Any difference in service?

[Novakm]

for those that have tried both with and without dining plan, have you noticed any differences in service on vs off DDP?

I have only paid OOP for many years. Every time we are seated the server asks if we are on DDP. They always seem relieved when we say no. Maybe it’s my imagination. What do you think?

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Not sure why there should be. The dining plan has nothing at all to do with service, it is nothing more than an alternate method of payment and gratuities are totally separate. They are relieved because 1) they often have to take time explaining the dining plan and what is covered to guests and 2) dining plan orders have to be rung up differently from OOP orders (which is why they always ask before any ordering takes place).

 

[Zombie]

I'm sure some people don't fully realize that the gratuities aren't included and/or feel they've paid so much for the DDP that they don't want to tip (or were long ago DDP users when the tips were included). I'm sure dealing with a party and not getting a tip -- which likely happens more frequently than people want to accept or admit because unfortunately people can get like that ... -- would be upsetting and possibly less likely to happen if it was a party paying OOP, hence some relief when it's not a DDP diner. But, yeah, I've definitely noticed they all have to give their spiel about the inclusions and even not having to say that over and over again likely brings some relief to the shift of the server.

I should add we've dined both ways at Disney (and are quite good tippers). But our family's had excellent service either way and with medical issues and dietary restrictions/allergies in our party too -- both ways the servers and chefs have gone above and beyond. Though, I'd almost say when we were OOP we got even more above-and-beyond, now that I'm thinking about it (with the exception of Sci-Fi Dine-In when we were on DDP that was definitely way, way above and beyond there, actually so was Cape May). Hmm ... never mind, generally excellent service and accommodations all around. Way better than you get in daily real life back home.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

DDP guests are reminded on the bill that a tip is not included and are even given suggested tip amounts, so I'm not sure there is an epidemic of DDP users refusing or forgetting to tip.

 

[siren0119]

They probably seem relieved because when a guest is on the dining plan, there's a lot more explaining to do to ensure they are ordering something covered by the plan, or made aware that they are ordering something they will have to pay extra for. When a guest is paying OOP their job is a bit simpler. I don't think the level of service they provide is any different, especially because tips aren't included in the DDP (unless a guest is using TiW), so they still have to provide great service and hopefully are being tipped appropriately.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We always say we use TIW and I do not find our dining experience is negatively affected.

 

[DisBuckMan]

They probably seem relieved because when a guest is on the dining plan, there's a lot more explaining to do to ensure they are ordering something covered by the plan, or made aware that they are ordering something they will have to pay extra for. When a guest is paying OOP their job is a bit simpler. I don't think the level of service they provide is any different, especially because tips aren't included in the DDP (unless a guest is using TiW), so they still have to provide great service and hopefully are being tipped appropriately.

Bingo.

 

[Disneylover99]

I've never noticed a difference in service.

 

[Nancyg56]

I have used the plans on and off for over ten years, and have never noticed a difference in service either way.

 

[LCoulter]

We always pay OOP and noticed that servers seem relieved too. I have heard they are more likely to get a tip from those that pay OOP than those on dining plan but not sure how much of a problem it is.

 

[22Tink]

We've done 1 trip with and 2 trips without. No difference in service.

 

[Novakm]

Good to hear it doesn’t affect service. I wouldn’t be surprised if some people on DP assume tip is included. It would make the whole “I don’t want to think about money on vacation” thing easier if it was included.