Gratuities On DDP

[iluvtot]

Can I ask then.

Spirit of Aloha Dinner

""Adult Dinner Show Menu - Family Style Feast: Tropical mixed greens with mango poppyseed dressing, pineapple coconut bread, sweet golden pineapple, Islando BBQ pork ribs, Lanoi roasted chicken, Polynesian rice, fresh seasonal veggies and Kilauea Volcano Delight Dessert. Presented in an open air theater, and; therefore may cancel due to inclement weather. - $59.99""

Will that mean we pay 18% tip of the £59.99???

Thanks

Hi,
no, don't panic! Gratuity is included! We did this, as we thought it was something we probably wouldn't pay oop for.
As it happened, the weather was torrential! I was ringing from about 6pm to find out what was going on, as we were at OKW, and we had to make our way by the buses as drinks were included so DH didn't want to drive!
Eventually at 7.30 they decided to go ahead, even though it was still raining. They took our name, as I said we would be late, and when we arrived, we had a really good table! Server was good, so actually left $10 tip, (and he even told me the tip was included).
It was a good night, (food was nice, though kids didn't like the dessert!) but glad we didn't have to pay the $300+ it would've cost us if we weren't on the DP! One tip, the rose wine is horrible!! DH was OK because he had Bud's, but the rose was warm, (even tried adding ice) and very, very dry!
As for you enjoying the meals, go for it! If you book a few of the more expensive ones, then the tips will be high, but balance them with some more reasonable ones. That's what we will do next time. Also, you could just share desserts, instead of having one each, they are $5+ each, so bump up the tip. They are huge anyway!

Jules x

 

[wideeyes]

I have seen service charge added over here in the UK too for some places for large parties too.

Also a few who add a service charge to the bill and you have to ask them to adjust or remove it if you don't want to pay it, so atleast Dinsey don't do that.

 

[EvertonCJ]

When in Rome, do as the Romans do is very apt for this subject.

We are not in the UK when we eat at Disney World, so there is no use comparing how much a server may earn in in both countries, nor would I ever begrudge anyone earning a good wage and being successful. Why do we do that in the UK?

One of the things we always comment on our return to the UK is how good the service industry is in the U.S. and how we wish ours could be like that. Personally I wish the UK would adopt the US way of dining/serving/tipping.

As someone else mentioned, that $600 they may earn on a good night might be $100 on a slow night, then after sharing it with other co-workers you are looking at figures that are more like a regular wage.
Yes, we may be paying over the odds for tips at Disney, but guess what? The whole of Disney and the Orlando area is a tourist trap and a huge profit making machine. We know this before we go.

Do Disney ever have a quiet night? I would imagine the vast majority of the table service restaurants at Disney are fully booked every night of the year. The whole concept of tipping a given %, wherever you are in the world, just seems very strange. If I order a steak at the Yachtsmans Steakhouse I end up paying a bigger tip than if I ordered chicken. Have I really had better service by ordering a steak? To tip a waiter 60 dollars for maybe 90 minutes work, when they have been in contact with you for maybe 10 minutes, just seems very disproportionate to what they have done. If a fixed fee was paid as a tip every time this would be much fairer. This would mean that the staff who worked at the less expensive restaurants would not be penalised by the fact that the food on their menu is cheaper and also larger families would not have to fork out enormous tips all the time.

 

[howlongtillsummer?]

That is a well made point.

 

[Chuck S]

Do Disney ever have a quiet night? I would imagine the vast majority of the table service restaurants at Disney are fully booked every night of the year. The whole concept of tipping a given %, wherever you are in the world, just seems very strange. If I order a steak at the Yachtsmans Steakhouse I end up paying a bigger tip than if I ordered chicken. Have I really had better service by ordering a steak? To tip a waiter 60 dollars for maybe 90 minutes work, when they have been in contact with you for maybe 10 minutes, just seems very disproportionate to what they have done. If a fixed fee was paid as a tip every time this would be much fairer. This would mean that the staff who worked at the less expensive restaurants would not be penalised by the fact that the food on their menu is cheaper and also larger families would not have to fork out enormous tips all the time.

Well, that is an interesting thought...but tipping here in the US has traditionally always been based upon a percentage of the meal price. Many would say that then there is not reward for providing higher quality service, so ultimately service would decline. In some cases that would likely happen, given human nature, but I think most servers would offer the same service if there was a set price per diner for the gratuity. Yet another way of looking at it, is why should a server make the same per person amount at a table that just orders appetizers or drinks versus a table that orders appetizers, entree, beverages, alcohol, and dessert? More work is involved, so the gratuity shoul be more...basing the gratuity upon the cost of the meal does address that aspect.

 

[EvertonCJ]

Well, that is an interesting thought...but tipping here in the US has traditionally always been based upon a percentage of the meal price. Many would say that then there is not reward for providing higher quality service, so ultimately service would decline. In some cases that would likely happen, given human nature, but I think most servers would offer the same service if there was a set price per diner for the gratuity. Yet another way of looking at it, is why should a server make the same per person amount at a table that just orders appetizers or drinks versus a table that orders appetizers, entree, beverages, alcohol, and dessert? More work is involved, so the gratuity shoul be more...basing the gratuity upon the cost of the meal does address that aspect.

Fair point, Chuck. But is it fair for a family that has spent a great deal of money on appetisers, entree, beverages, alcohol and dessert (pudding) to be rewarded by being asked to contribute a further 60 dollars. I know there is no fair way of tipping where everybody is happy and we could debate this topic for hours.

 

[Chuck S]

Fair point, Chuck. But is it fair for a family that has spent a great deal of money on appetisers, entree, beverages, alcohol and dessert (pudding) to be rewarded by being asked to contribute a further 60 dollars. I know there is no fair way of tipping where everybody is happy and we could debate this topic for hours.

It is simply a part of the cost of table service dining in the US, and foreign travelers should plan accordingly. It isn't always fair, it is what it is.

 

[mitchfishguard]

i feel that many of us brits cant get past 2 things. the first is, if you order fillet steak, you tip more than if you order sirloin. and if you order chicken you tip a lot less. that is why i and i think many others tip a set cash amount as a thank-you. its because we dont get the above point. the second point is, if you leave NO tip and your pre-tax bill is $100, how much income tax does the server have to pay on that specific transaction? dont give the percentage, give the figure in dollars and cents. if youre very clear about the dollar amount, im sure that it will educate us brits far better than hedging on percentages and suggested tipamounts etc. if we leave a 4 dollar tip on a $100 meal and its costing the server hard money, well we need to be told so we can do the right thing. in dollars and cents. none wants to cost a server money, not intentionally

 

[Pootle]

It is simply a part of the cost of table service dining in the US, and foreign travelers should plan accordingly. It isn't always fair, it is what it is.

I totally agree and find these threads depressing. 'When in Rome .....' and all that.

 

[Lizzybear]

I totally agree and find these threads depressing. 'When in Rome .....' and all that.

I agree. If people don't agree with tipping 15% or above or can't afford to then don't eat at a table service restaurant every night. Even the terms of free dining say that gratuity isn't included and therefore should be budgeted for.
If someone is a server full-time and supporting a family then why shouldn't they be able to earn a good wage? I think part of the reason service in restaurants is usually better in the US is because serving is a viable career option, more so than over here (I know there are some exceptions, our favourite local restaurant being one of them )

 

[Elise79]

I totally agree and find these threads depressing. 'When in Rome .....' and all that.

Agree 100% - it really annoys me as we would get upset if someone came over here and didn't follow our customs.

I agree. If people don't agree with tipping 15% or above or can't afford to then don't eat at a table service restaurant every night. Even the terms of free dining say that gratuity isn't included and therefore should be budgeted for.
If someone is a server full-time and supporting a family then why shouldn't they be able to earn a good wage? I think part of the reason service in restaurants is usually better in the US is because serving is a viable career option, more so than over here (I know there are some exceptions, our favourite local restaurant being one of them )

Again I agree - wish we had the same level of service.

i feel that many of us brits cant get past 2 things. the first is, if you order fillet steak, you tip more than if you order sirloin. and if you order chicken you tip a lot less. that is why i and i think many others tip a set cash amount as a thank-you. its because we dont get the above point. the second point is, if you leave NO tip and your pre-tax bill is $100, how much income tax does the server have to pay on that specific transaction? dont give the percentage, give the figure in dollars and cents. if youre very clear about the dollar amount, im sure that it will educate us brits far better than hedging on percentages and suggested tipamounts etc. if we leave a 4 dollar tip on a $100 meal and its costing the server hard money, well we need to be told so we can do the right thing. in dollars and cents. none wants to cost a server money, not intentionally

I am sorry but you are visiting another country and their custom is to tip 15-20% of the pre-tax amount. You build it in to your budget or eat counter service - end of story. If you want to eat more expensive items then you just accept you have to tip more.

Over here we always tip around 10% anyway - I never tip per person always a percentage of the bill. Maybe I have just been visiting the US too long

 

[Pooh Bear Hugs]

No matter where in the world or what their tipping customs may be I will tip on the level of service provided nothing more nothing less. There are some wonderful servers who deserve a great tip and others that bad they should tip you.

 

[popsynic]

Just back, the suggested amounts are now calculated at 18% and 20%!!!
Our last meal at Tutto Italia, us and the kids, (but 5 adult meals), no extra's on DDP, the tip was $45!!!

Jules x

Remember that regardless what 'tip' Disney suggest it should be on your bill, you ultimately decide what to give.

If you think it should only be less then so be it. Just tell them to only charge you want YOU want to pay.

Remember that tipping can also be used to show dissatification in service. For example if you give 10%, that in effect is telling the server and manager that the service was pants. Much more than not tipping at all (which only might mean that as a Brit you just forgot to tip).

Regardeless of what others have said regards the 'importnace of tipping because its the culture' and 'doing as romans do' - well in some countries its the culture to spit on the streets, burp after meals and to eat dogs and cats - but I ain't gonna be doing any of those things just because it's the local culture. (and I am not ridiculing those cultures - they are fine to do whatever they wish to do, just not for me thankyou very much)

I know for a fact that hundreds (in fact millions) of americans DO NOT TIP if they do not think service was up to scratch. That is in fact why the system works so well. Servers HAVE to work hard to get a tip (to get a decent wage). If a server believes they are to be tipped well regardless of effort, the system falls apart.

Its a gratuity based on service levels, and you should judge it on that criteria - the 18% is what Disney believe their staff should get, you may think different - the choice is yours

 

[wideeyes]

With regard to tipping more in a more expensive restaurant, my Dad is a chef and where he works,a waiter has to be trained to do high end of service which a waiting staff at a pub restaurant wouldn't need that training. I don't think I have ever seen anyone at a beef eater restaurant serve wine the correct way.

 

[mitchfishguard]

i had no intention of starting a fire. i simply want to know how much income tax a server pays on a $100 dollar pre-tax bill if you dont tip. in dollars and cents, not a percentage. it will be crystal clear what happens if you dont tip.if others post in without answering in dollars and cents, then i hope you all realise that any heated debates will not be down to me. i find that if a sever just brings me my food and walks away, then im not tipping a cent. if they interact with me then i will tip what i feel , provided i dont cost her any money. im a painter and if i just slap it on i wont get paid. the same applies here. i cant afford to go to high-end restaurants anyway, so big tips arent my concern. i normally tip $5 max in a chain restaurant. tell me using dollars in cents and im all ears and will adjust my amount higher. use a percentage and hedge and i will continue as before, as im sure will a lot of others. this post is not argumentative. not if its read properly. phew!!!!!!

 

[HeresYourEars]

As an American, I can tell you that the service would have to be truly horrendous for me not to tip. As has been mentioned before, many people depend on their tips to make a living wage. If they had to be paid the minimum wage (or more), the overall cost would increase accordingly and you'd be paying a lot more for a meal in the US than you do now.

 

[scojos]

i had no intention of starting a fire. i simply want to know how much income tax a server pays on a $100 dollar pre-tax bill if you dont tip. in dollars and cents, not a percentage. it will be crystal clear what happens if you dont tip.if others post in without answering in dollars and cents, then i hope you all realise that any heated debates will not be down to me. i find that if a sever just brings me my food and walks away, then im not tipping a cent. if they interact with me then i will tip what i feel , provided i dont cost her any money. im a painter and if i just slap it on i wont get paid. the same applies here. i cant afford to go to high-end restaurants anyway, so big tips arent my concern. i normally tip $5 max in a chain restaurant. tell me using dollars in cents and im all ears and will adjust my amount higher. use a percentage and hedge and i will continue as before, as im sure will a lot of others. this post is not argumentative. not if its read properly. phew!!!!!!

i agree!
i totally disagree with the fact that we MUST tip - as i stated before i cant afford the massive amounts of money you are talking about for tips in some high end restaurants, and no, i will not make my kids eat CS everyday, i have the dining plan and i will use it, but there is no way i am tipping £30-40 for service. each to their own, when in rome, im with all that, i respect any culture, im polite and my kids are too, well behaved and we are not a difficult family, this does not mean im tight, i just cant afford an extra £30 a day in tips!
i also think a kind word, a thank you, a trip in the guest services to compliment staff is just as important as cash...
sorry, shoot me down in flames if you wish, but ill be one of the brits tipping a reasonable amount, not the inflated amount recommended.
i also wouls say i have to work for several hours to earn £30, and im not sat at the table that long....
Tracy

 

[Chuck S]

i had no intention of starting a fire. i simply want to know how much income tax a server pays on a $100 dollar pre-tax bill if you dont tip. in dollars and cents, not a percentage. it will be crystal clear what happens if you dont tip.if others post in without answering in dollars and cents, then i hope you all realise that any heated debates will not be down to me. i find that if a sever just brings me my food and walks away, then im not tipping a cent. if they interact with me then i will tip what i feel , provided i dont cost her any money. im a painter and if i just slap it on i wont get paid. the same applies here. i cant afford to go to high-end restaurants anyway, so big tips arent my concern. i normally tip $5 max in a chain restaurant. tell me using dollars in cents and im all ears and will adjust my amount higher. use a percentage and hedge and i will continue as before, as im sure will a lot of others. this post is not argumentative. not if its read properly. phew!!!!!!

The amount of tax is not an easy question to answer, our tax laws are quite complicated, they are not a set percentage. There are deductions depending upon if someone has a mortgaged home, if someone has children, if someone has medical bills, etc. Taxes are figured on "adjusted gross income" and some people get more "adjustments" than others. Single people, with no children, pay more percentage wise than a single person with children. There is a small "marriage penalty" in the taxes, but other deductions that also can offset it.

And, then there are "tax brackets" for instance, you may pay 10% if you earn $15,000. Then you pay and additional percentage on any amount you earn over $15,000, and so on, and then another percentage if you earn more.

Honestly, for all things to be fair, everyone would have to earn the same wage and pay the same percentage of taxes. Then, there are states, most of them actually, that have an income tax of their own. Florida and Texas do not have a state income tax, but our property taxes are higher. So it really isn't a question of just a set dollar amount they pay on a table with a $100 in food. Just like many Europeans think our gasoline prices are cheap here, but just because they don't tax us to death on gas doesn't mean they don't make it up in other places; like state property tax, school tax, sales tax.

They have figured that the "average" American's total income until mid-May goes to taxes of one type or another.

 

[Chuck S]

i agree!
i totally disagree with the fact that we MUST tip - as i stated before i cant afford the massive amounts of money you are talking about for tips in some high end restaurants, and no, i will not make my kids eat CS everyday, i have the dining plan and i will use it, but there is no way i am tipping £30-40 for service. each to their own, when in rome, im with all that, i respect any culture, im polite and my kids are too, well behaved and we are not a difficult family, this does not mean im tight, i just cant afford an extra £30 a day in tips!
i also think a kind word, a thank you, a trip in the guest services to compliment staff is just as important as cash...
sorry, shoot me down in flames if you wish, but ill be one of the brits tipping a reasonable amount, not the inflated amount recommended.
i also wouls say i have to work for several hours to earn £30, and im not sat at the table that long....
Tracy

Again, the DDP is not meant to be an all-inclusive package. Tips are not included. I really am surprised that they haven't, as of yet, made the 18% mandatory for the DDP. They could simply add it to your room charges when they deduct the dining credits. I would expect to see that soon, as they have already made an 18% tip mandatory for employee discounts and TiW card holders, whether they can "afford" it or not.

Again, it is not uncommon to have the percentage added directly to your bill nationwide here. In fact, I met friends for dinner in San Antonio last weekend, there were a total of 8 of us at the table, all separate checks, and the 18% was added before we ever received the bill. And this was just a common chain restaurant, not any place fancy.

 

[scojos]

Again, the DDP is not meant to be an all-inclusive package. Tips are not included. I really am surprised that they haven't, as of yet, made the 18% mandatory for the DDP. They could simply add it to your room charges when they deduct the dining credits. I would expect to see that soon, as they have already made an 18% tip mandatory for employee discounts and TiW card holders, whether they can "afford" it or not.

Again, it is not uncommon to have the percentage added directly to your bill nationwide here. In fact, I met riends for dinner in San Antonio, there were a total of 8 of us at the table, all separate checks, and the 18% was added before we ever received the bill.

im sorry, i never implied that it was all-inclusive or that i would not be tipping, i will tip, both dh and i are restaurant trained (dh was a head chef, and i was a restaurant manager i now teach food in a high school), i will not however be tipping $40-50 per meal. i appreciate you feel very strongly about this, but its just not an option for the majority of british families who are paying $15,000 for their holidays already.
i genuinely respect your point of view, but my wallet cant follow...
Tracy