tables in wonder versus dining plan

[momtoleasawav]

Dining plan is so expensive for 5 people. But I have the thought of spending $100.00 to save money on dining. Any thoughts on which is the better deal?

[davedmaine]

Originally Posted by momtoleasawav

Dining plan is so expensive for 5 people. But I have the thought of spending $100.00 to save money on dining. Any thoughts on which is the better deal?

For us, TiW is a huge benefit. We go to DW several times a year so the card has more than paid for itself. I believe the break even point is around $500 .. then you're saving 20% on all your meals (and booze).. Some people don't like that the tip is automatically added in (18%), but I don't mind it at all. And with TiW, you order what you want -- you don't have to order the most expensive thing on the menu to try to maximize your value (like on the DPP)..

[TDC Nala]

As long as you will spend enough to save on the TIW, it is still a discount. And it is harder and harder to work a discount into the dining plan these days.

[dr&momto2boys]

I am super analytical and have run the numbers comparing DDP and TIW for several of our trips. (I've calculated exactly what we would order at the restaurants with DDP and without including tax and tip.) TIW always comes out as a better deal for us. I've finally stopped calculating each trip and just trust it now.
As for the automatic 18% tip, we usually tip 20%, so that saves us money too. I only go out of my way to tip extra if the service is extraordinary; otherwise I leave it.

[2girlsR2good]

Originally Posted by dr&momto2boys

As for the automatic 18% tip, we usually tip 20%, so that saves us money too. I only go out of my way to tip extra if the service is extraordinary; otherwise I leave it.

For us too. We can't always have TIW with the way our trips work out, but when we do, it's great.

[ElizabethG]

I love TIW. We can use it for two trips even though we go once per year. When we switched, we ate differently. We can split a QS meal or eat at as many TS meals as we like. I enjoy dessert, but I don't need it at each and every meal. We also eat breakfast in our rooms. It is so much more flexible.

[Claire&TheBoys]

If you already have or are planning to get an AP, or are a DVC member or FL resident, I definitely think it's worth exploring. We've used the DDP several times (both free and paid-for) and thought it was a good deal in years past when we had children 3-9 and did several character meals. Now that my oldest has turned into a Disney adult, I'm leaning towards getting a TIW card so that we have more flexibility about what and where we eat.