Do the changes in the DDE make you want the DDP?

[mark&sue]

We always seem to pay a tip on top of the mandatory tip where it is included. So our problem would be remember not to leave a tip because it is has already been included.!!!

And again we always leave 20% tip when in the US so we would be gaining with the new DDE


Susan

 

[n2mm]

It won't change our view of the DDE at all. We loved the DDP also until the 2008 changes. We plan not to use the DDP anymore, as the value isn't there for us anymore. In the past 8 trips we have used the DDP and DDE. Starting January 2008, it will be the DDE exclusively now.

 

[lenshanem]

Ya, it appears we'd actually be saving 2% or more with the mandatory 18% tipping. We always leave 20% or more...

I wonder if all this will be figured into the bill when you get it so you don't have to sit there and do the math...

Regardless of saving 2%, I still don't like the idea of mandatory tipping. I think it will lead to poorer service and punish those that deserve more than 18%.

 

[Dina]

We always got the DDE card, and always tipped 20% of the bill before the discount was applied---- so this isn't really going to affect us. We're thinking we might do the DDP from now on anyway though. I really think this has alot to do with the number of visitors from outside the U.S. who do not tip the way Americans do--- I believe their waitstaff is paid differently so aren't as dependent on tips as Americans are (that was in no way a slam on foreigners, but just I know from travelling, I was taught not to tip the way we do here).

We still don't like the mandatory tipping, so my DH said that they will lose 2% from us (he was joking around) since we used to tip 20% automatically (easier math for us). I'm sure we'll still tip 20 for exemplary service though--- he's all talk.

 

[mdoc]

No, I still don't want the DDP. We tend to split counter service meals and I know I would overeat with the DDP (even without the appetizer), and table service just about every day would limit my flexibility. We also have a child who wouldn't like the limited children's menu choices but wouldn't eat enough to make the adult plan worthwhile for her. Plus DH likes his adult beverages so having the DDE discount on them is good. The only way I'd consider the DDP was if I was doing a split stay and got it for just a couple days to try out some places we might not otherwise go. The 18% mandatory tip isn't a big deal - we tip more than that anyway. I'm just annoyed they've targeting DDE holders for this instead of applying it across the board.

 

[tjkraz]

I think it will lead to poorer service and punish those that deserve more than 18%.

If the mandatory tip is just DDE, it may not affect service at all. In the past, we have never even mentioned our DDE card until the meal was winding down. So, if the server doesn't even know you're on the DDE until the end of the meal, they can't skimp on the service.

Of course, if they start asking if you're on the DDE upon arrival, it will blow that theory out of the water.

As for the punishment aspect, I wonder what tipping stats look like now for servers. Honestly I'm hard-pressed to believe that they average 18% per customer in a given day. I doubt that the generous folks who tip higher than 18% outnumber the cheapskates who tip less, plus those who don't leave a tip at all.

 

[doconeill]

The change only affects DDE at full service and parties of 6 or more, it will not affect counter service.

Incorrect. Here is the relevant section of the email sent to me yesterday (emphasis added by me:

We would also like to inform you that the Walt Disney World® Resort will be implementing an across property policy change regarding gratuity at all food and beverage locations. Effective January 1, 2008, 18% gratuity will be added to all transactions, regardless of party size. Thank you for your continued support.

Now, I agree that in no way should this be included at a CS location, where tips are NOT the norm, nor have I ever thought that I ever received nearly 18% worth of service at a CS. However, there are only 2 or 3 CS locations accepting DDE anyways, and with Y&Y and Tusker House opening at the AK, they may go away.

 

[Disney-Kim]

So doesn't the 18% gratuity severely diminish the benefit of the 20% discount?

At $65 per card, per year, wouldn't it take a LOT longer to save money from a 2% discount per meal?

I know there are other benefits, but the dining discount is the main one.

but you tip anyway so this really is moot, right?
I normally tip 20% though if the service is good AND we always tried to tip on the original total.

It won't matter on our upcoming trip because we have 6 people and Disney will add 18% auto tip to every bill. So same for us anyway.
The DDE still saves us money. We have used it for 1 trip already and saved about $200 minus th cost to buy it and we STILL saved money....and we are using it again on our next trip too !!!

 

[tjkraz]

The change only affects DDE at full service and parties of 6 or more, it will not affect counter service.

Incorrect.

I'll go with "probably correct."

The email message quoted was sent to DDE members only. If you'll read other threads here you'll see that many posters (sammie included) are claiming that the email was worded poorly, giving the impression that it applies to everyone. According to their information, the mandatory tip is DDE only and the message was worded that way simply because it was sent exclusively to the DDE audience.

Part of the new union agreement ratified this summer was the stipulation that a mandatory tip would be charged to DDE cardholders. Disney certainly could expand it to all diners, but unlike the DDE case there's no contractual reason for them to do so.

Most reliable websites are reporting uncertainty over the true situation here. Perhaps by Monday we will know more.

 

[PinkTink63]

I could have written this post. I just don't see what the big deal is.

I'm assuming those who are complaining about tipping 18% are the ones who have been stiffing the servers all along.

We'll add an additional gratuity on top of the 18%, because unless the service is really blow expectations, we always leave at least 20%. And if the service is subpar, we'll do what we always do and speak to a manager and ahve the tip adjusted accordingly.

I'm just curious! Have you had that bad of service at WDW that you asked them to adjust your tip? And, did they do that for you?

 

[doconeill]

I'll go with "probably correct."

The email message quoted was sent to DDE members only. If you'll read other threads here you'll see that many posters (sammie included) are claiming that the email was worded poorly, giving the impression that it applies to everyone. According to their information, the mandatory tip is DDE only and the message was worded that way simply because it was sent exclusively to the DDE audience.

Part of the new union agreement ratified this summer was the stipulation that a mandatory tip would be charged to DDE cardholders. Disney certainly could expand it to all diners, but unlike the DDE case there's no contractual reason for them to do so.

Most reliable websites are reporting uncertainty over the true situation here. Perhaps by Monday we will know more.

Sorry, I did not mean to imply that it applied to all diners - I was specifically talking about DDE here, which was within the context of the original poster.

It very specifically said it would apply regardless of party size (quoted poster said only parties of 6 or more), and at all food and beverage locations - the presumption being that it would be only those locations accepting DDE anyways.

 

[PinkTink63]

How? DDE isn't accepted at CS places? How would a quick service place now charging a gratuity affet teh value of DDE?

I used my DDE card at Artist Palette (SSR). Isn't this considered CS? If so, that might change things a bit. I don't tip 18-20% there and I don't feel I should, because I stand in line to order my food, then stand in line to wait for it, and then clean up my own mess!

 

[Beca]

I posted this on the dining thread, but I will post it here as well.

I don't see this as a big deal at all. We usually tipped 20% (the amount of the discount), so this is actually giving us a 2% break.

We look at it like this. We will be getting 4 trips out of our DDE card. At $65, that comes to $16.25 per trip. That means that we pay $16.25 for total dining tips per trip. Considering that we do at least 3 TS meals per trip. Our meals average $60 per meal (we do late lunches), so that would be $36 per trip in meal tips. So, basically the DDE is saving us an average of $20 per trip. Is it a HUGE discount, no...but $20 is still $20, and since it is a free perk at that point....I'll take it and not complain.

PS...for those of you that eat TS meals more often, drink a lot of adult beverages, or eat your meals at dinners....you are getting an even BETTER deal off of this.

 

[Sammie]

The email was poorly worded, they realize that now. However they did not again, think it would be analyzed by anyone other than who it was sent to. You would think by now they would realize otherwise.

It will affect all users of the DDE regardless of party size at table service locations.

It will affect all parties of 6 or more under the new large group size changes. This will include all parties of 6 regardless of how you pay.

So basically you have at table service, DDE and parties of 6 or more affected. No one else.

 

[doconeill]

Ah, I reread what you posted, and I understand what what you had said now...too many threads converging, I think...

 

[justloveit]

We also tip 20% unless service was poor. So we will continue to get the DDE card and save the tip.

 

[pcparamedics01]

Is this for the DDE or the DDP too? Is this also for CS? It says all food and beverage places.

 

[pcparamedics01]

With the DDE do you need to buy an AP to get it? Also does it cost money to get the DDE?

 

[bobbiwoz]

With the DDE do you need to buy an AP to get it? Also does it cost money to get the DDE?

You either have to live in Florida or have an AP to get it. I think it's $65 with an AP, but more if you want a second card.

Bobbi

 

[pcparamedics01]

You either have to live in Florida or have an AP to get it. I think it's $65 with an AP, but more if you want a second card.

Bobbi

Thanks!