Disney increases prices by 18% at table service restaurants

[SorcererDonald16]

While I make no claim of being a mind reader, maybe in the OP's town they tip less? For myself, I was a little surprised by Disney's 18% suggestion because here it's 15% at every restaurant I can think of, save a couple of the extreme upscale places a few cities away. Not that much of a difference and not anything I'm worried about/bothered by, but I'm curious:

Are most areas in the US usually 18% now? I had assumed most places were still at 15%.

 

[Mister Disney]

Are most areas in the US usually 18% now? I had assumed most places were still at 15%.

Well, I think mostly it is a personal thing, as opposed to a "state" or "locale" thing.

The K-Man and I tip usually as follows:

Buffet - 10 - 15%

Table Service our base line is 20% but more or less as follows:

Horrible Service / food 0% - 10% AND report it to management.

Mediocare Service 10% - 15%

Average Service 15% - 20%

Above Average Service - 20%

Superior Service - 25%

and to the select few that embody the ideals of "Service" throughout the experience as part of their way of doing business..... - 30%

 

[dbriggsq]

Sorry I was probably feeling a bit naughty when I posted this.

I think my real issue is - and I don't really know how to express this correctly but I will try.

We are a large family from the UK - we visited Disneyland Paris several years ago and were quickly hooked. We wanted to go to Disneyworld Florida and managed to scrape the money together and had a wonderful time. Over the years we realized we would want to visit regularly and bought some DVC points which really helped to finance the accommodation which for a large family is otherwise prohibitive especially when combined with the airfaires. We have bought the DDE card when we have been able to combine 2 trips to take advantage of it and it has really helped in the financing. We normally eat at buffets - mainly so that everyone in the family gets a reasonable chance of getting something they like and it's usually quicker. When I heard that Disney were adding an automatic gratuity to all DDE reservations I was a bit miffed because I don't think they can guarantee that the service will 'automatically' be good enough to warrant the 18% - especially at buffets. Coming from the Uk we are not used to tipping at least 20% automatically - we pay our servers a good wage and I think the normal tip would be 10% - this is what I would normally expect to tip at a buffet restaurant. This trip we will be a party of 10 - 5 of whom are not earning - and so at a buffet restaurant we will have an average amount of $50 to tip which over a period of 2 weeks (not eating at table service everyday) adds a large amount to our payout.

I'm sorry if I've offended anyone - not my intention at all - I just wondered what the reaction would be if Disney really increased their prices by 18% and if it isn't time to address the issue of tipping - not all countries are comfortable with it - I work in an area which includes serving the public but I would be completely offended if anyone tried to tip me for my service. Also the way we treat the people who serve us in restaurants might be changed for the better if we stopped treating them as people who should have to bow to our every need in order to earn their tip and instead they were paid a proper wage to do their job properly in any circumstance. I have witnessed some customers behaving terribly towards their servers with never a please or thank you and I wonder if the practice of 'tipping' contributes to this.

Just the thoughts of an 'innocent abroad'

 

[disnut8]

Sorry I was probably feeling a bit naughty when I posted this.

I think my real issue is - and I don't really know how to express this correctly but I will try.

We are a large family from the UK - we visited Disneyland Paris several years ago and were quickly hooked. We wanted to go to Disneyworld Florida and managed to scrape the money together and had a wonderful time. Over the years we realized we would want to visit regularly and bought some DVC points which really helped to finance the accommodation which for a large family is otherwise prohibitive especially when combined with the airfaires. We have bought the DDE card when we have been able to combine 2 trips to take advantage of it and it has really helped in the financing. We normally eat at buffets - mainly so that everyone in the family gets a reasonable chance of getting something they like and it's usually quicker. When I heard that Disney were adding an automatic gratuity to all DDE reservations I was a bit miffed because I don't think they can guarantee that the service will 'automatically' be good enough to warrant the 18% - especially at buffets. Coming from the Uk we are not used to tipping at least 20% automatically - we pay our servers a good wage and I think the normal tip would be 10% - this is what I would normally expect to tip at a buffet restaurant. This trip we will be a party of 10 - 5 of whom are not earning - and so at a buffet restaurant we will have an average amount of $50 to tip which over a period of 2 weeks (not eating at table service everyday) adds a large amount to our payout.

I'm sorry if I've offended anyone - not my intention at all - I just wondered what the reaction would be if Disney really increased their prices by 18% and if it isn't time to address the issue of tipping - not all countries are comfortable with it - I work in an area which includes serving the public but I would be completely offended if anyone tried to tip me for my service. Also the way we treat the people who serve us in restaurants might be changed for the better if we stopped treating them as people who should have to bow to our every need in order to earn their tip and instead they were paid a proper wage to do their job properly in any circumstance. I have witnessed some customers behaving terribly towards their servers with never a please or thank you and I wonder if the practice of 'tipping' contributes to this.

Just the thoughts of an 'innocent abroad'

Thanks for the clarification. Makes a lot more sense now. I don't think anyone (me included) was offended. Just confused.

And just so that you know, the servers at Disney World are paid $3.77/hour, well below our country's minimum wage. They are expected to get tips to make up for the horrible pay scale. And they are automatically taxed 8% of their wages no matter what tips they get.

So, if you went to a meal with your family and spent an hour at the restaurant, the server would earn $3.77 less the $.30 that will be taken out in taxes. It doesn't matter what you spent.

It sucks and my husband and I are firm believers of getting rid of the tip thing and actually pay the servers for the restaurant in which they work. I'd pay the Waffle House servers $20/hour because they work their butts off. It's funny because they work harder (in my opinion) than someone at an upscale place but they get tipped less because of the price of the meal. Actually, it's not funny. It's an injustice.

 

[Tomh]

15% seems to be about the norm around my home town as well. Although I adjust based on the level of service, and give less if the service stinks, more if the service is good. I figure that the 15% is for just acceptable service, I'll give 20% for good service, and a bit more if they really take good care of us.

I'm kind of on the fence as far as the 18% goes. I frequently have a party of six or more, and have the 18% automatically added to my bill. I honestly don't like being told how much to tip, I'd like to have control over that myself. The truth of the matter though, is that more often than not I tip more than 18% anyway, so it really doesn't matter that much, and if the service is that cruddy that I really don't want to leave 18%, well then it is probably a good idea to let a manager know anyway, that way the manger has some idea that the server isn't doing a very good job.

 

[Allison]

As others have said, Disney did not increase the price by 18%, they are now simply adding in the gratuity which should be factored into your budgeting anyway.

I guess all I can say as far as people vacationing in other countries is to be prepared for the differences between your home country and the country you will be traveling too (I mean that for U.S. citizens traveling abroad also). Things are done differently in the U.S. as far as tipping and what is done in another country is not really relevant.

Have a great trip.

 

[Beautybelle43]

Thanks for the clarification. Makes a lot more sense now. I don't think anyone (me included) was offended. Just confused.

And just so that you know, the servers at Disney World are paid $3.77/hour, well below our country's minimum wage. They are expected to get tips to make up for the horrible pay scale. And they are automatically taxed 8% of their wages no matter what tips they get.

So, if you went to a meal with your family and spent an hour at the restaurant, the server would earn $3.77 less the $.30 that will be taken out in taxes. It doesn't matter what you spent.

It sucks and my husband and I are firm believers of getting rid of the tip thing and actually pay the servers for the restaurant in which they work. I'd pay the Waffle House servers $20/hour because they work their butts off. It's funny because they work harder (in my opinion) than someone at an upscale place but they get tipped less because of the price of the meal. Actually, it's not funny. It's an injustice.

Also just want to add that at many restaurants, portions of the tip is divided among the busser, bartender, backwaiters, etc... IF the waiter gets stiffed by their customer, the waiter is still obligated to pay these other people the same percentage of the bill, and therefore have to pay these other people out of pocket. It sounds like an aweful system, but from what I've learned from DF who is a server in an upscale restaurant and other Disers on other threads that have experience with owning restaurants, it seems like the system that makes the most sense.

 

[Lewisc]

You kind of answered your own point. The fact that some guests come from parts of the world where an 18% gratuity isn't the norm is one of the reasons Disney is going more to a fixed gratuity/service charge. Right now all DDE discounted checks and parties of 6 or more have an automatic gratuity added to the check.

The only way the prices were increased by 18% is if you weren't planning on tipping anything.

Previous poster made a good point. A party of 10 would have had an automatic 18% gratuity added to the check even before the 2008 changes.

Sorry I was probably feeling a bit naughty when I posted this.

I think my real issue is - and I don't really know how to express this correctly but I will try.

We are a large family from the UK - we visited Disneyland Paris several years ago and were quickly hooked. We wanted to go to Disneyworld Florida and managed to scrape the money together and had a wonderful time. Over the years we realized we would want to visit regularly and bought some DVC points which really helped to finance the accommodation which for a large family is otherwise prohibitive especially when combined with the airfaires. We have bought the DDE card when we have been able to combine 2 trips to take advantage of it and it has really helped in the financing. We normally eat at buffets - mainly so that everyone in the family gets a reasonable chance of getting something they like and it's usually quicker. When I heard that Disney were adding an automatic gratuity to all DDE reservations I was a bit miffed because I don't think they can guarantee that the service will 'automatically' be good enough to warrant the 18% - especially at buffets. Coming from the Uk we are not used to tipping at least 20% automatically - we pay our servers a good wage and I think the normal tip would be 10% - this is what I would normally expect to tip at a buffet restaurant. This trip we will be a party of 10 - 5 of whom are not earning - and so at a buffet restaurant we will have an average amount of $50 to tip which over a period of 2 weeks (not eating at table service everyday) adds a large amount to our payout.

I'm sorry if I've offended anyone - not my intention at all - I just wondered what the reaction would be if Disney really increased their prices by 18% and if it isn't time to address the issue of tipping - not all countries are comfortable with it - I work in an area which includes serving the public but I would be completely offended if anyone tried to tip me for my service. Also the way we treat the people who serve us in restaurants might be changed for the better if we stopped treating them as people who should have to bow to our every need in order to earn their tip and instead they were paid a proper wage to do their job properly in any circumstance. I have witnessed some customers behaving terribly towards their servers with never a please or thank you and I wonder if the practice of 'tipping' contributes to this.

Just the thoughts of an 'innocent abroad'

 

[Wendybird55]

First let me say that I have no problem in tipping and always leave at least 20% if not more for exceptionable service. I also understand that tipping is a large part of waiters salaries and the job itself can be very demanding.
In fact in the good ol days when tipping was included on DDP I used to almost always leave extra tips for good service.

That being said - on the flip side. Tipping is an option and is based on quality of service. So if a waiter is guaranteed an 18% tip if you're on DDE then maybe he/she will be more lax in your service knowing no matter how good or bad it is, he/she will get the 18%. Some patrons look at tipping as an incentive for good service and it's already a given no matter what the service - then why try harder? I guess some take offensse to being told how much you have to tip someone before the dining experience happens.
Though I very rarely do this, I like the option of not leaving a "good" tip if my service was terrible to the point it ruined my meal - and that does happen from time to time.
Chances are mandatory tipping comes into play because there are many people out there who don't tip or tip very little for excellent service. And I'm sure the no tips included on DDP is causing problems for those guests who don't realize it or don't care and give their card to pay for the meal and then walk out without leaving a tip. For this trip I am honestly putting aside a tip kitty filled with $10, $5 & $ so I will always have the proper cash to leave a tip after using my DDP.

 

[Luv4Disney]

I always tipped the 20% anyway so it's saving me 2%.

Me too!

 

[Tricia1972]

...So if a waiter is guaranteed an 18% tip if you're on DDE then maybe he/she will be more lax in your service knowing no matter how good or bad it is, he/she will get the 18%...

You bring up a good point, and something that I have read here many times before actually going to Disney this year.

We went to Disney a few weeks ago and used the DDE. When checking in at the podium we were always asked "Are you on any pre-paid dining plan" Every single time they specifically asked pre-paid and every time we honestly answered "No". When the check came we'd present our DDE card and the server would adjust our bill accordingly before charging it back to our room.

So, thankfully, the servers have no idea that you're using the DDE before offering you service and those that are concerned about receiving sub-par service because they're using the DDE can breathe a sigh of relief.

 

[n2mm]

I always tipped the 20% anyway so it's saving me 2%.

Words right out of my mouth. So we should post a thread, "Meal Prices have been cut by 2%!" Adding the tip is a wash as far as I'm concerned. It would only affect those who never tipped in the past. Since I use to add the 20% back on, it saves me more this way.

 

[dbriggsq]

Thanks for everyone's opionions- I think it's good to have a reasoned discussion on this subject.

We do tip around 20% as it is obviously the custom in the US - my problem is not with the amount of money (although it does mount up for a large family) but the fact that I am rather uncomfortable with the whole situation because it makes me feel as though I'm acting as 'Lady Bountiful' rewarding my 'servant' and on the other hand I don't think I should be paying Disney employees wages - I think Disney should be doing that - after all how many millions in profit do they make.

My daughter works part-time as a waitress, while studying, at the international cricket ground in Headingly. She gets a reasonable hourly wage, and at the dinners and events she works, tipping is not expected or even allowed. She works in a very professional manner including doing silver service and I think does so because she has loyalty to her employer and know if she doesn't do a good job the consequences are that she may lose her job. In return she is treated as a professional by the customers and not made to feel she has to jump through hoops to 'earn' her tip.

Does anyone feel that this would be much better situation - everyone would know where they stood and I think it would be so much better than this old-fashioned situation of 'master' and 'servant'

 

[MickeyNicki]

We just spent 9 days at WDW, got home last night. We purchased the DDE for the first time and it worked out awesome for us. Never received bad service from anyplace (a bit slow in France but not bad). It saves us money because we always tip 20-25 percent.

 

[goofy4tink]

Unfortunatly, here in the US, our servers are not paid what they are worth....it's not right, but that's the way it is. Now, I've had my tip included on the DDP in the past, it did not impact my service one way or the other. Now, they have taken the tip off the DDP but put it on the DDE! After talking to some CMs, in the restaurants, I find that they are not all together happy about it. They are waiting to see how the DDP shakes out with no tip included.
Now, rather than tipping at 20% with the DDE, I tip at 18%..the CM loses 2%. I used to just take the 20% discount and that was the tip. Now, again, I have not had lesser service with things this way.
As far as tipping less at buffets, I used to feel that 10-12% was okay. Not so much anymore. I used to think that all that CM did was refill my glass and remove the used plates...big deal. Well, then I had a CM who didn't seem inclined to offer that service. I had to go in search of another server in order to get drinks refilled. My salad plate remained on the table long after my entree plate was there, and emptied. Who removed it? The other CM who I found to refill drinks. Then, it was about 15-20 mins before we could get our bill. Nope, I've decided that a good CM at a buffet is invaluable...if they are doing a good job, they deserve that 18%. They actually work harder than the table service CM...they just take the order (which the buffet CM does albeit it's a drink order),then they bring your meal to the table. Then, usually somebody else clears it.
If anyone feels that they had service that did not warrent an 18% gratuity, they should seek out a manager and have that tip decreased!

 

[Mister Disney]

Words right out of my mouth. So we should post a thread, "Meal Prices have been cut by 2%!" Adding the tip is a wash as far as I'm concerned. It would only affect those who never tipped in the past. Since I use to add the 20% back on, it saves me more this way.

We just spent 9 days at WDW, got home last night. We purchased the DDE for the first time and it worked out awesome for us. Never received bad service from anyplace (a bit slow in France but not bad). It saves us money because we always tip 20-25 percent.

Now, rather than tipping at 20% with the DDE, I tip at 18%..the CM loses 2%. I used to just take the 20% discount and that was the tip. Now, again, I have not had lesser service with things this way.

Why not add back the 2% or more onto the bill? Seems like you might be faulting the server for an administrative change that disney made.

 

[faindrops27]

Thanks for the clarification. Makes a lot more sense now. I don't think anyone (me included) was offended. Just confused.

And just so that you know, the servers at Disney World are paid $3.77/hour, well below our country's minimum wage. They are expected to get tips to make up for the horrible pay scale. And they are automatically taxed 8% of their wages no matter what tips they get.

So, if you went to a meal with your family and spent an hour at the restaurant, the server would earn $3.77 less the $.30 that will be taken out in taxes. It doesn't matter what you spent.

It sucks and my husband and I are firm believers of getting rid of the tip thing and actually pay the servers for the restaurant in which they work. I'd pay the Waffle House servers $20/hour because they work their butts off. It's funny because they work harder (in my opinion) than someone at an upscale place but they get tipped less because of the price of the meal. Actually, it's not funny. It's an injustice.

Actually if their party size ate. For that hour the server would recieve 53.77, for that hour. I really never understand the "poor server" idea. That people have. This is very untrue. I could bet most of the Disney servers @ make at least 200-300 per day.

I have several associates who work 5-6 hour days as servers, and average 200 per night.

To me 1000, a week is not bad. I would think they would make more @ Disney.

 

[Mister Disney]

Actually if their party size ate. For that hour the server would recieve 53.77, for that hour.

don't forget that the "server" then tips the bartender for your drinks, the bus person for helping them serve you, and if my memory from my "restaurant" days remains true....the "expeditor" who it the person who makes sure your dinner / meal is what it is supposed to be.

Furthermore, don't forget the time that the server and "others" spend time at the beginning of their shift or at the end...either preparing the restaurant for the day or cleaning up at the end of the day......


those pretty napkins don't come out of thin air....

 

[faindrops27]

don't forget that the "server" then tips the bartender for your drinks, the bus person for helping them serve you, and if my memory from my "restaurant" days remains true....the "expeditor" who it the person who makes sure your dinner / meal is what it is supposed to be.

Furthermore, don't forget the time that the server and "others" spend time at the beginning of their shift or at the end...either preparing the restaurant for the day or cleaning up at the end of the day......


those pretty napkins don't come out of thin air....

MrDisney. Ok. But remember. The chefs, who prepare the food, the servers deliver to the table. The busser's also stay to clean, & probably do fold napkins. Honestly, and truly. The servers, are not "poor servers". By any standard. I will go as far to say. Alot of the servers can make, almost near, or more than the poor chefs working in the back of the house. Now, is that fair?

I am just so tired of people thinking that the servers, are so poor. Well, by your standards of poor Mister Disney, well yes. But, by average american standards no.

 

[Mister Disney]

OH gosh.....no....I am NOT saying that "servers" are poor by any stretch of the imagination.

They can and usually are well compensated for their work.

I was just trying to point out that out of that "possible" $53 bucks an hour, they then "tip" others that are working the busser etc.

Please understand I am not out to justify how much someone makes, just trying to clarify that the server does not go home with every bit of the tip that is paid.

Furthermore....most "servers" that I know make MORE than the K-Man and I do....we are NOT trying to be "snooty" as I am reading your response to make us out as...

Each and every person goes to Disney for a different reason....some go for the parks and attractions, others go for the character interactions and some even go for god forbid the FOOD.....