Disney Called Today Tips will not be cut out of DDP!~looks like they lied:(

[bicker]

I dunno -- I suspect the "Disney Dining Plan" will end at the end of 2007, and there will be some new plan introduced for 2008.

 

[JimMIA]

The only way around this would be to enforce an automatic tip on all TS, regardless of DDP or not. We all know how well that would go over, and there is no guarantee that service would improve.

I'm actually a little surprised that Disney has not already done this. It's not the least bit unusual for F&B outlets in resort locations to automatically add 15% to every check. In fact, here in Miami, some local restaurants do that because we get a lot of international visitors who are used to the server's full salary being included in the cost of the meal.

The only people who would be offended by the concept of an automatic tip would be those who routinely stiff servers. They'll say, "I don't want anyone telling me how much to tip," but that's exactly what an automatic tip policy says. It says, "If you don't tip 15%, you don't have good enough manners to eat in our restaurant."

Note to those who say, "But we don't do that at home" -- You're not at home.

In the practical application of an automatic tip policy, people who are sincerely worried about the quality of service would know to complain to a manager and ask that the tip be removed or reduced if they get poor service. That's a no-brainer.

If someone doesn't like an automatic tip policy, they simply eat elsewhere. If they don't like DDP with an automatic tip, the answer has been posted here a million times: DDP is not for everyone; if it doesn't meet your needs/desires, don't buy it.

 

[tfc3rid]

So, drop the DDP, and them each restaurant will only get people who WANT to eat there and are willing to pay for it... If you're willing to pay to eat at a particular place, you will be willing to reward the servers in kind...

That's how I do it, how I've always done it and how I will continue to do it!

Good food + good service = Fantastic Tip...

 

[DisOrBust]

That last I heard TA only get money on the the room booked NOT on passes or the DDP.

Since they were researching a "bigger " DDP including more meals and a bigger price tag I wouldn't be surprised if thats what the DDP become.

One of the great things that were left from "old" WDW were the restaurants. The DDP standardized the menus and reduced the portion sizes but everyone said "its such a good value!" Well it sure not a great value anymore, the whole DDP has changed dining at WDW for the worse. I feel for the CMs that will deal with this change.



...so much for the executive offices knowing anything.

 

[bicker]

Actually, back in the "old" WDW, the restaurants sucked. They only got good in the 1990s.

 

[surfergrl31]

Very good insight, and very wise advice, Dreamfinder2.

Definitely do NOT complain about this until the person you're complaining to is supposed to KNOW about it. The CMs who receive your email and take your telephone calls are not 'supposed' to know about these rumors -- they're supposed to do their JOBS: helping people understand the ANNOUNCED, PUBLISHED terms and conditions of the current offerings.

If you need to complain, complain here online, because WE know what you're complaining about.

From what I am understanding about the new union contract, is that the DDP portion of it reads tem-perm. Meaning that if this temp change doesn't work out disney has the option to revert back to the old way of the dining plan per that section only on the contract. I think that if enough people did complain before the changes took effect, they might not ever go into effect. Calling guests services will probably be pointless, but writing an email would probably be much more effective. Then it can just be sent to whomever the issue pertains too. I think waiting to see how disney handles this is heading for disaster then we get to spend the next year wondering how they will keep altering this decision.

 

[Disneyserver]

From what I am understanding about the new union contract, is that the DDP portion of it reads tem-perm. Meaning that if this temp change doesn't work out disney has the option to revert back to the old way of the dining plan per that section only on the contract. I think that if enough people did complain before the changes took effect, they might not ever go into effect. Calling guests services will probably be pointless, but writing an email would probably be much more effective. Then it can just be sent to whomever the issue pertains too. I think waiting to see how disney handles this is heading for disaster then we get to spend the next year wondering how they will keep altering this decision.

Yes thats the case, Its in the contract as a Temp to perm thing, Thats why the servers are now posting On here so everyone will write and and call and complain, The servers represent 3% of the Union who Voted yes for this Contract, we all voted NO... My health insurance is being raised by double, because they want us to pay what salaried cast members pay for Health insurance. So servers are being hurt the Most in this Contract as well as the guests

 

[DisOrBust]

Your right Bicker I ment the 90's. That is when WDW went back to individual chefs/kitchens instead of a centralized kitchen which is what they have brought back again.

 

[dannyh23]

I think waiting to see how disney handles this is heading for disaster then we get to spend the next year wondering how they will keep altering this decision.

Sorry, but bicker has it right. Until it's official, we have no right to complain about a plan/policy that hasn't even been published!!!

We, as guests, can't have our cake and eat it too! We can't expect Disney to keep the DDP costs the same forever, while increasing the quality and variety of dining offerings.

If we call/write and whine to them now, what's to stop Disney from an across-the-board increase of the DDP plan cost by 18%??? What's to stop Disney from just increasing all the menu prices by 18%??? What's to stop them from just dropping the DDP all together in 2008???

When the plan details are published in 2008, I'll decide if I want to purchase DDP for my stay. If it's not a good deal for my particular stay, I won't.

 

[Lewisc]

Disney has not released details of the 2008 dining programs. I'm not sure what credence Disney will give to communications based on Internet rumors.

Potential customers that decline the dining plan, for stays in 2008, when told the plan no longer includes gratuities will have an impact.

Yes thats the case, Its in the contract as a Temp to perm thing, Thats why the servers are now posting On here so everyone will write and and call and complain, The servers represent 3% of the Union who Voted yes for this Contract, we all voted NO... My health insurance is being raised by double, because they want us to pay what salaried cast members pay for Health insurance. So servers are being hurt the Most in this Contract as well as the guests

 

[dannyh23]

...Thats why the servers are now posting On here so everyone will write and and call and complain....

...So servers are being hurt the Most in this Contract as well as the guests

Your union leaders/brothers/sisters should have had your back instead of "selling out" the servers. Instead, like you already said, they are relaxing in the sun on their $100,000+ salaries.

... and I still don't see how this change hurts me as a guest, other than it's going to cost me more to eat if I chose to buy DDP. I never expected the DDP to exist forever at the current price. If some guests did, they were living in Fantasyland. We also don't know if the content of the plan will change along with a (possible) price increase, or maybe they will get rid of the plan all together since so many people (as evidenced by this board) "HATE THE DDP!!!"

I won't be manipulated into calling/writing Disney to whine about something that hasn't even been published officially...

 

[bicker]

Sorry, but bicker has it right. Until it's official, we have no right to complain about a plan/policy that hasn't even been published!!!

Please understand that my point wasn't about what we have a right to do, but rather what is fair to do to the CMs. In other words, I was saying that it isn't fair to the CMs to complain to them about something that they specifically aren't even supposed to discuss with guests (yet).

 

[dannyh23]

Please understand that my point wasn't about what we have a right to do, but rather what is fair to do to the CMs. In other words, I was saying that it isn't fair to the CMs to complain to them about something that they specifically aren't even supposed to discuss with guests (yet).

Exactly... I'm not going to complain to a CM (Guest Relations) based on what an anonymous server says on an internet message board.

Talk about putting that CM in a strange position! I think they have enough "real" problems to deal with...

 

[apirateslife4evr]

AHHH more , I see.....

As a former CM, it's SO TYPICAL that these "issues" get thrown out to the masses. Can everyone see that this is the way that Disney gets to guage what potential reaction will be to a major change ?!? They want you to get riled up about this, so that they can justify doing a major overhaul to the plan as it is now. They are realizing that there are too many people doing the dining plan, with not enough locations to serve them, and they are starting to get an influx of complaints. When this "idea" of theirs (cutting the gratuity out) doesn't sit well with guests, and they start to get more people threatening to NOT purchase the DDP, then they'll blame it on the Union vote. Why do you think there is so much resistance to issues by Disney Corporate EVERY TIME they have to negotiate the union contract ?!? I was lucky....when I worked for Disney, I was in one of the FEW departments that was NOT governed by the Union.....THANK GOD !!!!

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Excellent point Donna!!! Deep-down I feel like Disney is trying to back away from the DDP completely and this move is the beginning of the end.

 

[Luv2Roam]

I can see where maybe they are trying to rope in a monster they created. They probably were surprised how well it went over and now have the data needed to take a close study.
Or they feel it is so popular (assuming this rumor is true) that guests will still see the plan as a good deal and buy it.
Same with the premium and platium plans. Some LOVE them. Some view them as too expensive and controlling. What DIS-er on here for the last two years has not seen posts describing the DDP as this?
It's all perception and what works best for the guest.

 

[ConcKahuna]

Oh, and just an FYI, if Disney hears CM's say that guests should complain, they will discount all of the complaints. Disney does not accept solicited complaints or comments. I would wait to see what is going on with the plan before people flip out.

 

[bicker]

Excessive demand is easily addressed by increasing prices. Indeed, restructuring the plan so it doesn't include gratuities does just that.

 

[mom2alix]

Excessive demand is easily addressed by increasing prices. Indeed, restructuring the plan so it doesn't include gratuities does just that.

This is true, but I wish they would have simply raised the price. I figured it out for my family of 4 (2A2C) and 18% tips will run us $268 for an 8 night trip. Divided out per person per night it's only $8.50 extra. I would be willing to pay that to not have the inconveniece of running 2 tickets, just so I can tip my server. I loved just handing over the card and being done. We usually travel with others and having everything covered just made eating together so much more pleasant. No tug of war over the check, etc. I think Disney has underestimated the convenience factor in selling the DDP.

I do think that part of the reason they are eliminating the gratuity instead of reaising the price is that it will enable them to continue the "free dining" promotion. This way they are passing the gratuity cost onto the free diners as well as the guests who are purchasing the plan throughout the year.

 

[GreatLakes5]

With folks being able to start making their ADRs for 2008 around July 1st would it really be 2008 before Disney would announce changes to the plan?