Mandatory service charge at Disney restaurants?

[Needafix]

Did Disney start adding a mandatory service fee to all meals regardless of party size?

Just back from very quick trip to Orlando, so caved and tried night at Hard Rock Hotel. Was very disappointed and missed Disney.

I was shocked when I found out that all/most Hard Rock restaurants add a mandatory 18% gratuity to all bills. We had lousy service and argued this and they still wouldn't remove it, but gave us free drink vouchers instead.

Then, to get my Disney fix, we resort hopped and ended up eating lunch at Picabu's at Dolphin (my sons fav) and even though they are cafeteria style they added a mandatory service fee that was about 13%. What's up with these service fees?

Has Disney also started adding a service fee to restaurants?

Thanks

 

[Sugardimples]

Disney adds an 18% gratuity to parties of 6 or more. Also, to all checks using Tables in Wonderland discount. I think that's it.

 

[Random Ninja]

The disney owned restaurants due put tip amount of 18% and 20% at the bottom of the receipt for those that want to use the amounts. The only time I know of that there is a mandatory charge is for groups of 6+. That beig said, The Dolphin and Pikablu are not owned by Disney, they just happen to be on property. Disney does not set their prices so they can charge whatever they want.

Sorry you had bad service at Hard Rock. I wouldn't pay 18% for lousy service either. Was there anything posted in the menu or around the restaurant about the service charge?

 

[Needafix]

The disney owned restaurants due put tip amount of 18% and 20% at the bottom of the receipt for those that want to use the amounts. The only time I know of that there is a mandatory charge is for groups of 6+. That beig said, The Dolphin and Pikablu are not owned by Disney, they just happen to be on property. Disney does not set their prices so they can charge whatever they want.

Sorry you had bad service at Hard Rock. I wouldn't pay 18% for lousy service either. Was there anything posted in the menu or around the restaurant about the service charge?

Phew, that's what I was thinking. I'm used to having tip automatically added to larger parties and I do now remember that they add it to Tables in Wonderland, but you know that in advance and there's a reason. I get that.

No, there was no place where it was posted that Hard Rock would automatically add the tip. I even asked the manager. She said the waitstaff must tell people as they hand them the bill. I don't think that's right either. Makes it very awkward if you ask me. I'm really not one to cause an issue about this kind of thing, but service really was that bad.

 

[Suellen]

Which place added it at Universal? The Kitchen?

We've never had one added there... but haven't been in a few years.. so it may be newish.

 

[CruznLexi]

When I lived in Miami it was that way everywhere. Plus so many people come from all over the world where tipping is not the norm. I am surprised that more places do not have it done auto.

 

[POOHsie]

When I lived in Miami it was that way everywhere. Plus so many people come from all over the world where tipping is not the norm. I am surprised that more places do not have it done auto.

This. When I first moved to Miami I took a second job as a waitress at Denny's in Coral Gables. Lots of foreign visitors dined there. I can't tell you the countless times I waited on tables that left no tip. Sometimes I would be in tears. It didn't take long before I quit.

 

[miami305]

When I lived in Miami it was that way everywhere. Plus so many people come from all over the world where tipping is not the norm. I am surprised that more places do not have it done auto.

It still is this way. I avoid the tourist places as they add 18% tip and you receive s-l-o-w service. I don't understand why waitstaff isn't paid a normal wage like everyone else. Fire lazy people and tips should be reserved for exceptional service. Our system of tipping is so outdated.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

However in order for it to be a gratuity then the restaurant needs to be taking it off or adjusting if requested by a person. If not it's a price increase and if the patron is not told of it ahead of time then there could be a disclosure issue I would think.

 

[KSDisneyDad]

It still is this way. I avoid the tourist places as they add 18% tip and you receive s-l-o-w service. I don't understand why waitstaff isn't paid a normal wage like everyone else. Fire lazy people and tips should be reserved for exceptional service. Our system of tipping is so outdated.

But wouldn't the restaurants simply charge more for the food and drinks so that you're effectively paying the 15% to 20% tip anyway to cover the waitstaff's wages? Granted, they could be fired for poor performance, but will that really happen all the time?

I guess I don't see it as broken and as a family a 5, we've never been charged a mandatory tip at Disney (or elsewhere for that matter). It does happen if we travel with others, but it's clearly labeled as such on the menu.

 

[figment_jii]

Did Disney start adding a mandatory service fee to all meals regardless of party size?

Just back from very quick trip to Orlando, so caved and tried night at Hard Rock Hotel. Was very disappointed and missed Disney.

I was shocked when I found out that all/most Hard Rock restaurants add a mandatory 18% gratuity to all bills. We had lousy service and argued this and they still wouldn't remove it, but gave us free drink vouchers instead.

Then, to get my Disney fix, we resort hopped and ended up eating lunch at Picabu's at Dolphin (my sons fav) and even though they are cafeteria style they added a mandatory service fee that was about 13%. What's up with these service fees?

Has Disney also started adding a service fee to restaurants?

Thanks

Just to note, neither the Hard Rock Cafe nor the restaurants at the Swan and Dolphin are owned by Disney. As others have said, there is a mandatory gratuity for large parties, TIW, and some of the fixed price places (like CRT).

 

[Brian Noble]

Just back from very quick trip to Orlando, so caved and tried night at Hard Rock Hotel. Was very disappointed and missed Disney.

That's a shame. We were at Royal Pacific last week But, yes, the three Lowes resorts at Universal all generally include 18% service charges. For our stay, it was warranted in every case. I found the service to be outstanding---as good as or better than Disney, in fact. For example, I really appreciated full service chair-side at the pool.

 

[TDC Nala]

Closing this, as it is tipping discussion.