Another DDE Question

[Redwitch]

I apologize if this has been covered... I tried to search, but it is not working. I looked back 10 pages and couldn't find anything. So, here goes....

If you use the DDE at an participating CS location - do they add the 18% tip like they do at TS?

TIA!​

 

[TxMickeyLover]

The email that I received from DDE on 11/9/07 says "all" food and beverage locations, so I assume they mean counter service too.

 

[marivaid]

The DDE is for TS, most CS do not accept it. The exceptions are the Value resort food courts, French Quarter's, and so far the CS at AK. I think since these locations are "exceptions" to begin with they don't fall under the new 18% tip rule.

Besides, guests would go bersek if they were charged an 18% tip when there's no server to be seen. Cashiers are not tipped.

 

[Redwitch]

I understand that only a few CS participate. We are planning a frugal (CHEAP!) trip and plan to eat at least one meal at the POP food court each day. Our few TS meals will be lunch.

And, yes, I was preparing to go "berserk" if charged a gratuity on a CS meal. I was just wondering if anyone had first hand knowledge of using the DDE at a CS in 2008.

 

[sharonmickey]

According to the email I received about DDE the 18% tip is NOT added at CS restaurants. You can call (407) 566-5858 to verify that this is still correct.

 

[dandave]

No. The food courts that accept the DDE do not charge gratuity. We just returned from the AS Sports about a week ago, and we used it there many times. It's just like before as far as where a tip is expected.

 

[Redwitch]

No. The food courts that accept the DDE do not charge gratuity. We just returned from the AS Sports about a week ago, and we used it there many times. It's just like before as far as where a tip is expected.

Thanks So Much!

Good to know they are not trying to make us pay a tip on a CS meal. DD gets so embarrassed when I make a scene.

 

[n2mm]

Just got my new DDE card and the letter enclosed says, a tip is added to TS meals and lounges.

 

[BankBunny]

Does anyone who has been recently have a complete list of what restaurants are participating this year? We'll be going in September and are thinking about DDE for the first time. TIA.

 

[kramer222]

So... if the card is saving you 20%, but they are tacking on 18%, does this really just translate to "free tip"? I mean, there really isn't much of a discount anymore, right?

Mind my ignorance. I'm planning a honeymoon in October and was really excited about this card until the recent mandatory tip.

 

[tmws66]

We stayed at Pop Century 2 weeks ago and used the DDE. We were not charged gratuity in the food court.

 

[TDC Nala]

No added gratuity for counter service. Table service and lounges only. Please check your bill. Tambu Lounge didn't add mine in last weekend.

Whether or not it's still a discount probably depends on how much you generally tip at table service, if you tip at all. If you generally tipped 10%, then it's not a discount at all.

 

[OKW Lover]

So... if the card is saving you 20%, but they are tacking on 18%, does this really just translate to "free tip"? I mean, there really isn't much of a discount anymore, right?

Mind my ignorance. I'm planning a honeymoon in October and was really excited about this card until the recent mandatory tip.

I'm not sure "free tip" is a good description as it implies that people didn't tip at all before this change. The addition of the automatic 18% gratuity doesn't alter the economics of the DDE by much. I know a lot of people just added back the discount before this change and to them it could be considered a "free tip".

You still get your 20% discount, you just lose the flexibility to alter how much you want to tip.

 

[TxMickeyLover]

I'm not sure "free tip" is a good description as it implies that people didn't tip at all before this change. The addition of the automatic 18% gratuity doesn't alter the economics of the DDE by much. I know a lot of people just added back the discount before this change and to them it could be considered a "free tip".

You still get your 20% discount, you just lose the flexibility to alter how much you want to tip.

This is the way I see it as well. We generally tip around 18-20% anywa.

 

[Tricia1972]

So... if the card is saving you 20%, but they are tacking on 18%, does this really just translate to "free tip"? I mean, there really isn't much of a discount anymore, right?

Mind my ignorance. I'm planning a honeymoon in October and was really excited about this card until the recent mandatory tip.

I looked at it this way. Using fictional numbers - I usually just added my discount back in last year. This is for the sake of argument for a 'standard' tipper.

$100 dinner
$15 - 15% tip
$115 - Total bill no discount card

$100 Dinner
$18 - 18% mandatory tip
-$20 - 20% DDE Discount
$98 - Total bill with DDE Discount Card

$100 Dinner
$15 - 15% Tip (prior to 2008)
-$20 - DDE Discount
$95 - Total bill with DDE Discount Card prior to 2008

It's a difference of $3 from 2007 to 2008, so yes it is still a good value to me.

I also am saving $17 per $100 spent and it is definitely a good value over not having any DDE card at all.

 

[Shmily1]

Does anyone who has been recently have a complete list of what restaurants are participating this year? We'll be going in September and are thinking about DDE for the first time. TIA.

I just picked mine up last Friday night. The list I was given is dated 11/8/07 so this is probably not up to date.

 

[n2mm]

I just picked mine up last Friday night. The list I was given is dated 11/8/07 so this is probably not up to date.

OT, but what type of card are they issuing when you pick up? A paper card, or the plastic ones like we use to get? Just curious for future reference.

 

[marivaid]

OT, but what type of card are they issuing when you pick up? A paper card, or the plastic ones like we use to get? Just curious for future reference.

Ours was a paper card, kind of like a business card and someone wrote our name on it.

 

[Shmily1]

OT, but what type of card are they issuing when you pick up? A paper card, or the plastic ones like we use to get? Just curious for future reference.

Mine is paper just like the paper tickets but with a strawberry and a wine glass on the front. At the bottom it says DDE and my name is printed (by computer) on the back. It even has the scanner like a regular paper ticket.

I picked mine up with my AP at GS in DTD. My AP is paper too with Cinderella and Prince Charming on it... AAAHHHH, How sweet!!! Very fitting since DH gave it to me as a present!

 

[n2mm]

Thanks for the info about the picked up card. I just ordered mine 3 weeks ago and got it last week (renewal). I was surprised to see that you still get the hard plastic card when you order it through the DDE office. Since I needed mine to last until January 2009, ordering it mid-December worked perfectly for me since my trip is next week. However, it's good to know in case I have to pick up in person for maximum usage. So paper if you pick up in person and hard plastic cc type if you order it.

BTW in case no one noticed the price went down from $65 to $60.