Does The Ddp Charge The 18%

[GS67]

i have heard the disney dining exp. now has the 18% gratuity tacked on no matter what. is this the same for the DDP for 2008?

 

[jjohnson]

Only for parties of 6 or more and if you order additional items with your meal that are not covered under the plan.

 

[kimsuenew]

Exactly! As of now, we (DDP users) can tip how much we feel is appropriate (although I usually tip 20% plus anyway). I don't know about anyone else, but even when the tip was included (eg during our 2007 trip), we left extra tips for exceptional service (like our "Aunt" at 50's PTD)!

 

[bicker]

Indeed, "as of now". This could change as they year goes on, and they see how well folks voluntarily comply with the expectations Disney has.

 

[Lewisc]

Indeed, "as of now". This could change as they year goes on, and they see how well folks voluntarily comply with the expectations Disney has.

I'm not sure Disney could increase coverage of an "automatic tip" under the terms of the 2008 plan as communicated via the 2008 brochure. The "subject to change" language doesn't give a company the right to make substantial, unlimited changes.

I'll agree an automatic tip on all DDP checks for 2009 is likely if guests don't tip as expected by Disney (and the union).

 

[JimMIA]

I'm not sure Disney could increase coverage of an "automatic tip" under the terms of the 2008 plan as communicated via the 2008 brochure. The "subject to change" language doesn't give a company the right to make substantial, unlimited changes.

I'll respectfully disagree with my friend Lewis.

I wouldn't consider the addition of a mandatory 18% gratuity -- as they have already done for ALL DDE checks -- a fundamental change in DDP. DDP would still be providing the same food value as advertised in the brochure. I'm sure Disney would argue that they are just "streamlining" the process and trying to "achieve consistency" across the discount meal plans.

As far as what "subject to change" would permit, my humble opinion is that that language allows them to change pretty much anything they like. They are not entering into a comprehensive contract with every Disney guest who visits during 2008; they are offering a certain amount of food for a price. The issue is not a legalistic issue -- it's a marketing decision.

I'm sure there would be some howling, but I don't think Disney is concerned about that. The customer doesn't have to buy the plan if it doesn't meet their needs.

 

[JimMIA]

Having said the above, I do not think Disney WILL add a mandatory 18% gratuity to the 2008 DDP. I think they'll leave it as it is.

If the results are terribly painful for the servers, they might revisit the issue...but with the objective of getting some givebacks in return for making the gratuity automatic. This was the subject of negotiation, don't forget -- and if you re-open negotiations, lots of stuff goes back on the table.

 

[Lewisc]

The customer doesn't have to buy the plan if it doesn't meet their needs.

That's my point, the brochure makes a point of disclosing an automatic gratuity on out of pocket items and for parties of more then 5. A customer is entitled to rely on the terms of the plan, as described by Disney, in making their decision.

Subject to change doesn't allow a business to change the economic basis of the plan, by adding an extra charge. Nor would it allow Disney to change the plan to 2 quick service meals and one snack per day. Subject to change allows Disney to adjust the list of restaurants and to change which restaurants offer which meals.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Indeed, "as of now". This could change as they year goes on, and they see how well folks voluntarily comply with the expectations Disney has.

"As of now", we can "only" wait and see!

 

[JimMIA]

That's my point, the brochure makes a point of disclosing an automatic gratuity on out of pocket items and for parties of more then 5. A customer is entitled to rely on the terms of the plan, as described by Disney, in making their decision.

Subject to change doesn't allow a business to change the economic basis of the plan, by adding an extra charge. Nor would it allow Disney to change the plan to 2 quick service meals and one snack per day. Subject to change allows Disney to adjust the list of restaurants and to change which restaurants offer which meals.

We are both welcome to our opinions, but in the end, our opinions don't count.

DDP is the DISNEY Dining Plan, and only Disney's opinion really matters. I'm quite sure if Disney feels they need to make a change, they'll make it.

Again, I don't expect that to happen, but my expectations/opinions won't mean a thing to Disney.