Disney dining plan will NOT include grat in 2008

[EmptyCinema]

As to all that said that they didn't want Disneyserver as your waiter/waitress- get a life! We all have a right to a better workplace- that is what a union is for- and we have rights to complain about where we work. Let's face it- we're all a little biased here on the disboards- someone once said if the mouse kicked sand in your kid's face- you'd say the kid had it coming!
The argument of 'well if you don't like it- get another job!' is just plain ignorant. There are folks who are employed as servers at Disney- that is what they do for a living- and they don't want to get screwed by their employers- just like all of us in our own jobs. The fact is - if this is all true - Disney is going to stiff the waiters to end up paying for other increases in benefits. I think wait staff know more about the psychology of people than anyone- there will be many people that play dumb or just want to economize by not tipping properly- and the waitstaff will be forced to pay the price.
I wish for all of us that enjoy the DDP and enjoy the amount of money we save- that this change won't happen or this is an untrue rumor. But in the meanwhile attacking Disneyserver about his/her choice in profession is just senseless.

I feel Disneyserver is a bit on the argumentative side, and has verbally attacked people of a variety of ethnicities and backgrounds. He/she does seem a bit over the top.

On the flip side, I am appalled at how little the mouse pays. These are people who put up with all kinds of crap day-in and day-out (like any service profession) and still manage to make guests have a magical day. I respect CMs more than anything, and that's because most have EARNED it. Just being cast by Disney does not mean you DESERVE respect, but the ones I have seen have EARNED it.

 

[keeping quiet]

This is not the first time this topic has ben posted here and each time it solicits lots of feedback.

Just want to point out that the person posting this information just joined the DIS and this looks like the only postings fromt hat person. But the person seems quite knowledgeable about the DIS.

Take this for what its worth, but until it is OFFICIALLY announced by Disney, it isn't fact.

I am also a server at Disney and new to the DIS boards and can attest that this is indeed true (follow the link that was posted earlier in this thread) and this has been announced by both Disney and the Service Trades Council as it is all over the news here in Orlando. The DDP is rumored (no one will know exact truth on this until rates are posted) to being going up by $1-2/person/per day. Travel couldn't even begin to prepare the package rates until the contract issue was resolved.

 

[kaytieeldr]

OK YOUR IN INDIANA, WERE IN THE LARGEST TOURIST AREA OF THE USA , WE ALSO HAVE A VERY EXPENSIVE LIVING EXPENSES HERE . SINCE DISNEY ONLY HIRES EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL SERVERS WHO HAVE GREAT BACKROUNDS, WE DEMAND A LITTLE MORE RESPECT FROM THE GUESTS..

Not even close to the living expenses here. No sympathy from me on this. And it's too bad you can't tell us where you work. I'd really do my best to avoid any restaurant where servers DEMAND respect from diners.

Sorry sir i wish I was making this up, But I am Not, the ddp will either stay the same in price or be increased, are you guys all in caves?

Of course not - but this quote is a HUGE turnaround from the original statement that the DDP will go up to about $45 for adults and $20 - $25 for kids. THAT was stated as FACT earlier in this thread. If that's now not a fact, but an assumption, well, until the tip issue is officially announced by Disney...

Who are we to you tell another PERSON to earn respect? Everyone should be respected. You lose respect, not earn it. If you come to the table thinking the server has to earn respect, you are both people,

Excuse me? Anybody who DEMANDS respect doesn't get mine.

As to all that said that they didn't want Disneyserver as your waiter/waitress- get a life! We all have a right to a better workplace- that is what a union is for- and we have rights to complain about where we work.

IMO, Disneyserver is going overboard in an effort to alienate people - he/she has already insulted DDP Guests, foreign visitors, even numerous non-server co-workers.

Are the posters who work for Disney aware that Disney monitors this - and other - message boards and forums?

 

[keeping quiet]

WOW! Just read this thread in it's entirety. Unfortunately, most of what disneyserver stated was true, however, the tone in which it was presented was less than diplomatic. He/she might be the best server you get.... at least they are passionate about what they do. I will say though, that I don't think requesting people to write/call Disney is a wise idea. When the rates are announced, you all will do as any consumer does and speak with your wallets which is so much louder than your voice.

As I have posted on another thread ("why I hate the DDP"), I make about the same amount of money annually since the inception of the DDP, but do at least twice as much work. It has been stated by at least half of the full-time servers at my location (full-time server positions at Disney are hard to come by and usually held by those with 10+ years of seniority and are coveted as they have guarunteed hours and medical/dental/vision and vacation/sick pay) that they will quit come the new year and how will Disney cope. I think this is a hugely arrogant mindset. At Disney, I still make more money, with or without the plan, than I can make at any other restaurant in the area. Many on the DISboards state that they usually tip additionally, you are definitely not the norm and I thank you. Will I leave over this new challenge? No way! I really enjoy working for WDW and have worked in almost every position you can imagine (except for attractions) and food and beverage is my favorite.

Regarding the Union: I am not a member for a few reasons. The biggest being that we tipped servers are the smallest catagory of membership in the union and as a result, we have very little voice there. I also have no choice, in or out of the union, but to accept whatever the contract is or quit. I am covered by the protections of the union though (which I find really ironic) and can even have a union representative join me in any sort of reprimand or disciplinary action to look out for my benefit (really, really ironic!). It is all a bunch of nonsense to me. At the end of the day, Disney and the union can do anything they want to because it is the guest who pays my wages. My $3.65 an hour only covers my taxes and I see it as a formality. I consider myself free labor.

I would like to note that reading on these boards has really driven home to me how my behavior, attitude and service will effect someone's vacation - maybe what is a once in a lifetime vacation for them. Also, it is well known that Disney management reads these boards. I only found out about their existance when I got a guest compliment from the board via my manager. Someone in the "read the boards" department (funny to think of that, sure it has some other name) passed it on. Therefore, identities must be kept hidden, would really stink to be fired for something you posted on a bboard.

 

[shnoukys]

yes the guests from other countries are horrible tippers if they tip at all, the english are the worst, and the irish, and canadians if they tip at all its 5% and they all know we live off tips, its there excuse not to tip well because of the rep they have had for many years, and they dont read tip cards even if u put it right on top of there bill

Hi this is my first post and I was shocked by this! I'm a canadian, who operates a french forum on disney and one of my members brought that news to us I've been reading religiously the thread, just so you would know here the law is 15% for tipping, so when you bla bla bla 5% that pisses me off, I understand that you're wage is very very low here minimum wage is at least 8$/h and people tip alot more then that if they've had a great service, I have worked as a professionnal waiter and I agree that when people get free stuff they HAVE to get impeccable service, but to dish on people like my members that are canadian and disney freaks that save up so long to enjoy a trip for their families, 18% is for us ok since most people don't know how much you guys make and converting money is hard no matter from which country you come from.

Secondly if what you are saying is true then Disney is stupid, because of all the money they will loose, people will stay off site less expessive, since dinning plan requires a certain amount of stays of course its convenient and people will just eat less, or more counter service restaurants and you guys(servers) will also loose money and the restaurants will also loose money, in the long run its not good, so we'll see

Hope I didint offend anyone i'm usually nice, and I don't like people that jugde without knowing!

have a great day
Shnoukys

 

[BroadwayGirl]

As I have posted on another thread ("why I hate the DDP"), I make about the same amount of money annually since the inception of the DDP, but do at least twice as much work. It has been stated by at least half of the full-time servers at my location (full-time server positions at Disney are hard to come by and usually held by those with 10+ years of seniority and are coveted as they have guarunteed hours and medical/dental/vision and vacation/sick pay) that they will quit come the new year and how will Disney cope. I think this is a hugely arrogant mindset. At Disney, I still make more money, with or without the plan, than I can make at any other restaurant in the area. Many on the DISboards state that they usually tip additionally, you are definitely not the norm and I thank you. Will I leave over this new challenge? No way! I really enjoy working for WDW and have worked in almost every position you can imagine (except for attractions) and food and beverage is my favorite.

With your broad experience, I'm sure you could also attest that working as a server also ends up being one of the most lucrative frontline WDW roles. I'm betting some of the full-time servers gross upwards of $70K/year versus full-time merchandise or attractions or resorts CMs who are lucky to gross $25K/year. What I'm trying to say is while this will impact servers, I have to look at the big picture and even with the changes I think servers will still be doing much better financially than most other frontline CMs.

BTW, you sound like the type of server anyone would be thrilled to see approaching their table.

 

[keeping quiet]

With your broad experience, I'm sure you could also attest that working as a server also ends up being one of the most lucrative frontline WDW roles. I'm betting some of the full-time servers gross upwards of $70K/year versus full-time merchandise or attractions or resorts CMs who are lucky to gross $25K/year.

You sound like the type of server anyone would be thrilled to see approaching their table.

Thanks for the compliment. Your guess would be in the ball-park should they be in a great restaurant. I have worked in several and all but one was very lucrative... that one was worse than minumum wage. I think that for many WDW servers, they forget or are unaware of what servers make outside Disney. I worked at 2 well-known restaurants with decent check averages just outside DTD and was lucky to make $30 a day at lunch and almost never break 3 figures at dinner. At WDW I make 3 figures at lunch consistantly but I also work my tushy off for it. Honestly, I am not a fan of the plan, but I won't bite the hands that feed me (guest or mouse). Disney has a decent lock on feeding the guests on property (whether daily or lodging) and regardless of the means of them getting those guests into my seats, I thank them. Don't like the plan, but at least I am making Summer money in September vs. being closed for rehab or not scheduled at all due to lack of need.

Taking the grat off will seriously drop my income. It will still be greater than most other Orlando locations though. My fear with the new plan is the resentment that it has caused amongst the cast. When you are so unhappy about a situation, it is bound to be expressed (intentionally or unintentionally) to your guests. We have some really passionate cast members here (like disneyserver) who are very proud of their career and happy with it and are now dealing with this new challenge. As with all things, Disney has a way of coming out on top of the situation. I just adjust my attitude to make it work the best for me at that particular time.

 

[LandBoatRide]

I didnt have time to read this whole thread...

First off, I am amazed that some posters are STILL doubting the validity of this post. I first brought this issue to the board over a month ago. It is well known and searchable in any business or Orlando news that the union contract was finally passed yesterday. There have been no less than 2 or 3 dozen wdw cast members on varying threads who have confirmed the EXACT details of the new contract as it pertains to DDP, namely that gratuity will not be included. That people are still waiting for an official Disney announcement, keep waiting. I suspect this will be a change in the small wording of the dining plan details. Do you really expect a tv commercial saying "Book dining plan, now not including gratuities"?? In all seriousness, do not even expect to see this change posted on the official disney website unless you read very small print buried in the details.

Remember, by not lowering the price of ddp but removing a key component of it which saved guests anywhere from $5-$10 per TS meal, Disney will try to keep this on the down-low if not a secret. DISers and other web-savvy vacation planners will know. This group makes up only a small percentage of the hundreds of thousands of guests who will blindly book the ddp each year.

IMO, the reason Disneyserver is on here posting is because he/she, as a server, sees himself/herself being negatively affected by this change. The thing is, DDP guests ALSO will be negatively affected (they now have to pay the tip!) That the disney servers recognize they have something in common with disney guests - that they both will be getting shafted financially by this change - seems to be the whole point of this post.

A primary concern of Disney servers is just how easy/convenient will Disney make it for a guest to add a tip to his DDP purchase. Will guest ID cards now be required to have mandatory charging abilities for tips? Will the guest be required to bring cash? This is not yet known. Servers fear that if the process is not convenient, they are further adversely affected. The longer the checkout process becomes for each table (will the serve have to swipe and re-swipe cards for tips?), then the slower the service to the other guests of that server (not the server's fault!). And the longer the wait for those in the lobby waiting for tables, etc. etc.

A poster said the union portion of the contract as it applied to ddp and gratuities is temporary - permanent. This is my understanding as well My understanding from sources is that if Disney gets poor response from this change (guest complaints + decreased revenue in bookings), the clause in the contract is that Disney can revert to the old union contract in this specific item - dining plan and gratuities.

To this effect, I say only this. Guests should let Disney know how they feel about all areas of their visit and stay, good and bad. If this change in DDP alters your future disney plans, they will be wiser for having heard from you. If this affects your decision to stay at an onsite hotel versus Days Inn, Disney wants to know. If this affects your decision to eat all your meals at Disney versus not, Disney needs to know.

 

[IggyLans]

As to all that said that they didn't want Disneyserver as your waiter/waitress- get a life!

I have a life. But thanks.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Wow.. I can see that this is getting a bit heated.....I am going to ask that you all be respectful of each other's opinions, we can agree to disagree here but do keep it in perspective and think about what you write before you hit submit reply.

I do not do the DDP, that is my choice, I have an AP and do DDE, works for me and my husband. I think it is great that Disney offers choices and DDP works for families and couples, whatever works for your vacation.

Also, I am very respectful of servers... I come from a very humble background where my Dad was a policeman and my Mom a waitress at a Pancake House....they worked hard to put food on our table and I am respectful of both jobs. You have to be a horrible server to us before we would lower our 20% tip. On breakfast, we always tip more because the check is usually lower priced. I would never think of punishing the server for the kitchen's issues as they have no control on how fast they are putting out the food.

And I hear the servers posting here on how they have to tip everyone else out before they can take home their tips... I do hope if Disney does away with automatic tips, which it seems they are from what I hear here, that servers do not have to solicit tips to get them from those on the Dining plan. I think I would find that a bit annoying if I were on the DDP to get a card asking for tips or a discussion about the tip not being included when the check arrives. I do hope that people are made aware of this whole no tip included when they purchase the dining plan so that the servers do not feel the need to have to solicit...

One more thought here, I think of how hard my Mom worked and how proud she was of her good service to her customers. She is gone now but I remember how she would go through her tips, most of it coin, and save the Kennedy coins and any silver ones, two dollar bills.....she did this in the 60's......and I have a tupperware container with all that coin that she saved.. I will never part with it and it just makes me smile to know that she did that and I have it for safekeeping to pass to my children.

 

[Disneyhappy]

I think wait staff know more about the psychology of people than anyone- there will be many people that play dumb or just want to economize by not tipping properly- and the waitstaff will be forced to pay the price.

Great statement regarding servers knowing the psychology of people. Anyone who has ever waited tables learns this relatively early in the job. Just based on comments on this thread alone it is obvious that some people to not plan to tip in accordance with US customs whether service is good or not, whether American or not. Of course, there will be others like my family who will continue to tip at least 20%.

If the server is lucky to get DH, his tip is likely to be more in the 25-40% range for good service. DH worked as a bus boy when in high school, with women who were mostly single moms. I learned early on in my marraige that if we received bad service, DH was still going to give a nice tip. Not as nice as he normally does but never anything under 15%, no matter what kind of service we received. His position is based on that as guests, we have no idea what may be going on in the servers personal lives than may have them preoccupied because in many instances their lives are not easy. I don't neccessarily agree 100% with DH but he did get me to look at things differently and I admire his compassion. (One of the many reasons I married him.) Does it frustrate me when DH stilll provides a 15-20% tip when in my opinion our sever was just plain *****y? Certainly! I argue why reward that kind of behavior! He justs winks at me and comments to our server with a smile that he hopes tomorrow is better day for them. Ughhh!!!!

 

[Tink10]

As to all that said that they didn't want Disneyserver as your waiter/waitress- get a life! We all have a right to a better workplace- that is what a union is for- and we have rights to complain about where we work. Let's face it- we're all a little biased here on the disboards- someone once said if the mouse kicked sand in your kid's face- you'd say the kid had it coming!
The argument of 'well if you don't like it- get another job!' is just plain ignorant. There are folks who are employed as servers at Disney- that is what they do for a living- and they don't want to get screwed by their employers- just like all of us in our own jobs. The fact is - if this is all true - Disney is going to stiff the waiters to end up paying for other increases in benefits. I think wait staff know more about the psychology of people than anyone- there will be many people that play dumb or just want to economize by not tipping properly- and the waitstaff will be forced to pay the price.
I wish for all of us that enjoy the DDP and enjoy the amount of money we save- that this change won't happen or this is an untrue rumor. But in the meanwhile attacking Disneyserver about his/her choice in profession is just senseless.

I'm right there with you Dorsik, maybe we can share a table.....

Part of the problem here is that when some DISers don't like the message, they automatically attack the messenger. I've seen it all over the Dis more times than I can count regarding DDP credits, free dining, AP rates, discount codes....you name it.

For those of you who are so offended by Disneyserver's comments, then I suggest that you are a little out of touch with reality. The truth is that some people are rude to their waiters or waitresses & I imagine that it's even worse at WDW. It's very tough to keep helping those people and keep a smile on your face. People expect ALL CM's to be 100% Disney 100% of the time, regardless of how their treated and I've seen first hand just how nasty some people can be at WDW.

Think about how you would feel if you were just informed that your pay were being drastically reduced and you had zero control over it, which is what's happening to WDW servers. Disneyserver just came here to relay information and possibly muster up some support so that they can keep their income from falling too much. I see nothing wrong with that. They attacked no one until they themselves were attacked.

From what I understand Disneyserver has been with Disney for quite some time and I'm sure with that length of service comes benefits that would be really tough to give up. Not to mention that if they're full-time, it's pretty tough, if not impossible to find another full-time serving position with benefits.

Disneyserver, like Dorsik said, I'll sit at your table anytime. You sound dedicated and passionate about your role with Disney & please know that there are many DISers who really do appreciate you.

Hopefully this will all work out.

 

[mom2my3kids]

Disney Server, I was trying to be supportive of you. I realize that Orlando is a bit more expensive to live in then Southern Indiana. I just want people to know they don't always know what servers make. It depends on tip outs, how long a table is there and how busy you are. Like I said before IHOP is no Steak House so our tips are quit a bit lower but I am comfy there. I have regulars and it will do until my youngest goes to school, they are very flexible.. Sorry didn't mean to tell my whole life story..

 

[IggyLans]

I'm right there with you Dorsik, maybe we can share a table.....

Part of the problem here is that when some DISers don't like the message, they automatically attack the messenger. I've seen it all over the Dis more times than I can count regarding DDP credits, free dining, AP rates, discount codes....you name it.

For those of you who are so offended by Disneyserver's comments, then I suggest that you are a little out of touch with reality. The truth is that some people are rude to their waiters or waitresses & I imagine that it's even worse at WDW

I never said anything about not liking the message. I'm ok with the gratuity not being included. Not out of touch with reality either. I know SOME people are very rude to their waiters or waitresses. Disneyserver said ALL FREE DINING people are rude to their waiter or waitresses. I did not care for that at all and was somewhat insulted. If that's how he or she feels about his/her customers, than maybe it is time to look for a new line of work.

 

[Luv'sTink]

I'm right there with you Dorsik, maybe we can share a table.....

Part of the problem here is that when some DISers don't like the message, they automatically attack the messenger. I've seen it all over the Dis more times than I can count regarding DDP credits, free dining, AP rates, discount codes....you name it.

For those of you who are so offended by Disneyserver's comments, then I suggest that you are a little out of touch with reality. The truth is that some people are rude to their waiters or waitresses & I imagine that it's even worse at WDW. It's very tough to keep helping those people and keep a smile on your face. People expect ALL CM's to be 100% Disney 100% of the time, regardless of how their treated and I've seen first hand just how nasty some people can be at WDW.

Think about how you would feel if you were just informed that your pay were being drastically reduced and you had zero control over it, which is what's happening to WDW servers. Disneyserver just came here to relay information and possibly muster up some support so that they can keep their income from falling too much. I see nothing wrong with that. They attacked no one until they themselves were attacked.

From what I understand Disneyserver has been with Disney for quite some time and I'm sure with that length of service comes benefits that would be really tough to give up. Not to mention that if they're full-time, it's pretty tough, if not impossible to find another full-time serving position with benefits.

Disneyserver, like Dorsik said, I'll sit at your table anytime. You sound dedicated and passionate about your role with Disney & please know that there are many DISers who really do appreciate you.

Hopefully this will all work out.

Yes, people can be rude, but as a Server we have to shake off the rude/nasty ones and not carry it over to the wrong patron. If one person upset us it is not the next tables problem. It is part of the job to treat each party as individuals. Is it tough some days? You bet!

 

[mom2my3kids]

I don't think she said all free diners were rude just said there is more of it. I can see where she is coming from, but tips included so it should not be a problem. I know around tax time, you get more people come into places to eat that normally could not afford to. They either stiff you or leave you 1.00 I know this first hand it happens every year. This will be our first year going during free dining, we are choosing to tip extra for good service. I don't think people should have to tip extra (because as of right now tip is included) but as a server myself I will. I think you could probably tell the rude customers from free dining the moment you walk up to the table. So I am sure they play it by ear, attitude is the key. There are some pretty nasty people in the world, I still serve them with a smile but they don't get the attention my other tables get. What is the old saying about flys and honey??

 

[mom2my3kids]

Wow.. I can see that this is getting a bit heated.....I am going to ask that you all be respectful of each other's opinions, we can agree to disagree here but do keep it in perspective and think about what you write before you hit submit reply.

I do not do the DDP, that is my choice, I have an AP and do DDE, works for me and my husband. I think it is great that Disney offers choices and DDP works for families and couples, whatever works for your vacation.

Also, I am very respectful of servers... I come from a very humble background where my Dad was a policeman and my Mom a waitress at a Pancake House....they worked hard to put food on our table and I am respectful of both jobs. You have to be a horrible server to us before we would lower our 20% tip. On breakfast, we always tip more because the check is usually lower priced. I would never think of punishing the server for the kitchen's issues as they have no control on how fast they are putting out the food.

And I hear the servers posting here on how they have to tip everyone else out before they can take home their tips... I do hope if Disney does away with automatic tips, which it seems they are from what I hear here, that servers do not have to solicit tips to get them from those on the Dining plan. I think I would find that a bit annoying if I were on the DDP to get a card asking for tips or a discussion about the tip not being included when the check arrives. I do hope that people are made aware of this whole no tip included when they purchase the dining plan so that the servers do not feel the need to have to solicit...

One more thought here, I think of how hard my Mom worked and how proud she was of her good service to her customers. She is gone now but I remember how she would go through her tips, most of it coin, and save the Kennedy coins and any silver ones, two dollar bills.....she did this in the 60's......and I have a tupperware container with all that coin that she saved.. I will never part with it and it just makes me smile to know that she did that and I have it for safekeeping to pass to my children.

This brought tears to my eyes..Thank You...

 

[Tink10]

I'm right there with you Dorsik, maybe we can share a table.....

Part of the problem here is that when some DISers don't like the message, they automatically attack the messenger. I've seen it all over the Dis more times than I can count regarding DDP credits, free dining, AP rates, discount codes....you name it.

For those of you who are so offended by Disneyserver's comments, then I suggest that you are a little out of touch with reality. The truth is that some people are rude to their waiters or waitresses & I imagine that it's even worse at WDW

I never said anything about not liking the message. I'm ok with the gratuity not being included. Not out of touch with reality either. I know SOME people are very rude to their waiters or waitresses. Disneyserver said ALL FREE DINING people are rude to their waiter or waitresses. I did not care for that at all and was somewhat insulted. If that's how he or she feels about his/her customers, than maybe it is time to look for a new line of work.

Nowhere in that post did I see the word "ALL", you just chose to take it that way.

 

[Tink10]

Yes, people can be rude, but as a Server we have to shake off the rude/nasty ones and not carry it over to the wrong patron. If one person upset us it is not the next tables problem. It is part of the job to treat each party as individuals. Is it tough some days? You bet!

That's absolutely true.....But there are times when it's really tough to shake it off. I've seen ex co-workers brought to tears by patrons. Things like that are uncalled for, especially when things are happening that are beyond a server's control.

I'm not a server anymore, but every time I sit down in a restaurant, I absolutely remember the work that's involved and the things that servers have to deal with and I let them know that I do appreciate their time & effort.

 

[micksterlee]

I don't think to suggest that someone that is not satisfied with their current employer seek another job is out of line at all. I have worked in several positions that were far from perfect in my opinion, but I learned pretty quickly that I had to either adapt to their policies and way of doing business, or seek other employment.Life is way to short to work in a situation that causes you to be upset and feel cheated everyday.