Beginning in January - 18% Gratuity....

[Dizserver]

I am confused by this. If you receive $500 dollars in tips...why are your checks only $50? If they are only $50 because you are tipped out in cash by the restaurant (I know many are) you would still have your credit card tips reported to the IRS for you. You would be responsible to the IRS for your own taxes....not your employer.

You are right, we are tipped out our charge tips in cash (we take home charge tips and cash tips every night). On our paycheck, we only get gratuity tips and hourly wage.

You are right about taxes, we could just owe the IRS if Disney does not take enough out. What about benefits though for the full-time server. Let's say they have health benefits for them and their family of 5 of $100 premium per week. If the paycheck doesn't cover this, then what happens?? I honestly don't know (I dont get benefits).

All I know is that it is important from Disney's standpoint that its servers make *some* gratuity each week ( or in laymen's terms paycheck tips). I am guessing at why Disney brass wants it this way, but short of asking them, this is the best I got.

I have been warned by a moderator to be nice, so I apologize for any offensive posts previously. My goal on here is to provide insight into the mind of one server, as well as some advice on how to approach the new changes (such as not mentioning DDE card til presented the check.)

I only ask that any WDW diner please don't stiff your server just because Disney executives mandated these changes in DDP and DDE. Stiff your server if they are bad or rude, but don't hold them responsible for this mess.

 

[TLSnell1981]

You are right, we are tipped out our charge tips in cash (we take home charge tips and cash tips every night). On our paycheck, we only get gratuity tips and hourly wage.

You are right about taxes, we could just owe the IRS if Disney does not take enough out. What about benefits though for the full-time server. Let's say they have health benefits for them and their family of 5 of $100 premium per week. If the paycheck doesn't cover this, then what happens?? I honestly don't know (I dont get benefits).

All I know is that it is important from Disney's standpoint that its servers make *some* gratuity each week ( or in laymen's terms paycheck tips). I am guessing at why Disney brass wants it this way, but short of asking them, this is the best I got.

I have been warned by a moderator to be nice, so I apologize for any offensive posts previously. My goal on here is to provide insight into the mind of one server, as well as some advice on how to approach the new changes (such as not mentioning DDE card til presented the check.)

I only ask that any WDW diner please don't stiff your server just because Disney executives mandated these changes in DDP and DDE. Stiff your server if they are bad or rude, but don't hold them responsible for this mess.

You were obviously upset with the suggestion of "stiffing" the servers.....it sure got your attention though.....that is what is was meant to do. There were some that blamed this change on cheapskates not tipping.....or international guests that didn't know they should tip.....or servers who felt entitled to a gratuity, even if they provided bad service...or Disney who was just being greedy.....but as soon as the union was blamed for any of this....I get an off topic post...hummmmmmmmmmmm. Many guests are unhappy about this change....some don't care. I wondered why Disney didn't do this in gradual steps....ouch....maybe they are and this is just the beginning. That's why I care.....what's next? Someone needs to bring attention to this in a way that is meaningful.

As to the paycheck issue....sounds like either a flaw in the payroll dept. or another concession to the union. If it's the flaw...that's easily remedied.

 

[thunderbird1]

Since the question of the 18% gratuity being applied to just DDE guests or all has been answered, this sticky is being released.

Thanks everyone for the lively discussion.

No thank you (and the other mods) for working so hard to keep all the discussions together and on-track!

Now, I tried to keep up with all 50+ pages but, contrary to what my dh thinks, I do have a little bit of a life outside the DIS, so forgive me if this has been asked and answered. In the olden days (you know, like, until the end of 2007), if you had the DDP (with the 18% auto-gratuity) and ordered anything extra (adult beverages, more food, etc.), most of the restaurants added an 18% auto-gratuity to your separate check for those extra items.

Does anyone have any guesses as to whether this will work the other way next year? If you have the DDP (no gratuities included, or auto-calculated), but also use your DDE card (with it's mandatory 18% gratuity) for appetizers (which won't be included) or a couple of quarts of lapu lapus (which I'm really going to need if I spend much more time calculating the pros and cons of the various dining discount options), will the restaurant carry over the 18% gratuity from the DDE portion of your bill to the DDP portion?

I realize there probably isn't an answer to this yet, other than we'll have to wait and see. I just wondered what everyone thought (not to mention I wasn't ready to see this thread drop off the first page quite yet).

 

[TLSnell1981]

No thank you (and the other mods) for working so hard to keep all the discussions together and on-track!

Now, I tried to keep up with all 50+ pages but, contrary to what my dh thinks, I do have a little bit of a life outside the DIS, so forgive me if this has been asked and answered. In the olden days (you know, like, until the end of 2007), if you had the DDP (with the 18% auto-gratuity) and ordered anything extra (adult beverages, more food, etc.), most of the restaurants added an 18% auto-gratuity to your separate check for those extra items.

Does anyone have any guesses as to whether this will work the other way next year? If you have the DDP (no gratuities included, or auto-calculated), but also use your DDE card (with it's mandatory 18% gratuity) for appetizers (which won't be included) or a couple of quarts of lapu lapus (which I'm really going to need if I spend much more time calculating the pros and cons of the various dining discount options), will the restaurant carry over the 18% gratuity from the DDE portion of your bill to the DDP portion?

I realize there probably isn't an answer to this yet, other than we'll have to wait and see. I just wondered what everyone thought (not to mention I wasn't ready to see this thread drop off the first page quite yet).

I LOVE this board! Just when you think you've read it all....someone comes up with a new angle. I bet it's been fun for the person that has to program this software(for the dining changes...whatever they may be)

 

[Mackey Mouse]

"Now, I tried to keep up with all 50+ pages but, contrary to what my dh thinks, I do have a little bit of a life outside the DIS, so forgive me if this has been asked and answered. In the olden days (you know, like, until the end of 2007), if you had the DDP (with the 18% auto-gratuity) and ordered anything extra (adult beverages, more food, etc.), most of the restaurants added an 18% auto-gratuity to your separate check for those extra items.

Does anyone have any guesses as to whether this will work the other way next year? If you have the DDP (no gratuities included, or auto-calculated), but also use your DDE card (with it's mandatory 18% gratuity) for appetizers (which won't be included) or a couple of quarts of lapu lapus (which I'm really going to need if I spend much more time calculating the pros and cons of the various dining discount options), will the restaurant carry over the 18% gratuity from the DDE portion of your bill to the DDP portion?"

Ok.. that question just gave me the biggest headache and I have not had enough coffee yet to even attempt an answer other than I hope someone else can come up an educated answer. OH MY GOODNESS!!!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Now, I tried to keep up with all 50+ pages but, contrary to what my dh thinks, I do have a little bit of a life outside the DIS, so forgive me if this has been asked and answered. In the olden days (you know, like, until the end of 2007), if you had the DDP (with the 18% auto-gratuity) and ordered anything extra (adult beverages, more food, etc.), most of the restaurants added an 18% auto-gratuity to your separate check for those extra items.

According to something that was sent out this weekend, it MAY be. On the other hand, now that we're virtually sure that the published changes apply to only DDE-discounted purchases, I'm not so sure. Since Disney will no longer be responsible for the DDP tip, and since that auto-grat policy was likely instituted due to DDP Guests thinking they didn't have to tip on any part of their meal - absolute guess, but I'm going to say NO.
Now, how the orders are rung in, and what the checks say, and how many checks each party will get - just gotta wait and see!

 

[bicker]

No criticism of you meant as I totally understand your frustration but considering this is probably the first step in eliminating the DDE card, that is exactly what they want folks to do. Then they can plead, "Well interest in the program just dropped unexpectedly so we decided to retire it. Have a Magical Day!!" and that will be that.

Absolutely. And indeed that might be the right way to go. If people generally don't want the program the way they're willing to offer it, then it shouldn't exist.

 

[bicker]

The whole idea of a mandatory tip is beyond stupid.

I respect that you don't like it and are frustrated that you would have to pay it. It is a very logical policy, though.

It's not a tip for good service it's just anther added fee.

It is a tip for presumed good service. Remember, if you get poor service, you can still complain to management. It isn't fully in our hands anymore, and I would prefer it would be fully in our hands, but it isn't like this is a new fee. It is just simply the cost of service we've always paid, with the amount simply no longer discretionary without management intercession.

Grrr! I do tip, and well, but being forced to so at a set amount makes me grate my teeth in disgust.

I think taking policies like this personally like that isn't good for your health! It's nothing personal; simply business

Must be nice to just be handed 18% of every bill regardless of whether you actually did anything to deserve it.

That's pretty much the way most people work in this country. While I'd prefer that restaurants have stayed that way too, evidently too many people have been stiffing the servers to trust all guests with that discretion.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Very interesting thread.

I voted agree because as someone who tip's 20% on the total bill (plus tax) THEN rounds up, I'll be saving money.

As someone who has worked in customer service my entire life, I imagine the change was due to the cheap (I'll never eat here again so what the heck) and the clueless.

As a matter of fact, I think service will improve. As server's get paid more they are less likely to leave and more willing to take the job. If someone calls off sick aren't you more likely to come in and fill the shift if you are paid more?

 

[Tricia1972]

...Does anyone have any guesses as to whether this will work the other way next year? If you have the DDP (no gratuities included, or auto-calculated), but also use your DDE card (with it's mandatory 18% gratuity) for appetizers (which won't be included) or a couple of quarts of lapu lapus (which I'm really going to need if I spend much more time calculating the pros and cons of the various dining discount options), will the restaurant carry over the 18% gratuity from the DDE portion of your bill to the DDP portion?

I realize there probably isn't an answer to this yet, other than we'll have to wait and see. I just wondered what everyone thought (not to mention I wasn't ready to see this thread drop off the first page quite yet).

I had thought of this over the weekend too. Maybe because this is how we used the DDP when we went (DDP and DDE combined)

I agree with PP who said she does not think that this is the way that they will do it. Partly because of the whole flow of receiving the check and making payments.

For Example:
When we went in Oct we told our server we were using the DDP upon seating. We ordered alcoholic drinks at most meals (well everyone but pregnant me did ). We ate our dinners and were brought our bill at the end. When we were brought the bill we gave them our Keys to the Kingdom card along with our DDE card. We asked that the discount be taken off of the alcohol on the DDE card and the rest be charged to the room on the KTTK card.

The server will not know about the DDE card prior to presenting a bill, and therefore will not have a chance to tack on the extra 18% prior to you paying. Not that they couldn't add it to the DDP portion after presentation of the card, but I don't think that they will.

Who knows if Disney themselves have even thought of this angle and how they're going to handle it?

2008 is going to be an interesting year for Disney Dining

 

[Poohbear123]

Kona Cafe for Dinner party of 4 bill came to: 121.50 with 3 alcoholic drinks, now with DDE MINUS the 18% charge I paid 97.20 savings of $24.30 HOWEVER, IF the 18% were to be added on I would have had a bill of: $114.69. Hmmmmmm I only saved $17.49......

 

[Colson39]

Kona Cafe for Dinner party of 4 bill came to: 121.50 with 3 alcoholic drinks, now with DDE MINUS the 18% charge I paid 97.20 savings of $24.30 HOWEVER, IF the 18% were to be added on I would have had a bill of: $114.69. Hmmmmmm I only saved $17.49......

Uhmm, if you're tipping on the original bill, it would be the same amount either way. Sounds like you are tipping based off of the discounted amount, which is exactly what this will prevent from happening, since you're not supposed to be doing that.

If you are always tipping 18%, this policy change has absolutely no affect on you. If you're tipping based on the discounted amount (which you are NOT supposed to do), then yes, you won't save as much. Hopefully that wasn't what you were doing, because you're just stiffing the server if you do that.

 

[Tricia1972]

Kona Cafe for Dinner party of 4 bill came to: 121.50 with 3 alcoholic drinks, now with DDE MINUS the 18% charge I paid 97.20 savings of $24.30 HOWEVER, IF the 18% were to be added on I would have had a bill of: $114.69. Hmmmmmm I only saved $17.49......

I am just curious, did you tip your server at Kona and what was your total after tipping them?

Comparing 2007 vs 2008, I came up with the following example using your numbers. I am assuming that your $121.50 includes tax, so the numbers are slightly flawed as you don't tip on the taxed total. Since we're including tax in both equations, I think that the example they are serving still stands.

Current Savings
$121.50 - Food and Beverage Bill
$24.30 - DDE Discount
$18.22 - 15% Tip on food and beverages
$115.42 - Total Bill

2008 Savings
$121.50 - Food and Beverage Bill
$24.30 - DDE Discount
$21.87 - 18% Tip on food and beverages
$119.07 - Total Bill

Looks like you would save $3.65 less next year, assuming a 15% tip in 2007 and the 18% tip in 2008.

 

[dqpowell]

If you're tipping based on the discounted amount (which you are NOT supposed to do),

Let's be clear about something. The diner is supposed to tip whatever they believe is merited. If they want to tip on the discounted amount, they are well within their rights to do so.

Now I do agree that if the diner wants to tip according to standard practice, they should be tipping on the full cost, not the discounted cost. But given the fact that tips (gratuities) are by definition (and by law!) discretionary, it is not a requirement that they tip according to any particular set of rules.

David

 

[mickeywho?]

What about this scenerio:
We usually charge our restaurant bill and leave cash as a tip for the server. Having had friends/family in the industry this is what they have always said is a preference for them. So we pay the restaurant for our food and pay the server for their service to us. (Usually about 20-25%)
With this new policy is this still possible? Can we ask for the tip to be left off our bill so we can leave cash? Wonder how the restaurants will handle this now? I'm sure we're not the only ones to do this.

 

[Colson39]

Let's be clear about something. The diner is supposed to tip whatever they believe is merited. If they want to tip on the discounted amount, they are well within their rights to do so.

Now I do agree that if the diner wants to tip according to standard practice, they should be tipping on the full cost, not the discounted cost. But given the fact that tips (gratuities) are by definition (and by law!) discretionary, it is not a requirement that they tip according to any particular set of rules.

David

Well, you can also just tip your server 5% cause it's not a requirement. If you are tipping them based on the discounted amount (which has nothing to do with their service), you are stiffing your server. If you are comfortable doing that, by all means go ahead. I prefer not to. I'm not stating how much you should tip, that is of course discretionary. But if you are doing it based off of the discounted amount, you are stiffing your server, be they good or bad. Of course, if you have a bad one, chances are you wouldn't be leaving much of a tip to begin with.

P.S. You could also have a $75.00 gift card on a $100.00 meal. You can also just tip your waiter $4.00 on the discounted amount. It's considered poor form and it's considered stiffing your server to tip based on discounted amounts. I'm sorry, but there is no way that anyone can say that tipping based off of the discounted amount is not considered stiffing the server. You are within your right to do it, but you can't tell me that you aren't taking money out of their pocket.

 

[Mike]

Well, you can also just tip your server 5% cause it's not a requirement. If you are tipping them based on the discounted amount (which has nothing to do with their service), you are stiffing your server. If you are comfortable doing that, by all means go ahead. I prefer not to. I'm not stating how much you should tip, that is of course discretionary. But if you are doing it based off of the discounted amount, you are stiffing your server, be they good or bad. Of course, if you have a bad one, chances are you wouldn't be leaving much of a tip to begin with.

P.S. You could also have a $75.00 gift card on a $100.00 meal. You can also just tip your waiter $4.00 on the discounted amount. It's considered poor form and it's considered stiffing your server to tip based on discounted amounts. I'm sorry, but there is no way that anyone can say that tipping based off of the discounted amount is not considered stiffing the server. You are within your right to do it, but you can't tell me that you aren't taking money out of their pocket.

I agree. The percentage to tip is at the discretion of the diner. But that percentage should be applied to the original bill before any discounts are applied.

 

[firechick139]

What about this scenerio:
We usually charge our restaurant bill and leave cash as a tip for the server. Having had friends/family in the industry this is what they have always said is a preference for them. So we pay the restaurant for our food and pay the server for their service to us. (Usually about 20-25%)
With this new policy is this still possible? Can we ask for the tip to be left off our bill so we can leave cash? Wonder how the restaurants will handle this now? I'm sure we're not the only ones to do this.

This is my question, too. We will be using the DDP for our trip. I would like to pay the tip in cash. Does anyone know how this option will be done?

 

[Poohbear123]

Let's be clear about something. The diner is supposed to tip whatever they believe is merited. If they want to tip on the discounted amount, they are well within their rights to do so.

Now I do agree that if the diner wants to tip according to standard practice, they should be tipping on the full cost, not the discounted cost. But given the fact that tips (gratuities) are by definition (and by law!) discretionary, it is not a requirement that they tip according to any particular set of rules.

David

I am tipping on the discounted cost, did not know there was a LAW that said I couldn't do that! WHY would I tip on the non-discounted cost, when I am not paying that amount?

 

[bicker]

There is no law. Rather, the issue is that the discount offered to you is offered by the restaurants, and it is a discount on the cost of food. It is not a discount on the cost of service. It is therefore appropriate to grant all gratuities to the servers just as if the restaurant wasn't being generous.

Note that this ethic applies more broadly. If you are splitting a single meal between two people, the server is still serving two people and should be tipped as if both people were paying for separate meals. The generosity of a the restaurant in allowing two patrons to share the cost of one meal is again something which is just between the patron and the restaurant -- the obligation of the patron to adequately compensate the server isn't affected by that.

Again, this isn't a law, but rather a matter of social ethics based on the nature of the compensation-for-service system in this country. In other countries things operate differently.