Dining Plan: gratuity change

[tfiga]

I have seen a number of people state that the dining plan includes 18% gratuity, has this changed? When I went in May the plan was only giving the servers 15%. Which meant that I needed to tip a little more on my sit down meals. Can anyone confirm the 18%.

 

[TiggerInLBV]

It varies by restaurant so I would always ask. When I was on the dining plan about a month ago. I left an additional $5-$10 cash tip at every Table Service meal due to the fact that most Servers have relied on cash on a daily basis and now must wait some time for their heavily taxed gratuity.

 

[kaytieeldr]

First let me make it clear I'm NOT saying not to tip servers extra. Each diner should do or continue to do whatever he or she feels is right, for whatever reason. Servers DO work hard (think about it - would YOU like to wait on you? )

Just to clear up some things, though:
Not nearly all Guests are on the MYW Dining Plan. Many of each server's checks still pay out of pocket, so the servers do receive tips at the time of service.
While yes, a server who waits on somebody on the MYW Dining Plan this morning will have to wait until he or she gets paid for today's shift in order to get the tip for that meal, she or he just got tipped in yesterday's paycheck for service provided last week (example only - I don't know Disney's exact pay cycle).
Gratuities are not "heavily taxed". The IRS requirement that servers report ALL their gratuities notwithstanding, the employer is required to withhold taxes on 8% of the server's CHECKS. Not paychecks, but receipts. It's an average - we all usually tip 15%-20% or more; some people tip nothing.

 

[SB in KY]

I have never understood the concept of tipping extra because the server had to wait until payday to collect a tip from the dining plan....(tipping extra for excellent service I DO understand...but that is unrelated ).... don't we all wait until payday to be compensated for work done earlier in the week/month?

And the fact that the income from dining plan tips is reported and taxed at an equitable rate does not exactly pull at my heartstrings either...everything most of us earn is reported and taxed...

the CM working at the front desk and the security guard in the parks and the Mickey Medics in the first aid stations are not exactly in the overpaid and underworked category and every dime they make is reported and taxed and we don't hand them a ten when they check our bags at the park gate/give us room keys or come see about ill guests in the parks just because they have to wait until payday and Uncle Sam gets a cut of everything they make...the arguement just doesn't make sense to me.

Again, I am delighted to leave an extra tip for excellent service, but it is for that reason and that alone...not because the poor servers have to play by the same rules as the rest of Disney's employees!!

 

[Lewisc]

It's been posted that the gratuity rate is going up to 18% 1/1/06.

The gratuity rate is 18% for groups over 8 (might be 8 or more). This includes parties where some of the guests aren't on the plan and who might even be seated in another table. The count is based on the reservation and not on the check.

I agree a server having to wait to get paid isn't a reason to tip extra but if your employer went from paying you daily to paying you once a month you might have some financial problems during the transition. Free dining meant more guests on the plan which might cause a financial strain. Not our problem but that doesn't mean it's not a legitimate problem for the servers.

 

[pamouselover]

In Sept. I noticed after our second table service that the tip included in the plan was less then Dh and me would normal leave.It was 15% and we always leave 20%. So we added a little more!

 

[maine_jennifer]

From what I remember, my meals were all 15%. Anytime I ordered a beverage not included on the meal plan, there was always an 18% gratuity, whether it was alcoholic or just bottled water.

 

[Savin4Disney]

Since Tips are included in my dining plan. I do not plan to tip extra unless we order drinks not included or have ++++++ service. I use to waitress so I know how hard of a job it is. But if the service is not great then I do not plan on tipping extra. I may get flamed but since it is included in the plan..that is the tip money I plan on using.

 

[BBGirl]

From what I remember, my meals were all 15%. Anytime I ordered a beverage not included on the meal plan, there was always an 18% gratuity, whether it was alcoholic or just bottled water.

That's what gets me and they put that little card in saying tips are NOT included in the total and not only are they included but at a rate we MIGHT not want to tip at. If I get that when we go down this time it's coming off my bill and I will tip what I think is right not what the waitstaff wants to put in and yes the tips going down if they do this as it shows me they are being overtipped and taking advanage of it and me and that I DO NOT TIP for.