Tables in Wonderland and Service Question

[wdwwdeagle]

We just got our TIW card on our last trip and I wondered about tipping and service....

I remember when the DDPlan first switched over a couple years ago from including tip to not including tip in the plan. Some people said it was because guests complained that automatically including the tip discouraged attentive service. I have no opinion about whether or not this was true, as we never used the plan prior to when tip was not included.

Okay, so here's my question....

I think you're supposed to let them know when you are seated that you have the card rather than waiting until the end of the meal. Has anyone ever felt that this affected the level of service you received from the wait staff? How do/did/would you handle that situation?

 

[rsoxguy]

I have never received poor service because of the TIW card. I had the card before and after the obligatory tip, and the service was either good or bad according to the server, not the card. This has never been an issue for me and my family.

 

[HollyBelle]

I'm with rsoxguy on this one. We have also been using the TiW card since before the change and, in our experience, it has had no bearing on the quality or level of service.

 

[Phonedave]

I actualy think the TIW card gets you BETTER service sometimes.

I have seen servers visibly relax, calm down, and be more attentive when I tell them I am not on the DDP, but have a TIW card.

I guess it make me look like an "serious" diner, and they are not going to have to explain to me what I can and cannot get on the plan.

-dave

 

[wdwmagic]

There is no need to show them the card before. I always present it at the end once the bill arrives.

 

[Ransom]

I agree with the previous posters -- we felt that the service was at least as good with the TiW card as when paying cash or using DDP.

 

[durangojim]

Never have had advesrse service due to TiW. Like other's have said, it usually is better because they know you come often.

 

[LarryStoken]

What is TIW?

 

[corey154]

TIW is the Tables in wonderland card. It gives you discounts at certain places and other benefits.

 

[LarryStoken]

TIW is the Tables in wonderland card. It gives you discounts at certain places and other benefits.

Is this the card that is available for Florida residents only?

 

[corey154]

I believe it's for annual passholders and florida residents. I haven't bought one but I've been thinking about it for a few years now. It gives you a 20% discount from participating places.

 

[wdwwdeagle]

Is this the card that is available for Florida residents only?

We got it because we are Annual Passholders. We are not Florida residents, but yes, you can get it if you are a Fla. res. Not sure how much it costs for Fla. res., but for APs it costs $75.

Thanks everyone for the reassurances (OP here).
We used TIW 3 times on our last trip. Twice, we forgot to tell them until we got the check, and once we told the waitress at the beginning.... and that time the service was not good. I've decided she just was having a bad night. It's good to know that the card and the service in that instance were unrelated.

Anyway, we can't wait to use it again on the next trip. I think it has already paid for itself. Yippee!

 

[disney4life2008]

This may stand on cruises..

However, I am an AP holder with TiW - and my service has actually been OUTSTANDING. The best service I have received was at Beaches and Cream, they went above and beyond. But as others have said, you do not present your TiW card until before the bill comes.

 

[tkldisney]

There is no need to show them the card before. I always present it at the end once the bill arrives.

Exactly the way I do it too! I just have to remember the 18% tip is already added. I add a little extra if great service.

 

[tkldisney]

I believe it's for annual passholders and florida residents. I haven't bought one but I've been thinking about it for a few years now. It gives you a 20% discount from participating places.

It gives you 20% and also includes alcohol. We like just going to bar before dinner and having a drink. The 20% is nice. Covers the tip anyway + little extra.