Annual Passes or individual trips?

[draybook]

We're contemplating getting AP's, but we could use some input. We would be able to go twice within the year's time, and the total days would probably 20-24. My quandary is this: is it still possible to work the AP system with a package so that you can get Free Dining? If not, then do you think it would even out by having the AP's and purchasing the Dining Plan or just paying out of pocket here and there? Thanks for any input you can give.

 

[SteveW]

The AP / TIW card would probably be a real good way to go as baskinthemagic said. In addition to saving 20% on TS meals & alcohol with TIW card, you can save that amount on QS meals at value resorts. I'm not sure about other level of resorts. I just got my 1st AP & TIW card last December and came close to saving the cost of the TIW card on an 8 day solo trip.

 

[lostpro9het]

We're contemplating getting AP's, but we could use some input. We would be able to go twice within the year's time, and the total days would probably 20-24. My quandary is this: is it still possible to work the AP system with a package so that you can get Free Dining? If not, then do you think it would even out by having the AP's and purchasing the Dining Plan or just paying out of pocket here and there? Thanks for any input you can give.

Firstly, I was in the "free dining" camp for a few years then I saw the TiW light! ;-) I'm a big proponent of the AP/TiW combo especially if you are going for 4 or more days twice or more a year. One way to "work" the system, IMO, is to keep your free dining package this first go around then upgrade everyone's MYW ticket to an AP during the trip, this is what we did two years ago and have been renewing since. Don't forget that the TiW card is good for 13 months too. Over the last two years we've saved way more doing AP/TiW and renting DVC points then we would have getting "free dining" or even the "discounts" on rack rate. Our last 4 visits we stayed at deluxe villas for the same price or $100 more than rack rate for a value. As for the TiW card it will pay for itself once you buy $500 dollars in food/drink. Also, I wouldn't even purchase the dining plan, IMO, it's just not worth it.

 

[draybook]

Firstly, I was in the "free dining" camp for a few years then I saw the TiW light! ;-) I'm a big proponent of the AP/TiW combo especially if you are going for 4 or more days twice or more a year. One way to "work" the system, IMO, is to keep your free dining package this first go around then upgrade everyone's MYW ticket to an AP during the trip, this is what we did two years ago and have been renewing since. Don't forget that the TiW card is good for 13 months too. Over the last two years we've saved way more doing AP/TiW and renting DVC points then we would have getting "free dining" or even the "discounts" on rack rate. Our last 4 visits we stayed at deluxe villas for the same price or $100 more than rack rate for a value. As for the TiW card it will pay for itself once you buy $500 dollars in food/drink. Also, I wouldn't even purchase the dining plan, IMO, it's just not worth it.

So, they automatically add the 18% gratuity on there, correct? So I wouldn't have to worry about bringing tip money, correct?

 

[lostpro9het]

So, they automatically add the 18% gratuity on there, correct? So I wouldn't have to worry about bringing tip money, correct?

Correct, they take off 20% and then tip 18% pretax. I'm told you can adjust the 18% if you receive poor service but to be honest I've never come close to needing to adjust down but have added more for exceptional service.

 

[gooftroop5]

We joined the AP/TiW camp a few years ago too! Best decision ever! We definitely have saved money.

Yes, they automatically add the 18% gratuity on your bill. We use our Disney Visa rewards to pay for our meals and when that runs out we charge it to our room and then to our Disney Visa to earn more rewards for the next trip. We have enough money saved before our trip to pay the visa bill off once we get home.

If we would purchase the Dining Plan it would cost us over $220 a day (2 adults, 1 kid 10+, 2 kids under 10). We DO NOT spend that when we dine OOP at Disney. However, we also don't do the super expensive table service either. I feel that the Dining Plan locks us into a certain way of eating and doesn't give us enough freedom and sometimes way too much food that we wouldn't normally purchase.

 

[lostpro9het]

Another thing, there are several restaurants that are not on the DDP that are included in TiW, like Il Mulino at the Swan. These restaurants tend to be easy to get into, offer great service, large portions and great food since they don't have to dial it down to be profitable with DDP. FYI, Il Mulino is AWESOME! The complimentary appetizers and limoncello are worth the visit.

 

[draybook]

How would it work as far as upgrading to AP's during the trip? How do you keep FD with that?

 

[lostpro9het]

How would it work as far as upgrading to AP's during the trip? How do you keep FD with that?

The FD was tied to our room keys then and would probably be tied to your magic bands now. We simply went to guest services on the first day of our trip and paid the difference between our ticket price and the the AP and got our AP cards. We continued to use our room keys for the FD and used our AP cards to get into parks. Now you'd just link your AP card to your band from a smart phone or computer and your band would have everything.

 

[MaxsDad]

For four or five years now, we have gone in September and spent at least some part of the week on a FD package. We are DVC'ers and APer's. We renew our AP's with the DVC discount by upgrading the MYW tickets we get as part of the package. Then, when we go the other week of the year, we stay on our points and already have our admission with the AP's.

How would that work logistically? Use the MYW's until the end of the first trip, (not over 14 days), then upgrade to AP's as you leave would be clean and simple. However, the ticket CM's I have dealt with have been very good for the most part. Upgrading on the front end would allow you to take advantage of other discounts APers get. How that "looks" with the magic bands being used now, I cannot say. But I am sure they will figure out a way to take more of your money! I would think you would keep using the same band, and the change would be reflected "back office", where the system would recognize it as an AP.

And just for clarity, you still need tip money, it is just included on your bill automatically.

And I agree with others, never pay for the DP. The cost of the plan compared to what you get went past the Break Even Point about three years ago. If you have an AP, Tables in Wonderland is far better than purchasing DDP.

 

[Monty]

Depending on how many are in your party, "free" dining plan is not necessarily a value at all.

If you stay at a value resort with two people and like TS restaurants, by the time you upgrade to the regular DP, you're losing money over having AP/TiW. Two people at any Moderate or Deluxe, you're losing money no matter what if there are AP discounts available.

The more people in your party, the more the balance tips towards "free" dining being advantageous. But you have to do the math for your party based on where you're staying and whether AP resort discounts are available.

I either travel solo or take my adult son, I don't even consider DDP any more.

 

[draybook]

Yeah, Free Dining has always been better for us, a party of 4. But if we can save by switching to AP + TiW, then I'm all for it.