a few questions on the DDP

[blessedmommyX4]

I have tried reading on this but I have not got a clear answer- so I thought I would ask. We have purchased the DDP for our trip in Dec.

I just read that for parties of 6 or more, the gratuity is automatically added on. Okay, what is that % rate? Also, what if you get bad service? We normally tip about 20% anyway- but I have been a waitress before. If we get bad service, I am NOT going to leave 20%- and I don't feel like we should be forced to. How do you handle poor customer service at Disney? Same way at any other restaraunt? Not that I am expecting it- but with 8-10 days of TS meals, it's bound to happen at least once. If not, I will be majorly impressed! I just want to know what to do.

Also- there will be:
2 adults
2 "disney adults" (ages 12 and 14)
2 kids- ages 4 and 5 at time of travel

my mom might go and we are trying to decide if we should get her the DDP or not.

my question is- Can my 2 "disney" adults share a TS meal? I don't think there is any way they can eat a whole adult entree (nor should they!!) I can see where a couple nights, they might be famished and really want something and that is fine. But for a couple of meals- can they share?

If not- can I purchase them a kids meal and just pay OOP for it?

This would help to save some TS meals and we can use them to go to a show or something.

Also- my mom has medical issues where she cannot eat that much. 2 cups of coffee fill her up! She has said that if she is able to go, then she will just sit and drink water while we eat. I really don't want her to do that. I would rather us just buy her the DDP and let her eat her 5 bites or whatever. Her and my dad both have cancer and I just want her to go and have a good time. If they would let us share, that would be great. I do KNOW that I will still have to buy my mom the DDP in order to be able to share, but again- we can save the TS credits and be able to go to more shows since my mom can't walk much.

and my last question (i think)! say we all start sharing- my older kids share and my mom and i share. if we go to a 2 TS credit meal-do they run each card that we give them twice or what? i want us all to keep about the same amount of credits. if somehow my daughter ends up with 9 credits and my son only has 4- can they run her card for his meal since we are all on the ddp? or will i need to keep track of everything?

we will be paying over $2,000 for this DDP- I don't want to mess up our meals and end up having to pay for much else! (except the expected tip!)

thank you for your input!

 

[Bama_C]

Gratuity- this is 18%. If there's a party of 6 it is automatic.

Sharing - I think sharing is allowed if everyone is on the DDP. Most CMs will not give you a hard time about it, but you never know. They tell you when you book a reservation that if you are on the dining plan, each person will be charged for one TS. So technically they don't have to allow you to share and then only be charged for one TS between the two Disney adults. It may be up to the CM or the individual restaurant. I don't think it would be possible to share at a signature or 2 TS credit dinner show. They are going to charge each person 2 TS no matter what.

Credits - Your credits will come in a lump sum per package booked. They are not attached to the individual cards. For example: Our family of 5 at POR in one room for 10 days had 50 TS options, 50 CS options, and 50 snacks. Those can be divided any way you want to between the party of 5. You will always receive a receipt at the end of the meal telling you how many credits you have left in which category.

Paying OOP - You can choose to pay OOP for meals, but I am not sure about your Disney adults paying OOP for kids menu items at a TS... never seen that question addressed here, and I've never tried it. They can definitely do this at CS with no problem.

Hope this helps. Have a great vacation!

 

[TDC Nala]

If you have service problems when your party is subject to an automatic gratuity, it will be necessary to speak to a manager about reducing the tip amount.

Sharing isn't permitted at buffets or family-style all you can eat meals. Everyone at your table will be charged for these meals.

 

[septbaby]

An automatic 18% gratuity for parties of 6 or more is standard industry practice for restaurants with wait service. It is not a Disney specific measure, so please don't hold it against the server. Next time you eat out, check the bottom/back of the menu you may see a policy like this noted.

 

[blessedmommyX4]

An automatic 18% gratuity for parties of 6 or more is standard industry practice for restaurants with wait service. It is not a Disney specific measure, so please don't hold it against the server. Next time you eat out, check the bottom/back of the menu you may see a policy like this noted.

LOL! i know this!! we generally tip 20% anyway. We sometimes even tip the "bus boy" (or girl)....

We have had some experiences of very poor service though..in that case, i wanted to know what to do. I don't mind paying the 18%..wether it is on 1 person or 100- as long as it is good service!