Beginning in January - 18% Gratuity....

[ShaneV]

I really don't think it will hurt service.

Servers don't know if you have the DDE card or not until after the meal. Therefore they don't know they're 'guaranteed' anything until you've already eaten and received your service.

I think it'll all be fine.

Im pretty sure its at all sitdown places for everyone DDE or not.

 

[ADP]

This was rumored to happen around the same time the DDP change announcements were made back in August. I've been expecting the official announcement so I'm not surprised.

 

[Nbtstatic]

Im pretty sure its at all sitdown places for everyone DDE or not.

Someone should probably let WDW-Dine know that.

 

[OrlandoMike]

Im pretty sure its at all sitdown places for everyone DDE or not.

Not unless you are a party of 6 or more.

 

[cguill]

Tricia - you are correct, even for a party of 5 you are looking at $40 or so, my stance is that on regaular table service that should be fine if service is good, but at a buffet, which alot of places are that seems steep for refilling my glass a few times ...

Anyone else agree ???

 

[BarleyJack]

http://adisneyworld.disney.go.com/m...agespecific/eng/nontheme/tickets/08Dining.pdf

then do a search for 18%


or call wdw-dine and find out ..........

 

[itchin2go]

If it's only for DDE folks, that seems a bit discriminatory. Why punish some of your best customers? I'm not DDE, but I'm just sayin...

If it's across the board, I'm not happy about it. IF you get exemplary service at every meal, then it's fine. As with some other posters, I generally tip 20% for good service. But receiving good service 100% of the time? We all know that's not the real world. IF you receive poor service, then you have to flag down a manager? And wait for them? And then explain things ... and then wait for the check to be adjusted ...? In a theme park? Where time is money?

If they're going to include the tip in the DDP, I don't have a problem with that - never had a problem with that. But the tip will NOT be included, so they're going to force me to pay 18% regardless of service received?

What brain trust came up with that idea?

 

[OrlandoMike]

Someone should probably let WDW-Dine know that.

I would have paid to be in that room an hour ago! I'm sure every phone lit up like a Christmas tree!

 

[Tricia1972]

Not unless you are a party of 6 or more.

Exactly correct. The DDP brochure is crystal clear for the gratuity in 2008. Similarly to how they cannot make it a choice between appetizers and desserts in 2008, they would also be unable to change the gratuity policy for 2008.

 

[chris7]

It should not be referred to as a tip or a gratuity. It should be referred to as a mandatory service charge.

 

[Mike]

So how many of you still think that Magical Express is a wonderful thing and is "free"? As a result, Disney literally has a captive audience. Food quality has gone south the past couple of years, menus are becoming more and more standardized, prices continue to increase, reservations are harder to get and now we are being forced to tip 18% even if we get bad service or eat at a buffet. But most guests have no choice.
I will never be without a car at WDW. There is so much value to driving 5-10 minutes and eating at good restaurants offsite for far less money. I drive to Super Walmart and stock up on items and cook breakfast and most lunches in our room. Disney Dining is becoming an afterthought on our vacations.
ME has allowed WDW to charge more money and offer less quality/selection. Spend the $100 or so to rent a car and you will not regret it. Eventually WDW will get the message.

 

[icartjetta]

I really don't think it will hurt service.

Servers don't know if you have the DDE card or not until after the meal. Therefore they don't know they're 'guaranteed' anything until you've already eaten and received your service.

I think it'll all be fine.

Everytime I have made and ADR they ask if you have the DDE, so yes they do know that you have the card before you even sit down.

 

[BarleyJack]

I would have paid to be in that room an hour ago! I'm sure every phone lit up like a Christmas tree!

LOL...I was one of them....and I held for about 20 min.....which would seriously be reflected in the tip if it were a restaurant.

 

[WDW1979]

18% on a buffet service place like chef mickey's, etc .... me no think so, the bill is probably over $100 for 5 as it is, and there are times when we were lucky to get one refill on our drinks, forget about it ...

I agree.

 

[ShaneV]

Someone should probably let WDW-Dine know that.

Well considering I called and I was told that we are obviouslly getting different answers from the same "group".

 

[disrailfan]

This is a very bad thing in my opinion. Especially since I typically tip 20% for service that is outstanding. I can see the point though as I know people that do not tip at the dining places. I also do not see paying the full 18% for a buffet, customary gratuity for any buffet is usually between 10 and 12% they only bring me drinks in most cases.

I am sure that this will be heavily discussed.

-DisRailFan

 

[Tricia1972]

Everytime I have made and ADR they ask if you have the DDE, so yes they do know that you have the card before you even sit down.

I have never ever been asked that, and over the past year I've made reservations for a total of 4 weeks at Disney, and have talked to dozens of CM's. They ask if you have the DDP but never about the DDE. Maybe I am a lucky one?

 

[WDW1979]

It should not be referred to as a tip or a gratuity. It should be referred to as a mandatory service charge.

I agree.

 

[JerJan]

Due to the many threads out there this morning in regards to the "AUTOMATIC" 18% gratuity i was curious.... who agrees and disagrees with this new Disney policy.

 

[BarleyJack]

I think eating off-site is a wonderful idea..........I think you all should eat off-site. Dont let WDW ruin your vacation !!!