2007 DDP - Servers/Service....

[VandyFan10]

I've read here that everyone seems to complain about their service at the TS restaurants.

Do you have to tell the server before you order that you are on the DDP?? Unless you do have to inform them before you order I don't really understand the poor service. Unless they are just used to most being on the DDP and know they will get 18% regardless. Even if you are on the DDP(and tell them) I would think if you have servers that do an excellent job you might leave them a little extra to add to what they are already getting!!??!!

Just curious to what the protocol is, and why most (not saying all) everyone is seeming to have poor service.

Just wanting everyone's opinion.....

Thanks

 

[Mr. Pig]

They usually ask you if you are on the dining plan either when you check in or by the server when they first come to your table. I would imagine this is so they can assist you with what is or is not included.

I think you hear more about the bad service than good or regular service so I wouldn't say everyone is complaining. I have seen posts where someone says that they were ignored and the next table that was paying OOP had a lot of attention. We personally did not notice poor service while on the plan. We did a split stay with the dining plan only on the first part. We did not notice a difference in service but it also depends on the restaurant and server. The best service on the plan that we received was at LeCellier (which gets a lot of bad reviews also). Our server gave good suggestions, let us order shakes for drinks and was attentive. The worst service was at Boma where dirty plates were picked up and drinks refilled only once. On the whole I have found service OK, on or off the plan, but not spectacularly bad or good at WDW.

 

[lilyv]

They ask you the DDP question at least three times:
1. When you make your reservation
2. When you check in at the podium at any table service
3. When you are greeted by your server

It would be almost impossible to avoid answering without seeming to be quite unnecessarily evasive. (In my opinion).

 

[Katiebell]

We had the DDP for our first trip to WDW in May of this year. We went there expecting good service, as we've always had at Disneyland. At every restaurant, our server knew we were on the dining plan. We received, at minimum, good service everywhere. Some places the service was excellent -- like our server at breakfast at Ohana who knew I loved the pineapple bread, and brought extra, and went out of her way to get recipe for me. And the waiter at Akershus who chatted with us about his native Norway. And the waiter at the Grand Floridian Cafe who joked with us that "of course" the coffee was delicious at his tables because, as he pointed out on his tag, he was from Colombia

We are friendly and polite to our servers, and patient if the are obviously swamped and the place is crazy-busy. We went there expecting wonderful, magical, Disney service, and that's exactly what we got.

 

[stitchlover]

I don't think we have ever had terrible service. My DH did say he thinks there were one or two buffets that the wait staff could have been a little more attentive to the drinks. That is one of the reasons he was pleased to see the 18% tip taken off of DDP. Don't get me wrong, we would have been happy to see if stay! But he feels there were a few meals that he would not have left 18% given the choice.
But overall we have been very happy with DDP and will be doing it for the 3rd time in March '08.

 

[Lisa D]

We received great service at every restaurant other than Mama Melrose (where the service was deplorable). We gave extra tips to our servers at Coral Reef, Le Cellier, Flying Fish, and Spoodles.

 

[dreamn_Disney]

We were on the plan last year and this year during free dining. Last year I felt service was a little off. Not that we were ignored or rude servers it was just so packed when we ate. I felt the servers were in a rush to try and keep up with all the tables. This year we ate early and had great service. The restaurants were not crowded and the servers didn't seem rushed.

 

[gpgeeps]

We just returned last night and we were on the DDP. Our service was terrific. We had no problems at all. The only one that "seemed" somewhat off was Chefs De France at Epcot. They were swamped as all of Epcots were but we got in and seated and our waiter did a great job.

 

[Nancyg56]

I have used the DDP three time and have never had bad service. Many times excellent service most time very good service and twice less than stellar service. I did not associate that with the DDP but with the server. I think that most people are happy with the service but that those dissatisfied will post.

 

[Luv'sTink]

We had good service everywhere we used the DDP except Whispering Canyon, she didn't come back to our table and Le Celliers, that was bad and it was funny because DH and his parents are Canadian and I think expected it to be the BEST anywhere. DS and my (we are American) food was wonderful, all of theirs was so-so and the waitress lost DH DDP card for about 20 minutes and kept asking him if he was sure she didn't give it back to him. I would eat there again!

 

[WDisnut]

My service was great in the 3 years I had the DDP, but I will say once I had a bad waiter who never came aound and once a waitress tried to get us to get the most expesive things on the menu really pushy like. But the other 20 + experiences were great...., DOn't worry