Tipping Info Thread for Disney Dining

[forever-maria]

I have a question, not about how much to tip but how to split tips.

There are four of us. We are on the dining plan, so only have to pay tip out of pocket. One is vegetarian, one is vegetarian usually but will eat fish, two are carnivores... I believe it is a fact that the vegetarian meals will usually be cheaper. Do you think we should just split the tip evenly? Do you think I will offend the vegetarians if I suggest that? I don't want it to be unfair to them but I also really don't feel like taking out a calculator after every meal... Another option was to pitch in unevenly to a gift card and then use that for tips, eg the vegetarians pay $20 each and carnivores pay $30 each, which kind of adjusts for the difference in meal price? Or maybe I'm over thinking things.

What would you do?

 

[Alesia]

I have a question, not about how much to tip but how to split tips.

There are four of us. We are on the dining plan, so only have to pay tip out of pocket. One is vegetarian, one is vegetarian usually but will eat fish, two are carnivores... I believe it is a fact that the vegetarian meals will usually be cheaper. Do you think we should just split the tip evenly? Do you think I will offend the vegetarians if I suggest that? I don't want it to be unfair to them but I also really don't feel like taking out a calculator after every meal... Another option was to pitch in unevenly to a gift card and then use that for tips, eg the vegetarians pay $20 each and carnivores pay $30 each, which kind of adjusts for the difference in meal price? Or maybe I'm over thinking things.

What would you do?

You're over-thinking things Just handle it the same way you would in any restaurant.

Most people just ask for separate checks and then tip on their own check.

 

[forever-maria]

Thank you! That seems so obvious now I don't know why I didn't think of it.... I guess for some reason I thought you couldn't get separate checks if you were all in the same room and on the same dining plan. Anyway, thank you for solving my problem!! Two weeks and two weeks until we leave! I absolutely cannot wait

 

[minnie56]

YES! Overthinking..
Split it evenly-4 ways. It will work out in the wash somewhere..

 

[hljoo8]

Ok I have a question about tipping on free dining. We have never done any dining plan before so I have no idea how the receipts look. Will our receipt have the amount the meal would have cost if we weren't using dining plan credits? That's all I need to figure up my tips on the spot but I want to be sure there will be an amount somewhere, even if we aren't actually paying anything for our meals. No way am I going to try to figure up ahead of time what we would eat and how much it would cost! I'll just carry enough cash on me to handle the tips as we go

 

[mom2of2]

You will get a bill for the amount due, on the bottom will be suggested tip amounts. If you want to charge the tip to your room, write in the amount, place your KTTW card inside the folder and give it to your server. They will deduct your meals from the dining plan and charge your room for the balance.

 

[dana278]

I've never done the dining plan before, so I'm sorry if this is a stupid question...

The dining plan brochure says to present your card upon ordering dessert, but I'd imagine you should at least tell your server you are on the plan before you order anything, right?

So then if you are presenting your card with dessert as the brochure says, will the server just take your card before even bringing you the check, or will they bring your check back for you to inspect first? Then when the check comes back with your card and the receipt to sign, if you want to leave a tip on the KTTW card can you just write in the amount and leave, or does your card need to be taken back and swiped again for the tip?

In the interest of saving time and that extra step, if your card has to be swiped again I'll definitely just plan for tips in cash. I never use a credit card in regular restaurants, partially because all of the waiting around for the server can take forever. The few times I used a card I'd always get the server who would take your card, and then proceed to go to another table and take their order (and of course that table would have picky people who asked a million questions) and go put their order into the computer before finally coming back with your credit card ten minutes later. Now only is that annoying, but I hate my card being out of my possession for so long. I love getting the bill, putting cash in, and having the freedom to leave.

Sorry about that rant at the end. LOL And thanks in advance!

 

[mom2of2]

The server will ask you when you sit down if you will be using a dining plan. At the end of your meal you will be presented with a check. If you want to charge the tip to your room, you will write in the amount of the tip. You then place your KTTW card in the check presenter and give it to your server. They will deduct your plan and charge the tip to your room all at the same time.

 

[dana278]

The server will ask you when you sit down if you will be using a dining plan. At the end of your meal you will be presented with a check. If you want to charge the tip to your room, you will write in the amount of the tip. You then place your KTTW card in the check presenter and give it to your server. They will deduct your plan and charge the tip to your room all at the same time.

Great, thanks! That definitely seems easier than what I was picturing. Plus I'm glad I won't have to carry a bunch of cash around, too.

 

[partigus]

I understand this discussion is not to be part of this board. However, I ask why not, and more importantly is there a board this can be discussed on. I've got a great job and don't mid tipping. My wife and I both worked in hospitality in high school, college, and even as second jobs when we were first starting out. I enjoy tipping well for good service, it makes me feel good to "give back". That said, my first job was in a dinner theater owned by a famous actor (the star of such moves as Smokey and the Bandit and Deliverance) Back 30 years ago, it cost about 30bucks to see a show, but we expected people to not tip on 30, rather $15 for the meal, as $15 was the price of the show. Maybe because thats how I got paid i'm interested, but when I drop $120 for a character breakfast....I just can't compare that to a similar brunch at the 4 season for example....I want to be fair, and engage in a genuine conversation as I want to make sure I'm not "under tipping" yet it seems we can't have this discussion...why is that?

 

[smidgy]

discussions about personal tipping habits tend to turn ugly. many a thread has been closed on this subject on the trip planning boards, due to arguments.

you might have more luck over on the community board. but at the character meals or buffets (or any meals) you can tip whatever you like. unless you are a party of 6 or more. than 18% will be added to your bill.

 

[Tricia1972]

Thanks for explaining, Smidgy. I couldn't have said it better.

 

[ness0905]

I was wondering if all Disney TS can be paid with Disney gift card in parks and resorts?
I feel it would be a good way to have a food budget.

 

[shoney]

I was wondering if all Disney TS can be paid with Disney gift card in parks and resorts?
I feel it would be a good way to have a food budget.

Yes. If you are staying onsite, we found it easier to charge everything back to the room. At some point before midnight the day you check out, stop by the front desk and apply all gift cards to the balance. (midnight meaning the night before you check out)

 

[ForeverWithStitch]

Great info!

 

[sahoenshell1218]

nevermind, question answered. thank you!

 

[davedmaine]

Great info!

You can use a credit card

 

[ErinsMommy]

Not sure if I can ask this -- but as a general, we're going 9 days/8 nites on the DxDp and every meal will be a table service. Approximately how much cash should I bring with me just to be safe and have enough. We're only doing 2 signature dinings (CRT & LC) if that matters. TIA!!

 

[mom2of2]

Hard to give you an amount since I don't know how many in your party, adults or children and where you are dining.

Take a look at the menus and try to figure out what each person will order and then figure out the percentage that you want to tip. If you are a party of 6 or more it's 18%

Go to allearsnet.com for prices and menus

 

[maxiesmom]

Not sure if I can ask this -- but as a general, we're going 9 days/8 nites on the DxDp and every meal will be a table service. Approximately how much cash should I bring with me just to be safe and have enough. We're only doing 2 signature dinings (CRT & LC) if that matters. TIA!!

If it helps at all I just did 5 nights on the standard dining plan, and spent over $400 on tips, alcohol, and some extra snacks. That was for 4 people, and I didn't pay the tip at every meal either.

I'm guestimating you should bring at least $1000 with you.