My thoughts on servers and service toward DDP guests (long)

[LandBoatRide]

Comments like these are ridiculous. Why would servers not like a guaranteed 18%? I would like to hear one good reason. Do you really think that next year, when the free DDP does not include include a gratuity, that the servers will make more?

Overworked? That really is speculation. If you were a server, would you prefer it to be "less busy" so you make less per day?

I rarely post on these boards, but I can't take these comments and observations any more.

Just in case you miss it, I have replied to this naive rant in my long post above. Sorry if I am taking a defensive tone, but your wording suggests your tone is one of disbelief and disgust, and so i am replying in kind.

 

[LexPlayer]

Ok, let's set the record straight.....................................................

I guess anyone can create facts to support their position, as you have. Are these real life experiences? Are you a server at Disney that has been forced to work overtime while your children are left alone at home? If so, I would read your comments with great interest and give merit to your statements.

However, until I see actual posts by actual employees, all "comments" on the relationship between the FDDP and the emotional state of servers is pure speculation. I am just tired of the general sentiment on these Boards is that the DDP is somehow a curse for the poor waitstaff.

From Websters,

"dread

1 a : to fear greatly b archaic : to regard with awe
2 : to feel extreme reluctance to meet or face
intransitive verb : to be apprehensive or fearful"

Doesn't this seem to be a bit strong? Words are important, and choosing the word "dread" carries a strong negativity. I guess under your contorted facts, one might "dread" a month of FDDP, but I would suspect that is an isolated case.

Unless a poll or survey is taken, why speculate and why speculate to the negative? Isn't it just as likely that many servers look forward to the FDDP? I understand that each person has individual familial obligations, but why do the majority of posters conclude that the poor servers are overworked? Are there single mothers who have trouble with child care, been forced into mandatory overtime and have been denied September vacations? I suppose there may be. Are there others who appreciate the extra income based upon a guaranteed 18% gratuity from free DDP'ers that will max out their table service credits? Oh yes!

As for your personal question to me, there are certainly aspects of my job that I do not like. I suspect that this holds true for nearly every "worker" in this country. But I am well aware of what the job requirements of my employment are, and I am expected to fulfill them. I don't ask for sympathy. If someone is not prepared to do so, he or she should find new employment.

You may insinuate that I am "naive," but I guarantee that this is not the case. I just don't understand why people would focus on the exception, rather than the rule.

Here's the original referral to the word "dread"

"I do know the servers dread free DDP time."

I see no such qualification, as you have indicated that "Many love it."

Just like in your posts, too much emphasis was placed on whether the DDP'ers constituted exactly 95%, 75%, or somewhere in between. Your conclusion was apparently based upon the "vast majority" of diners on the DDP. I would think that the majority of servers appreciate full tables and extra money (particularly if they are individuals that must transition from cash to deferred compensation). This is not a blanket statement that ALL servers DREAD free DDP. Again, if you are not an actual server at Disney, why post and why speculate about how bad it is for them?

You apparently like percentages, what percentage of the servers are either indifferent or look forward to free DDP in September and what percentage "dread" it?

 

[LexPlayer]

Tricia,
I do not have enough posts to respond to your PM.

Your post was in direct response to Praying Colonel.

Your use of the words "guess", "may" and "might" do not diminish your assertion that the servers are "overworked."

If I tell someone: "You may be ugly", I am insinuating that you may be ugly. I understand that it is your guess, but why doesn't anyone ever guess that some workers like the DDP (other than Praying Colonel)? Because you don't address it, the reasonable conclusion is that you believe no workers like it. I would just like to see some qualifying statements on these Boards that it is great time of year for many, or most, of the servers. All I ever see are posts that the servers dislike it. Servers work hard like other employees in other fields, but let's not make their jobs seem overly burdensome.

My guess would be it may have something to do with being overworked more during this time of the year.

Also, the average Disney guest may not plan well in advance. It's hard for them to get into restaurants when they get there, and some guests may be more crabby. That's just speculation though.

I am sure the servers appreciate the extra money, but maybe it's just hard knowing that you're going to be extremely busy every single minute of every single shift for a month.

 

[Tricia1972]

Changed my mind - I am going to answer via PM. If anyone is interested in my reply please PM me.

I don't think private conversation with a poster belongs on the boards. Especially when it adds nothing to the topic at hand.

 

[joyjoy]

Ok, let's set the record straight.

First off, when I used a stat like 95%, I was talking about during free dining promotion (i.e. September). Re-read my post so that on this point we are clear. During most of the year, nowhere near 95% of table service diners are on DDP. I'd say less than 50%.

I will say that I should have said about 95% of DINNER guests are on DDP. .

Unfortunately, this is just not true at all. We just returned from an 8 day stay, using the dreaded free dining. While my data is not official/scientific, I made a point to ask servers at both CS and TS, parks and resorts, lunch and dinner, what percentage of their guests would they estimate were using the DDP. I got answers ranging from 12% - 50%, but NOBODY said anything near 95%. Again, this is just my own first-hand information. Naturally each CM was giving me their own experience, so take that into consideration as well.

Btw, it was awesome. The service was great, the food was great and we'd do it again in a heartbeat.

 

[eeyore45]

Just in case you miss it, I have replied to this naive rant in my long post above. Sorry if I am taking a defensive tone, but your wording suggests your tone is one of disbelief and disgust, and so i am replying in kind.

I appreciate you taking it to PM, howeverr...

I appreciate your posts in giving this vacationer on Free DDP a perspective I wouldnt have thought of -

 

[LandBoatRide]

Lexplayer, sorry if my reply was harsh. I appreciate your thoughtful response. But you did ask for "one good reason" why any server would dread free DDP. And you did imply that because there was not any good reason, you were moved to post about it and end the abusrdity of the thread. I think I provided a few good reasons, and they aren't all extreme. Just defending my response, but again apologies for harsh wording.

I am closely tied to the serving community at Disney in terms of friends, roommates, former co-workers, etc. I stay very well-informed and have many connections at different levels of Disney in terms of front-line, management, union, etc.

In reality, I agree with you in many ways. I actually think many, many servers look forward to September and free DDP. As I posted in another thread, September is historically lean at Disney, and so for servers as well. Many servers like the steady business and lack of bad tips (gratuity included at most tables). I also understand the other side of it, that not all servers have flexible schedules or look forward to being very very busy and extended hours in September ( atime of year full of change for families with the start of school, extracurricular activities, sports leagues, etc etc).

I will say I never said that "most servers dread free DDP". I completely disagree with this statement. At the same time, I understand why some do dread it. and yes, dread is probably a strong word and not the word of my choice.

What happens in message boards is that people post one thing, and someone else will post the exact opposite to offer the counter-view, but in reality the truth is somewhere in the middle. We tend to over-emphasize our points and arguments. In this case, many speculated that greedy servers (negative connotation) must all love free DDP and the extra business. Others said hold on, service is still very good, and FYI they "Dread" this time of year. The reality is that some do and some don't. Some give great service and some not so much - some like free DDP and extra income and some prefer less hours during this time of year. I hope we all can see that now on some level, regardless of which side of the coin we fall on.

On a final note, and back to the original point of this post about service quality, I know it is very frustrating for good, hard-working, "magical" servers to log on to a site like this and see some people post that service on the DDP is awful. I have read many posts saying service is great, and many say service is bad. It is clear that both are true and it's just a luck of the draw as to whether you get a good or bad server. What is sad is how many "newer" posters state things like "I have read so many posts about bad service on DDP" etc etc and they take a negative tone towards servers before they ever get to Disney. Sigh, it feels like a few (or several?) rotten eggs (servers) have spoiled the whole meal.

 

[LexPlayer]

I will say I never said that "most servers dread free DDP". I completely disagree with this statement. At the same time, I understand why some do dread it. and yes, dread is probably a strong word and not the word of my choice.

I guess that was my main point, I get very emotional when people talk in absolute certainties. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion, but I have a real problem when a statement does not appear to have a reasonable basis (or is just wrong).

Anyway, I've heard that the Coral Reef is booked solid thorugh 2008. I guess the FDDP doesn't really affect the servers that work there- it is apprently at full capacity all the time. I wonder if that holds true for the other TS restaurants.

 

[just another guy]

There are many reasons why some server dislike the free DDP. First off, a LOT of people don't know how to use it, or even whats its called. "I was told me meals are free?" "I got this meal card thing?" "I was told if I charge it to the room its free?" This is pretty common. The servers feel like broken records explain how it works. Then to take it up a notch, there are the people who do know its called the dining plan, but thats it. "What do you mean thats not included, I was told my dinners are free." "Why should I have to pay extra for that." "Why can't my twin 6 year olds have lobster and shrimp?" Then there are the "is if free" people. "Is coffee free?" "Can I get a hot tea for free?" "Do the kids get free milkshakes?" Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with people asking whats included, but these type of people always bark back with, "I don't want it if its not free" or "I'm not paying extra for that!" They there are tables that just diappear. For whatever reason, they think when they check in with the hosts, that doing so magically takes care of the bill. The server is left wondering are they in the bathroom? Maybe little jimmy had an accident, and the parents rushed him to the restroom? Maybe little suzy was about to thrwo up? Finally after some time, the server gives up hope of them returning, and then has to go through the ordeal of calling the front desk, waiting on hold, being connected with the resort the people are staying at, get their 20 or so digit number, and then charging it to their DDP. There are also a large number of people who have no clue how a restaurant works. They make 7:30 reservations for Ohanas, and think they can and will be back in the MK by 8:30 at the latest. They are already stressed after a long day, they get more upset when they are not sat early. They get even more upset when they are sat at 8:40. They are now extremely upset as the minutes tick by and they learn there isn't a chance they will be back to the MK in time. All of this of course gets taken out on the server. To top this off, there are a lot of people out there who are not adventurous eaters. Mom and dad would be a lot better off with a 6 pack of of Bud Light, and some carry out from the local drive thru. But, they are at disney, food is free, so they are trying Ohanas, Bomas, etc. These people do nothing but complain the entire meal. They honestly tell the servers, "This is the worse food I've ever had" "Thank god I'm not paying for this crap" "I don't know how you guys stay in business with food this horrible" and other comments.

So yeah, hate to burst anyones bubbles, but not all DDP guests are all sunshine and lolly pops.

 

[TDC Nala]

If the server is having a bad day it's no excuse for doing a lousy job (if indeed it is a lousy job we are talking about and not something like minor inattentiveness).

Is it that bad to have to decide what you want to order? Or should diners have everything picked out before they sit down, just to speed things along?

Anyway, I've heard that the Coral Reef is booked solid thorugh 2008. I guess the FDDP doesn't really affect the servers that work there- it is apprently at full capacity all the time. I wonder if that holds true for the other TS restaurants.

Probably for the "upper tier" one-credit restaurants like CR or Le Cellier.

 

[LexPlayer]

There are many reasons why some server dislike the free DDP.

Yes, "some" do under your particular fact pattern, but are you saying that all servers dislike it? What percent of servers "dislike" it and further, what percent of diners are these horrendous patrons. You can't take a small percentage and apply it to the whole group. The exception does not make the rule. If that were the case, then all servers would be bad.

Even a cashier will have a "troublesome" customer on occasion, but that is part of the job. This is the service industry, that will happen.

I really don't think that having to answer questions about what the DDP covers is all that burdensome. After all, they are guaranteed 18% at a bunch of full tables. Isn't that what they are getting paid for?

 

[LandBoatRide]

If the server is having a bad day it's no excuse for doing a lousy job (if indeed it is a lousy job we are talking about and not something like minor inattentiveness).

Is it that bad to have to decide what you want to order? Or should diners have everything picked out before they sit down, just to speed things along?



Probably for the "upper tier" one-credit restaurants like CR or Le Cellier.

Agree, if server is lousy, they are lousy. Some poeple think if a server is busy and it takes two minutes to get your drink order, it is unacceptable. Most people are understanding, but a select few aren't. A very small minority of guests sadly want a server to be their personal servant. It's stuff you'd have to see firsthand to truly believe.

Deciding on what to order is fine. Servers at most every restaurant in America take a drink order and make drinks so you have time to decide on meal choices. What I addressed in the original post is a drink order. Most people know if you serve coke products, then they will drink (insert the drink they drink at almost every meal of their life here). Yes, if you want an alcoholic drink, there is a decision to be made. But don't struggle for 5 minutes (literally) over coke vs. sprite, especially if you can clearly see how busy the restaurant is. Ugh. Luckily, most people who do this usually get yelled at by the rest of their party.

In reply to just another guy, he has hit the nail on the head. I have heard from many servers that *some* (not all - not all - not all) but *some* ddp guests are clueless when it comes to how the ddp works. The main issue here is the guest leaving the table without "paying" (presenting their resort card). This most often happens with foreign guests from non-English-speaking countries. I have heard that during free ddp, more foreign guests are on the ddp than during the rest of the year. On the other hand, I think many free ddp'ers who were savvy enough to book the great deal are often savvy enough to know exactly how the plan works and then some, so I'd imagine you get both extremes of ddp knowledge.

I think what just another guy is saying is that servers in general prefer generous, well-to-do, restaurant-savvy, cultured guests. I absolutely am not saying that everyone who books free ddp is cheap an uncultured, not saying that at all. However, one could guess that a higher percentage might be. Yes, gratuity is included, but just another guy has pointed out attitude differences. Just sit in someone else's shoes, if you serve at fine dining, you don't want the Beverly Hillbillies to come waltzing through the door orderin' that there fancy fil-let mig-non thingie.

Please do not reply to me saying you are on free ddp and you are not like this. I have said multiple times I do not lump *most* in this category, but I do question if a higher percentage are like this during free dining - it makes sense from a monetary standpoint.

Again, I do believe that *most* servers DON'T dread free dining, but I have previously listed reasons why some do, and just another guy brings up other issues that can be relative in some cases.

 

[TDC Nala]

I think what just another guy is saying is that servers in general prefer generous, well-to-do, restaurant-savvy, cultured guests. I absolutely am not saying that everyone who books free ddp is cheap an uncultured, not saying that at all. However, one could guess that a higher percentage might be. Yes, gratuity is included, but just another guy has pointed out attitude differences. Just sit in someone else's shoes, if you serve at fine dining, you don't want the Beverly Hillbillies to come waltzing through the door orderin' that there fancy fil-let mig-non thingie.

Which places in Disney World are these?

 

[Princess April]

Wow......

 

[wen8jr]

There are many reasons why some server dislike the free DDP. First off, a LOT of people don't know how to use it, or even whats its called. "I was told me meals are free?" "I got this meal card thing?" "I was told if I charge it to the room its free?" This is pretty common. The servers feel like broken records explain how it works. Then to take it up a notch, there are the people who do know its called the dining plan, but thats it. "What do you mean thats not included, I was told my dinners are free." "Why should I have to pay extra for that." "Why can't my twin 6 year olds have lobster and shrimp?" Then there are the "is if free" people. "Is coffee free?" "Can I get a hot tea for free?" "Do the kids get free milkshakes?" Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with people asking whats included, but these type of people always bark back with, "I don't want it if its not free" or "I'm not paying extra for that!" They there are tables that just diappear. For whatever reason, they think when they check in with the hosts, that doing so magically takes care of the bill. The server is left wondering are they in the bathroom? Maybe little jimmy had an accident, and the parents rushed him to the restroom? Maybe little suzy was about to thrwo up? Finally after some time, the server gives up hope of them returning, and then has to go through the ordeal of calling the front desk, waiting on hold, being connected with the resort the people are staying at, get their 20 or so digit number, and then charging it to their DDP. There are also a large number of people who have no clue how a restaurant works. They make 7:30 reservations for Ohanas, and think they can and will be back in the MK by 8:30 at the latest. They are already stressed after a long day, they get more upset when they are not sat early. They get even more upset when they are sat at 8:40. They are now extremely upset as the minutes tick by and they learn there isn't a chance they will be back to the MK in time. All of this of course gets taken out on the server. To top this off, there are a lot of people out there who are not adventurous eaters. Mom and dad would be a lot better off with a 6 pack of of Bud Light, and some carry out from the local drive thru. But, they are at disney, food is free, so they are trying Ohanas, Bomas, etc. These people do nothing but complain the entire meal. They honestly tell the servers, "This is the worse food I've ever had" "Thank god I'm not paying for this crap" "I don't know how you guys stay in business with food this horrible" and other comments.

So yeah, hate to burst anyones bubbles, but not all DDP guests are all sunshine and lolly pops.

Please keep in mind that I'm not flaming your post with my comments below. I do agree that these things happen...but they happen at all resturants that don't even have a DDP. The public is hard to deal with and making every single patron happy is impossible. That is just life. There is no excuse for being rude either way, but the fact is people are.

Nothing is ever really "free", it is just a promotional discount on the food package rather than the room which draws more people and packs the resturants which ends up stressing everyone.

I know the topic is the DDP, but it is not just DDP guests that would be hateful to a server, it is not just DDP guests that feel bad or tired or want to get out of the place in an hour to get back to the park. IMO, if I were paying $40 per person OOP and my meal wasn't right - then I would be much more likely to complain to the server than if I got it "free". Not that my complaint is always directed toward the server anyway, any time I've had an issue with the food itself I make sure the server knows I know it isn't their fault at all but that I want the chef or manager to know there is a problem, but if the server is the problem...well when paying OOP they just don't get a tip. Unfortunately on the 2007 DDP they know they will get that tip regardless, so maybe they aren't as eager to please?

While I know the public can be rude, there can also be very rude and sometimes ignorant servers in resturants. By ignorant I mean ignorant about the menu, the preparation of food, or can't answer questions, act rude, impatient or haughty. I have been a paying patron in a resturant and walked out because the server never showed up for 20 minutes after getting a drink order. We simply did not want to waste any more time there because we were in a hurry. I wouldn't hesitate to do this in WDW if I'm not waited on in a certain time frame.

If a lot of people have ordered on the DDP and just up and leave after the meal, well then the server should (from previous experience?) tell any patron what to expect to settle the bill as soon as they learn they are on the DDP so they don't get up and leave when they are finished eating. It is that simple. Surely their managers hear their complaints and coach them on how to handle these situations?

Also, it is the server's responsiblity to explain the DDP to people and answer DDP questions. Apparantly, WDW (or the participating resturant) has made that part of their job. If they don't like to do that, then maybe being a server at WDW isn't for them. Everyone usually asks questions. Servers should be able to handle that. And working with the public, you just have to learn to deal with rude people, hear complaints, resolve problems...or get another job.

And in response to your remark "To top this off, there are a lot of people out there who are not adventurous eaters. Mom and dad would be a lot better off with a 6 pack of of Bud Light, and some carry out from the local drive thru." While this may be true, how does the server really know this, that person may be richer than the guy at the next table who looks like the president of a company? The server should not stereotype a patron or treat one patron any differently than another patron regardless of what they look like, what their accent is or if they say they don't like the food. IMO that is just asking for trouble because the patron will most likely sense that attitude from the server and it will just end up causing trouble. I know several filthy rich people who are highly intelligent, yet drink beer, eat hot wings, wear overalls, work every day and act like the farmer next door and wouldn't touch anything but meat and potatoes. But I also know many who 'appear' to be rich and classy who are really so far in debt they'll never climb out and won't leave the server one red cent for a tip, wouldn't lift a finger to help anyone, don't pay their taxes, owe everyone in town money and are worried their BMW or Audi might be repoed any day. Never judge a book by its cover.

 

[wen8jr]

Just sit in someone else's shoes, if you serve at fine dining, you don't want the Beverly Hillbillies to come waltzing through the door orderin' that there fancy fil-let mig-non thingie.

I have read your posts and I do agree with a lot, but I completely disagree with the above. I feel that if someone is paying for their meal (DDP or not), behave themselves and are wearing the dress required, then they should be able to "waltz" in any resturant as well as any other patron even if they can't pronounce the names on the menu.

These resturants that serve fine dining could just post a big sign on their door along with their menus that says, "if you can't pronounce everything on our menu you are not welcome". I bet that would keep more than just your so called hillbillies from dining at these fine resturants.

And I'm sorry but I have to add - your reference to hillibillies really offends me. I'm originally from PA, now living in the south, that along with my experience working with people across the US every day in my job has shown me that your true southern people (hillibillies as you call them) are the people who are consistantly warm, welcoming, caring, always willing to lend a helping hand, would help you change a flat on the side of the road and always willing to help their neighbors. Whereas most of your "well-to-do, restaurant-savvy, cultured guests" are rude and arrogant, wouldn't lift a finger to help anyone but themselves, would drive right by someone in need and are only utimately only out to impress others. Nine times out of ten they don't have two real pennies to rub together because it is all a big fake facade, so a server better not count on that tip. Give me an honest hillbilly any day.

 

[LandBoatRide]

I have read your posts and I do agree with a lot, but I completely disagree with the above. I feel that if someone is paying for their meal (DDP or not), behave themselves and are wearing the dress required, then they should be able to "waltz" in any resturant as well as any other patron even if they can't pronounce the names on the menu.

These resturants that serve fine dining could just post a big sign on their door along with their menus that says, "if you can't pronounce everything on our menu you are not welcome". I bet that would keep more than just your so called hillbillies from dining at these fine resturants.

And I'm sorry but I have to add - your reference to hillibillies really offends me. I'm originally from PA, now living in the south, that along with my experience working with people across the US every day in my job has shown me that your true southern people (hillibillies as you call them) are the people who are consistantly warm, welcoming, caring, always willing to lend a helping hand, would help you change a flat on the side of the road and always willing to help their neighbors. Whereas most of your "well-to-do, restaurant-savvy, cultured guests" are rude and arrogant, wouldn't lift a finger to help anyone but themselves, would drive right by someone in need and are only utimately only out to impress others. Nine times out of ten they don't have two real pennies to rub together because it is all a big fake facade, so a server better not count on that tip. Give me an honest hillbilly any day.

Glad you have agreed with some of what I write. I'm sure some of my stuff is off base as well, but it's from my perspective and from what I've heard from servers. I should throw in a side note that even if a server complains, it doesnt mean they hate their job or hate the guests. I'm sure everyone of us who works for a living has at some point complained about their jobs at some point, if only to relieve stress or have something to talk about.

Clear miscommunication here...I see why you interpreted what I wrote as you did, but that was not what was intended...Sorry if you are offended, but I think you read way way too much into one term I used. I didnt say southern hicks or country hillbillies (lower case), but rather the formal capitalized term "Beverly Hillbillies" as an analogy from the tv show, a family who struck oil and moved to Beverly Hills and ate in restaurants for the first time in their life. I say its an analogy (and a loose analogy), because I suspect a very select few on free ddp have never ordered a meal over $20 before in their lives, but they have "struck oil" in terms of "free dining" at fancy restaurants and can order $50+ meals.

I am a southerner from a country town. If I truly wanted to insult southerners or mountaineers or whoever, I know how to ;-) I also wouldn't suggest a server wait at WDW in Florida if they don't like southerners, because that will be a sizable portion of their business, especially from locals and those within driving distance (WDW is in the South).

As for pronouncing on the menu, foreigners get it wrong all the time and also comprise a sizable portion of WDW dining guests. It isn't about mispronouncing stuff on a menu, it's about serving a different style of people than you normally do. Again, the topic of this post has turned into how could a server possibly have anything negtive to say about free ddp'ers. I'm trying to make a point that serving a guest not accustomed to dining in your style of restaurant (fine dining) could put some servers off or moody (Im not saying they will be rude or moody with the guest or it justifies inferior service, but they might b*tch about it to their roommate after hours over a beer). Maybe the server doesn't know how to please this guest. For example, a typical California Grill patron might order a bottle of wine or have a relaxed pace meal, and they may take offense and feel rushed if you check on them every two minutes. Is it conceivable that someone trying this out because of free ddp may be more of a slurp down the drink before the server has even left the table type of guest who expects the server at the table every two minutes because Disney uses overly small cups in their restaurants? Maybe. Is this limited to ddp'ers or free ddp'ers? No. Could it be more prevalent? Maybe. Just an example and not meant to offend any class of people who has a health reason to slurp down their drinks

Lastly, in reply to your other post (this is meant to be informational and not smart-@ssed), it would open a whole can of worms if a server tried to "settle the ddp bill" too quickly. The guests would complain that they feel rushed and complain about the service and then be happy the gratuity has been removed. Additionally, a server cannot close a ddp check before they have ordered all the food. As ddp includes dessert, and dessert happens at end of meal, you can't really settle the check early - nor should a server settle the bill after ordering but before serving the dessert (that is tacky and the dessert may melt), nor should they ask to settle it immediately upon serving dessert lest the guest feel rushed. It's a lose-lose situation.

 

[wen8jr]

Glad you have agreed with some of what I write. I'm sure some of my stuff is off base as well, but it's from my perspective and from what I've heard from servers. I should throw in a side note that even if a server complains, it doesnt mean they hate their job or hate the guests. I'm sure everyone of us who works for a living has at some point complained about their jobs at some point, if only to relieve stress or have something to talk about.

Clear miscommunication here...I see why you interpreted what I wrote as you did, but that was not what was intended...Sorry if you are offended, but I think you read way way too much into one term I used. I didnt say southern hicks or country hillbillies (lower case), but rather the formal capitalized term "Beverly Hillbillies" as an analogy from the tv show, a family who struck oil and moved to Beverly Hills and ate in restaurants for the first time in their life. I say its an analogy (and a loose analogy), because I suspect a very select few on free ddp have never ordered a meal over $20 before in their lives, but they have "struck oil" in terms of "free dining" at fancy restaurants and can order $50+ meals.

I am a southerner from a country town. If I truly wanted to insult southerners or mountaineers or whoever, I know how to ;-) I also wouldn't suggest a server wait at WDW in Florida if they don't like southerners, because that will be a sizable portion of their business, especially from locals and those within driving distance (WDW is in the South).

As for pronouncing on the menu, foreigners get it wrong all the time and also comprise a sizable portion of WDW dining guests. It isn't about mispronouncing stuff on a menu, it's about serving a different style of people than you normally do. Again, the topic of this post has turned into how could a server possibly have anything negtive to say about free ddp'ers. I'm trying to make a point that serving a guest not accustomed to dining in your style of restaurant (fine dining) could put some servers off or moody (Im not saying they will be rude or moody with the guest or it justifies inferior service, but they might b*tch about it to their roommate after hours over a beer). Maybe the server doesn't know how to please this guest. For example, a typical California Grill patron might order a bottle of wine or have a relaxed pace meal, and they may take offense and feel rushed if you check on them every two minutes. Is it conceivable that someone trying this out because of free ddp may be more of a slurp down the drink before the server has even left the table type of guest who expects the server at the table every two minutes because Disney uses overly small cups in their restaurants? Maybe. Is this limited to ddp'ers or free ddp'ers? No. Could it be more prevalent? Maybe. Just an example and not meant to offend any class of people who has a health reason to slurp down their drinks

Lastly, in reply to your other post (this is meant to be informational and not smart-@ssed), it would open a whole can of worms if a server tried to "settle the ddp bill" too quickly. The guests would complain that they feel rushed and complain about the service and then be happy the gratuity has been removed. Additionally, a server cannot close a ddp check before they have ordered all the food. As ddp includes dessert, and dessert happens at end of meal, you can't really settle the check early - nor should a server settle the bill after ordering but before serving the dessert (that is tacky and the dessert may melt), nor should they ask to settle it immediately upon serving dessert lest the guest feel rushed. It's a lose-lose situation.

Well I'm glad you cleared up the Beverly Hillbilly comment.

I don't think that the dilemma will ever be solved and I don't think all the problems of communication between server and patron is free dining or the DDP although I know that is what your posts are about. I think that these things happen in every resturant. There are bad patrons and bad servers, but I think there are plenty of great patrons and great servers to make up for the bad ones. People just dwell on the negative, get stressed, etc for many different reasons. Free dining just causes overworked staff in resturants.

I'm probably one of those that will "slurp" my drink down and need a refill fairly quickly into the meal, especially during the summer. I drink more than I eat. If I were dining during free dining that would have absolutely nothing to do with how many refills I get. I don't believe I've ever been in a TS resturant that charged for refills when drinking regular soft drinks, tea or coffee. Servers should just walk by and glance to see if a refill is needed, they don't really have to bother the patron or say anything, just look. Which also gives the patron the opportunity to flag the server down if there is a problem. One thing I absolutely love in a server is when they just bring a round of refills without asking to the table about 2 minutes after serving the meal. That server will get a much bigger tip from me. For example, just the other day at TGI Fridays, a server without us asking brought another round of drinks, brought extra napkins, asked if our meal was okay about 2 minutes into it and left us alone dropping by once she seen we were finished to ask if we needed dessert. We didn't have to ask for a thing. Excellent server. She got a big tip. She didn't bother us every second, but she came by just enough to make sure we were okay and she walked by our table several times quietly looking to see if we seemed to need anything or needed refills. Sometimes you get servers that talk too much and that is okay if my party is in the mood to talk, and other times you don't want to talk because you are there eating to either enjoy just each others company or to have a quiet meal away from the kids, etc. And while servers can't read peoples mind, they should take a crash course in body language of patrons. I think the best servers are naturally good at this. One thing I hate in a server is never to see them again after my food is delivered and have to flag down another server just to get my check to pay. That is bad. They won't get a tip for that. If I were a server I would put myself in the patron's shoes and try to provide good service as if I were the one eating the meal. I have met many servers that are like that.

Regarding the bill, I did not mean that a server needs to rush the patron by closing the bill early, but only that the server could explain how the DDP works upon learning they have DDP and that they will need to close the bill at the end of meal before they leave. In other words, educate the DDP diner on how the system works. That would be the best way to prevent a diner from leaving thinking everything was automatically taken care of. Really, though I can't imagine that the percentage of DDP diners would be that uneducated to just leave and not settle the bill because in most cases they would have already dined elsewhere and had to settle a bill whether it was TS or CS.

If only more people would get on the DIS and research, then they would know exactly how the DDP works.

 

[LandBoatRide]

Wen8jr, you sound quite logical and I agree with your server assessment. That is indeed the best advice to give a server, treat the guest as you like to be treated when dining out yourself. I have been told that "disney standards" in service include refilling a beverage without asking if it is more than 2/3 empty. This is a good policy.

Most of the stories Ive heard of ddp'ers walking out without "paying" have been foreigners (Chinese or Japanese), and a greater number of them seem to be on ddp this time of year. I do agree that *most* are logical enough to know to settle a bill even if it is "pre-paid".

 

[WildGrits]

I smell a TROLL.