Servers reaction to DP vs. DxDP (or better)

[Buckimion]

Another thread mentioned that once in a while they'll note a server will react negatively upon discovering a customer is on the DP. I was curious of those that have perceived a difference in attitude between the standard DP and the DxDP or higher that includes apps or other items and is less likely to be a hassle?

 

[reindeer]

Another thread mentioned that once in a while they'll note a server will react negatively upon discovering a customer is on the DP. I was curious of those that have perceived a difference in attitude between the standard DP and the DxDP or higher that includes apps or other items and is less likely to be a hassle?

I have always found CMs to be extremly nice when using DP. I figure check will be higher because your no watching cost, so the tip will be higher. It's a win win

 

[sjs314]

I had read a few accounts where people on the DP have encountered negative attitudes on occasion with some servers and I have no doubt they may have been stiffed in a tip when Disney stopped including the tip in the DP cost but I have to say we did the DxDP in March and did not expierence any negativity rather they went out of their way to be of service.

 

[bedogged]

I had read a few accounts where people on the DP have encountered negative attitudes on occasion with some servers and I have no doubt they may have been stiffed in a tip when Disney stopped including the tip in the DP cost but I have to say we did the DxDP in March and did not expierence any negativity rather they went out of there way to be of service.

This was our experience in May with the DxDP as well. Servers, especially in the Signature restaurants, went out of their way to be of service and to make sure that we had a wonderful time.

 

[figment_jii]

I've been on the DDP, the DxDP, paid OOP, and used the TiW card and never noticed any difference in the servers' attitudes because of the payment method. I've had good and bad severs at WDW, but it was usually pretty obvious which kind they will be from the start. There may be some servers who react to the payment method, but I don't think they're the "norm".

 

[gtpoohbear]

I've only ever been with the DxDP, or no Dp at all. I definitely felt like we got treated better on the DxDp. It was like, once we said we weren't on a DP, we suddenly weren't "part of the club" anymore. Whereas, as soon as we would say we were on the deluxe plan, they were ready to bend over backwards for us.

 

[mousebit]

We have gotten consistently good service on the DXDP or when paying OP.

There have been a few times when we've use the DDP & gotten less than stellar service - and even an attitude. Some servers feel the need to over-explain all the menu exclusions & others have panicked (& gotten defensive) when we order something not included in the plan. It's understandable considering how many people probably try to order extras & then get upset when they're told they aren't included. I even get a little impatient when they start telling me I "can't" have something I want. I just smile & remind them that I "can" have it & realize I have to pay extra for that appetizer of glow cube that is not included in my plan. After that, service is good again.

 

[TheRatPack]

Interesting idea....does make you wonder. I'll be interested to see what people who have been on both plans say.

 

[TheRatPack]

I even get a little impatient when they start telling me I "can't" have something I want. I just smile & remind them that I "can" have it & realize I have to pay extra for that appetizer of glow cube that is not included in my plan. After that, service is good again.

Exactly.....we've had to do that before. I usually start with "I realize it's not included but we'd like to add, or pay for ______________". That way they don't get all snippy LOL

 

[dawnhaze]

We have gotten consistently good service on the DXDP or when paying OP.

There have been a few times when we've use the DDP & gotten less than stellar service - and even an attitude. Some servers feel the need to over-explain all the menu exclusions & others have panicked (& gotten defensive) when we order something not included in the plan. It's understandable considering how many people probably try to order extras & then get upset when they're told they aren't included. I even get a little impatient when they start telling me I "can't" have something I want. I just smile & remind them that I "can" have it & realize I have to pay extra for that appetizer of glow cube that is not included in my plan. After that, service is good again.

I had this at one point during my last trip. A server was rather rude when explaining that I "can't" have alcohol because I was on the dining plan, so she would just take the wine menu away. I replied that I actually _can't_ have alcohol because of medications I take, so that was fine by me.

The service was fine aside from that, but perhaps they should retrain some of their servers to avoid the word "can't" - my job hates it when we say that to customers.

 

[mcoaddict]

When we went last year we had free dining and upgraded to the deluxe dining. We found that we had great service and the servers were eager to please.

We've also paid out of pocket many times and also had great service. I think the reason is generally that we are polite guests and treat our servers with respect.

 

[PoohsBees]

I have a sneaking suspicion that servers may have experienced people on the DDP not leaving a tip. I imagine there is a contingent of people that either think the tip is included in the plan, or just don't think of it because it's so wierd to not be paying for the meal that it throws them off. If even a small percent regularly fail to tip that would sour a server's outlook on the plan.
I'm sure they also get their share of people who just don't understand the plan- so it's another thing they have to do that isn't value-added for them (explaining the plan cuts into their serving, therefore they aren't seen as being as attentive by the cash customer at the other table....again less tips)

 

[LJSquishy]

My husband and I were on the DDP during our Feb trip and all of the TS restaurants we dined at were very accommodating and friendly.

It was our first DW trip so I had never used a dining plan, but I did a lot of research beforehand here on Disboards about how the credits worked so we didn't need a lot of guidance from the waiters/waitresses. The only question I really needed to ask was which beverages at the specific restaurants we dined at were included in our plan. Each time I asked, the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful.

Usually they asked us if we were on a dining plan right when we were seated and peeked at our card, assumingly so they could guide us through the ordering process if we needed help. Not once did I feel looked down on or like I was hassling them or an inconvenience to them. Every one treated us very well!

As someone else mentioned, I'm sure there are folks who do not leave a tip while on a dining plan. I know tips used to be included, but people should read the brochure so they aren't leaving the servers out of a part of their wage. The dining bill makes it pretty clear where to write in a tip amount, and I could be wrong, but I thought somewhere on the bill it said that tips were not included or something like that. I do remember a couple of our servers casually (not in an unkind way) mention to us how to properly fill out the tip section. We weren't offended by that.

 

[shoney]

We used the DP for the first time in Feb. I never got a 'tude from a server. Actually, one of their first things was "are you on a dining plan"...when we said yes they asked to look at the card and then proceed to tell us what was included. I understood the plan, so this got a little annoying after a while, but the server was just doing their job!

We always ordered wine/beer with the meal and usually a kids meal for ds10, so we always had an OOP bill as well.

Lots of paperwork, but no attitude at all.

 

[tony67]

For the most part no - does not seem to make a difference

Back when the tip was included I did feel the service was going down hill - any time the tip is automatic it seems to reduce service IMO

i have had one or two issues over the years - but in all those cases I brought it up with the hotel (was on club level) - and they actually gave me back the TS credits

 

[vsimeone]

We've always had wonderful service on the ddp. Twice during our last trip, at restaurants that include smoothies as a drink, servers gave them to us at the end of our meal in a "to go" cup. It was really nice to enjoy them as a "dessert" when we just wanted water with our meals.

As someone else stated, this raises the price of the bill which results in a higher tip!

 

[KarenAylwood]

We've dined on the dining plan many times and I think this was the first year we had absolutely no negative reactions when we said we were on DDP. Service was great other than at Kona to start- once the waiter realized we were annoyed he fell all over himself to be accomodating (I think he was just maybe really busy at the start?).

This was the first year I noticed our server going out of his/her way to actually thank us for the tip. Most of the time they'll say thank you but it just seemed more... I don't know, emphasized this time or something. We assumed there are people who don't tip... which is nuts to me.

 

[cmwade77]

Back when the tip was included I did feel the service was going down hill - any time the tip is automatic it seems to reduce service IMO

I would like to go back to them including the tip, but letting the customer decide how much the server gets (up to 18%, anything over that would be up to the guest to pay for). This would have accomplished improving the service while at the same time keeping the better value of the dinning plan.

That being said, I find I usually get good service on or off the dining plan, but there are exceptions. My absolute worst service was one time when not on the dining plan, the server got a $0.01 tip and that was probably too much, but I have been taught you always leave a tip so that the server doesn't think you just forgot it. This was at a buffet, my dishes were never cleared and I never got a refill until I asked the manager and even then, I only got one. This was at Crystal Palace. Now, since ALL that the severs do at a buffet is clear the table and refill drinks (and the occasional picture at character meals, but my server never did that either) not doing both of these things means they were not doing any of their job.

 

[tamarabannon]

I don't mind tipping at all -- we've only used the DDP (free) but my parents traveled with and paid OOP -- no difference in service at all!

the part about tipping that bothers me is that I'm tipping 18-20% on such an inflated amount! Normally I'll tip 20% give or take based on how much money we have, service etc.

But for a meal that would be half the price anywhere BUT Disney, it makes me kind of ill to be tipping (in my mind) 30% or more. I just keep reminding myself the food was free (when I had free dining) and I couldn't feed myself for the $13-$25 tip let alone my whole family!! And normally the service is really, really good. I have an autistic son, and normally we need a special meal or accomodation for him, and we've never really had any problems.

well. one time at the Garden whatever restaurant in Epcot (the land) -- the waiter told us we couldn't get a special meal (nuggets) for my son because it wasn't an allergy, but he'd do it just for us. LOL!