Tables in Wonderland is a good money-saving card for normal Walt Disney World restaurant patrons who’re Florida residents, Annual Passholders, or DVC members. This submit opinions the low cost, the way it compares to the Disney Eating Plan, and affords information & suggestions. (Up to date Could 9, 2023.)
The Tables in Wonderland (TiW) card affords a 20% low cost off all meals and beverage (together with alcohol) for as much as 10 individuals at most table-service Walt Disney World eating places. An 18% gratuity is added to all TiW desk service transactions, most events are tipping at or round 18% anyway, so it’s not merely a 2% low cost.
Tables in Wonderland is legitimate for a 12 months from the month of buy (versus being legitimate for a calendar 12 months), and it truly expires on the final day of the month one 12 months from the month throughout which it’s bought. This implies it basically may very well be legitimate for ~13 months when you time it proper. Nonetheless, Tables in Wonderland is at the moment unavailable–and will by no means return…
Could 9, 2023 Replace: Again when Walt Disney World closed, all Tables in Wonderland memberships–together with those who expired whereas the parks & resorts have been closed–have been prolonged for an extra 4 months past the printed date of expiration. Upon reopening, new Tables in Wonderland playing cards weren’t bought and renewals weren’t provided.
The final Tables in Wonderland playing cards all could be lengthy expired by now. There was a really small staff that supported Tables in Wonderland, and their workplace remained closed lengthy after Walt Disney World began reopening.
For some time, Walt Disney World had a message on its official web site stating: “New Tables in Wonderland memberships should not on the market at the moment. Extra data relating to future gross sales of Tables in Wonderland memberships will probably be shared at a later date.”
That’s not the case. The web page for Tables in Wonderland has been deleted, and now redirects to the eating overview web page. That is in contrast to a handful of different choices which might be nonetheless listed as “quickly unavailable” on DisneyWorld.com.
This distinction is important, as Walt Disney World purged pages of leisure and different choices which were completely retired, whereas retaining pages for issues it intends to deliver again sooner or later when staffing or different circumstances enable. That alone means that Walt Disney World has no intentions of bringing again Tables in Wonderland.
In even newer-news, Walt Disney World simply introduced 2024 trip packages that contained 5 main updates and enhancements which might be various levels of excellent information or steps in direction of restoring pre-closure operational normalcy. Arguably the largest information is that the Disney Eating Plan is returning in 2024!
In response to that, a number of readers have requested about Tables in Wonderland. Formally, Walt Disney World has offered no updates on Tables in Wonderland within the final 3 years. When visitors have inquired instantly, Disney has given non-answers or redirected.
We haven’t heard any rumors someway, however given the dearth of updates, removing of the official web site, and Disney phasing out different applications post-reopening, it’s our expectation that Tables in Wonderland won’t return. There aren’t any indicators it’ll be again anytime quickly–neither is it wanted.
To that final level, the entire cause that Tables in Wonderland existed within the first place was to incentivize locals and Disney Trip Membership members to eat on-site at Walt Disney World and assist these eating places fill tables. For the previous couple of years, that has been pointless. ADRs have been aggressive as a result of decreased capability ensuing from staffing shortages, whereas shoppers remained desirous to make up for misplaced time with journey and meals out.
After all, that gained’t be the case eternally. Walt Disney World is already seeing pent-up demand fizzle out, and the availability v. demand imbalance has largely been resolved. Walt Disney World has began to expertise a slowdown, and bookings are softening as in comparison with the final two years.
All of that is exactly why Walt Disney World is bringing the Disney Eating Plan again in 2024, has elevated discounting, resumed Annual Go gross sales, and extra. These are levers the corporate is pulling to assist improve demand and buoy bookings. It’s attainable all of that will probably be sufficient. In any case, Walt Disney World was doing record-setting numbers earlier than and a slowdown from that was to be anticipated. The circumstances are removed from dire–they’re simply not so good as the final two years.
If the financial system worsens from right here, there’s additional pullback in client sentiment or spending, or the levers simply pulled by Walt Disney World don’t do sufficient to maneuver the needle, it’s doubtless additional steps will probably be taken. Already, Walt Disney World is “pulling out the outdated playbook” and seeing what labored in 2019 and earlier.
A type of levers may very well be incentivizing Floridians and Disney Trip Membership members to dine on-site. When that occurs, our guess is {that a} “new” program akin to Tables in Wonderland will probably be launched. Personally, I don’t count on to see the “Tables in Wonderland” title used once more. It didn’t have sturdy title recognition, and Walt Disney World will in all probability wish to change up this system and rebrand because of this.
It’s additionally attainable that Walt Disney World will amp up AP and DVC reductions with none formal program. (The draw back of that, although, will not be with the ability to monetize the reductions!) A ultimate risk is that Walt Disney World will decide in opposition to reinventing the wheel, and can resurrect Tables in Wonderland. The purpose is that we don’t know which route the corporate will select, nor do we all know when it’ll occur–and nobody does.
Actually, it wouldn’t shock me if a substitute for Tables in Wonderland is launched as early as August 2023 or as “late” as by no means in any respect. On the early facet, it might launch earlier than the return of the Disney Eating Plan as a result of it’s not almost as advanced, so the timeline for reintroduction to implementation may very well be quicker.
Nonetheless, it appears unlikely to me that Tables in Wonderland (or an equal) would come out earlier than Walt Disney World is ready to assess the recognition and affect of the Disney Eating Plan. On condition that, someday in mid-2024 in all probability makes extra sense for a Tables in Wonderland substitute. That’s, until eating demand drops dramatically and DDP bookings for 2024 begin softer than anticipated. So I’ll reiterate as soon as once more–who is aware of!
As such, we’re preserving the under historic Tables in Wonderland information for the sake of posterity–simply don’t count on the eating low cost card to return anytime quickly…
Tables in Wonderland Pricing & Information
Tables in Wonderland prices $150 for Annual Passholders and Disney Trip Membership members, and $175 for Florida residents. Word that when you aren’t a Florida Resident, Annual Passholder, or Disney Trip Membership Member, this system sadly will not be open to you. I suppose meaning it’s time so that you can transfer to Florida?! 😉
One of many regular downsides of Tables in Wonderland is that lots of newer eating places don’t settle for it instantly. So, when you’re a neighborhood or common who likes to dine on the newest eating places within the parks or at Disney Springs, that’s a little bit of a bummer. Nonetheless, at the moment there aren’t any new eating places that don’t settle for TiW.
At current, all new eating places do now settle for Tables in Wonderland (once they’re open). This consists of Topolino’s Terrace, Enchanted Rose Lounge, Jaleo by José Andrés, Terralina Crafted Italian, Barcelona Lounge, Dahlia Lounge, Three Bridges Bar & Grill, and Toledo — Tapas, Steak & Seafood. We love Jaleo, Three Bridges, and Toledo, so we’re completely satisfied to see all of those added to the checklist.
Hopefully, sooner or later these eating places are joined by different new and upcoming eating places at Walt Disney World, together with Topolino’s Terrace, Area 220 Restaurant, Takumi-Tei, Le Creperie de Paris, Metropolis Works Eatery & Pour Home, Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and Toy Story Land’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant.
Sadly, Victoria & Albert’s not accepts Tables in Wonderland. There are additionally basic blockout dates for all Tables in Wonderland areas: Mom’s Day, Easter Sunday, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New 12 months’s Eve and New 12 months’s Day. On Tables in Wonderland block-out dates, there will probably be a cost for parking and valet companies.
Along with the 20% financial savings at Desk Service eating places, a Tables in Wonderland card entitles you to the next advantages:
- complimentary valet (and normal) resort parking (if eating on the resort)
- complimentary theme park parking after 5:00 pm (if eating on the park)
- entry to member-only particular Meals and Wine occasions, winemaker dinners, and superstar chef dinners, and different occasions all year long
Along with the above-mentioned blockout dates, it is usually essential to notice that some Disney Springs eating places don’t settle for the cardboard or solely supply a ten% low cost with it. Additionally, some Counter Service eating places (Flame Tree BBQ, for the win!) supply a Tables in Wonderland low cost.
As these eating places change yearly based mostly on the contracts signed with every restaurant, it’s greatest to discuss with Disney’s Tables in Wonderland web page earlier than your journey to find out what low cost you’ll obtain at every restaurant you go to.
Earlier than we get into the common Tables in Wonderland overview, we wish to supply some ideas on Annual Passholder and Disney Trip Membership reductions of 10% to twenty% off at a some desk service eating places. There should not almost as many eating places providing 20% off AP/DVC reductions, however there are a good variety of eating places.
The overwhelming majority of desk service eating places which might be providing AP or DVC reductions are solely 10% off. Beforehand, many extra have been at 20%, which led us to not renew our Tables in Wonderland card a few years in the past. Nonetheless, these disappeared early final 12 months, and have but to return.
As such, we renewed our Tables in Wonderland card early final 12 months, and can renew once more quickly if bigger reductions don’t seem. We dine at Walt Disney World desk service eating places with regularity, in order that 10% distinction is fairly important for us.
It’s best to do the maths your self to find out whether or not you’re higher off with the “free” 10% off low cost, or if it’s value it to pay for the 20% off low cost. Even with the AP and DVC reductions, when you’re a neighborhood and eat at Walt Disney World eating places weekly, you continue to would possibly wish to get the Tables in Wonderland card.
Tables in Wonderland Card Assessment
Since you may discover the above data in a mess of locations on-line, I’m assuming you’ve come right here for our ideas on whether or not the Tables in Wonderland card is well worth the cash.
In mild of the worth of the Tables in Wonderland card and the low cost provided, the break-even level for a Florida resident breaks is $875 at Desk Service eating places, and an Annual Passholder’s break-even level is $750 spent at Desk Service eating places. (Assuming no various reductions can be found–if there are, the maths clearly modifications.)
For those who’ve ever paid for Desk Service eating places at Walt Disney World out of pocket, you understand that you could in all probability break-even inside only some meals. As such, most frequent visitors to Walt Disney World who repeatedly dine at desk service eating places will get a superb quantity of financial savings out of the Tables in Wonderland card.
Nonetheless, you may be questioning how the Tables in Wonderland card compares to the Disney Eating Plan for saving cash. My largest criticism of the Disney Eating Plan is that it affords an excessive amount of meals for most individuals and is unnecessarily sophisticated. Nothing is so simple as paying out-of-pocket for the meals you need, when and the place you need it. The Tables in Wonderland Card works nicely for this “technique.”
Nonetheless, if the Disney Eating Plan (1 Desk Service meal consisting of an entree, dessert, and drink, 1 Counter Service meal consisting of a combo, drink, and dessert, and 1 Snack per day for the usual plan) matches your consuming habits, which may very nicely be higher for you. For us, Tables in Wonderland works higher as a result of it permits us to “eat as we please.”
We will order an appetizer if we would like, skip dessert, get 3 snacks per day, and so on. We don’t really feel as confined to a selected consuming sample and schedule with Tables in Wonderland. Sadly, there isn’t a definitive reply as to which is best to your celebration, so doing the numbers based mostly in your particular eating model is a should.
Chances are you’ll discover that even when you’re a frequent consumer of the Disney Eating Plan, there nonetheless could also be worth in buying the Tables in Wonderland card when you eat at Walt Disney World eating places sufficient. It is because the cardboard can be utilized on alcohol and appetizers.
If would order this stuff together with your Disney Eating Plan meals, and also you eat sufficient appetizers or drink sufficient alcohol, you’ll be able to come out forward. Simply consider it as an booze “rewards” card for Disney! Plus, because it’s accepted at some eating places the place the Disney Eating Plan will not be, you’ll be able to profit through the use of it in these areas.
Sarah and I truly first bought Tables in Wonderland for a visit throughout which we’d be utilizing the Disney Eating Plan! For our honeymoon, we needed to expertise Victoria & Albert’s and California Grill, along with utilizing the Disney Eating Plan, however the former will not be on the Eating Plan, and the latter affords poor worth on the Eating Plan. Again then, Tables in Wonderland value $75 (and this was not that way back!) so it made full sense to purchase the cardboard and use it a few days in lieu of the Eating Plan.
Throughout these two days, we ate at Victoria & Albert’s, California Grill, and Seashores and Cream. The financial savings on our dinner at Victoria & Albert’s got here near paying for the cardboard, with the financial savings at California Grill simply placing us “within the black” on Tables in Wonderland. We used the cardboard once more at Christmas, and once more in Could, and saved nicely over one-thousand {dollars} in these three journeys by using the cardboard.
We’ve got had it yearly since, and seen the cardboard steadily creep up in value. Yearly we’ve gotten sufficient worth to justify the acquisition (we do the maths), however with the most recent worth improve making it value $150 (for us as Disney Trip Membership members) after our final renewal, it’s going to be robust to justify shopping for it once more. The break-even level is excessive, and as menu costs proceed to rise to offer illusory worth for the Disney Eating Plan, we discover ourselves consuming fewer and fewer desk service meals.
Clearly, your mileage could fluctuate on the Tables in Wonderland card, and it is best to actually do the maths to find out if it’s best for you. For those who actually love the desk service eating places at Walt Disney World, what’s higher than an excuse to eat an additional meal at Flying Fish, Jiko, or Kona Cafe since you want to avoid wasting extra money?! 😉
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? For those who’re keen on studying extra about motels, our Walt Disney World Resorts Evaluations web page is an effective place to begin. For the place to eat, check out our Walt Disney World Restaurant Evaluations web page. If you wish to get monetary savings on tickets or decide which sort it is best to get, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. OurWhat to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a singular take a look at unconventional issues it is best to take in your journey. When you arrive on the parks, our Walt Disney World “Experience Guides” are nice for figuring out what to do and when to do it. For overviews of all of those matters and a lot extra, the most effective place to begin is our complete Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information to profit from your expertise!
Your Ideas
What do you consider the Tables in Wonderland Card? Is it well worth the cash to your touring celebration, or do you go for the Disney Eating Plan (or one thing else) as an alternative? Share your ideas within the feedback!