18% gratuity and splitting checks

[CaryHaven]

I'm hoping to secure seating for six (two kids and a baby included there) at a lot of different TS restaurants. Do they always include the tip automatically for groups of six or more? Or just in certain restaurants?

We wanted to split our checks between our family and my sister/her son. Can we still do this? I assume they can still seat us all together and add the tip on each check separately just like any restaurant at home. I just don't want to confuse all our dining points and food costs.

 

[canadiandisneyfamof4]

I'm pretty sure all table service restaurants add the auto gratuity - when we went an infant was counted towards the 6 people.

Yes they will split the cheque and gratuity

 

[scrappinam]

You will be charged the 18% gratuity any time a you are a party of 6 or more. It doesn't matter how you split the checks or the ages if the children. In fact when my daughter was 6 months old, she made us a party of 6. We had to pay the 18% even though she didn't order or eat anything from the restaurant. She was just barely eating baby food which I brought with us but we were still considered a party of 6.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) 18% for 6-people and above is automatic at all TS eateries, REGARDLESS of age(s).
2) If you split checks, each will have the 18% added.

 

[CaryHaven]

Well, it's good to know they'll split the check/gratuity, but I just told my sister about the automatic tip, and she informed me she's now eating separate from us. LOL Thanks though.

 

[POOHsie]

Well, it's good to know they'll split the check/gratuity, but I just told my sister about the automatic tip, and she informed me she's now eating separate from us. LOL Thanks though.

If you sister and son spend:

$25 on food, 18% tip is $4.50, 15% tip is $3.75, difference $.75.
$30 on food, 18% tip is $5.40, 15% tip is $4.50, difference $.90.
$35 on food, 18% tip is $6.30, 15% tip is $5.25, difference $1.05.
$40 on food, 18% tip is $7.20, 15% tip is $6.00, difference $1.20.​

What's the big deal?

 

[DHSbutcher]

Service at WDW is some of the best, that's a huge shame she won't pay the 18% to eat with her family.. I do not find that funny at all. I have never had a waiter give us poorer service at WDW because we were a large party, intact it's been quite the opposite. If the service was down right despicable, which it would/should never be, you can always talk to a manager. But when you travel so far and pay hundreds to go to the park, choosing to eat alone rather than leaving your server the mandatory gratuity for working their *** off for you is just petty. Ranting.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . I just told my sister about the automatic tip, and she informed me she's now eating separate from us . . .

She, and you, would still get the automatic tip, if a CM thinks she is part of the party.
. . . if she is on the ressie
. . . if she sits at your table
. . . if she asks to sit near your table (sometimes)

NOTE: We have had people try this to avoid the automatic tip, and the Servers watch for it. Let's
face it, they want the tip and try to stop people from skirting it.

 

[CaryHaven]

Rusty and POOHsie, that's why I'm cool with paying it. I spend thousands every time we go to DW and the $150 extra in tips doesn't make a huge difference to me. In most cases, we tip more than 18% b/c we usually get great service at DW. That being said, DHSbutcher, it's her business what she wants to do, and I can understand anyone not wanting to be "forced" to do anything. It's her first trip and maybe her last b/c she is spending every dime that she doesn't even have. I worked as a waitress for years before becoming a nurse (that people still treat like a waitress most times) and I'm not offended by her behavior. She's a single mom with no help from the dad and penny pinches when she can. I think it is funny LOL! that you are so easily offended by someone worried about her money so much that she tries to save wherever she can. There's nothing illegal with what she's doing. She's making separate ressies now and will sit separate.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Well, it's good to know they'll split the check/gratuity, but I just told my sister about the automatic tip, and she informed me she's now eating separate from us. LOL Thanks though.

This will work only if you have separate reservations, check in separately and do not ask to be seated with or near each other. Which is kind of a big thing she is willing to do at "a lot of TS restaurants" in order to avoid leaving an 18% tip.

I think it is funny LOL! that you are so easily offended by someone worried about her money so much that she tries to save wherever she can. There's nothing illegal with what she's doing. She's making separate ressies now and will sit separate.

which kind of begs the question as to whether she intends to leave a MUCH smaller tip, or not leave a tip at all. You do not "save money" by stiffing servers on their tip.

 

[Fob]

If you aren't doing the dining plan, I would suggest getting the tables in wonderland card. Yes it does cost an extra $100 up front, but it allows you to order anything you want not just entree and dessert. It takes 20% off the bill then adds the 18% gratuity (which you would already be paying). In the end it works out to a 5% discount on every meal.

If you are doing more than one TS per day, or prefer to get appetizers/adult beverages/or no dessert, then this may actually save money.

My family did this our last trip (3 adults and 2 kids aged 6&2) and we ordered whatever we wanted and came out about $100 less than the DDP (including the $100 for the TIW card).

This could let your sister and her family eat with you and still possibly save money.

Juist a thought.

 

[CaryHaven]

This will work only if you have separate reservations, check in separately and do not ask to be seated with or near each other. Which is kind of a big thing she is willing to do in order to avoid leaving an 18% tip.



which kind of begs the question as to whether she intends to leave a MUCH smaller tip, or not leave a tip at all. You do not "save money" by stiffing servers on their tip.

For the first part, I think I answered above, but no she's not going to be sitting with us or be on our res. Which is honestly kind of a relief. We have an infant and need extra space at the table to push breakable/spillables out of arms reach.

For the second part, I don't know - nor do I suspect she does - what she's going to tip six months from now. We have always based tips on service. Edited to add: I think for her it's more about being forced to do something. It sticks in her craw, and she is not alone in thinking this from what I've read elsewhere. I would be more angry about it if I hadn't already gone to DW and hadn't already seen the (usually) fantastic service. I don't think it should be mandatory, although I frequently give it.

 

[CaryHaven]

If you aren't doing the dining plan, I would suggest getting the tables in wonderland card. Yes it does cost an extra $100 up front, but it allows you to order anything you want not just entree and dessert. It takes 20% off the bill then adds the 18% gratuity (which you would already be paying). In the end it works out to a 5% discount on every meal.

If you are doing more than one TS per day, or prefer to get appetizers/adult beverages/or no dessert, then this may actually save money.

My family did this our last trip (3 adults and 2 kids aged 6&2) and we ordered whatever we wanted and came out about $100 less than the DDP (including the $100 for the TIW card).

This could let your sister and her family eat with you and still possibly save money.

Juist a thought.

Thanks for that; I have thought about getting that before but not sure if it will personally work for me because we prefer dessert over apps and don't drink alcohol, BUT I do love the fact it's on anything in case we just want to eat an appetizer instead of an entree (as is often the case in World Showcase). I will mention it to her though. Thanks!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

The only guests eligible for a Tables in Wonderland membership are annual passholders, DVC members and Florida residents, so someone in your party needs to have eligibility before purchasing one.

 

[CaryHaven]

The only guests eligible for a Tables in Wonderland membership are annual passholders, DVC members and Florida residents, so someone in your party needs to have eligibility before purchasing one.

Ah. Well TIW is for a year, right? We were thinking about getting an AP next year. We don't have any real interest in being a DVC member, although we've thought about renting points to get a taste of it.

 

[POOHsie]

Rusty and POOHsie, that's why I'm cool with paying it. I spend thousands every time we go to DW and the $150 extra in tips doesn't make a huge difference to me. In most cases, we tip more than 18% b/c we usually get great service at DW. That being said, DHSbutcher, it's her business what she wants to do, and I can understand anyone not wanting to be "forced" to do anything. It's her first trip and maybe her last b/c she is spending every dime that she doesn't even have. I worked as a waitress for years before becoming a nurse (that people still treat like a waitress most times) and I'm not offended by her behavior. She's a single mom with no help from the dad and penny pinches when she can. I think it is funny LOL! that you are so easily offended by someone worried about her money so much that she tries to save wherever she can. There's nothing illegal with what she's doing. She's making separate ressies now and will sit separate.

I'm not offended. The price one pays for TS includes tip. If your sister can't afford the price of TS with tip, she needs to eat at less expensive places or even bring sandwiches and chips to the parks. In the past, I spent years living on one small income with a beat-up car, and I managed to take my DD to WDW by staying at budget off-site places on Irlo Bronson and eating sandwiches I put together myself. Perhaps your sister is trying to be polite and keep up with your financial advantages. It's a lot of pressure on her if she doesn't have money to waste. But shortchanging wait staff is not the answer. Could you have meals with her at CS places?

 

[CaryHaven]

I'm not offended. The price one pays for TS includes tip. If your sister can't afford the price of TS with tip, she needs to eat at less expensive places or even bring sandwiches and chips to the parks. In the past, I spent years living on one small income with a beat-up car, and I managed to take my DD to WDW by staying at budget off-site places on Irlo Bronson and eating sandwiches I put together myself. Perhaps your sister is trying to be polite and keep up with your financial advantages. It's a lot of pressure on her if she doesn't have money to waste. But shortchanging wait staff is not the answer. Could you have meals with her at CS places?

I was actually referring that part to dhsbutcher. You can see I put his/her name before that comment. I didn't assume you were offended. We are also doing CS also, yes. But she also wants to do some TS with us (We are heavy TS diners). She is foregoing some things in order to do others. And I am gifting her with a couple experiences while there just so she doesn't have to pay. And as I said above, she isn't planning on stiffing/hurting anyone. I don't mean to imply she's dirt poor and can't afford anything at Disney. She just tries to watch her money. I also watch my money very carefully, but DH and I have always said "all bets are off on vacation." So while I make my own bread and yogurt and clothing at home, I get whatever I want on vacation. Everyone has a different opinion on how to handle their money. All I'm saying is that each person is entitled to theirs. I can't make you or her or anyone tip what I deem appropriate. That's up to her and each customer. I am defending her right to do as she likes.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Rusty and POOHsie . . . I think it is funny LOL! that you are so easily offended by someone worried about her money so much that she tries to save wherever she can . . .

1) I am not offended by your posts or the idea of your guest trying to save money.
2) My replies soimply stated facts.
3) If I were offended, there would have been a large caveat in my reply.
4) However, if her intent is to save money at the expense of a hard-working Server, then I might be offended.
5) As might be the Server - both philosophically and financially.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

But she also wants to do some TS with us (We are heavy TS diners).

She's not doing them with you, if she is sitting across the restaurant because she prefers to avoid the automatic tip. But as noted, it is her choice, as long as she is aware that she can't let on that she's part of your group.

 

[CaryHaven]

Rusty, I've always noticed how well you manage to sidestep flame wars. You usually always just state the facts, and that's appreciated. That comment was not meant for you. I apologize....I wasn't clear with you or POOHsie, my later comment was directed at dhsButcher. I put his/her name before it, but too far in front apparently. He/she took offense that I wrote LOL. As if I were laughing in the face of all the poor wait staff my evil sister plans on stiffing. It rubbed me the wrong way, I suppose. You may take your suit off. As I wrote earlier, she's not dirt poor. And sitting separately from us is not breaking any rule. I think (as well as she does) that she should tip what she wants to tip. A gratuity should remain up to the customer, IMO.

1) I am not offended by your posts or the idea of your guest trying to save money.
2) My replies soimply stated facts.
3) If I were offended, there would have been a large caveat in my reply.
4) However, if her intent is to save money at the expense of a hard-working Server, then I might be offended.
5) As might be the Server - both philosophically and financially.

{FLAME PROOF CAPE FROM DRAWER TO SHOULDERS}
6) If she cannot afford to follow the rules for automatic tips, maybe WDW should not be her destination.
{FLAME PROOF SUIT BACK TO DRAWER}