Tables in Wonderland Card

[PBF199]

Not sure if this is the right place for this but it is food related.

just want to give a little report about our use of this great discount program as there are not many outside of being a CM or having an Annual pass. So let me set it up. there are 3 of us, 2 adults and a 9 year old. we've tried to go every weekend. typically if it's all 3 of us we do an AYCE. and on date night we do a sit down a la carte.

I have to say that the free valet (tip not incl) is a great bonus. We've used it at WL, Swan and Beach Club. Wilderness Lodge didn't ask for proof that we actually ate at a restaurant. Beach Club asked for the receipt. Swan gives you a card that needs to be stamped for validation.

since the average cost per person at a AYCE is $20-$35 it looks like the 9yo is eating almost for free. Even though they add an 18% gratuity. Since I start my tip at 20% most of the time and work down if service is bad, then I'm already ahead.

As for an a la carte menu like Kimonos, for two people it's about $40 per person with out alcohol. Although alcohol is discountable also. it just shows up on a different part of your bill.

And if you e-mail <WDW.Tables.In.Wonderland@disney.com> the CM's there will add you to a dist list for special events and things.

Since we are AP's and FL residents we only paid $75 for the pass. which by my calculation we've made back in discounts off the bill and the valet parking.

my $0.02. hit me up with questions.

[AVP]

As a Californian I'm eligible for Tables in Wonderland because I'm both an Annual Passholder and a DVC member, but I'll bet a lot of Padders don't know about this program. Can you explain the program a little more for them? Who is eligible, how do you buy it, where is it valid, what are the exclusions, etc.

AVP

[srusso100]

As a Californian I'm eligible for Tables in Wonderland because I'm both an Annual Passholder and a DVC member, but I'll bet a lot of Padders don't know about this program. Can you explain the program a little more for them? Who is eligible, how do you buy it, where is it valid, what are the exclusions, etc.

AVP

I can throw in my $.02... we've had a Tables in Wonderland card (formerly the Disney Dining Experience) for several years and I love the program. It's available to Florida residents and Annual Passholders (sorry, AVP, but DVC membership won't get it for you).

It provides 20% off the full tab (including alcohol) at almost all WDW tables service restaurants... and a select few counter service spots. It's also good for free theme park parking. The discount on meals is good for up to a party of 10. An 18% gratuity is automatically added to your bill.

You can purchase a TiW membership (typically good for about 15 months) at any theme park Guest Services location. You need to show ID and a valid AP or voucher - or proof of Florida residence.

There are a few blackout dates but they tend to be the major holidays (July 4th, Christmas Day, etc.).

Hope that helps.

[mom22gls]

As DVC members (I know that DVC membership does not entitle you to buy a TIW card, but we get such a deep discount on AP's we tend to purchase them, and that does entitle you to buy one), and AP holders, we, routinely buy and use the card. I'll be purchasing a new one on Friday, when I buy my new AP. I find it a better deal, overall, than the Dining plan, especially since the dining plan no longer includes the tips, and we can order what we want, and get the discount. If I want to order two appetizers and a glass of wine, I get a discount on everything in that order. It's good at most table service restaurants, and even some places that don't serve a full meal, like afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian. Typically, it pays for itself in a few days, and it's good for a full year, so I can usually get at least two trips worth of discounts.

[TinaMouse]

Just wanted to say welcome, PBF!

I know several who have TiW and, without exception, they all like it!

[AVP]

(sorry, AVP, but DVC membership won't get it for you).

Well pooh, I knew I qualified, I just didn't remember why.

AVP

[mom22gls]

Well pooh, I knew I qualified, I just didn't remember why.

AVP

Don't feel bad, I can never keep all the discounts straight myself, between DVC and AP cards. I've been known to pull out both cards, ask if either qualifies me for any discounts, and then take whatever applies.

[texasgal]

we can order what we want, and get the discount. If I want to order two appetizers and a glass of wine, I get a discount on everything in that order.

And older children (8/9) who are stuck with choices from the kids menu on the dining plan, can order from any part of the menu with TIW. This was important for us.

It's good at most table service restaurants, and even some places that don't serve a full meal, like afternoon tea at the Grand Floridian.

We were also able to use it at POFQ at their quick service to buy beignets. My understanding is that is because there is no full service restaurant at POFQ.

Typically, it pays for itself in a few days, and it's good for a full year, so I can usually get at least two trips worth of discounts

I worked our choices every which way for our recent 10 night/11 day trip, and found it was cheaper to have one of our party get an AP so we could have a AP room discount (and some shopping discounts) and get the TIW, than any choice of room + ticket + meal plans. (Well we did get the quick service dining plan in addition, but in hindsight we'd skip that) Of course, this would vary based on your length of stay, number of people going, and what you think you will eat.

[AVP]

Don't feel bad, I can never keep all the discounts straight myself, between DVC and AP cards. I've been known to pull out both cards, ask if either qualifies me for any discounts, and then take whatever applies.

I've done that - and then added my Disney Visa and AAA card to the pile.

Of course, Monday I pulled out my Disneyland AP at McDonalds...

AVP

[Drince88]

There are a few blackout dates but they tend to be the major holidays (July 4th, Christmas Day, etc.).

Mother's Day was a blackout day that kind of hit me by surprise. Because, basically, it's a super busy day in restaurants.

I've also gotten the discount in places like the bar right next to the Yachtsman steakhouse (don't recall the name), since it IS the bar that serves the Yachstman. And check your receipt, because some places don't automatically add in the 18% tip (at least when they first started doing the 18% tip).

Last year you also got a discount on the previously free seminars associated with the F&W fest.

And I'm another one that really appreciates the flexibility of the card over the dining plans. PLUS, they have special events (I think about once/month) and I was able to go to one that was very interesting. It was a food and tea lunch at Jiko. I honestly don't recall how many courses we had (5, 6? plus a couple of cocktails and passed plates with that) - but it was a lot of fun and the people from the tea company (T) REALLY were passionate about their tea, so that was part of what made it fun.

[Karin]

We hold a TiW card, too. LOVE IT!

[mom22gls]

And older children (8/9) who are stuck with choices from the kids menu on the dining plan, can order from any part of the menu with TIW. This was important for us.



We were also able to use it at POFQ at their quick service to buy beignets. My understanding is that is because there is no full service restaurant at POFQ.



I worked our choices every which way for our recent 10 night/11 day trip, and found it was cheaper to have one of our party get an AP so we could have a AP room discount (and some shopping discounts) and get the TIW, than any choice of room + ticket + meal plans. (Well we did get the quick service dining plan in addition, but in hindsight we'd skip that) Of course, this would vary based on your length of stay, number of people going, and what you think you will eat.

On the limited kids' menus on the dining plan, when we used the dining plan, I would book as many buffets or family style meals as I could, to avoid having my kids stuck with the awful and limited food choices on the kids menus. Given choices, they would eat "regular" food, even prime rib and salad. A few restaurants offered a small steak (LeCellier and Jiko, for example), and those were acceptable also. Even when they were smaller, and did not have the appetite for a full adult entree, with the discount card, I could order an adult meal, for them to share.

I'm actually staying at POFQ for two nights, this weekend, and I was happy to note that I can use the card at the food court, which will cover a couple of breakfasts, and maybe a lunch. Looking forward to trying those beignets.

[Drince88]

Looking forward to trying those beignets.

Make sure they're hot and right out of the fryer. They're NOT good unless they're super fresh!

(And don't wear black the day you plan on eating them. Trust me on that one!)

[DisneyFunFamily4]

Oh, this is all such good information! I plan on buying at TiW card when we get our AP's in Dec. Do you get a list of where you can use it when you buy it? or is there a list online somewhere?

And Drince, I hear you on wearing black for the beignets, we tried the ones at the Jazz Kitchen last time we were at DL, you should have seen the girls faces and shirts, they REALLY enjoyed them! LOL!

[AVP]

Do you get a list of where you can use it when you buy it? or is there a list online somewhere?

Mark posted the most recent list in a Walt Disney World Resort Update in January; I think it was January 10th? I'll post the link (if someone doesn't beat me to it) once I'm back at a real computer. There's only so much I can do with my droid!

[DisneyFunFamily4]

Mark posted the most recent list in a Walt Disney World Resort Update in January; I think it was January 10th? I'll post the link (if someone doesn't beat me to it) once I'm back at a real computer. There's only so much I can do with my droid!

Found it, Thanks AVP.. Much appreciated! Here's the LINK if anyone else is looking!

[danyoung]

I've also used the TiW/DDE card for years, and have really enjoyed the savings. I try to get 3 trips a year (lasting 4 to 6 days each) out of my AP and TiW card. And since I enjoy the finer side of dining in the World and also tend to drink a bit, I find that the card just about pays for itself during the first visit it's used. That means it's pure savings after that - not a bad deal from the big bad Disney company!

[TinaMouse]

We've been discussing this over on the Annual Passes (AP) thread, so I thought I'd start on here....

Who has one? Do you love it? How long did it take to pay for itself?

[wishiwasthere]

I had one for 2008. I went on 1 trip with my boyfriend's family and 2 trips with my family. It paid off. It would have paid off even more if I would have read that you can use it at POFQ food court which is where we stayed. I didn't realize I could until after we came back from our last trip for the year. Good one, Kristin....I know!

Because I used it for both my family and my boyfriend's family we split the cost which made it even better. So we went to Ohana and used it for 6 people and paid for itself with my boyfriend's family' share immediately.

Like I said it can be used in the Value resorts food courts and POFQ because there is no sit down meals at these resorts.


I didn't get one in 2009 because we were utilizing the free DDP one both trips. Although I probably could have made it worthwhile between using it on appetizers and drinks.

I plan on getting one when we get down there for August. One problem is the first sit down meal we eat at we are splitting up so only one of us will get the discount. We are also eating at Teppan Edo and Yak and Yeti where they do not accept the TIW card. We are also eating at Sci-Fi.

They do accept the TIW card at Pizzafari and Flame Tree BBQ (which is closed when I go...of course!) and those are the only two QS options in the park that accept the card.

I am staying at POFQ in October though so I am sure I will really make use of it there.

Also you can use it at all the bars in the hotels on property (but I have read on other boards that once the bartender sees this card they aren't as quick to help) which will help save for us as well. I just hope it is worth it in the end.

[GusMan]

The Mrs. and I did some calculations in the past and because of our dining habits, it may be a break even situation over the course of the year.

I hear that some really do get a good value out of it, especially if they do multiple trips in a 1 year timespan.

[KJSJpipe]

I will be getting the TiW card for the first time this trip for a few reasons:
1. My father and I will both be having a drink with dinner probably every night
2. My parents do not eat the way a Dining Plan wants you to so it's a way to save some money with out using the DDP
3. When I go on my Girls Weekend we don't do the DDP and we do have several a few drinks each day so it will come in handy

When we get back I will see what kind of savings we ended up with and see if it will make more sense in the future for us as a family instead of the DDP. At this point with 4 "adults" (2 real adults, a teen girl and a tween boy) it does not really fit our needs. Once the tween boy is a bit older I will look into it again, he eats well now but not necessarily adult portions all the time well. I know it won't be long before he tries to eat us out of house and home, he has a hollow leg already. I thank God his legs are still small.

[Drince88]

I've had them a couple of times. I usually get at least two trips out of an AP, so that means I also get two trips out of the TIW card. My current card I'll get three trips, and even though two of those trips were during October (so lots of grazing meals and fewer TS) I think it still paid for itself already (3rd trip this coming October). I did NOT run the numbers this year - but the first year I got it, the 'big' trip was with 2 sisters and a BIL, and one of my sisters was 'in charge' of determining if it was a good investment. We were so close after the 2nd meal that we decided she didn't need to keep track any more. If ALL the trips are by myself, I have a harder time, but it's not un-doable.

I've been able to do one of the extra dinners they have, too (actually, that was a lunch) and it was GREAT. Oh, and with the TIW I got a discount on the little seminars at the Food & Wine fest (the 45 minute ones that they started charging for last year).

Generally, I figure if the AP will pay for itself, so will the TIW card.

[teri]

True story... we asked the greeter (Earning her ears) at Pepper Market (CS) if they did Tables In Wonderland. She said, "I wish! But if you want, I can seat you by the window."

[TinaMouse]

Teri! THAT IS HILARIOUS!

I'll have to run one of my fake scenarios to see if it would work for me. It's on the total bill, then (before tax, I'm assuming). Anything excluded if the restaurant participates?

[cstephens]

We just recently got the card and expect to get back the money we spent in discounts. You do have to keep in mind that it's not accepted everywhere, and I can't imagine why a bartender would treat you differently if you have it, but you also don't need to tell them about it until you're closing out your bill. I was surprised that the discount is also good on alcohol, since the AP discount at DL does not.