Beginning in January - 18% Gratuity....

[smfnj]

I just emailed them my opinion of this absurd idea and it was a very undisneylike email to be sure.
I really hope EVERYONE will email them immediately that they will not stand for this outrage.

by the way I always tip more than 18% unless there is a Darn good reason not too.

I just sent my rather lengthly worder e-mail 5 minutes ago.

Steve

 

[NHWX]

OK, here's my letter to Guest Communications. I'm pretty sure it will fall in the bit bucket of complaints but I felt that I had to make the effort to let them know about how people felt about their changes. The math is not the issue so much for as how it makes me *feel*. I want this to be a vacation and reasonably speaking, that means making it pleasant for me.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm sure that you have received many emails regarding the changes to your program. Just to clarify, will this also apply to buffet meals where guests fetch their own meals?

I think that most of the time we have received excellent service at Disney restaurants and that's one of the reasons that we enjoy vacationing so often at Disney World. It is irksome to be told that a common measure of displaying guest disatisfaction or satisfaction has been made more difficult. Yes, I know that I could go to a manager if I don't like the service. It's distasteful to have to ask for the manager and then complain, airing all of your difficulties like that. This is my vacation, and time is precious. I think that I will spend more time reflecting on whether or not I want to chance having to complain before I make an ADR at a particular restaurant. Certainly people will be spending more time reading the reviews of various restaurants.

It does seem to be strange that the tips have been removed from the majority of the Disney Dining Progam restaurants and now tips are being included for those of us who are annual passholders and have chosen to buy a Disney Dining Experience card.

While I recognize that Disney certainly has the right and the responsibility to its shareholders to produce an appropriate profit, it is my option to continue to evaluate the value that I receive when staying at a Disney property, dining at WDW restaurants and buying tickets. Perhaps the changes that have been implemented - new room pricing structures, changes to the Disney Dining Experience and the Disney Dining Plan - will serve a useful purpose as they encourage people to remember that it's not always the same each year.

Thank you for your time reading this email,

(NHWX)

 

[smfnj]

Everyone with DDE

Dream on Mike.

Steve

 

[smfnj]

May I ask what email address did you use?? I will be needing it soon....

I haven't read through the entire thread yet, here's where I sent my e-mail...

"If you have any further questions or concerns we would ask that you send an e-mail to our Executive Offices at wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com."

I also cc to DDEmembership@disneyonline.com <DDEmembership@disneyonline.com>

Steve

 

[SeaSpray]

Well as a person who uses the DDE card and as a person who always tips at least 20%, I see this as an automatic 2% savings because now I'll just pay what the bill says (the food total plus the 18% automatic tip), and leave it at that.

 

[SeaSpray]

We've had the DDE card for several years and have never been asked about it when making a reservation.

Steve

We've never been asked about the DDE card either, only whether we're on the Dining Plan or not.

 

[acourtwdw]

T-To
I-Insure
P-Proper
S-Service

That is what TIPS stands for. I understand that is Dinsey's choice to change their policies whenever it makes good business sense, but this to me doesn't make sense. It is not the patron's job to make up the difference between what the server is paid and what is minimum wage. It is up to the server. Why would a server in a table service job do anything differently than a counter service employee if he/she already knows that the tip is included? By the way, I tip 20-25%.

 

[smfnj]

I'll still get it because it's still a good deal for me. I pay 18% gratuity (minimum) anyway, so the card covers my gratuity costs for one year of meals at Disney.

I agree, I still save 20% for every meal at Disney. If I receive poor service, which has only happened a handful of times over the last 17 years, I guarantee I will not be paying 18%.

One time (don't remember which restaurant) service was so poor I was going to leave no tip. I decided 2 bits ($0.25) would send a better message, I also spoke to the manager.

Steve

 

[smfnj]

The DDE is still a good value in my opinion. Consider the the free valet parking and other benefits and it still works out in your favor. You might as well look at the 18% automatic gratuity as a price increase for loyal fans and Florida residents.

Actually for me it will be a price decrease as I usually tip 20%. If I receive poor service the manager WILL adjust the 18%.

Steve

 

[Dizserver]

T-To
I-Insure
P-Proper
S-Service

That is what TIPS stands for. I understand that is Dinsey's choice to change their policies whenever it makes good business sense, but this to me doesn't make sense. It is not the patron's job to make up the difference between what the server is paid and what is minimum wage. It is up to the server. Why would a server in a table service job do anything differently than a counter service employee if he/she already knows that the tip is included? By the way, I tip 20-25%.

This is a disheartening post to me. I am sorry if you have had bad service, but you haven't from me.

Here are some answers to your question. Why DO I give great outstanding service to guests even when gratuity is included? 1) It is my job. 2) I work for a company where we try to exceed guest expectations and make dreams come true. 3) I am held to a certain high standard by my employer and managers. 4) When I go out to eat, I expect courteous, attentive service with drink refills, a pleasant attitude, and an overall enjoyable experience. 5) Even minimum wage Disney employees ineligible to recieve "T.I.P.S." generally give outstanding guest service. Why would well-payed servers be bitter and give bad service? 6) I was raised better than to be a slacker on the job. 7) I enjoy interactions with guests and helping make their vacation a memorable experience. 8) I think I have the best job in the world and have never been happier. 9) It ticks me off when I am a guest in the parks with my family and encounter rude or indifferent cast members. 10) I am proud of my job, my restaurant, and the level of service i try to give to each and every guest.

I do indeed understand that their are some bad servers out there. Your level of service is much more determined by the person than whether gratuity is included. It seems for every post on here saying they recieved bad service when gratuity was included, there are 3 or 4 posts saying their service was great.

As others have said, if you ever recieve bad service because the server is bad, speak to a manager.

 

[Colson39]

This is seriously the funniest thread I've ever read on the DIS....lol.

Thanks Disney for saving me 2%!!!

 

[Dizserver]

I have not read through every post and page on here, but I hope the controversy has been cleared up.

As a disney server, I can say that 18% grat will ONLY be included for DDE card users, cast members, and parties of 6 or more (as of January 1, 2008). It will NOT be applied to all checks.

As part of union negotiations, the Disney higher-ups refused to budge on the removal of 18% grat. on DDP checks. The servers' union reps were outraged but this point was deemed non-negotiable to Disney management, all the way to the top. Financially, Disney wanted DDP guests to pay all that gratuity to servers and maximize food and beverage profits.

As a compromise, it was negotiated that parties of 6 or more (down from 8 or more) would be auto-gratted 18%, as would DDE guests.

DDE guests recieve a 20% discount, the same that cast members recieve. Cast members are charged the auto 18% grat. Now, DDE guests will be too.

I personally have never had an issue with DDE guests, I find them loyal consumers and diners and they generally tip very well.

As for the controversy, I can say 100% that my managers, as well as our area manager and his manager, have assured me that 18% gratuity WILL NOT be applied to all checks, only to those I've mentioned above.

Disney is a company with a strong union presence. Any changes like those misinterpreted would have to be negotiated and written into contract. That simply has not happend.

 

[Tricia1972]

I have not read through every post and page on here, but I hope the controversy has been cleared up.

As a disney server, I can say that 18% grat will ONLY be included for DDE card users, cast members, and parties of 6 or more (as of January 1, 2008). It will NOT be applied to all checks.

As part of union negotiations, the Disney higher-ups refused to budge on the removal of 18% grat. on DDP checks. The servers' union reps were outraged but this point was deemed non-negotiable to Disney management, all the way to the top. Financially, Disney wanted DDP guests to pay all that gratuity to servers and maximize food and beverage profits.

As a compromise, it was negotiated that parties of 6 or more (down from 8 or more) would be auto-gratted 18%, as would DDE guests.

DDE guests recieve a 20% discount, the same that cast members recieve. Cast members are charged the auto 18% grat. Now, DDE guests will be too.

I personally have never had an issue with DDE guests, I find them loyal consumers and diners and they generally tip very well.

As for the controversy, I can say 100% that my managers, as well as our area manager and his manager, have assured me that 18% gratuity WILL NOT be applied to all checks, only to those I've mentioned above.

Disney is a company with a strong union presence. Any changes like those misinterpreted would have to be negotiated and written into contract. That simply has not happend.

Thanks for posting this! This confirms my speculation from back on page 1 or 2 of this thread. I thought it probably happened something like this.

Looking forward to more official Disney announcements, so the controversy can come to an end.

 

[acourtwdw]

This is a disheartening post to me. I am sorry if you have had bad service, but you haven't from me.

Here are some answers to your question. Why DO I give great outstanding service to guests even when gratuity is included? 1) It is my job. 2) I work for a company where we try to exceed guest expectations and make dreams come true. 3) I am held to a certain high standard by my employer and managers. 4) When I go out to eat, I expect courteous, attentive service with drink refills, a pleasant attitude, and an overall enjoyable experience. 5) Even minimum wage Disney employees ineligible to recieve "T.I.P.S." generally give outstanding guest service. Why would well-payed servers be bitter and give bad service? 6) I was raised better than to be a slacker on the job. 7) I enjoy interactions with guests and helping make their vacation a memorable experience. 8) I think I have the best job in the world and have never been happier. 9) It ticks me off when I am a guest in the parks with my family and encounter rude or indifferent cast members. 10) I am proud of my job, my restaurant, and the level of service i try to give to each and every guest.

I do indeed understand that their are some bad servers out there. Your level of service is much more determined by the person than whether gratuity is included. It seems for every post on here saying they recieved bad service when gratuity was included, there are 3 or 4 posts saying their service was great.

As others have said, if you ever recieve bad service because the server is bad, speak to a manager.

I didn't mean for it to come across that I was saying that servers (table and counter) don't care about the customers. I very rarely receive poor service at any resturant, Disney or any other. I also work in the service industry but not in food service. I was just venting towards Disney's policy not the servers themselves. I know that all servers (Disney or other) are mostly over worked and under paid. I apologize for the tone of the post.

 

[DisneyMomOK]

Is it 18% prior to the discount, or after the total has been reduced by 20%?

Sharon

 

[Tricia1972]

Is it 18% prior to the discount, or after the total has been reduced by 20%?

Sharon

Prior to the discount.

 

[Dizserver]

I didn't mean for it to come across that I was saying that servers (table and counter) don't care about the customers. I very rarely receive poor service at any resturant, Disney or any other. I also work in the service industry but not in food service. I was just venting towards Disney's policy not the servers themselves. I know that all servers (Disney or other) are mostly over worked and under paid. I apologize for the tone of the post.

No worries.

The reason many resorts (not WDW ) auto-grat all customers is because, like in South Florida, many or even most guests are from foreign countries (Europe, for example) where servers are not tipped much if at all. It is a protection for servers and the only way to keep restaurants in these areas staffed.

As Disney does not currently have a problem staffing its restauants with servers, and most guests are knowledgable of tipping customs, I do not foresee DIsney adopting this type of policy in the near future.

As it pertains to DDE customers, again either complain if you have bad service, or do not participate in the DDE program - a decision sadly being faced by many DDP customers also with the new changes.

Again, most servers are not happy with all the changes - we want things the way they have been the last few years. We all will have to deal unfortunately.

 

[dburg30]

now its only 2% discount.

No, it's a 20% discount. They are just going to make sure that you pay your 18% tip is all. You can look at it as a 2% discount if you want. I mean, I had already looked at it as a 'What I See Is What I Pay' card. Meaning that the price before discount is what it cost me, as I'd give a tip anyway. Or I can look at it as 'Price includes tip' card..

Now if you never left a tip, then yes, to you it will seem like basically no discount now.

 

[nbodyhome]

As part of union negotiations, the Disney higher-ups refused to budge on the removal of 18% grat. on DDP checks. The servers' union reps were outraged but this point was deemed non-negotiable to Disney management, all the way to the top. Financially, Disney wanted DDP guests to pay all that gratuity to servers and maximize food and beverage profits.

As a compromise, it was negotiated that parties of 6 or more (down from 8 or more) would be auto-gratted 18%, as would DDE guests.

DDE guests recieve a 20% discount, the same that cast members recieve. Cast members are charged the auto 18% grat. Now, DDE guests will be too.

I personally have never had an issue with DDE guests, I find them loyal consumers and diners and they generally tip very well.

As for the controversy, I can say 100% that my managers, as well as our area manager and his manager, have assured me that 18% gratuity WILL NOT be applied to all checks, only to those I've mentioned above.

Disney is a company with a strong union presence. Any changes like those misinterpreted would have to be negotiated and written into contract. That simply has not happend.

Thanks for the information!!!!! I thought that was the case as well. I am sorry that the DDP will no longer include the tips, though.

 

[acourtwdw]

if anything Disney has made the math easier for me. Now I just need to add somewhere between 2 and 7% to bring the tip to what I would have tipped anyway. In the 15 years that we have been going to WDW, I can't remember a time when the service was not deserving of a good tip, including the buffets.