Do servers confuse DDE and the Dining Plan

[chamonix]

I was thinking of getting the DDE, but with the Dining plan going on, do servers have any problem with it? Meaning, do servers try to tell you the Dining plan spiel when you inform them you have the DDE? I have heard some encountered negative reactions from servers to the dining plan (perhaps only on the part of the customer, but....) with resulting bad service, etc, so was wondering if those with DDE felt they had any problems or negative reactions in regards to using the DDE?

It's too late for us to get the card, but I can get some sort of voucher or letter for it still can't I? (we leave in 11 days)

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

I have never had a CM react negatively to using my DDE card. In fact, many commont on what a great deal it is.

You can order your card now and pick up your temp card/voucher/letter at the guest relations window at the front of Epcot when you arrive.

 

[WDW LOVR]

We've never had the dining plan and have used the DDE for 3 total trips and never had any confusion. Typically the server will ask if you're on the dining plan when they first come to the table. We just tell them no, but we have DDE and it's not a problem. Sometimes we don't even say we have DDE until they bring the check and we give them our room charge together with the DDE card and the 20% is subtracted when they bring it back.

I'm heard people say you can get a fax or pick up the card when you arrive at WDW. The last time I ordered ours it was to our house in close to 11 days. I'd just call and tell them the situation and ask how they think you should handle it.

Hope this helps.

 

[Peepster]

We've had servers complain about both the dining card and the dining plan. We choose to use the dining card just because we can never eat enough for the dining plan and we do save quite a bit. As a matter of fact, the server at CRT complained so much about the dining plan (and Disney not giving them their full tip...don't ask me to explain that as I don't think I can)we forgot to use our dining card.

 

[Uncleromulus]

I can see servers getting a bit "irritated" with the DP, considering all the credits, etc etc.It always confuses me just reading about it!!!
But the DDE is pretty straightforward--just a 20% discount. I imagine servers have been stiffed on the DDE tip occasionally--
But we used it last trip and had no problems whatsoever.
And I do believe they have that "voucher" system if you can't get the card before you go--

 

[eeyoreiscool]

We have never had a problem using the DDE card. Most don't seem to care what you use to pay as long as they get a tip afterwards.

 

[patsal]

I have used both and have never encountered a problem or attitude from anyone. The only thing to watch for is that when we used them in tandem, we were charged an 18% gratuity automatically on the drinks, so you may want to double check that reciept before double tipping--It wasn't until after I left that I realized I had left a 38% tip on two alcoholic beverages!

 

[Joan S.]

Hi, Just back from a WONDERFUL 12 nite stay at WDW!!! I used the DDE card every day-GREAT SAVINGS!! I only had one CM at the Contemporary not understand when I said I had the Disney Dining Card, she kept on repeating to me the Dining Plan. We each said it about three times and then it dawned on her what I was talking about and we both laughed about it! Other than that it was ALWAYS well recieved and I heard NO COMPLAINTS. Joan

 

[lillygator]

We've never had a problem with the DDE card what-so-ever! Love that thing!

 

[KIANGA]

Please Tell Me How This Works. When I Get The Check, Do I Add The Tip To The Bill, Give The Server My Dde And Room Charge And When The Bill Comes Back The 20% Is Deducted From The Bill Before The Tip. Also Would Like To Know If We Split A Meal Do I Tell The Server That We Will Tip As If We Are Buying 2 Meals Before We Order?

 

[patsal]

I always let them know ahead of time I will be using hte DDE. They usually ask for it when the bill comes out. I enclose the DDE and room key or credit card. When I get the bill to sign I check to see if 18% gratuity has already been added if not I add tip and sign. If the gratuity is added I add minimally to that and sign. You do not need to tell them you'll tip extra for a sharing instance, you can share and then express your gratitude for the service after the meal.

 

[chamonix]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Does the DDE include an 18% tip on the bill? Or is it included just when someone gets it confused with the Dining plan? I'm assuming the bill will show the "original" total amount before the DDE discount, so we can tip accordingly, but didn't know to look out for an already included gratuity. (?)

 

[Uncleromulus]

Usually there is no tip already on the bill. When you get the DDE "checK" you'll be able to see what the original cost of the meal was. We always tip on THAT--not the DDE "20% reduced" bill.
And we just give our DDE card with our room charge card when we get the check. We first tried letting the servers know we were doing DDE, but they didn't seem to care and the DDE busines is handled when they handle the final check.

 

[Windy City Heather]

I have had the hostess get it mixed up but not the server.

 

[WDW LOVR]

One added bonus for us is there is no need to calculate a tip. We just add back in what the discount was and that takes care of it. 20%.

 

[chamonix]

One added bonus for us is there is no need to calculate a tip. We just add back in what the discount was and that takes care of it. 20%.

That is nice and easy, isn't it?