Another silly voucher question!

[okwoodsmith]

Well now that I'm actually signed up for Connections, I have a question. Do you have to show your server the vouchers when you are first seated or can you wait until you pay? The reason I ask is that I'm a little worried that the service may be less than desirable if the server knows from the start that the gratuity is covered. We're going to 1900 Park Fare and I'm going to use the breakfast vouchers. Anyone have experience using them there?

Thanks!

 

[dcfromva]

So far, we have used 15 Q&C's (the only service restuarant on these was B & C--on two separate visits) we have used 15 Breakfast feature coupons--7 at the Kona Cafe, 4 at CRT and 4 at Princess Breakfast...
Sit down Service has always been really good (I really, really, really liked the service at B & C--both servers were outstanding). In addition to the 15% tip in the voucher, we generally leave more for the server. We always present the voucher upfront.

-DC

 

[patsal]

You show them right away. I have never had difficulty with them or poor service. They know they will get the 15% on your total bill and perform the job very well. It is not unheard of to leave extra for super service ( as many leave a 20% tip total for superior service). I have used Q&C's, Lunch Feature and Breakfast Feature and always had great service (San Angel, Sci-Fi, 50's Prime Time, Rainforest Cafe at AK, CRT, 1900 Park Fair, Chef Mickey's, O'hana, Beaches and Cream and counter service). If anything the counter service people can be a bit overbearing with them (just stand your ground) and they don't even get a tip!

 

[Belle0101]

You mentioned that the counter service people can be overbearing. Could you elaborate on that please? I'm not a very pushy person by nature. If I know what to expect ahead of time when using the vouchers that'll help tremendously.

Thanks!!

 

[patsal]

Some of the cashiers take it upon themselves to "police" the vouchers. Example: at Grand Floridian one cashier told me I should not take the nachos as a side dish--it is intended for salad or fruit--just be courteous but firm the voucher says side dish, nachos are listed on the side dish menu and the voucher does not specify that anything is excluded. At Columbia Harbor House (only on one occasion) I was told I had to take the small soft drink--again courteous, but firm, I can have anysize soft drink--lets read the voucher together! I always received what I was entitled to, but it would have helped if I was prepared ahead of time the first time I encountered a problem. Read the vouchers and be sure you understand how they work since you may hae one or two people question you. (we were there for 2 full weeks and I was only questioned two times). Enjoy and have fun!

 

[dcfromva]

Belle0101,
Most of my troubles stem from bottled water. Other than that, everyone has been pretty accomodating.
With the counter service, I have had a couple of occassions where they refused to allow bottled water as the drink on the vouchers. (It was at the Land food court at EPCOT). DH was at one window--they said no bottled water and DH asked to see the manager and got his water. I was at another window and they just point blank refused to honor the bottled water--so I switched it to another drink I didn't want because I didn't want to make a scene. (Moral: if I think there will be a problem, I send DH )

At CRT, on the breakfast vouchers--my Mom and I ordered bottled water as our only drink and we were presented with an additional bill for the water only. Again, I didn't want to make a fuss--so we paid the bill without comment--other than no additional tip--beyond the 15%. (On the other hand, at the Princess breakfast we also ordered bottle water and it was included in the cost of the voucher).

Also, on another type of vouchers--the Vacation Kingdom voucher (we bought 10 of these vouchers and have visited WDW twice for a total of 15 days and have only used 2 of the vouchers--I feel I need to study up a little more on these since they cost $29.50 each )--My Mother wanted to order bottled water as her only drink (because of health issues, she couldn't have the other choices) and the server refused to allow it on the voucher... Again, we didn't elevate this because we didn't want to make a fuss....A couple days later, my sister and her family went back to the same place and the server allowed the bottled water, frozen drinks--whatever they wanted.

The annoying thing is the vouchers are pretty clear as to what is not allowed. (Bottled water is NOT excluded on the vouchers. )
So, I go along with everything Patsal said-- read the vouchers carefully, be nice, but be firm.
I will say that on our most recent visit, we had an easier time of using the vouchers probably because we are more familiar with them now.
-DC

 

[Gillian]

We showed them upfront to make sure we were getting all we could from them. That sounds greedy, but what I meant is that the servers will sometimes volunteer that additional items are available and included in the vouchers. For example, at Boma for breakfast regular coffee is included with the meal price, but the press pot coffee is extra. Our server suggested we order the press pot because it was included in the voucher.

I did not have any problems with any cms using any vouchers. I guess we were lucky!