Any Problems using the Dining Plan?

[shakespeare]

Has anyone had any problems using the dining plan? Do you tell the server before you order that you are on the dining plan or do you tell them at the end of your meal? I wondered if anyone has encountered problems or attitude when told they are on the dining plan. This is my 1st time to Disney and the dining plan seemed like a easy way to go but I have heard a few problems. How do you know what you can order or not? Is everything available to you on the menu? Just wondered what to expect and would love any suggestions.
Thanks!!!

 

[kaylie&laurensmom]

There is a GREAT thread in this forum called "FAQ about the Disney Dining Plan" started by jenndisney. It has all the answers you would ever need!!! Everything on the menu is available to you (there is a surcharge for certain menu items at two restaurants at Downtown Disney - Planet Hollywood and 1 other one, otherwise you can order what you want everywhere else).

 

[shakespeare]

Thanks for the help. I will read the FAQ on the dining plan. I need all the help I can get. Thanks!!!

 

[ksjayhawkfan]

We didnt have any trouble. It says in the dining brochure to tell your server at the beginning of your meal that you have the dining plan. But sometimes we forgot. The only places we got a bit of attitude was at Maya Grill and Cap'n Jacks, but I have no idea if it was because of the didning plan or just servers having a bad day.

 

[rileyroosmom]

We were at the WCC 3 weeks ago. We did not have the dinning plan and the waiter was happy to hear that we weren't using the plan. When we asked him why, he said the servers don't like the plan because they don't see their tips for 2 weeks! Yikes! Disney pays the tips and this is how they handle it. He also said they make $3 something an hour. I don't think they should have to wait that long to see their tips.

Maybe that is why you got "an attitude" from some of the servers.

 

[kaylie&laurensmom]

I'm sure they are paying their tips on their check along with their regular pay, and they just don't get the instant cash they are used to! I know I only get paid every two weeks at my job. As long as they're not holding their tips for an extreme amount of time, I don't see why they would take this out on the diner.

 

[Texan Mouseketeer]

Hi shakespeare! It's me! I just got through adding up my receipts and stuff and figured out that we saved a little over $400 with this dining plan. So...even though we had a few minor snags here and there, it was definitely soooo worth it! And all that time Lance took two bites of his pizza, we never stressed out since it was already taken care of. I think that was the best part!
The only thing I wish I did was not even worry about the snack credits. I would pass up my fav. funnel cake or a Dole Whip looking for a snack cart that had the Mickey bar that was included. In hindsight, I wish I hadn't even worried about it and just ordered what I wanted since we were saving so much money anyway. But I'll get it right next time!

 

[dmslush]

I'm sure they are paying their tips on their check along with their regular pay, and they just don't get the instant cash they are used to! I know I only get paid every two weeks at my job. As long as they're not holding their tips for an extreme amount of time, I don't see why they would take this out on the diner.

I agree! Heck, I only get my check every two weeks, and you budget accordingly. If a server said something to me to the effect of a complaint about having their tips held for two weeks, I guess I would have to tell them to join the rest of the working stiffs in the world that don't get instant cash at work.

 

[shakespeare]

Thanks for all the input. I really feel better about this now. It sounds like the savings is well worth it. I only get paid once a month, so two weeks doesn't sound too bad to me!

Only 4 days until Disney!!!

 

[Piglet42]

Does anyone know what % of the bill that Disney pays the servers when using the Dining Plan? Being an ex-server, I usually always tip around 20%, sometimes regardless of the service. I can understand what goes on behind the scenes. Anyway, back to my point, does anyone go ahead and tip something even if they are using the dining plan? Maybe making up the difference between what you would normally tip, and what Disney will tip?

 

[BBGirl]

Disney dining CM's state that the tip is 18% and of course you can tip more. I will proably at real sitdowns and not at buffets which are considered TS too. I have heard on other thread that the extra tip can be charged to your room or CC only if you order something not included in the plan so have cash ready for that.
HTH
Tina

 

[Piglet42]

Thanks! I actually just read about the 18% on another thread. I have to admit that even if service is less than great, especially in a tourists place like Disney, I always try to tip more than normal. I don't know how these people do it day in and day out. Takes a lot of patience.

 

[jjohnson]

We were at the WCC 3 weeks ago. We did not have the dinning plan and the waiter was happy to hear that we weren't using the plan. When we asked him why, he said the servers don't like the plan because they don't see their tips for 2 weeks! Yikes! Disney pays the tips and this is how they handle it. He also said they make $3 something an hour. I don't think they should have to wait that long to see their tips.

Maybe that is why you got "an attitude" from some of the servers.

It just occurred to me. If the waiters are getting their tips in their regular paychecks, their going to get a 1040 for all of those earnings. I bet some of them are going to be "thrilled" to claim what would have been cash.

 

[shakespeare]

It just occurred to me. If the waiters are getting their tips in their regular paychecks, their going to get a 1040 for all of those earnings. I bet some of them are going to be "thrilled" to claim what would have been cash.

How true! I didn't think of that, I know the servers usually wouldn't claim everything...