You People Ruined The Gratuity For Ddp!

[spoilmygurl]

I just got off the phone making all of my ADR's for our May trip. (ADR is NOT disney lingo and the rep was a little annoyed with me for saying it..more on that later)

Anywho she was telling me that with our DDP, tips won't be included so we'll have to be prepared to pay those. She said they aren't included any longer because some people weren't leaving tips and the servers were getting jilted :confused: How exactly were servers getting jilted if they were previously guaranteed a tip from the dining plan :confused3 I think the present plan is where the potential for getting jilted exists. She then proceeded to tell me that if people keep stiffing the servers tips, the servers will start quitting, then there will be nobody to staff the parks. :rolleyes1 Why did I have to get Sybil of all people to answer my phone call? I made up a story about how my husband is in the service industry and always tips 20% so she would shut up already.

About the ADR
sybil: what is that acronym you're saying
me: ADR- advanced dining reservation
sybil: we don't use that term. that's not a disney term. where did you hear it
me: (scared to admit it was this forum) ummm....i might have saw it online somewhere
sybil:well i've been a cast member for 8 years and it's not a term we use. I've only heard it used maybe 3 times in my life and I never figured out where it came from. I was going to ask you if you were a CM......(trailed into long story)
me: (inside my head "OMG! She's nuts!!") outloud i was feigning interest in the story.

[d23cndrela]

Do you ever wonder why CMs who answer the phones for ressie, either dining ressies or for booking trips always have long winded stories about how vacationers and or forum goers like us disers are always to blame. We leak codes, we make up acronyms, we anoy them by repeatedly changing our reservations, and now apearently we are stiffing the wait staff. THis just always cracks me up. Sorry you had such a lousy experience every once in awhile you find a CM who actually likes to talk to people. They as you about you trip and get you really excited for your up coming trip, unlike sybil. Better luck next time.

[andyjack]

If they don't use the term ADR, then what do they use?

[Chuck S]

Actually "Advanced Dining Reservation" was officially used by Disney Dining for a very short period of time, after they stopped calling them "Priority Seatings."

But the acronym stuck here on the DIS, even after Disney stopped using it.

[TDC Nala]

I guess you are just supposed to say "reservation." I looked at the FAQ on the Disney World website and it just says "reservation." Interesting, because it's NOT technically a reservation unless it's a prepaid event. It's a go to the front of the queue thing, they're not holding a table open for you.

I don't get how the servers were getting stiffed if the tip was included. Unless they expected the diners to up the tip amount beyond the included 18%.

[BluOrchid2]

so what are we "supposed" to call them?

[LuvsTinker]

:mad: The nerve

[TDC Nala]

It was probably this gal

http://betweenthecovers.com/_keepout/_product_images/343/009/2489_main.jpg

[disneynewbee]

They were getting 18% even if they provided crappy service you would think that would be a waiter/waitresses dream. What she was saying makes no sense at all. Now the staff could get stiffed completely or get less than 18%.

[pha1226]

That is HILARIOUS!

Seriously, why do people like this want to work for DISNEY?? If my job required me to say "have a magical day" or whatever, I'd jump off a bridge.

[Muushka]

Sybil!:rotfl2:

The people the people the people

(you had to see the movie to appreciate):scared1:

[GoodFairies]

They are now simply called reservations.

[spoilmygurl]

This is our first trip to Disney, so 99.9% of everything about the trip, I learned here or got an outside link from here. I actually felt "cool" saying ADR. Like it made me a Disney pro or something. :rotfl: I felt like a complete noob when she broke down my little ego. hehehe.

oh oh oh!!! I forgot this part...I initially called to cancel an ADR as our dates had changed. Here's how that convo went:

sybil: okay, we've got that cancelled. is there anything else I can do for you?
me: not really. I wanted to make some reservations, but another CM told me I can't do that without my package already being booked. (it isn't just yet)
sybil: that is not true! the person who told you that was obviously not a CM. Sometimes when you call, the call goes to a place Disney using for outsourcing. I would suggest that from here on in, as soon as they pick up ask them "where are you located" or "are you an offical CM". If they aren't, just tell them you'll call back and try until you get a real CM. They don't have access to they same information we do.

OMG! It can't be that serious lady. She must own like 60% of Disney or something. LMBO! (laughing my buns off)

[wdwdancerwannabe]

It was probably this gal

http://betweenthecovers.com/_keepout/_product_images/343/009/2489_main.jpg


:rotfl2: :rotfl: :laughing: :lmao:
Literally LAUGHED OUTLOUD!!!

[tmonferdini]

I don't remember when I laughed so hard reading a post! WOW! Talk about a whack-job. It's too bad that your particular conversation wasn't "recorded for quality assurance or training purposes" as so many of them are anymore. I'll bet if she was required to say, "Have a magical day," she would have choked on it!!!

On a serious side, I'm sure glad she told you how things really work at Disney, since you clearly don't know anything (i.e. ADR - now, really!!! and when to make another dining reservation) I hope you have learned your lesson:goodvibes lol!!! I know I sure have.

Besides that, I'll bet she get employee of the month or something for setting you straight.

[LSchrow]

:rotfl2:
too funny........
but at least the phone call wasn't a waste, she provided some good entertainment (definately creepy tho:scared1: )

loved your retelling, btw :thumbsup2

[hipchickie]

That is HILARIOUS!

Seriously, why do people like this want to work for DISNEY?? If my job required me to say "have a magical day" or whatever, I'd jump off a bridge.

no kidding, huh? :lmao:

[kaytieeldr]

Overly-serious or not, it appears the Cast Member being disparaged here provided some GOOD, factual information to the OP. Disney doesn't call your dining arrangements ADR, PS, any other acronym, or the full terms those acronyms represent. They DO call your dining plans "reservations" - and then explain to you exactly what that means ("arrive x minutes early, check in, be seated at the next available...").

And the CM may have presented all her responses in a too-serious manner - but she DID also provide ACCURATE information (i.e. corrected the MISinformation the OP got on an earlier call) about when you can make dining reservations: Using the information the OP got on the call previous to this one, it would appear Guests with a room-only reservation, or staying off-site, are unable to make dining reservations, period: "I wanted to make some reservations, but another CM told me I can't do that without my package already being booked"

[Quicklabs]

I think Sybil needs to switch to decaf coffee.

[Uncleromulus]

At least Sybil could speak English--unlike several Disney Dining CM's I've spoken with (or rather, tried to spaek with) in the past.
And the DDP information she gave was correct-no gratuity included.

Which leaves me wondering how we ("You people") ruined it??

[Tricia1972]

Sounds like Sybil woke up on the wrong side of the bed!

Sorry about tipping 18% from the DDP and tipping extra sometimes, didn't mean to ruin it for the rest of the world. :rotfl:

[disney queen]

let's be nice. disney has CMs that are international and english is not their first language.:tongue:

[Superspectral]

She said they aren't included any longer because some people weren't leaving tips and the servers were getting jilted

Is it possible that non-dining plan customers were tipping less because they perceived that most guests were on the dining plan where tips were included (and therefore they could under-tip without harming the servere too much)?

[SoonipiLady]

Is it possible that non-dining plan customers were tipping less because they perceived that most guests were on the dining plan where tips were included (and therefore they could under-tip without harming the servere too much)?

People were actually tipping based on the service they received, and weren't getting 18% service and were tipping accordingly? ;) I'm a server and make a darn good living at it. There are days that I'm not quite "on" if you know what I mean. I certainly don't expect superior compensation for average service. :confused3

If I have 18% gratuity added to my check, I expect that level of service. If I don't get it, I'm cetainly not leaving MORE on top of the automatic gratuity!!!!:scared1: If that's ruining it for tipped employees, I've left waves of distruction behind whenever I've been on vacation, or on a cruise or just out with friends and family:rotfl2: . It's a miracle the hopitality industry has survived my onslaught! :rolleyes1

We're servers, not weathermen, we DON'T get paid for being wrong!:thumbsup2

[Disney_Angel]

I will be calling Disney.....then I will demand to speak to a real cm
If they refuse I will ask to speak to Sybill....when she answers I will say ADR as many times as I can...~~laughing I have to say that I got a REAL weirdo once, I could see the call was not going well I hung up *opps*
Then I called back hoping to get a better CM.....then the crazy one was calling back. Now tell me if that wasn't nutty:scared1:

[Sparkie]

I too have occasionally encountered a less than magical CM- everybody is entitled to have a bad day- but instead of enduring the call- I just tell the CM or whoever it is on the other end of the line that I have forgotten something and will have to call back. I hang up and call back and have never gotten the same CM twice. Most are very helpful but occasionally some are not

[tww369]

I made my reservations this month and refered to them as "ADR's" as usual the CM never blinked far as I can tell. Shows you Disney hires people with "issues" too...lol. I heading down in April on DDP but it will probably be the last time (just 2 of us going).

The only thing I can say about the the DDP changes is "It was fun while it lasted" but its not worth it anymore. Im a DVC owner and will be back of course just eating off property.:confused3

[tigger536]

I got hung up on the other day. The CM (or not, I never asked for verification, LOL!) picked up sooner than I anticipated and my outlook calendar was still opening. She said what can I help you with and I replied hang on just a second while I get my calendar. Next thing I know I was sent to the survey! Well, okaay then! :rotfl:

[TLSnell1981]

All joking aside....I would have asked to speak to a supervisor. This woman is scary.:scared1: I think she must have skipped a few days of on the job training.:confused3

[Muushka]

Not to mention her meds.

[TLSnell1981]

Not to mention her meds.

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[sorul82?]

Not to mention her meds.

:rotfl:

[phisigprincess]

I have to make my ADRs/PS/reservations (whatever today's lingo may be) on the 5th and if I get Sybil, I'll be sure to promptly hang up. ;)

[Passions71203]

I think Sybil needs to switch to decaf coffee.

:coffee: :drinking1 You think it was coffee that she was drinkin'...lol Ok, I will start being good now...

[TLSnell1981]

I have already made all of my ADRs, but I'm feeling a little mischievious today.... I think I'll call WDW....and keep calling until I get our new fav CM, Sybil! I could really have some fun with her, but first I need to find the page with all the Dis acronyms.

[Tricia1972]

I have already made all of my ADRs, but I'm feeling a little mischievious today.... I think I'll call WDW....and keep calling until I get our new fav CM, Sybil! I could really have some fun with her, but first I need to find the page with all the Dis acronyms.

:lmao: If you don't post it, be sure to PM me and let me know how that goes for you!!!

[Disney_Angel]

It was probably this gal

http://betweenthecovers.com/_keepout/_product_images/343/009/2489_main.jpg



:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

[ilovepooh]

funny..:rotfl: thanks for sharing. I didn't realize it was a big deal to use words like ADR.....Sybil forgot to take her happy pills that day! Sorry that happened to you....you probably felt like you were entering the Twilight Zone!

[sorul82?]

I have already made all of my ADRs, but I'm feeling a little mischievious today.... I think I'll call WDW....and keep calling until I get our new fav CM, Sybil! I could really have some fun with her, but first I need to find the page with all the Dis acronyms.

Oooooh! This sounds fun!!!
:lmao:

[jenjenmouse]

I have gotten so many different CM personalities over the years! But most recently I have gotten hung up on every time I try to go to the survey at the end of the call. :confused3
I love this post! Best one I've read in a long time!:lmao: :rotfl2:

[mickeyluv'r]

Thanks for the funny post. :goodvibes

[stitchlover]

How funny!

I actually a few months ago got a CM that wasn't entirely friendly, I must confess it is VERY rare that I get an unfriendly CM, who was quite miffed by my use of the ADR term. She interrupted me and said "I have no idea what you are even talking about. I've never heard that term." Fair enough. The rest of the conversation wasn't exactly friendly.

BUT again, I must say it is very rare for me to encounter someone who isn't friendly. I needed some new package pricing back in August and my Apple Safari program doesn't work well with Disney pricing so I had to call in and ask for pricing comparison's on all the Deluxes, except for the Monorail ones. What a beating, right? The guy was WONDERFUL. Told me let me put my feet up on the desk and tell me what you need, I'm here to help. He was a delight! Probably spent 30 minutes on the phone with me pricing everything.

[familyS]

Every time I glance at that threat title :lmao:

I think it is the "You People" that gets me :rotfl:

That Sybil type CM really needs a new job, no matter how many years she has been in dining reservations.

[emmsmama]

Oh my, I don't know if I've laughed so much at a thread on any forum in a long time. Too funny because when I read the thread title I thought it was going to be a post by a disgruntled DDP user but it's been a complete hoot to read!

[SassyLassy]

Overly-serious or not, it appears the Cast Member being disparaged here provided some GOOD, factual information to the OP. Disney doesn't call your dining arrangements ADR, PS, any other acronym, or the full terms those acronyms represent. They DO call your dining plans "reservations" - and then explain to you exactly what that means ("arrive x minutes early, check in, be seated at the next available...").

And the CM may have presented all her responses in a too-serious manner - but she DID also provide ACCURATE information (i.e. corrected the MISinformation the OP got on an earlier call) about when you can make dining reservations: Using the information the OP got on the call previous to this one, it would appear Guests with a room-only reservation, or staying off-site, are unable to make dining reservations, period: "I wanted to make some reservations, but another CM told me I can't do that without my package already being booked"

As she did give accurate information there is a standard that comes along with being in customer service. Now, as we all have bad days, ppl know when they are just being snippy and snarky. There was no need for her to be so snippy and trying to belittle the fact that OP used the term ADR. I have worked in the customer service field for years and never had a used a superior tone to correct someone to make it seem that I know more than them. Not only that but she said that she has been there for years and heard it a few times, so go along with it....not that hard lady!! This kind of attitude is completely unacceptable and if I heard one of my employees talking to one of our customers like this you could bet your bottom dollar that I would be "coaching" them outback. We should not get used to a poor level of service and also not be afraid to demand it. I would have asked for her supervisor.

[spoilmygurl]

Exactly SASSYLASSY. The point of the post wasn't that she was giving bad information (though her take on the changes to the DDP didn't ring very likely to me). The point was how she presented herself. Like I was bothering her. It's no secret that as a customer service rep, you are EXPECTED to provide good service which includes not only giving good info, but being nice while doing so. Afterall, you are the "face" of the organization to that customer at that given moment.

[just another guy]

That is HILARIOUS!

Seriously, why do people like this want to work for DISNEY?? If my job required me to say "have a magical day" or whatever, I'd jump off a bridge.

Disney is always hiring. Times get hard, and people get desperate. They think it will be just to get them by for the time being. They get a full time position. Disney offers insurance. Its rates are horrible, but if you have kids you need insurance. The pay rate isn't great, but if you work 50 hours a week, you can get by. You want to leave, but need the insurance. If you jump through the ropes, take the classes, they then offer you a management position. You have vision of money symbols, corner offices, and the easy life. HAHAHA. All you've agreed to is a flat salary for 40-60 hours a week of work, more problems, and more stress. You feel a bit fancy with your blackberry, but really its just a leash, so the area manager(your boss) can get to you at any time, any day. Congrats, you are now a slave to the mouse, and can't escape.

Me, no, but I've seen it many times over.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=783474244345325591&q=trapped+at+disney&total=128&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=4

[rie'smom]

Makes me want to plan another trip because I want Sybil to answer!!! Too bad we don't know her name. We could request her when we need a laugh.

[TLSnell1981]

Disney is always hiring. Times get hard, and people get desperate. They think it will be just to get them by for the time being. They get a full time position. Disney offers insurance. Its rates are horrible, but if you have kids you need insurance. The pay rate isn't great, but if you work 50 hours a week, you can get by. You want to leave, but need the insurance. If you jump through the ropes, take the classes, they then offer you a management position. You have vision of money symbols, corner offices, and the easy life. HAHAHA. All you've agreed to is a flat salary for 40-60 hours a week of work, more problems, and more stress. You feel a bit fancy with your blackberry, but really its just a leash, so the area manager(your boss) can get to you at any time, any day. Congrats, you are now a slave to the mouse, and can't escape.

Me, no, but I've seen it many times over.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=783474244345325591&q=trapped+at+disney&total=128&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=4
Wow! Tell us the truth....you used to be Eeyore at WDW and you have gotten way to into character. Sorry you are so bummed about Disney.

[just another guy]

Wow! Tell us the truth....you used to be Eeyore at WDW and you have gotten way to into character. Sorry you are so bummed about Disney.

Nope, I've just seen it up close. I'm not bummed about disney. Its still fun to go with fellow cast members I know get me in free. Knowing insiders just shows you whats under the magic you see on the outside.

[MakiraMarlena]

Holy crap, imagine that, it's just like any other job.

[hoosiergirl7]

I got a good laugh reading all the posts on this thread. I made some ADR's today as well as a few weeks ago. I never said ADR's but I did stay dining reservations and not a single CM said anything to me. The first one I had was a hoot and I loved talking to her. When I couldn't get decent breakfast ADR's for Chef Mickey's she asked me if we had ever done the character breakfast at O'Hana's. I said we hadn't and she said that one was her favorite because it wasn't quite as busy as Chef Mickey's and had excellent food. So we got 8:30 am ADR's. I was able to get ADR's about the time I wanted all of them.

The gal today was very nice too but wasn't the outgoing transplanted New Yorker from Queens that I talked to the first time. One of my dearest friends is a New Yorker from Queens so in a way I felt like I was talking to her.

[kimberh]

I remember being explained that the reservation was not a reservation, because we were not guaranteed that time, just as close to that time as they could get us. This was when it was PS, then ADR. I never realized that they changed it again. I would think, they would let us know. We only go 3 times a year.:rotfl2:

[luvdisney77]

Quote:
Originally Posted by just another guy
Disney is always hiring. Times get hard, and people get desperate. They think it will be just to get them by for the time being. They get a full time position. Disney offers insurance. Its rates are horrible, but if you have kids you need insurance. The pay rate isn't great, but if you work 50 hours a week, you can get by. You want to leave, but need the insurance. If you jump through the ropes, take the classes, they then offer you a management position. You have vision of money symbols, corner offices, and the easy life. HAHAHA. All you've agreed to is a flat salary for 40-60 hours a week of work, more problems, and more stress. You feel a bit fancy with your blackberry, but really its just a leash, so the area manager(your boss) can get to you at any time, any day. Congrats, you are now a slave to the mouse, and can't escape.

Me, no, but I've seen it many times over.




Holy crap, imagine that, it's just like any other job.


EXACTLY!;)

[TLSnell1981]

Nope, I've just seen it up close. I'm not bummed about disney. Its still fun to go with fellow cast members I know get me in free. Knowing insiders just shows you whats under the magic you see on the outside.

Seen it up close too and still love.:goodvibes A job is what you make it.

[bumbershoot]

Overly-serious or not, it appears the Cast Member being disparaged here provided some GOOD, factual information to the OP. Disney doesn't call your dining arrangements ADR, PS, any other acronym, or the full terms those acronyms represent. They DO call your dining plans "reservations" - and then explain to you exactly what that means ("arrive x minutes early, check in, be seated at the next available...").

Actually, at Disneyland, when you call Disney Dining, they call them Priority Seatings, and they specifically told me "this is not a reservation." More than once.