DDP = Irritable Waiters?

[Lizzybee]

Our servers were really great when we went on the free dining plan last year. All were attentive and super nice, except for the one OOP meal. I didn't get the impression that she was doing anything because of DDP or no DDP, but she did get annoyed when I wanted to use reward points to pay for part of the meal.
I don't know about anyone else, but when I get free dining tip included and all, I feel like the LEAST I can do is tip as if I had paid for the meal. We aren't rich, but I try to be generous when I can be and I figure I didn't have to pay ANYTHING so why not give them an extra something. I don't think they can tell I'm going to do that so I guess that's not the reason for their kind behavior. Maybe it's because we are well behaved, appreciative, friendly people who are excited to be there.
As a divorced/single mom of two, I take advantage of free dining to be able to afford the trip...4 nights, 5 days at ASMu with dining, airfare, park hoppers, the whole shebang for $1500. Can't beat that! Well last year I cut it shorter by one day and did all that for $1300. I have a professional job but I can't afford really nice restuarants often at home so this is a nice treat for myself and my two children. I'm hoping to have as much magic this trip as we did last time.

 

[xWishes]

Our servers were really great when we went on the free dining plan last year. All were attentive and super nice, except for the one OOP meal. I didn't get the impression that she was doing anything because of DDP or no DDP, but she did get annoyed when I wanted to use reward points to pay for part of the meal.
I don't know about anyone else, but when I get free dining tip included and all, I feel like the LEAST I can do is tip as if I had paid for the meal. We aren't rich, but I try to be generous when I can be and I figure I didn't have to pay ANYTHING so why not give them an extra something. I don't think they can tell I'm going to do that so I guess that's not the reason for their kind behavior. Maybe it's because we are well behaved, appreciative, friendly people who are excited to be there.
As a divorced/single mom of two, I take advantage of free dining to be able to afford the trip...4 nights, 5 days at ASMu with dining, airfare, park hoppers, the whole shebang for $1500. Can't beat that! Well last year I cut it shorter by one day and did all that for $1300. I have a professional job but I can't afford really nice restuarants often at home so this is a nice treat for myself and my two children. I'm hoping to have as much magic this trip as we did last time.

I agree! I'm a college student and I'll be paying for this trip for quite a while I also know how it is to have a job that doesnt pay well and the wonderful people you have to put up w. so I feeeeel the pain waiters have sometimes lol! I plan on leaving a tip even if I do have free dining.

 

[kellyg403]

We paid for the DDP in Dec and really didn't see a difference in service than what we expected to receive. 99% of the time they were turning people away at the front desk but the resturaurnts were really not that full. One day at Garden Grill there was a problem at the desk because they were booked solid and a woman was very upset because she could see several open tables. By the time our dinner was over, it still was pretty empty. I finally came to the conclusion alot of people were not canceling adr's at the places that did not require a cc garuntee and not showing up. Thus canceling out any hope the server would get any type of tip since he had empty tables for awhile. Our server at GG was one of the best we had all trip and we did leave an extra tip for all the TS. DH's mom was a single mom who waitressed for years so he always makes sure to leave a little extra for any server who does even a halfway decent job. I noticed alot of other tables leaving tips so I do think the servers are getting a fair amount of tips per day.

Anyway, I don't feel we were treated any differently but I could see in a few instances that it had more to do with reservations and customers than really the servers. I know, I know we all spend alot of money to get there but I have a really hard time watching CM's getting blown out of the water because there was not availability. I am always careful to research where I spend my $$..hence the disboards!

I have worked in customer service pretty much my whole working experience and do believe that the customer should ALWAYS receive the best service we have to offer. But after viewing firsthand some of the stuff they have to take in Disney, I think I would have a bad day here and there. They must get their chops busted often. Heck, we were so tired by the 3rd day we were fighting amongst ourselves...just glad we didn't take it out on the employees!

Kelly

 

[bicker]

When you read posts about guests that prior to even ordering, or going to let someone have it, if they tell them they can't share, etc. You have to wonder how these servers are being treated.

People need to realize the wait staff did not write the plan. If you don't like it and it does not fit your eating habits, then simply do not purchase it and go your merry way doing what you used to do.

Again you're the voice of reason, Sammie.

 

[Nancyg56]

We just returned from WDW and I must say I wasn't impressed by the wait staff---I say that because I have worked as a server off and on for over 17 years and know what good service entails

Wow, I'm sorry that that happened to you. I also waited table for many years, and can recognize quality service as well as the lack thereof. We used the plan in January, and with the exception of the Concourse Steak House the service was stellar. At the CS, the server was not ignoring us or rude, but a bit indifferent. I got the feeling that this was his style, but when we sent one entree back, he did get the manager involved, who was very apologetic. They were more worried than we were.

We are going for a short trip in August, and will see if there is a difference with the free dining plan. I will venture a guess that the staff will be a bit overworked, and this may impact the level of service, but time will tell. I'm on vacation, so no cookin', no cleanin', and no dishes.....

 

[salmoneous]

Everytime something goes the slightest bit "wrong," people are blaming the dining plan. Get a crank waiter? Must be the dining plans fault. Change to the menu? Must be the dining plan.

 

[bicker]

While I agree with you about the servers, I think we have it on pretty good authority that menu changes have come about, at least in part, in reaction to the Dining Plan.