Servers Don't Like the DDP?

[nicolebridget22]

On our last trip we noticed that our servers seemed relieved when we told them we were not using the DDP. Some of them said, "Good" straight out when we said no. Any theories as to why this is?

 

[missbrooke06]

Probably get higher tickets from non-DDP. Also, I imagine lots of people don't really get how it works, maybe don't know they need to tip, what's covered, etc.

And I have used DDP every trip since 2005 and no server has ever treated me poorly for being on DDP. (Not that OP is saying that, just reassuring others)

 

[maltdizzy]

I don't want to generalize because so many here love the DDP (heck...this is their forum) and are seasoned veterans of how it works ... but ... from a lot of personal observations (I love to people watch), many of the DDP novices need to have it explained to them repeatedly and always seem bewildered by what is and what is not included and by the various exemptions like alcohol, tips, etc. (for people who travel to all-inclusives throughout the globe, these are typically included). I have stood in line behind people at a snack stand for 10 minutes (not an exaggeration) while the DDP user ahead of me asked, "I get this?"..."can I get that?"..."can I combine this and that?", etc. in every possible iteration.

Now if I see it repeatedly as a guest over a week-long trip...imagine the server he deals with diners all day, every day.

 

[glitzybabes]

Not sure but last year we had this one server at WCC, ask if we wanted milk shakes, ask my mama is she wanted bottled water (not free water), and said that the kids could get a full size adult dessert on top of their included dessert from their kids meal. There was 9 of us so she was just adding on to her 18%.

 

[MakiraMarlena]

They do not like having to explain to guests how to use the DDP. They don't like having to explain to guests that they can't order an appetizer instead of dessert or they can't get that entrée for two as their own dinner or their child can't order an adult meal because they are on the regular plan. They don't like getting yelled at when someone objects to being told they can't order an appetizer instead of dessert or switch out their drink for a dessert or they can't get a beer as their drink. They probably also don't like the fact that some guests apparently do not understand they are still supposed to tip.

 

[GillianP1301]

I've never experienced any issue with servers when I'm on the DDP, nor did I notice any difference in service the one trip we did not use it. If anything, I would think they should be happier with DDP customers (especially someone like me on the DxDP) because the bill likely has a better change to be higher than someone paying OOP. I know a few times they have allowed my son to order an adult dessert even though he ordered a kids menu meal, which we have taken them up on a few times. I get that it's increasing their tip, but I'm okay with that because we are getting a bit of a perk with the nicer dessert.

Honestly, if I were not on a dining plan and the server seemed relieved about that, I would be annoyed because to me it's a sign of laziness. If having to explain how the dining plan works is a burden to them, then I have no time for that.

 

[supersnoop]

On our last trip we noticed that our servers seemed relieved when we told them we were not using the DDP. Some of them said, "Good" straight out when we said no. Any theories as to why this is?

I think they respond with "good" no matter how you answer that question.

 

[GillianP1301]

Thankfully you are someone who realizes you should still tip and you sound like you tip well. A lot of people on DDP say okay I'll just bring 5 or 10 per a meal for tip no matter how many people are in their party or what they order. So the servers know they probably aren't going to get a great tip. Some people still don't know they should tip on DDP even though it is written on over the literature that tip is not included.

That kinda blows my mind, but yes, if servers are getting stiffed more than just the rare time from DDP people, then I can understand their frustration. Most of the time I seem to recall the server pointing out the fact that the tip is not included. It used to annoy me a bit, but now I just let it go since I plan to tip anyway and they are really just providing helpful info to anybody not familiar with the plan and how it works. But between them telling you and the print out of the bill showing you recommended tip amounts, it's crazy to me to think that people still don't get it. Although, I suppose it's also not surprising because people can be pretty dense at times.

 

[Lisa F]

That kinda blows my mind, but yes, if servers are getting stiffed more than just the rare time from DDP people, then I can understand their frustration. Most of the time I seem to recall the server pointing out the fact that the tip is not included. It used to annoy me a bit, but now I just let it go since I plan to tip anyway and they are really just providing helpful info to anybody not familiar with the plan and how it works. But between them telling you and the print out of the bill showing you recommended tip amounts, it's crazy to me to think that people still don't get it. Although, I suppose it's also not surprising because people can be pretty dense at times.

I think people can be dense when it benefits them

I like the suggestions on the bill, keeps me from having to think with vacation brain lol

 

[Jadyreen1282]

Never noticed.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I don't get why they wouldn't like it. I tend to order less when I'm paying OOP, since I don't always order an entree and dessert when I do, but when I'm on the DDP I always get an entree and dessert since they're included, and DW and I will usually decide to share an appetizer too, so we bump up the tip even higher.

 

[KT0191]

I can say that my DH was one who was totally confounded about what he "could" order. I have no idea why, at home he ordered anything he wants and planty of it. No matter how many times we dined he would ask what he coudl have. ANYTHING!!!! LOL! We will pay for the extras, just like at home.

My husband was the exact same way! He would ask me every time we ate, sometimes twice, if I was sure that he could order anything. Of course, there are exceptions but for everything he wanted..it was an available choice. He just couldn't believe it LOL.

 

[Nancyg56]

My husband was the exact same way! He would ask me every time we ate, sometimes twice, if I was sure that he could order anything. Of course, there are exceptions but for everything he wanted..it was an available choice. He just couldn't believe it LOL.

My DH was just confused. He remembered the "original" DDP that included appetizer and tip, so moving to the "new" DDP thrwe him into a curfuffle! I have made up my mind that on the times he joins us, we will book a DxDDP. I won't run numbers, I will not build spreadsheets. I will not even try to book restaurants that max the plan. I just cannot see that poor guy, who denies us nothing and who normally takes charge of every meal we have when we dine out by adding to what we have ordered to make sure that everyone has all they want and then a little more, struggle to keep within a plan even though he can order anything he wants. Nope. I will book it and tell him everything but alcohol is included and has been paid for. have a blast! LOL!

 

[Lisa F]

My DH was just confused. He remembered the "original" DDP that included appetizer and tip, so moving to the "new" DDP thrwe him into a curfuffle! I have made up my mind that on the times he joins us, we will book a DxDDP. I won't run numbers, I will not build spreadsheets. I will not even try to book restaurants that max the plan. I just cannot see that poor guy, who denies us nothing and who normally takes charge of every meal we have when we dine out by adding to what we have ordered to make sure that everyone has all they want and then a little more, struggle to keep within a plan even though he can order anything he wants. Nope. I will book it and tell him everything but alcohol is included and has been paid for. have a blast! LOL!

if he has no qualms ordering what he wants when he wants it, why use the DDP? I think some people use it to help swallow the high costs of food. Some people use it because they are saving money. You appear to be neither lol

 

[ncc1701]

On every trip we go to Puck Express several times and there always people on the dining plans confused by what is and isn't included trying to order (and Puck's has signs stating clearly what you can order using the plans) I understand why servers might be relieved☺when we come up and say no plans. In Puck's case DH and I joke there should be 1 line for those of us paying OOP

 

[_auroraborealis_]

On every trip we go to Puck Express several times and there always people on the dining plans confused by what is and isn't included trying to order (and Puck's has signs stating clearly what you can order using the plans) I understand why servers might be relieved☺when we come up and say no plans. In Puck's case DH and I joke there should be 1 line for those of us paying OOP

On the other hand, that happens everywhere on earth, even places without dining plans.

I mean, have you ever been stuck behind THAT FAMILY at Chipotle? They started out 8th in line, make it to the counter, and don't know what they want when they get there and start asking weird questions? And it's a Chipotle! Nothing exotic or unusual or unfamiliar!

I was also behind THOSE PEOPLE at McDonald's the other day, where the adult (without the child weighing in!) could NOT decide between apples-tangerine-yogurt for their Happy Meal order. How hard is that? How do these people even get out of bed and get dressed in the morning?

I do suspect that Free Dining makes servers wince, just because I have to wonder how many people in their YAY FREEDINING!!!! aren't thinking through tips and stiff the servers about half the time?

 

[mickeygirl78]

We always have the dining plan and have never been treated different. When we go to a QS location the cashier has thanked me for having our order ready and knowing what everyone wants.

They always explain the DDP at TS meals, at least in my experience. We know exactly what we get, have no questions but they still explain. I think it's just what they have to do. It also benefits them to explain, it helps drive the check (and tip) up.