More "clarification" from DDE about the gratuity policy

[RobDoc]

We've been on the road all day on our way home from HH, but I just received another email from DDE with more information about the gratuity change starting on January 1, 2008.

"Many of you have expressed concern about the 18% gratuity that will be added to all Disney Dining Experience transactions. When using your Disney Dining Experience membership card the assessed gratuity will be added to all table service restaurant locations and lounges for all transactions regardless of party size. Gratuity will not be added to any counter service, food cart or quick service locations. In the past, gratuity was only implemented for larger parties of 8 or more for guests utilizing their Disney Dining Experience membership.

This adjustment to the program has been implemented in order to align the Disney Dining Experience Program with other dining experiences where gratuities are included. Effective January 1, 2008, when utilizing your Disney Dining Experience discount 18% gratuity will be added.


If you have any further questions or concerns we would ask that you send an e-mail to our Executive Offices at wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com.

Thank you,

The Disney Dining Experience Team"

 

[LovinOKW]

I got my e-mail, too.

I just got off the phone with Disney Dining & asked the CM if she knew anything about this. She said the first she heard of it was yesterday when a travel agent called and was asking about the e-mail they received. Nothing like keeping your employees informed Anyways, she said this applies only to Disney Dining Experience card holders. I will call DDE offices on Monday when open to see if I get the same answer.

We almost always tip 20% at the minimum, so the 18% is less for us. I just don't like the idea of someone forcing my hand to do something. I totally disagree with the 18% at a buffet. Just to run and get some iced teas, that's excessive.

Maybe they're trying to discourage people from buying the discount card (seems like an oxymoron) and are hoping to discontinue it. She did say that people on the dining plan would no longer have their gratuity included leaving them the option to tip that they like. So if they get the option and non-DDE holders have the option to tip what they like or not at all, why am I being forced to? I just don't understand what's behind this.

 

[Anal Annie]

Hummmm.... We did not get this email yet.... We also USUALLY leave 20% at a sit-down restaurant, unless it's a buffet or inferior service - then we usually cut back to 15%, but never do we go under the 15%. It does not seem fair that they would drop the gratuity from the DDP but add it to the DDE. I agree that 18% is excessive for a buffet server.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

still a joke no matter what its applied to

 

[CarolAnnC]

Thank you for updating us Doc.

We are moving this thread over to the DIS Restaurants Board where it is an appropriate place to discusss further since it is not directly related to Disney Vacation Club.. Thank you.

 

[TDC Nala]

And since there is a sticky thread up at the top of the board that covers this topic, I'm going to close this thread so this subject doesn't proliferate.