DDE email just arrived

[RobDoc]

I know this has already been reported, but I just received an email from DDE about being able to get the card at Guest Relations (they will be printed on paper stock - a'la AP cards). In addition, the message confirms that beginning January 1 and 18% gratuity will be added to all dining transactions regardless of party size.

Here is the email:

"Greetings from the Disney Dining Experience Team!

As 2008 quickly approaches, you will begin to see some exciting new developments for the Disney Dining Experience Membership Program. You asked and we listened! Effective November 11, 2007, you will no longer have to wait 3  6 weeks to receive your permanent membership card(s).

Guest Relations locations at Epcot., MAGIC KINGDOM. Park, DISNEYS ANIMAL KINGDOM. Theme Park, Disney-MGM Studios, DOWNTOWN DISNEY. West Side, and DOWNTOWN DISNEY. Marketplace will now be able to print permanent Disney Dining Experience membership cards for immediate use. This service is designed for existing and new members. Cards produced at the Guest Relations locations will be printed on paper stock similar to the annual pass tickets.

The Disney Dining Experience office will still be available to take applications for current and new members, via the phone, fax or mail for those who do not want to take advantage of the in-park service. Membership cards ordered through the Disney Dining Experience office will be received within 2 - 3 weeks of purchase.

All Guests who have ordered their Disney Dining Experience membership cards prior to November 11, 2007 date will have to pickup their temporary cards at the main entrance Epcot. Guest Relations. Your permanent card will be sent through the mail and arrive in 3-4 weeks from the date of purchase.

We would also like to inform you that the Walt Disney World. Resort will be implementing an across property policy change regarding gratuity at all food and beverage locations. Effective January 1, 2008, 18% gratuity will be added to all transactions, regardless of party size. Thank you for your continued support.

Cheers!


The Disney Dining Experience Team "

 

[Rwars10230]

I got the same email. I think picking up the card at the parks is great. However does it bother anybody else about the automatic gratuity at "all" food and beverage locations. So much for having to earn your tip, service can only suffer from this. But hey that is my thought.

 

[jekjones1558]

We always tip at least 20%, unless the service is really bad. I will NOT add more tip now, as I do not like this new policy. I guess that servers will not miss my 2+% when they will be picking up an automatic 18% on every bill. I wonder if this new policy is reflected in Disney's wage arrangement with serving staff?

 

[Disney_Daddy]

Service seems to decline any time or any place that mandatory tipping was enforced.

Disney sets the bar for excellent service, so this should be interesting!

 

[DVC Mike]

We always tip at least 20%

Got the same email. I always tip 20% too. I guess it just means I will save 2% now.

 

[Mtnman44]

no way this can improve the service and experience, that's for sure. At what point is it incorrect to call it "gratuity" and but rather start calling it "service charge"?

 

[spiceycat]

service charge - when that is what it is...

So is this 18% for everyone or only DDE members?

is this how Disney is handling the tip since DDP no longer covers the tip - but forcing their guest to cover the 18% tip no matter how bad the service is.

I though that is why Disney stopped covering the 18% tip....

something is not making sense.

 

[CarolA]

Service seems to decline any time or any place that mandatory tipping was enforced.

Disney sets the bar for excellent service, so this should be interesting!

They do???

Is that why it took an HOUR to get my car from the GF Valet a few years ago?

Is that why at Pepper Market they are allowed to charge a tip for "Service" which consisted of showing me to the ONLY clean table in the joint? (I got my own beverages etc, the dirty tables around me were NOT cleaned off over the course of my meal, quite disgusting)

Is that why I once checked into CSR to find the housekeeper "swirling" the glasses in the sink that she planned to put back for me to drink out of?

Is that why the wait staff at the GF Cafe (whose name has escaped me) took 30 minutes to refill a drink?

Is that why the wait staff at Cinderalla's Royal Table SIGHED loudly when my brother asked for more coffee (and then SLAMMED it down)???

Disney does not set the "example" in resturant and hotel service. They are WORLD CLASS in theme parks. Sadly they are below standard in hotel/resturant areas!

Now I actually agree with this tip. I would just ask for a manger and get it reduced if I did not get good service. I have been on these boards WAY too long not to know that there are a LOT of folks out there "Stiffing" the wait staff and this new dining plan is going to make it worse. If you are looking for a "blame" consider your fellow guests who would have wanted to tip $2 on thier dining plan meal because "the tip should have been included"

 

[dhluvsDisney]

Okay, an automatic 18% bothers me in that no one can guarantee me an 18% tip service. If they truly feel the need to add an automated tip system, why not choose say 10% and then give the option of upping it for service that deserves such. Maybe 10% would balance the scales and show the "undertippers" they now need to cough it up regardless. Just a thought.

 

[jekjones1558]

We would also like to inform you that the Walt Disney World. Resort will be implementing an across property policy change regarding gratuity at all food and beverage locations. Effective January 1, 2008, 18% gratuity will be added to all transactions, regardless of party size. Thank you for your continued support.

Does this mean all counter service and beverage stands too? That will really make me angry. If that is the case, just up all prices and forget about calling it a tip, because it isn't!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I sure hope that Pop's food card is exempted from the gratuity.

Can you subtract it?

Bobbi

PS. There is starting to be a list in my mind of personal problems with Disney. I think for me, the honeymoon is over.

 

[kapeman]

Okay, an automatic 18% bothers me in that no one can guarantee me an 18% tip service. If they truly feel the need to add an automated tip system, why not choose say 10% and then give the option of upping it for service that deserves such. Maybe 10% would balance the scales and show the "undertippers" they now need to cough it up regardless. Just a thought.

I like that idea. They don't get stiffed and we don't get gouged!

 

[Eddie]

Does this mean all counter service and beverage stands too? That will really make me angry. If that is the case, just up all prices and forget about calling it a tip, because it isn't!

I wondered about that too. Used the DDE while at AS/Sports this year. I would say at least 1/2 of our meals, at least breakfast anyway I went to cafetaria and brought back to room. So do I have to basically tip on takeout? LOL

Actually it will easily save me $ as we usually even tip bad service 15% and good service in the 20% to 25% range. They really just should have added a lower minimum tip say 10% or 15% and then let you add for good service. probably unfortunately most would just leave as is and the good servers would then get hosed.

I hope they stay on top of things to make sure the service is good but alas I feel that may not be the case.

And in no way can this be considered a gratuity it is for sure a SERVICE CHARGE!!! Gratuity is a show of my graditude, not when I am being TOLD that it is included!!!

 

[Tinkerdreams]

Didn't they just remove the tip from the DDP because there were issues with bad service and estaliblishments that were not passing the 18% tip onto their servers?

I tip at 20%, however, if I have not received good service, I will not tip as generously. What incentive does the server have if they know they are going to receive this tip (unless the restaurant keeps it for themselves).

Gratuities (tips) are supposed to be a "thank you" to their server for their attentiveness and hospitality. I do not appreciate it when someone tells me what my "thank you" should be.

 

[kapeman]

Didn't they just remove the tip from the DDP because there were issues with bad service and estaliblishments that were not passing the 18% tip onto their servers?

I tip at 20%, however, if I have not received good service, I will not tip as generously. What incentive does the server have if they know they are going to receive this tip (unless the restaurant keeps it for themselves).

Gratuities (tips) are supposed to be a "thank you" to their server for their attentiveness and hospitality. I do not appreciate it when someone tells me what my "thank you" should be.

I wonder if it had anything to do with the wait-staff upselling people on the DDP to get a better tip?
I don't have a problem with that, personally. I'm just wondering.

If I found out the auto gratuity was not being given to the server, that would tick me off!

 

[Sammie]

This affects "only" the DDE.

And parties of 6 or more. As group size has changed from 8 to 6.

So Only DDE and parties of 6 or more are affected, no one else.

 

[psu4glory]

This affects "only" the DDE.

And parties of 6 or more. As group size has changed from 8 to 6.

So Only DDE and parties of 6 or more are affected, no one else.

i don't believe this is the case....here, again, is the last section of the email sent earlier today....

"We would also like to inform you that the Walt Disney World® Resort will be implementing an across property policy change regarding gratuity at all food and beverage locations. Effective January 1, 2008, 18% gratuity will be added to all transactions, regardless of party size. Thank you for your continued support. "

 

[dhluvsDisney]

I just love being totally confused???????????????????????????????

 

[kdzgon]

This affects "only" the DDE.

And parties of 6 or more. As group size has changed from 8 to 6.

So Only DDE and parties of 6 or more are affected, no one else.

Sammie,

I know you have your sources, but it is my understanding that this applies to any "discount" plan, including both the DDE and the DDPs as well as parties of six (6) or more. The service charge will apply to table service locations but not counter service locations that accept the DDE (and presumably the DDPs). I did not ask about the CP exceptions such as the Pepper Market (I forgot).

Seems logical to me that it would apply to the DDP as well, so I suspect that is what we will see come Jan 1. JMO, YMMV.

 

[BCV23]

I asked Disney dining this am and the CM also thought it applied only to DDE or parties of 6 or more.