Gratuity Question

[mmmommy]

I just phoned to make my ADRs for our trip in August and was told that because we have 6 people in our family we would be charged a 18% gratuity
added onto the bill. We are on DDP - I thought I read that the gratuity would be added if your groups were 8 or more....anyone know which it is???
Thanks

 

[JimMIA]

It's now six or more in your party for the automatic gratuity, and it has nothing to do with DDP. ANY party with six or more (including infants!) will be charged the automatic gratuity.

That change went into effect on 1/1/2008.

 

[JimMIA]

The automatic gratuity also applies to ALL parties using the Disney Dining Experience (DDE) discount card, regardless of the size of the party.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Also, this change was announced in August 2007 and went into effect January 1, 2008 (i.e. plenty of notice).

 

[Pumbaa_]

Hi mmmommy, welcome to the DIS.

Jim has the correct info on the gratuity, it did change this year. So many changes this year.

The big news was that the gratuity was no longer included in the plan, and that the 18% was now attached to ALL DDE parties took center stage and parties of 6 or more was included, but not quite the uproar of the other changes.

Have fun planning!

 

[weich1001]

Newbie here...1st timer going to Disney in September---staying at VWL in 2 separate villas, 4 ppl (2 Adults, 2 kids-7 &9) in one villa, 2 ppl (grandparents) in the other. All on the Dining Plan. Just made our ADR's--most were for 6 ppl. Will we be charged the automatic 18% grat being a party of 6 or since we are actually a party of 4 + 2 (2 separate villas) won't be charged the automatic 18%???

 

[mom2my3kids]

Newbie here...1st timer going to Disney in September---staying at VWL in 2 separate villas, 4 ppl (2 Adults, 2 kids-7 &9) in one villa, 2 ppl (grandparents) in the other. All on the Dining Plan. Just made our ADR's--most were for 6 ppl. Will we be charged the automatic 18% grat being a party of 6 or since we are actually a party of 4 + 2 (2 separate villas) won't be charged the automatic 18%???

If your ADR are for a party of 6 or more including infants, does not matter how its split the 18% will still be added.

 

[weich1001]

Thanks---just want to make sure I don't screw a CM out of their tip!

 

[jp71]

One other thing...
I was very surprized when our group of 11 could only get three separate tables (we will be unable to sit together), we will still be charged the 18%! now I understand with bigger groups it is more work for the cm's but I think this is really pushing it. Having to make ADR's, being our first trip and with 11 people, then being told even tho we're phoning months ahead we can not get seating together, then being told we'll still be charged the 18%...kinda having bad feelings right now!

 

[faindrops27]

I have a question. Does the 18% , for parties of 6 also apply to the buffets?

 

[angelmav]

One other thing...
I was very surprized when our group of 11 could only get three separate tables (we will be unable to sit together), we will still be charged the 18%! now I understand with bigger groups it is more work for the cm's but I think this is really pushing it. Having to make ADR's, being our first trip and with 11 people, then being told even tho we're phoning months ahead we can not get seating together, then being told we'll still be charged the 18%...kinda having bad feelings right now!

If its the same server, yes youll still be charged the Auto-grat, and even if the tickets are split 11 different ways.

Yes it also applies to buffets.