Beginning in January - 18% Gratuity....

[Jaymie]

I'm not a huge fan of being forced to tip anyone for anything. I like to decide that all by myself. Sometimes I let DH chime in on that too.

My big problem with this new thing is when I get less then stellar service, which BTW is not very often. Now instead of just leaving say 10% for not so good service and going on my merry way, never to think of that not so great server again, I'll be forced to stick around, talk to a manager, wait to have a bill adjusted. Waste my precious vacation time!! Hopefully, they have a few extra managers working at each restaurant for every shift, but I won't get my hopes up.

Fortunately, I usually have good enough service that I would leave at least 18%. Hopefully that's the case with my next trip. If not, I may have to rethink my AP and the DDE.

I'm trying to keep a positive attitude about this.

 

[TLSnell1981]

On the other thread I also discussed the nightmare an employer faces if they do not hold the CC tips till checks are cut.....I too have extensive food industry experience and own my own company so the whole tipping out cash for CC tips does not make sense for a company the size of WDW. I am not sure about how the employee issue is handled there, but if I my restaurant was located in WDW I do not think I would leave hiring to Disney. I have pretty high standards for hiring in my kitchens and front of house needs......just do not think Disney could get the right people that fit with my restaurant philosophy.

It is a fact this change is a concession to the union that represents Disney employees. That is why I am assuming the non-disney owned restaurants must use the union employees..... since they are bound by the same rules....boy this is confusing.

 

[apostolic4life]

It is a fact this change is a concession to the union that represents Disney employees. That is why I am assuming the non-disney owned restaurants must use the union employees..... since they are bound by the same rules....boy this is confusing.

Yes, I would say the union is in every restaurant on property, but I do not know if every restaurant worker is a WDW employee???????????? Maybe the restaurant owners agree to using union workers as a concession to get on property????

 

[kaytieeldr]

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.

Let's forget about the DDE specifically for a minute. Could you please explain why the server earns less of a tip because the diner involves ANY type of discount? What about buy one, get one free specials? In ALL cases, the server does exactly the same amount of work whether the diner has a BOGO coupon, a gift certificate, a discount card... anything.
Let's say you use a $25 restaurant.com gift certificate, and the restaurant has a $35 minimum purchase requirement with that certificate.
You order carefully and your meal comes to $35.50.
You ALWAYS tip 20%
All things being equal, do you leave $7.10, or do you leave $2.10?
Or you have a coupon for a free entree with the purchase of one entree.
The two (for this example) of you drink just tap water, each order a $15 entree, and skip dessert.
Again, you always tip 20%.
Do you leave $6, or $3?
So, if you get 20% off your $20 meal, why would you calculate your tip on the discounted $16 check?

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?

Why would you not? Did the server do less work because you used some form of discount?

Now, I usually eat ALONE, and I don't see DDE being feasable for me.

I saw a similar comment in another thread. If the DDE is not feasible for you when there's an 18% service charge added, why is it feasible for you now?

 

[clowe247]

When we went to WDW last Dec. we went with the dining plan. Our one bill at
lecelliar total was close to $480.00.So our DDP Paid off. We have ADR 's for Le Celliar on our trip this Jan. I am not willing to fork out 80.00 for a tip. So..........My question is can I use my TS for a CS?

 

[Tricia1972]

When we went to WDW last Dec. we went with the dining plan. Our one bill at
lecelliar total was close to $480.00.So our DDP Paid off. We have ADR 's for Le Celliar on our trip this Jan. I am not willing to fork out 80.00 for a tip. So..........My question is can I use my TS for a CS?

This does not affect those using the DDP, only those using the DDE discount card.

If you are using the DDP then you will not have to 'fork out' an $86 tip unless your party is 6 or more. However, if 5 or less dine at LeCellier, then you should tip close to $72 on a $480 bill. $72.00 would be a 15% tip.

 

[kaytieeldr]

No, you can't. But I'm curious - how much ARE you willing to fork out for a tip?

When we went to WDW last Dec. we went with the dining plan. Our one bill at
lecelliar total was close to $480.00.So our DDP Paid off. We have ADR 's for Le Celliar on our trip this Jan. I am not willing to fork out 80.00 for a tip. So..........My question is can I use my TS for a CS?

 

[clowe247]

I was under the understanding that the manditory 18% tip was for all TS.

 

[Tricia1972]

I was under the understanding that the manditory 18% tip was for all TS.

No, it is only for those using the DDE Discount card. Anyone using that card has a mandatory tip added to their bill at all TS locations (and lounges).

Unfortunately with a $480 bill, you'll still be tipping close to $80. As I stated previously - $72 is a 15% tip, which is the industry base standard for average to good service.

 

[TDC Nala]

I was under the understanding that the manditory 18% tip was for all TS.

There was apparently a widespread misunderstanding of the e-mail DDE sent out to its members announcing the policy change for 2008.

The mandatory gratuity applies to all DDE members and to all parties of 6 or more at TS restaurants.

 

[kaytieeldr]

This does not affect those using the DDP, only those using the DDE discount card.

If you are using the DDP then you will not have to 'fork out' an $86 tip unless your party is 6 or more. However, if 5 or less dine at LeCellier, then you should tip close to $72 on a $480 bill. $72.00 would be a 15% tip.

It seems likely there are more than six people in that poster's dining party. Five people would equal an average check of $96 per person. Le Cellier is expensive, but it's not nearly THAT expensive.

eta: I just checked the menus. The most expensive total dinner comes to $54.26 before tax.

 

[Tricia1972]

It seems likely there are more than six people in that poster's dining party. Five people would equal an average check of $96 per person. Le Cellier is expensive, but it's not nearly THAT expensive.

I was wondering that too, I thought maybe they were ordering LOTS of drinks.

In the case that the OP's Party is 6 or more, you would be paying an 18% gratuity no matter how you pay for the dinner (Cash, Credit Card, DDP or using the DDE card)

 

[TDC Nala]

Any TS they went to (not just Le Cellier - there aren't a lot that are less expensive than Le Cellier), if they had a whole lot of people, they'd order a whole lot of food and if indeed they are a party of 6 or more they'd be subject to the 18% autograt no matter how they're paying for the meal.

I'd guess if the poster is interested in counter service meals for that reason, DDP may not be right for them after this year.

 

[bicker]

When we went to WDW last Dec. we went with the dining plan. Our one bill at
lecelliar total was close to $480.00.So our DDP Paid off. We have ADR 's for Le Celliar on our trip this Jan. I am not willing to fork out 80.00 for a tip.

You would only really need to provide a gratuity of $72. You should be willing to do so, or shouldn't dine at the restaurant.

So..........My question is can I use my TS for a CS?

Sorry, no, and besides, doing so will probably make your Dining Plan purchase no longer worthwhile.

 

[chickenskin]

What is DDE?

 

[bicker]

DDE: http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneydiningexperience.htm

 

[sjreed]

Concerning the 18% on the DDE, those of you who say they will only receive a 2% savings instead of the 20%...........did the DDE card include the gratuity like the DDP used to???? Or did these OP just not leave a tip to capitalize on the DDE discount card??

I think you just hit the nail on the head!!

 

[princessesrule4]

I just got this email as well, I took it to mean EVERYONE too. This is really going to have some people up in arms if it truly does apply to everyone at every table service location. I don't think it means any of the counter service locations since there is no line item on their receipts for a tip, and they have never required one before. But I'm sure it will appy at the bars/lounges.

Speaking for myself the automatic gratuity won't bother me, I usually leave around 20% so this will make it easier for me. If I really feel the service doesn't warrant 18% then I'll speak to a manager about it. Otherwise I'll just go with the flow. Saves me 2% and I don't have to bother with even the simplest math.

We always leave 20% also so this is a good way to look at it - thanks!

 

[Rozzie]

When we went to WDW last Dec. we went with the dining plan. Our one bill at
lecelliar total was close to $480.00.So our DDP Paid off. We have ADR 's for Le Celliar on our trip this Jan. I am not willing to fork out 80.00 for a tip. So..........My question is can I use my TS for a CS?

Really, do tell, what are you willing to fork out?????????????? Good grief, my head is spinning. I think there are going to be a lot of DDP's stiffing the waitstaff.

 

[agnes!]

When we went to WDW last Dec. we went with the dining plan. Our one bill at
lecelliar total was close to $480.00.So our DDP Paid off. We have ADR 's for Le Celliar on our trip this Jan. I am not willing to fork out 80.00 for a tip. So..........My question is can I use my TS for a CS?

Really, do tell, what are you willing to fork out?????????????? Good grief, my head is spinning. I think there are going to be a lot of DDP's stiffing the waitstaff.

clowe -

I think if you have more than 5 people in your dining party, the automatic service charge from $480 for this Le Cellier dining party starting on January 1st will now be $86.40. I think another poster mentioned $72 as what the service charge would have been(?), but I think that $72 is only 18% of a $300 dining check.

Disney took away the DDP's included-gratuity, but starting January 1st has made the automatic service charge applicable to all dining parties of 6 or more (and also dropped the trigger for that 18% automatic service charge from 8 diners to 6 diners in a party).

agnes!
PS - Yes, yes as well as *all* Table Service for DDE cardmembers.