer upcharge/surcharge.

So, for only a few dollars more, by the time you add in tip and extras with the DP, we would be very close to our total that we have now, or actually cheaper as we have 2TS meals scheduled during our last few days, but we wouldn't have paid for the DP on those days. To be fair, we bring in our own bottled water/juice, don't order desserts, nor alcohol, so this is straight food. Eating the way we want: appetizers, shared meals, soups, salads and adult meals for kids.

It's so much better and we love having TIW! Happy eating, Tiger

 

[brettb]

I'm a TIW fan, too. I much prefer it to the Dining Plan. I like appetizers, not dessert. And there's no "pressure" to order the highest value menu items; I order what I want.

But to keep the math fair, you need to keep in mind that some meals would have been entitled to an Annual Passholder discount, so for those it's more like saving 10% instead of 20%.

But it's still a great deal!

 

[pixarmom]

I'm a TIW fan, too. I much prefer it to the Dining Plan. I like appetizers, not dessert. And there's no "pressure" to order the highest value menu items; I order what I want.

But to keep the math fair, you need to keep in mind that some meals would have been entitled to an Annual Passholder discount, so for those it's more like saving 10% instead of 20%.

But it's still a great deal!

I've already posted on this thread, but just wanted to add that brettb makes an excellent point. When we were on the dining plan, we felt a ton of pressure to order the highest priced menu item to get the best "value" from the dining plan. So I know that the dining plan increases that feeling of flexibility for lots of people, but we felt far more flexible with TIW.

 

[sissy_42]

We have done both DDE/TIW and DP (both regular and DxDP) many times, and there is no more DP for us! I finally convinced hubby to go back to TIW for our trip in March, and it was fab! The best is that the kids can share an adult meal, and that's worth it big time for us! We also aren't forced to follow the restrictions of the DP, as TIW lets us eat the way we want to eat.

Here is a great breakdown for our upcoming 2 week scheduled summer trip for 2 adults, 1 child and 1 toddler (will be turning 3 in middle of trip, so he would be free):

** We always do a split stay, so last few nights would be no DP **

DP x 10 nights = $959.97 plus tips (not sure how much), plus extra meals for kids = $1150.00?

TIW x 12 nights/13 days = $1378.00 (including cost of card, plus tax and 18% gratuity) for 21 TS meals and 5 CS meals (breakfast and a few lunches)

This total includes CRT (which takes 2 credits), as well as several other buffets that are subject to summer upcharge/surcharge.

So, for only a few dollars more, by the time you add in tip and extras with the DP, we would be very close to our total that we have now, or actually cheaper as we have 2TS meals scheduled during our last few days, but we wouldn't have paid for the DP on those days. To be fair, we bring in our own bottled water/juice, don't order desserts, nor alcohol, so this is straight food. Eating the way we want: appetizers, shared meals, soups, salads and adult meals for kids.

It's so much better and we love having TIW! Happy eating, Tiger

Now you have me thinking about this trip. We usually split an appy and I get a desert about half the time and DBF almost never. I'm gonna run the numbers but it looks like TiW will win for me over DP as well. Especially as it is good at all the places I all ready have ADRs at and on alcohol.

 

[JulieEck]

In light of Chesire Figment's post above, does anyone know what happens if your AP expires before the TIW? Our APs expire early Dec and we will probably not renew. If we get the TIW in early June, will it cease to be accepted when our APs expire, or will it still be valid for the remaining 6 months?

 

[Tara]

In light of Chesire Figment's post above, does anyone know what happens if your AP expires before the TIW? Our APs expire early Dec and we will probably not renew. If we get the TIW in early June, will it cease to be accepted when our APs expire, or will it still be valid for the remaining 6 months?

That doesn't matter, you can still use your TIW. What Cheshire Figment was referring to is that if asked, you must show photo ID to confirm the TIW card you are trying to use is yours. They aren't going to ask to see your AP.

 

[brettb]

Another point I neglected in my post above:

With TIW, we try to avoid going during Free Dining promotion periods. I don't have hard evidence to back this up, but it has seemed getting the ADRs we want has been easier when Free Dining wasn't going on.

 

[Tara]

Another point I neglected in my post above:

With TIW, we try to avoid going during Free Dining promotion periods. I don't have hard evidence to back this up, but it has seemed getting the ADRs we want has been easier when Free Dining wasn't going on.

Well, yes, this is certainly true. We are going during what turns out to be FD, though. It generally isn't a problem if you make your ADRs in advance because the FD promotion wasn't announced until well after the 180-day window opened.

 

[DanG07]

We are AP holders and find that the TiW is much better than the DP. We have gone to WDW with DP and as both Pixarmom and BrettB have mentioned, it really pigeon-holes you into ordering both the highest price items and deserts. My family would much prefer to grab appetizers than deserts. Also my wife and I love the fruity alcoholic concoctions that most Disney restaurants do so well. The TiW is definitely worth it. BTW, we try to avoid going during the free DP period, as the TS restaurants tend to get slammed.

 

[brettb]

Well, yes, this is certainly true. We are going during what turns out to be FD, though. It generally isn't a problem if you make your ADRs in advance because the FD promotion wasn't announced until well after the 180-day window opened.

And this is another win for TIW over Free Dining! If you wait until Free Dining is announced, you're inside the 180 days and at a disadvantage. Planning further ahead with the intent of using TIW wins!

But 180 day / six months still annoys me. It's less of a problem for us now, but when we were able to go more often, sometimes the reservation window would open for trip number 2 before we left for trip number 1.

 

[Tara]

And this is another win for TIW over Free Dining! If you wait until Free Dining is announced, you're inside the 180 days and at a disadvantage. Planning further ahead with the intent of using TIW wins!

But 180 day / six months still annoys me. It's less of a problem for us now, but when we were able to go more often, sometimes the reservation window would open for trip number 2 before we left for trip number 1.

Yeah, I hate 180 days, but not much to be done about that...I think so many planners really love it.

 

[brettb]

Yeah, I hate 180 days, but not much to be done about that...I think so many planners really love it.

I know...when I'm not hating it, I love it, too.

 

[NorweJenNY]

TiW has been wonderful for my family! We really enjoy feeling free to order what we want at TS restaurants... it also helps with portion control as we don't feel like we have to eat dessert too just because we're entitled to it.

We also found it very useful for discounting meals at CS meals, where there is no gratuity to add on either. The food court at POFQ is our favorite food court, and they accept TiW there. All the value resorts also accept it in their food courts. And the major CS restaurants in AK (like Flame Tree BBQ and Pizzafari) also take it. If you eat at one of these places just once a day, a family eating for $40 suddenly saves $8 a day... eating at these places twice a day means $16 a day savings... and if staying for a week, suddenly your savings from CS meals could be over $100!

Now, mainly we got the TiW for TS restaurants, and that's where most of the savings adds up quickly there, but I just wanted to point out the importance of not neglecting the smaller increments of savings that could add up too!

Bonus - when traveling with extended family and/or friends, the savings can extend to them too! Up to 10 guests total (member included in that number) when all together on one check! If planning a gathering with multiple families, it may be beneficial for families to chip in for someone to get a card.

 

[wdwgirl1]

We have decided to buy TIW. We figure it is going to save us about $150 this trip alone. So for us it looks like a great deal

 

[Tiger926]

We have decided to buy TIW. We figure it is going to save us about $150 this trip alone. So for us it looks like a great deal

Enjoy! Tiger

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

Hmm, I need to compare this to DVC discount. TIW might be the way to go.

 

[knitdiva]

I just checked WDW website and I have questions about TIW. The website says: Passholders get 10% off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and non-alcoholic beverages Monday through Friday during lunch hours at participating Epcot® theme park Table Service locations.
Also says: Magic Kingdom® theme park dining discounts are valid for purchases made by the Walt Disney World® Passholder and valid Pass ID is required for redemption.
Noodle Station: 10% discount off the regular price of food and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) in the Noodle Station quick-service restaurant (open seasonally). Valid for Walt Disney World Passholder and up to 3 Guests.

Here's the link: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/passholder-program/dining-discounts/

Is this right? Is it still worth it?

let me know what you think as we will get AP for our summer trip and wanted to get TIW also.

Thank you!

 

[aussietravellers]

I just checked WDW website and I have questions about TIW. The website says: Passholders get 10% off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and non-alcoholic beverages Monday through Friday during lunch hours at participating Epcot® theme park Table Service locations.
Also says: Magic Kingdom® theme park dining discounts are valid for purchases made by the Walt Disney World® Passholder and valid Pass ID is required for redemption.
Noodle Station: 10% discount off the regular price of food and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) in the Noodle Station quick-service restaurant (open seasonally). Valid for Walt Disney World Passholder and up to 3 Guests.

Here's the link: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/passholder-program/dining-discounts/

Is this right? Is it still worth it?

let me know what you think as we will get AP for our summer trip and wanted to get TIW also.

Thank you!

I have had a look at that link. The text above that you have quoted looks like they are the discounts for an annual pass holder (without TIW, just for being an AP holder), not for TIW. On the top of that page it reads

"Tables in Wonderland Membership Discount

Walt Disney World Passholders receive $25 USD off the regular price of the Tables in Wonderland Membership. Benefits of a Tables in Wonderland Membership include:

20% discount on all food and beverages at participating Resort hotel and Disney Theme Park restaurants
Invitations to special Tables in Wonderland Member-only events
And more!
For more information or to purchase the Tables in Wonderland Membership at the Passholder discounted rate of $75 USD, call (407) 566-5858. Guests under age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call.

Tables in Wonderland Membership benefits are valid for the Walt Disney World Passholder and up to 9 Guests. Offer is valid for Passholder only. Certain restrictions may apply."

 

[texasteacher35]

I have read what everyone is saying about TIW, but I am not sure if it would benefit me and my 2 trips this 2010 year.

We got the basic dining plan (1s, 1cs, 1ts per day) for the July trip...and I have already made our ADRs...I was wondering if it would be cheaper to pay OOP for 4 adults and one child...
Cape May Cafe (B)
Tusker House (B)
Coral Reef (D)
Whispering Canyon (D)
LTT (D)
50s Prime Time Cafe (D)

Plus, we are headed back in November for another 7 days of dining...what do you think??
Thanks!

 

[Tiger926]

I have read what everyone is saying about TIW, but I am not sure if it would benefit me and my 2 trips this 2010 year.

We got the basic dining plan (1s, 1cs, 1ts per day) for the July trip...and I have already made our ADRs...I was wondering if it would be cheaper to pay OOP for 4 adults and one child...
Cape May Cafe (B)
Tusker House (B)
Coral Reef (D)
Whispering Canyon (D)
LTT (D)
50s Prime Time Cafe (D)

Plus, we are headed back in November for another 7 days of dining...what do you think??
Thanks!

Just an FYI - the following restaurants in your list will be subject to the summer upcharge of $4.00/adult and $2.00/adult plus tax - Cape May and Tusker House. (Not sure of Whispering Canyon as it's a combo a la carte/all you care to eat restaurant). This will add a bit of cost to your calculations.

As well, your DP durinig the summer will be surcharged: $46.99/adult, except for DVC.

It's hard to determine if it's 'worth' it to you, as we don't know what 'worth' means to you? Is it purely financial, flexibility, etc.?

If it's just financial, you need to go through all menus/prices and do a side by side calculation. But, you need to be realistic - if you don't normally order dessert, and only do so during DP, then you need to take that dessert figure out of your calculations.

Once you do this, you'll be able to see what is better suited to your family's needs, HTH, Tiger