I don't know if the economy had something to do with it or not. Maybe people who were on a really tight budget went anyway due to the 4/3 deal and are a little strapped when it comes to tips. I don't know about that one.
i never thought about it but I bet the pics do hurt the tips. You figure if you just forked out $100 for a meal and $30 for a pic, you might not be so willing or able to spend on the tip.
Personally i was kind of sweaty in all the pics so I didn't really want them, plus $30 is alot extra.
Seeing as how Disney already took the tips from these servers the last contract, I hate to think they are rippingthem off even more by selling the pics with money that would have went to the tip.
Considering what they make per meal, I think it would be great for everyone if they just put the tips back in the meal plan and just gave the pics. Even if you charged an extra few bucks/day on the meal plan it would help defray the costs and just have happier people who would be more likely to come back!
Everyone should send them an e-mail to address this! It might work.