Mandatory Gratuities?!

[punkin712]

I found the following post on eGullet today:

"Walt Disney World is one of our favorite places to visit, they have a huge variation in culinary experiences as well as many other forms of entertainment. We have recently found out that effective January 1, 2008 they will be imposing a mandatory 18% gratuity out all dinners in sit down restaurants no matter what the party size!"

The full post and any responses can be found here:
http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=109814

What are your thoughts on this policy?

 

[Mickiethepooh]

I found the following post on eGullet today:

"Walt Disney World is one of our favorite places to visit, they have a huge variation in culinary experiences as well as many other forms of entertainment. We have recently found out that effective January 1, 2008 they will be imposing a mandatory 18% gratuity out all dinners in sit down restaurants no matter what the party size!"

The full post and any responses can be found here:

http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=109814

What are your thoughts on this policy?

There are about 15 threads on this and every other Disney related board and there are authoritative answers both saying this only applies to DDE memebers and other equally authoritative sources saying it applies to eveyone no matter how you pay.
I called disney dining and guest services and both told me it meant everyone, but there is still MASS confusion.

I think if it is true for everyone that Disney just shot themselves in the foot. Of course would not be the first time.
after POTC first movie came out there was ZERO merchandising for it. they lost millions there.

I already emailed them telling them that my trip this week will be my last if they do try to institute this policy.
I actually tip more than that but that is not the point.
Also I will be following the court cases challenging it with great zest.
Since they are not calling it a service charge but rather a gratuity and a gratuity is Legally an OPTION. There is case law on that very point.

 

[Tricia1972]

All threads about this are being closed by Mods and merged to this thread, stickied at the top of this forum.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1633420

 

[punkin712]

All threads about this are being closed by Mods and merged to this thread, stickied at the top of this forum.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1633420

Thanks! Sorry if this topic was a duplicate post...

 

[Sammie]

There is no confusion, it is DDE regardless of party size and parties of 6 or more regardless of how you pay.

 

[TDC Nala]

And here's the mod to close it.