A tip on "Tipping" [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Dillon

11-05-2008, 06:05 PM

Just back from a wonderful visit to the world. As always, DW and I are still feeling the after effects of that Disney Magic :cool1: we have come to appreciate. But I feel a need to speak up on the bill presentations at a number of Disney Resort restaurants.

The tipping amount is always a topic of conversation, but we always tip our servers a minimum of 15% to 18% without thought or concern. And I have no difficulty with the suggested tip levels that Disney recommends. They even help by showing these amounts on the customer copy bill. But I do not like the additude we ran into on this trip in some of the resort restaurants.

Twice at the arrival of the dinner bill, the folder was opened to reveal the customer copies on the left side, tucked under a small card placed on top titled "Walt Disney World Resort". And it reads, "We are often asked about gratuities. No gratuity has been added to your bill. Quality service is customarily acknowledged by a gratuity of 18% to 20%. Thank you." The merchant copy was on the right, as usual. The copy that is required to be signed has a meal total at the top, a blank line for a tip to be added, and a space to fill in the total to be charged to your room or charge card. No meal details are shown on this copy. With three pieces of paper in the customer pile, and two in the merchant pile, it is indeed a lot to finger through. In each case, even though we had only four in our party, an 18% tip was added to the meal total at the top of the bill to be signed. It is so deceiving to be presented in that manner! In one of these cases, there was no itemized bill to be checked. We had to ask the server for an itemized bill; and sure enough, there it was, an 18% tip added. We appologized for asking for the itemized bill, and the server made the comment that her boss made her omit the itemized billing initially. She appologized with grace.

A few years ago during a visit to the World my DW and I got caught in this confusion. We added a tip on the blank line on the merchant's copy. After submitting the bill, we inquiried at the front desk of the restaurant about our bill and was informed that all was OK and we filled it out properly. We later found out the reality of what had happened. I still remember the manager's smile and wink. :headache:

I'm sure we all are aware that there are those that leave without tipping the server, but this method of bill presentation tarnishes the Disney Magic for me.

We certainly still look forward to the wonderful opportunities of dining in the World, but now look VERY closely at the bill.

gmboy95

11-05-2008, 06:37 PM

I have a headache just thinking about that....Thanks for the heads up...we will be there at christmas

Pig Pen

11-05-2008, 06:43 PM

Blame the dining plan! During it's first year, the dining plan included the tip, then Disney eliminated it during the second year. I think servers were worried (rightfully so) that diners would overlook the tip.

However, it find it odd that the tip was automatically added for a party of four! Which restaurants?

alicat07

11-05-2008, 06:43 PM

So the tip was actually already added onto the bill but they made it seem like it wasn't thus leaving a blank spot on the check out? Am I following correctly? And the only way to know this was to get an itemized bill from them?

jekjones1558

11-05-2008, 06:45 PM

Thanks for the heads up on this issue. During our Oct. trip my husband and I (party of 2) also had the 18% added. I am not yet accustomed to checking for this on the bill and I automatically always add 20% tip unless service has been poor. I caught myself a few times and found that 18% had already been added. In a couple of cases we gave a few extra bucks beyond the 18%. In a couple of other cases I forgot and the server got a double tip. ¥our post is a good reminder to check every bill during my upcoming trip to see whether or not tip has already been added. I am sorry that a few gauche guests have created this nuisance for the rest of us.

beacher

11-05-2008, 06:46 PM

In each case, even though we had only four in our party, an 18% tip was added to the meal total at the top of the bill to be signed.

This I'm very curious about - were you using the DDE card?

vicki_c

11-05-2008, 06:59 PM

This I'm very curious about - were you using the DDE card?

That's what I was going to ask as well - because if you use the DDE card, the tip is automatically added. However, I almost got caught up in the same thing. When I used my DDE card for the first time, I forgot that and filled in a tip amount on the blank line on the receipt. It was only in looking at it one more time before we left that I caught my mistake and corrected it.

I don't recall all the receipt chaos you described though -- and we did have an itemized bill presented to us with the bill folder.

Dillon

11-05-2008, 07:21 PM

Tara

11-05-2008, 07:43 PM

I'll try to answer all questions in this reply.
We stayed a total of 10 days. The initial 6 days were with no dining plan but we did use the DDE. The last 4 days we moved to larger accommodations with additional persons - a total of 4 adults. We were on the basic plan and used the DDE for any additional expenses.
The automatic gratuity was added when using DDE only. I don't have a problem with the auto gratuity, but I do take issue when there is a pre-printed card included with my folder stating that no gratuity has been added when indeed it had. I was so taken aback that I brought the card home with me. It is printed in 5 languages in addition to English.
It was when we used both DDE and Dining Plan that multiple slips were included in the folder: those charges on DDE (with auto gratuity) and those charges using the Dining Plan. In both cases the 'tip' line was blank for you to fill in the amount.
My observations for others is just look carefully at your itemized bill before adding any additional tip. And if you don't get an itemized bill - ask for one.

1. You should always check your itemized bill to ensure you've been properly charged - a good reminder.
2. I think it's a tad bit unrealistic to expect servers to remove and re-insert the standard tipping card that seems to always been in the bill folders depending on the diners and their plan. I think the diner has a responsibility to know what they've bought (in the case of DDP OR DDE) and if anything, the card should have been a 'hey, something might be wrong here, I'd better check out my bill' warning.
3. Having been on the dining plan when the tip WAS included, the blank tip line didn't confuse me in the slightest. It's there in case the diner wants to add additional gratuity. It is purely optional.

ljcrochet

11-05-2008, 09:45 PM

petbren

11-05-2008, 10:09 PM

We were there Nov/07, before the DDP changes,and March/08 after.
We had DDP both trips.
I also noticed the extreme paper waste---5 pieces every sit down meal.
We too were presented with both itemized and non-itemized bills, tip included and non-tip included bills.
At Boma, we questioned not getting an itemized bill, and the look we got was :confused3 . We even asked to speak to the manager, but we're also treated like we fell off the turnip truck.
It just left a bad taste in our mouths. Like Disney doesn't make enough to pay the servers well, we should double tip to make up for it.:confused:

SamSam

11-06-2008, 01:09 AM

I actually noticed the opposite when I was in MK. A waiter came running out of LTT and he said the a man, I noticed that you tipped me but I don't think you meant to since the tip was already including. The man was just stunned that first he double tipped, then that the waiter followed him out to let him know and take off the extra tip.
Now that's a person of great integrity! We had the opposite happen. When DDE started adding an automatic 18% gratuity, but then presented copies of the receipts with a place for the tip to be added we always tried to check but at least once failed to check. On that occassion we added a 20% tip to a bill that already had an 18% gratuity added. Our fault....Yes, but I'm sure the server knew it was an error on our part and didn't say a word. You can bet, I'm very careful now.

patsal

11-06-2008, 06:28 AM

We are a family of four who use the DDE as well. In July we found the same thing. We had all servers still fold the bill up with the total line facing out and the card for additional gratuity. I knew it was included and didnt' add anything extra just crossed out the line and totalled it to the original total and signed. We had two CM's who pointed out that we just needed to sign and go, that tip was included--guess who got extra? I am very careful now, back in 2005 when we combined the DDE and DDP I paid double tip on drinks--now known as the two most expensive drinks in the world! I believe it crosses the line to deceptive when they put the card in there saying gratuity is not covered when it is and when a CM takes time to circle in red where the tip goes and x where you are supposed to sign, when the gratuity is included already.

WaltEeyoreWorld

11-06-2008, 09:30 AM

Maybe we just got better servers but we use the DDE card all the time and for the most part, were told not to tip as 18% was already included. In SSR the bartender there actually saw me putting down a tip and told me it was already included but we were trying to leave him a little extra. However, I'm sure I would forget from time to time and double tip if it was not for my DW reminding me during each check. :thumbsup2

BWV Dreamin

11-06-2008, 10:03 AM

I am going to use the DDP for the first time since the changes were made. I plan on tipping in cash....any problem with that? So it really shouldn't make any difference what the reciepts say. Since we will be a party of 3, there should be no mandatory 18% gratuity.

bonrea

11-06-2008, 10:14 AM

shellybaxter

11-06-2008, 01:24 PM

2. I think it's a tad bit unrealistic to expect servers to remove and re-insert the standard tipping card that seems to always been in the bill folders depending on the diners and their plan. I think the diner has a responsibility to know what they've bought (in the case of DDP OR DDE) and if anything, the card should have been a 'hey, something might be wrong here, I'd better check out my bill' warning.

I couldn't disagree more. I think its completely dishonest for Disney to include a card that says a tip has not been added when it clearly has. That's lying. I would imagine that they would not leave a card in a bill that said a tip had been included when one had not. If this happens to me I will be asking for a manager and letting them know that I feel they are being dishonest.

Tara

11-06-2008, 02:18 PM

I couldn't disagree more. I think its completely dishonest for Disney to include a card that says a tip has not been added when it clearly has. That's lying. I would imagine that they would not leave a card in a bill that said a tip had been included when one had not. If this happens to me I will be asking for a manager and letting them know that I feel they are being dishonest.

I think it's only dishonest if it's intentionally left in. And I think the folders vary, but ISTR some folders that the tipping guidelines card was built into the folder in a little laminated window.

vicki_c

11-06-2008, 03:01 PM

I always look for the tip to be buried in the text of the receipts when using the dining plan or not. However I'm not familiar with the Disney Dining Experience or DDE card. Can someone point me to some info on this?

:confused3

The card formerly known as the Disney Dining Experience (DDE) card, newly renamed the Tables in Wonderland card. :confused3

Anyway, available to Florida residents and Annual Passholders only. It costs $60, is good for a year, and offers 20% off dining in most (or a lot) of the WDW table service locations, and a few resort food court areas. Our card paid for itself on a 4 day trip this summer, and we're getting to use it for 2 more trips this year, so it's been well worth it to us.

bonrea

11-07-2008, 05:37 AM

Thanks so much Vicki_c for the response. Can the TIWc be used with the dining plan too?

Tara

11-07-2008, 06:48 AM

Thanks so much Vicki_c for the response. Can the TIWc be used with the dining plan too?

No, you cannot get a discount on the dining plan. However, I imagine you could use it for any meals or portions of a meal not covered by the dining plan.

Terry S

11-07-2008, 06:57 AM

I have had the DDE card for a few years now and I am fully aware that the 18% is added to the bill, but at least once each trip I just forget about it and add a 20% tip to that blank line they provide. I always realize what I did about an hour later. No one has ever run me down and asked to give it back!

JimC

11-07-2008, 07:12 AM

Disney Dining Experience (Tables in Wonderland, now) has an 18% gratuity automatically added. For large groups (usually over 6 or 8) the gratuity is automatically added. As others have said look at the detail receipt that is presented with the charge receipt to determine if a tip is there or not.

You can add more if you believe the 18% is insufficient. Problem is you can not subtract if you received poor service. Fortunately that is not a problem at Disney.

Only one time, at Olivia's, has the wait staff handwritten a note that the tip was included. She out it on the receipt I sign. I told the manager on the way out that I appreciated that note.

sharpes84

11-07-2008, 07:34 AM

hi,
I am here now at SSR and have the tables in Wonderland 20% discount and have used it religiously!
The tip has been added everywhere we have used it and have been her 10 days!
My gripe is that a buffet that I SERVE myself is not worth a tip of 18%!.
I spend 150.00 for a buffet and pay 27.00 tip?It is not like the food is bad or the service but I get a few drinks and my plates removed...
That seems too steep to me on a buffet and I have been to :::::::
CHEF MICKEYS,HOLLYWOOD AND VINE 2x'S,GRAND FLORIDIAN,CRYSTAL PALACE 2 X'S, AND MORE....
and they add the card that says no tip added?yes this is VERY DECPTIVE!

Dillon

11-07-2008, 10:59 AM

I think it's only dishonest if it's intentionally left in. And I think the folders vary, but ISTR some folders that the tipping guidelines card was built into the folder in a little laminated window.

In the cases I related, the card was on the left side with the customer copies tucked under the "no tip added" card. The bill folder is presented in such a way as to allow you to think you need to fill in the empty "TIP" line.

My point to all of this was to only caution others. I agree that we all need to be accountable for how we spend our money, but it just seems so intentional in its presentation to deceive. :confused3

Please let me end with - DW and I both love the Disney experience. If you are into it, there is no experience that compares. Our comments are meant only to allow improvement in what is already a very extraordinary experience!

DizneyDi - do the moose dance! :cool1:

JimC

11-07-2008, 11:23 AM

Confusion arises when what we are accustomed to is altered:

1. Foreign visitors who have a different custom in their home country may out of habit tip as is their custom. That is why we see tip cards and notices printed on the receipts.

2. Disney changing the rules. DDP originally included tips -- now does not; DDE (TIW) no tip added and now the tip is added.

I have left double tips when I have not been paying attention. It irritates me that I was inattentive, but it happens only rarely and that server team ended up with a bit extra -- so I do not dwell on it for long.

sharpes84

11-14-2008, 12:46 PM

Horace Horsecollar

11-14-2008, 01:35 PM

Disney should be called out on this...I am looking at my receipts from last week and disgusted that 18% added after using my Tables of Wonderland discount....
I used to tip 20% (or sometimes more) on the amount before the discount.

Now that Disney adds 18%, I simply write "included" on the tip line (after verifying that the tip really was included and that the Tables in Wonderland discount really was applied). Then I bring down the total amount and sign it.

A few times, I thought of adding a few bucks more to bring the tip up to what I would have tipped if it had been at my discretion, but I never did so. If Disney insists on an automatic 18% tip, then so be it.

I may be better off with no discount and tipping accordingly..
I don't see how you would ever be better off without a 20% discount and an 18% automatic tip. The bottom line is less than the before the discount and tip, and you don't have to leave an additional tip.

Like I said before a buffet tip is not worth 18.00 when the meal is 100.00 for 3 people.
Here's where my opinion is different. Servers work just as hard at buffets. The servers greet you, take drink orders and reorders, handle special needs, clear dirty dishes for what are usually multi-course meals, make sure you're happy, and handle payments. The big difference is that they don't bring your food out from the kitchen (and at many table-service restaurants, someone from the kitchen does that, not the server). Also, tips are shared at conventional table service restaurants and at buffets. The buffet servers are not getting rich from their tips.

TRUST ME I AM A BIG TIPPER BUT IT IS ON MY TERMS
I understand your point. I'm still getting high quality service at Disney restaurants. I'm now spending less money on tips. But there's something about an automatic tips that rubs me the wrong way.

On the other hand, it makes sense to have a standard service charge for everybody. Otherwise those of us who pay better tips are effectively subsidizing the cheapskates who leave minimal tips or the deadbeats who don't tip at all, despite getting good service.

Terry S

11-14-2008, 01:41 PM

Everything from the DDE card clearly states that the 18% is included. I just forget sometimes. My own fault.

I also agree though that I generally tip 20% and now the servers are only getting 18% from me as I feel real cheap adding another $1.00 to the tip.

permavac

11-14-2008, 05:49 PM

Like I said before a buffet tip is not worth 18.00 when the meal is 100.00 for 3 people.
TRUST ME I AM A BIG TIPPER BUT IT IS ON MY TERMS

I have to agree with you here. The nature of buffets is that the servers are able to handle MANY more customers than in a normal restaurant due to the fact that they are not taking meal and dessert orders and ensuring that the extra condiments, etc. arrive and bringing out the food and ensuring everything is in order. Because of the sheer quantity of people they wait on at buffets, the tips work out as well or even better than regular restaurants even if those are reduced tips. I was shocked when eating at Biergarten with their tip suggestions included on the receipt. So for the half hour that eight people eat at a table getting minimal "service" the server would receive $57.44 (18%). Man - people must be killing each other to work there! Call me a cheapskate - I can take it. We leave $2 per person at a buffet and tip 15% or more (minimum of $4 even if the bill is under $20 - that's where servers get screwed on percentage) at "regular" restaurants. Before I get flamed, yes, I have walked in their shoes (back in the day) as both a buffet server and waitress so I am ok with the tips I leave.

Eventer98

11-14-2008, 06:08 PM

This situation happened to me in August...we were a party of 5 so the tip should not have been included. I hadn't had any problems throughout our trip until we were at Biergarten. I added the tip and it was only until we were getting ready to leave that DH noticed we tipped twice. The server had included the tip the first time around. With all those pieces of paper it was really confusing. Luckily I brought it to the server's attention and he did not bill my card for the 2nd tip. I felt bad but it was no one's fault really. I agree OP..it's a good idea to double check everything and don't feel silly asking your server to clarify anything! :goodvibes

fishermouse

11-14-2008, 06:20 PM

Disney should be called out on this...I am looking at my receipts from last week and disgusted that 18% added after using my Tables of Wonderland discount....

I may be better off with no discount and tipping accordingly..
Like I said before a buffet tip is not worth 18.00 when the meal is 100.00 for 3 people.
TRUST ME I AM A BIG TIPPER BUT IT IS ON MY TERMS

Everyone should realize that the tip is a suggestion! If you feel it was worth it you can leave as is you may also have it removed, lowered or raised. I to am IMO a good tipper usually 20% and round up, but I hate the idea of being told what to tip, usually less than I would leave anyway but it just rubs me the wrong way. In Disney's defense Europeans generally do not tip as much as we do. They are not cheap it's just that their pay scale for wait staff is different than ours. So Disney decided the best way for staff to get the proper tips was to add it in. Also agree about buffets I do not tip near as much, usually I'll leave $5.00, no matter what the bill is. I have been to buffets where the waitress is very attentive, always filling drinks, cleaning up etc. in that case I will tip more but that is the exception.

OneMoreTry

11-14-2008, 06:41 PM

:confused3 Why did you apologize for asking for the itemized bill?? I wouldn't, although I might explain why I wanted it and suggest they provide it to others in the future to clarify the apparently confusing system.

And I didn't understand the meaning of the manager's "wink."

most restaurants initially provide an itemized bill, which I check. I return that with the card and they return the credit card receipt to be signed. In the future I think I will keep the itemized bill and just give them the card to make sure the tip wasn't added in the interim.

If WDW does this I'm sure other places do also.

I KNOW this has happened to me before, but don't recall if it happened at WDW. There were a couple of times we tipped ON TOP OF the dining plan's included tip -- for supremely excellent service beyond the call of duty.

edk35

11-14-2008, 08:19 PM

Some bills we get have the tip added and some don't. Well on two occasions last trip.........the tip was figured in on our party of 5 and I tipped again. :scared1: We only had this happen twice so I was just used to putting the tip on there. Didn't even notice it til later that night. We did use DDE but most bills DID NOT have the tip on it. At least I think maybe I doubled tipped more than I thought.

edk35

11-14-2008, 08:27 PM

I have to agree with you here. The nature of buffets is that the servers are able to handle MANY more customers than in a normal restaurant due to the fact that they are not taking meal and dessert orders and ensuring that the extra condiments, etc. arrive and bringing out the food and ensuring everything is in order. Because of the sheer quantity of people they wait on at buffets, the tips work out as well or even better than regular restaurants even if those are reduced tips. I was shocked when eating at Biergarten with their tip suggestions included on the receipt. So for the half hour that eight people eat at a table getting minimal "service" the server would receive $57.44 (18%). Man - people must be killing each other to work there! Call me a cheapskate - I can take it. We leave $2 per person at a buffet and tip 15% or more (minimum of $4 even if the bill is under $20 - that's where servers get screwed on percentage) at "regular" restaurants. Before I get flamed, yes, I have walked in their shoes (back in the day) as both a buffet server and waitress so I am ok with the tips I leave.

Our experience of late is that we don't get as good a service at the buffets.....and yes the tip is often added. So we tend to eat at only a couple. We have been burned a few times. I am not saying that all servers at buffets do a bad job....but we have had some rotten service and then to give that hefty a tip......it does bother us. SO...we eat at less of them now.

BWV Dreamin

11-14-2008, 08:54 PM

I have mixed thoughts on this whole tip thing. I find it very deceiving to add tip without the customers knowledge. Yes, its on the customer to review the receipt (assuming that it is itemized). One would expect it on parties of 6 or more...not under 6. If the server sees that a double tip has been given, it is good business to bring this to the attention of the customer. Of course, if one leaves a cash tip on the table, that might be hard to do. I feel if this is brought to the restaraunt manager's attention, within a reasonable time period, that money should be credited back to the customer. Where is this customary to give double tips? Another thing. If I pay for the DDP up front, do I tip based on the proposed payment if not on the plan? This somewhat negates the little benefit the DDP has.

PrincessNewsie

11-14-2008, 08:59 PM

I KNOW this has happened to me before, but don't recall if it happened at WDW. There were a couple of times we tipped ON TOP OF the dining plan's included tip -- for supremely excellent service beyond the call of duty.

When I was there, the tip was NOT included in the dining plan. Can you please clarify?

BWV Dreamin

11-14-2008, 09:03 PM

When I was there, the tip was NOT included in the dining plan. Can you please clarify?
If you have a party of 6 or more, even on the DDP, the tip will be included on your bill. For parties less than 6, they are NOT to add tip to the bill, regardless if you are on DDP or not.

TDC Nala

11-14-2008, 09:10 PM

DDP and DDE are two different things. DDE is now called Tables in Wonderland (TIW) to try and distinguish them.

If you are a DDE/TIW member, you'll get an 18% tip added to your table service bill no matter how many people are in your party. Even if it's just you, as long as you are using that TIW membership you will be billed the automatic tip.

If you are on DDP, or if you are paying with cash and not using a DDE/TIW membership discount, you should be charged an automatic 18% tip only if you are a party of six or more. In the case of parties of 5 or less, the receipt is printed with SUGGESTED tip amounts.

And on DDP you pay the tip based on the full menu price of whatever it is your ordered, not based on the price you paid for the dining plan.

BWV Dreamin

11-14-2008, 09:13 PM

DDP and DDE are two different things. DDE is now called Tables in Wonderland (TIW) to try and distinguish them.

If you are a DDE/TIW member, you'll get an 18% tip added to your table service bill no matter how many people are in your party. Even if it's just you, as long as you are using that TIW membership you will be billed the automatic tip.

If you are on DDP, or if you are paying with cash and not using a DDE/TIW membership discount, you should be charged an automatic 18% tip only if you are a party of six or more. In those cases the receipt is printed with SUGGESTED tip amounts.
Thanks for clarifying the TIW....:thumbsup2

Dean

11-14-2008, 09:31 PM

Eventer98

11-15-2008, 07:13 AM

18% is a bit much for a buffet meal tip, IMO. 10% is the standard for buffet restaurants adjusted up or down as appropriate.

I agree Dean. Unfortunately, for a majority of our meals in August, we were a table of 6 due to my infant son. So it was automatically included.

sharpes84

11-15-2008, 09:41 AM

Everyone should realize that the tip is a suggestion! If you feel it was worth it you can leave as is you may also have it removed, lowered or raised. .

Just so you know they add it after you use the TABLES OF WONDERLAND.
I asked why and they said it is billed in the system that way according to the way the system is set up.
I asked the manager and they said yes that is billed in the DINING COMPUTERS to automatically add when the 20% T.O.W discounts are used.

so now on my vacation I am obligated to wait and said can you remove a tip that I know is billed in and you have no power to remove since its in the sytem that way....
come on this is PISS POOR ~

sharpes84

11-15-2008, 09:45 AM

REMEMBER ALSO the tip is billed in from parties 1-7 at 18%.
Tables of 8 or more is 20%......
lets not confuse this and THEY PUT A CARD IN WITH THE BILL STATING THAT NO TIP IS ADDED UNLESS A PARTY OF 8 OR MORE.

i pay 18% at a buffet where I DO ALL THE WORK OR 18% WHERE i AM SERVED..
w
WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE~!

BWV Dreamin

11-15-2008, 09:45 AM

Just so you know they add it after you use the TABLES OF WONDERLAND.
I asked why and they said it is billed in the system that way according to the way the system is set up.
I asked the manager and they said yes that is billed in the DINING COMPUTERS to automatically add when the 20% T.O.W discounts are used.

so now on my vacation I am obligated to wait and said can you remove a tip that I know is billed in and you have no power to remove since its in the sytem that way....
come on this is PISS POOR ~
Ok, back up one second. I don't have a DDE/TIW card. If someone uses this card towards a meal, the 18% that is automatically added to the bill CAN NOT be removed?:confused3

sharpes84

11-15-2008, 09:46 AM

Forgot manager said they CANNOT REMOVE IT IS IN THE SYSTEM I can add gratuity to what was taken ,cant deduct~
so any theory you have is out the window~

Horace Horsecollar

11-15-2008, 10:08 AM

Just think of the automatic 18% gratuity when using "Tables in Wonderland" as a mandatory service charge on the pre-discount amount, not a starting point for a voluntary tip.

Considering that "Tables in Wonderland" provides a 20% discounted off the prices that other diners pay for food and even for alcohol, the 18% service charge isn't that bad.

If I can't adjust down, I won't adjust up either (although I don't recall ever tipping less than 20% at Disney restaurants, including buffets).

My guess is that too many guests were tipping too little under the old system, even while some of us were tipping 20% or more on the pre-discount amount. The servers are getting more money now. And I'm saving money because I'm only paying an 18% service charge.

sharpes84

11-15-2008, 10:23 AM

And I'm saving money because I'm only paying an 18% service charge.

So you feel this is fair when the buffet tip is the same a sit down service?

You pay for the T.O.W discount so its not free and you choose a tip when you are a party of up to 7 .To add a firm tip is very unfriendly.8 or more I can see then adding .[not buffet style though]
Not everyone is on the same budget that is why people save and by the discount to ease the price on vacation...
I do believe in tipping as said before just not how they have it handled.
And yes I have been in the food business and understand to EARN A TIP you need to work hard and perform good customer service not just walk by a table and get 18% guaranteed .Buffet or no buffet

Horace Horsecollar

11-15-2008, 11:40 AM

So you feel this is fair when the buffet tip is the same a sit down service?
What I'm really saying is that there is now an 18% service charge when using "Tables in Wonderland." Yes, it applies to buffets as well as to traditional table service.

That is the reality.

I don't know how tips are divided up at Disney's buffets or what percentage of the tip your server keeps.

However, when tipping is at your discretion (such as when not using "Tables in Wonderland"), I don't think it's fair to tip only half as much at Disney buffets, even though that's what some people do. If the service is not up to par, then reduce the tip, but that's very seldom the case at Disney restaurants.

As I wrote in post #28, "Servers work just as hard at [Disney] buffets. The servers greet you, take drink orders and reorders, handle special needs, clear dirty dishes for what are usually multi-course meals, make sure you're happy, and handle payments. The big difference is that they don't bring your food out from the kitchen (and at many table-service restaurants, someone from the kitchen does that, not the server). Also, tips are shared at conventional table service restaurants and at buffets. The buffet servers are not getting rich from their tips."

The buffets at Disney are not like low-end buffet chains where you pay at a register, get a tray, fill your own drinks, and have very little interaction with any servers at your table.

TDC Nala

11-15-2008, 01:33 PM

I always paid the same for buffets at WDW (which is really the only place I ever eat at buffets) as I did for regular sit down restaurants, so yes, I think it's fair. If your custom was to pay less for buffets, then you won't think it's fair.

And the mandatory 18% is charged at WDW to any party of six or more, not eight. A LOT of restaurants, not just at WDW, charge a mandatory tip for larger groups. Some places make it six, others make it eight.

sharpes84

11-15-2008, 01:35 PM

It is party of 8 according to the card in each bill they bring to table ,have right here and also in many languages so its clear to all

TDC Nala

11-15-2008, 01:37 PM

It is party of 8 according to the card in each bill they bring to table ,have right here and also in many languages so its clear to all

Then the card is incorrect. According to all WDW literature, the minimum party number for auto tip as of January 1, 2008 is six. Prior to 2008, it was indeed eight, but it changed this year.

And the managers can adjust the tip downward - but they will most likely do it only for instances of bad service. They won't do it because a guest thinks 18% is too high a tip for a buffet server.

Dean

11-15-2008, 01:54 PM

What I'm really saying is that there is now an 18% service charge when using "Tables in Wonderland." Yes, it applies to buffets as well as to traditional table service.

That is the reality.

I don't know how tips are divided up at Disney's buffets or what percentage of the tip your server keeps.

However, when tipping is at your discretion (such as when not using "Tables in Wonderland"), I don't think it's fair to tip only half as much at Disney buffets, even though that's what some people do. If the service is not up to par, then reduce the tip, but that's very seldom the case at Disney restaurants.

As I wrote in post #28, "Servers work just as hard at [Disney] buffets. The servers greet you, take drink orders and reorders, handle special needs, clear dirty dishes for what are usually multi-course meals, make sure you're happy, and handle payments. The big difference is that they don't bring your food out from the kitchen (and at many table-service restaurants, someone from the kitchen does that, not the server). Also, tips are shared at conventional table service restaurants and at buffets. The buffet servers are not getting rich from their tips."

The buffets at Disney are not like low-end buffet chains where you pay at a register, get a tray, fill your own drinks, and have very little interaction with any servers at your table.Still the industry standard is 10% for buffets. And while the Disney buffets MIGHT (some would disagree) give you more service than say Ryan's, it's certainly not anywhere near the same as a full service restaurant. Servers have more tables because they have less total responsibilities overall. IMO, charging 18% automatically is inappropriate in such situations.

sharpes84

11-15-2008, 01:59 PM

I am learning alot as I write this experience from last week.
Like I said prior,the 18% CANNOT be removed.It is built in Disneys system when we use the 20% T.O.W discount.
I asked a manger at Crystal Palace and that was was told to us.
I was not convinced that he was right and asked the same at Liberty Tree TAvern and same answer.Built in,cannot be removed only added to it on the tip line after the 20% Discount from T.O.W. card is used....computerized from corporate.

a sit down dinner at 18% for 3 people is fair...
My issue is that we travel with ME,WIFE,infant and 5 year old.
NO WAY IS A BUFFET worth it....