Worse service question

[darnheather]

I've noticed several people feel they have worse service when on the DP. At what point do you have to tell them you are on the DP when you go to TS?

 

[Senator Tressel]

That's the first thing they ask you, haha.

 

[AquamarineSteph]

The last time we were at WDW, the server would always ask when he/she first arrived at the table if we were on the dining plan.

 

[darnheather]

Bummer. Thanks Mousekeeters!

 

[cmwade77]

They ask you first, so that they can explain what is included at their restaurant with your particular dining plan. This varies a lot more than you might think, for example, certain non-alcoholic drinks may be included at one restaurant and not another.

I have found that I had far worse service when not on the dining plan than when on it. But as always, YMMV.

 

[kaybird]

We have never had poor service because of the DDP. They ask you as PP's have said, so they can explain the options to you. There are A LOT of people out there that don't understand. Not everyone is on the DIS!

 

[DJFan88]

I've never encounted that at all. Actually it should be the opposite. You're bill is going to be way higher and you leave a tip, so they will get a bigger tip from you. When not on the dining plan, I would never order the same.
In fact, I only remember one bad service meal at Dis that was so bad that I remember it, and it was totally the attitude of the server and I don't think it would've made a difference one way or the other. It's a shame too, because the food there was excellent, but my DH won't go back!

 

[Anthony1971]

while I have only used the DP a few times I have never seen any difference in service.
When the tips were included years ago maybe this would have been an issue.
I would think anyone can have bad service maybe the server is having a bad day or little tips.....
I would think this stems from the tipping debates where some believe people on the DP tip less and the people paying cash tip more

 

[wiigirl]

The last time we were at WDW, the server would always ask when he/she first arrived at the table if we were on the dining plan.

Same here...

 

[bdklein]

I've never encounted that at all. Actually it should be the opposite. You're bill is going to be way higher and you leave a tip, so they will get a bigger tip from you.

Your bill wil be higher under what scenario? On plan? Off plan?

 

[figment_jii]

I've used the DDP several times and haven't noticed that the servers were ruder than when I didn't use the DDP. I've run across wonderful, amazing servers at WDW and some that were pretty bad. I don't think it has anything to do with whether you're on the DDP or not.

Your bill wil be higher under what scenario? On plan? Off plan?

Perhaps the poster was comparing it to a bill if you paid OOP and wouldn't have normally ordered as much. Let's say your on the DDP, so you get an entree and a desserts. Some groups might order an entree a person, but then share a dessert when paying on OOP. However, if you're on the DDP you might as well order the full entitlement. So in this case, the bill will be "higher" because of the extra desserts.

 

[bdklein]

Perhaps the poster was comparing it to a bill if you paid OOP and wouldn't have normally ordered as much. Let's say your on the DDP, so you get an entree and a desserts. Some groups might order an entree a person, but then share a dessert when paying on OOP. However, if you're on the DDP you might as well order the full entitlement. So in this case, the bill will be "higher" because of the extra desserts.

Perhaps. But I dont think the poster's statement has much merit. The bill will be way higher on the DP? Many don't go on the DP (like us) since we want an appetizer, and don't want dessert right after dinner. And the appetizers aren't cheap.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

I have never had bad service when we had the DDp but we do find that the servers tell you NUMEROUS TIMES that the tip is not included. Over and over.

I guess they have been stiffed so many times by ppl thinking the gratuity is included that they are now paranoid that ppl won't leave them a tip.

We have told the servers we would be paying the tip in cash and have even had the servers kind of stalk the table and linger close by so they could rush over when we left the table to see if we really left them a tip.

I am curious what they would have done if we hadn't to tell you the truth. But it was very awkward and uncomfortable. It happened almost every meal.

 

[mickeynut1]

I've noticed several people feel they have worse service when on the DP. At what point do you have to tell them you are on the DP when you go to TS?

As others have said, you are usually asked about the DDP at the beginning. With that said, we have had the DDP with and without tips included, as well as paid OOP on some trips, and we have always had great service regardless of how we were paying.

 

[kddisney502]

We've never seen a difference with or without the dinning plan. I believe there's too many other factors to know for sure if the DDP is the reason for bad service (different servers, busyness of the restaurant, problem in the kitchen, etc).

Please don't hold back on telling the server if you're on the plan. Not only will it help you know what items are included or not included, but it also helps your server. My understanding is that dinning plan checks have to be rung up differently and it's much easier on your server if they know that first thing, so they can ring it up correctly. It can also help you get your check faster and with less mistakes.

 

[cmwade77]

I have never had bad service when we had the DDp but we do find that the servers tell you NUMEROUS TIMES that the tip is not included. Over and over.

I guess they have been stiffed so many times by ppl thinking the gratuity is included that they are now paranoid that ppl won't leave them a tip.

We have told the servers we would be paying the tip in cash and have even had the servers kind of stalk the table and linger close by so they could rush over when we left the table to see if we really left them a tip.

I am curious what they would have done if we hadn't to tell you the truth. But it was very awkward and uncomfortable. It happened almost every meal.

Ironically, those servers end up getting a smaller tip from me than they would have if they didn't say anything.

I also find it awkward that they ask for the tip amount before sliding your room key. I'm sorry, but part of figuring out how much to tip is how quickly they bring the room key and final check back to you. I have had this part take 20 invites before, so I now always tip in cash. This can also mean a lower tip if I am low on cash or don't have change. I know it's not the servers fault that this is how Disney has chosen to handle it, but I also know I am not going to leave the same tip if it take 20 minutes to bring my room key back as I would if it take 5. At Disneyland once, it took the server 45 minutes to return with our credit card, because he forgot and just went on to waiting on other tables! (We saw him waiting on the tables and kept trying to get his attention, but he ignored us).

 

[DJFan88]

Perhaps. But I dont think the poster's statement has much merit. The bill will be way higher on the DP? Many don't go on the DP (like us) since we want an appetizer, and don't want dessert right after dinner. And the appetizers aren't cheap.

Sorry it took me so long to get back, just got back on. I guess that may not be the case for all people, but for a lot of people, like us, I've found it to be the case. We just don't order the same when we pay OOP versus having free dining. We never order dessert for table service, instead opting to get something elsewhere when we're hungry and sometimes I may get an appetizer as a meal (which I realize can be as pricey as an entrée), but sometimes just get water or may get a couple appetizers for table. Sometimes DH wants a meal and I just want a salad or something. For us, our bill is lower, have done both ways. I really wasn't intending for it to be an end all, be all statement, just that a server shouldn't probably use it for a criteria, because perhaps 50% of the time it could go either way.

 

[mom2of2]

Ironically, those servers end up getting a smaller tip from me than they would have if they didn't say anything.

I also find it awkward that they ask for the tip amount before sliding your room key. I'm sorry, but part of figuring out how much to tip is how quickly they bring the room key and final check back to you. I have had this part take 20 invites before, so I now always tip in cash. This can also mean a lower tip if I am low on cash or don't have change. I know it's not the servers fault that this is how Disney has chosen to handle it, but I also know I am not going to leave the same tip if it take 20 minutes to bring my room key back as I would if it take 5. At Disneyland once, it took the server 45 minutes to return with our credit card, because he forgot and just went on to waiting on other tables! (We saw him waiting on the tables and kept trying to get his attention, but he ignored us).

There is a reason for this:
When you use the dining plan and don't write the tip in, once the server runs your card it blows your transaction our of their system. You'll notice that there is no where to put a tip when you sign for your plan purchase.
If after you have your plan deducted you decide to charge a tip to either your room or a credit card, this requires a manager.
Servers have no choice in the matter, it's either have you fill it out prior to them taking your card or risk not getting anything. Some managers won't charge a tip to a room if the guest isn't right there in front of them.
This happens a lot!
Here's some DP 101:
If you have stuck to what you are entitled to only and use the DP, you will be presented a check with a tip line on it.
If you want to charge a tip to your room, simply write the amount in and add your KTTW card.
If you want to charge it to a credit or gift card, simply put the KTTW card and the gift/credit card in the binder and tell the server, X card is for the tip.
If you want to leave cash. Write CASH on the tip line.....not the amount! Add your KTTW card to have the credits deducted.
Servers don't like asking you to fill it out anymore then you like them asking you to...trust me!

 

[Dizneydaz]

Another one who hasn't seen bad service just because we were on a DDP. We've only had a few meals over the years where the service was so-so and I don't believe the DDP was a factor. And I agree that since they are still working for tips the service should be great!

I remember even when the tip was inc. with the DDP we had wonderful service at Park Fare. I remember saying at the time that if I was a server at WDW I would want to serve a party who is on the DDP (when tips was inc.) at a buffet. You can handle more tables which equals more money.

And for us our DDP bills are higher than when we pay OOP. We rarely order desserts and many times we just get glasses of water when paying OOP.

 

[mrsarbogast]

We were on the Dining Plan with Free Dining nearly 3 years ago. I thought the service was phenomenal at all of the restaurants we ate at. We are looking to return in November this year as I recently received a free dining PIN.