Tables in Wonderland vs Disney Dining Plan

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Tables in Wonderland vs Disney Dining Plan – Which is better?

October 10, 2013 by Keli

Updated October 4, 2015 by Bob

 

Disney has two dining programs that often leave people a little confused and asking the question: Tables in Wonderland vs Disney Dining Plan, which is better?

 

Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer. A lot depends on your style of Disney Dining. Are you the type of person that likes to dine at the nicest restaurants with your meal including appetizers, entrees, and desserts? Then the Disney Dining Plan may be perfect for you! 

 

Or are you the type of person that wants to see the characters; or maybe you only order an appetizer/entree or entree/dessert combo; and/or you like to have a glass of vino with your meal? Tables in Wonderland may be the better option.

 

Let’s take look at these two programs in a little more detail.

 

 

 

Tables in Wonderland (TiW) is a 20% discount card for various dining experiences throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Who’s eligible and what’s included?

 

• Only Florida Residents, Annual Passholders, and Disney Vacation Club Members are eligible for this discount card.
• The TiW card is good for one year. The current price is $175 for Florida Residents and $150 for Annual Passholders/Disney Vacation Club Members.  A 2nd membership may be added for $50.
• TiW will cover the cardholder and up to 9 other guests on one check. If you and your spouse both have TiW cards, by using 2 cards, the number of people covered is now 20.
• TiW is a 20% on all food and alcohol at participating restaurants. Beginning late summer 2014, there will be some blackout dates, so be sure to check the list of participating restaurants here. Note: Most Quick Service locations within the Parks are not participating in this discount.
• When using TiW and 18% gratuity will automatically be included as a line item on your bill regardless of party size. You always have the option to tip more or less than the suggested tip!
• Valet parking at resorts and parking at the Theme Parks for the sole purpose of dining is complimentary with a valid dining receipt.
• Invitations to TiW special events such as dessert parties, happy hours and dinners!
• TiW can be used in conjunction with the Disney Dining Plan at participating restaurants for items not covered under the Disney Dining Plan such as alcohol.

 

Disney Dining Plan (DDP) is a pre-purchase option for your dining experiences throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. There are several packages to meet your dining needs. The 3 most popular are Quick-Service Dining Plan, Regular Dining Plan, and Deluxe Dining Plan. What’s included and who’s eligible?

 

• The Regular DDP includes 1 Table Service Meal, 1 Quick Service Meal, and 1 Snack per night of your package, plus a Refillable Resort Mug.
• Any one staying at a Walt Disney World Resort property may purchase the DDP.
• DDP must be purchased by everyone or no one on the same package.
• DDP must extend the entire length of your package.
• All DDP credits may be used in one day and do not have to be spread out over your vacation.
• When using DDP, line items indicating 15% and 20% gratuity will be included on your bill. However, you always have the option to tip more or less than the suggested tip!

Comparison Tables in Wonderland vs Disney Dining Plan for 2 adults and 1 child (age 8 at the time of travel)

 

Since we are DVC Members, my family generally purchases the Tables in Wonderland Card and pays out of pocket for food along the way. However, any time we are planning a trip, we look at the cost of purchasing Tables in Wonderland vs Disney Dining Plan.

 

On this trip, we plan to eat at The Crystal Palace, Chef Mickey’s, Akershus Royal Banquet, Tusker House, and ‘Ohana as our Table Services (all character meals).

 

For our Quick Services, we’ll eat at Casey’s Corner, Backlot Express, Earl of Sandwich, Flame Tree Barbeque, and Liberty Inn. Snacks will include a Dole Whip, Caramel & Chocolate Dipped Strawberry (Germany), Popcorn, Funnel Cake with Powdered Sugar & Cinnamon, and a Chocolate Covered Rice Krispies Treat.

 

The Regular DDP currently costs $58.66 per adult (age 10 & up) per night and $18.88 per child (age 3-9) per night. So, for a 5 night trip, the total cost not including gratuities = $681

 

Out of pocket for a 5 night trip not including gratuities = approx. $587

 

TiW for a 5 night trip not including gratuities = approx. $561

 

In this scenario, TiW is clearly the most cost effective choice and since our family travels to WDW more than once per year, we have recouped our initial TiW investment of $150 in this trip and any future trips are money saved on dining.

 

Each trip and each family is different; calculate the numbers for your needs before making a decision.

 

Article by Chipandco.com