Service on Dining Plan

[SweetSpot]

Just curious, why do people report they get a different (not great) service from their server when they are using the dining plan. Don't those using the dining plan tend to order more items and more expensive items which would make the tip larger? I've never had the dining plan so assume this is how it works but am I wrong?

 

[Three cats]

I've never noticed a difference one way or the other.


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[mrsksomeday]

We have used the dining plan all 11 trips and have always had good attentive service.

 

[SweetSpot]

That's what I would assume but I have several dining threads have mentioned a change in server attitude when they learned they were on the dining plan. It didn't make sense to me other than the thought a larger tip would be a given.

 

[Pakey]

I have used the dining plan 4 times (including in the beginning when tips were included) and not used the Dining plan at least a dozen times since its inception. I've never experienced a difference in service.

 

[minnie mum]

We have never noticed any difference in the service we have received whether we're on the DDP or paying OOP. Perhaps there have been instances where someone on the DDP received poor service and interpreted it as being because of the dining plan. Dunno.

Although, and I'm sure I'll be flamed for this, after observing the behavior of some guests in the restaurants, I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if their service wasn't up to their expectations. But that has nothing to do with the DPs.

 

[katt789]

I've never noticed a diference, and the tip isnt part of the DDP, it actual still has a "suggested tip" amount dependant on what you ordered, so I doubt the server cares

 

[KrazeeK120]

I'll add to those who haven't noticed a difference in service.

I've generally had very good-excellent service at Disney restaurants (both counter service and full service).

 

[Ro Z]

Never notice a difference.

 

[MacClemsons]

I don't know about DP vs non DP service, but we have noticed a difference between a party of 5 and a party of 6+ (when there is automatic 18 % tip).

 

[Srbright]

We have had the dining plan both times we have gone ( hope one day to be in the "we've been 17 times crowd") and we've had excellent service. Not every one has been stellar, but certainly for the most part better than average as compared to what we get at home.

Stacy

 

[Hopefully]

We're in the "17 plus" category and usually on the DDP. I have never had less service on the plan. I second Minnie Mum's thought. Looking at the behaviour of a few guests in TS restaurants, leaves me shaking my head. I would wonder if some of these folks felt slighted. My thought - what do you expect?

 

[DisneyFamily123]

I've always used a dining plan but service has always been good, and often fantastic... at all restaurants - character meals, signature restaurants, breakfast, lunch, dinner, etc.

Once at a signature restaurant... the waiter offered for DS to order from the regular menu instead of the kids menu (including regular appetizers) and other extras... but included it under the dining plan. It did make the amount the tip was based on larger... but still all covered under the dining plan credit. I would not expect that, it's not the norm.... but most signature restaurants were more than happy to make adjustments for DS if he wanted something different.

Example --DS often substituted a bowl of Florida strawberries for an appetizer and the same for dessert in place of the usual items on the kids' menus.

My experience is waiters and waitresses want guests to be happy. Happy guests = bigger tip.

 

[taylor3297]

We have used the dining plan when tips were in included and since it wasn't included. The only time we had bad service was at the 'Ohana breakfast and the guy behind the grill paid more attention to us than our waiter. This was when tips were included. I talked to the manager and stated that our server did not deserve the tip. We were there so long, we got to see the character parade 3 times.

We did say the guy behind the grill deserved the tip, due to him checking in on us when he could.

 

[mickeynut1]

We have always had excellent service whether we had the DDP or paid OOP.

 

[jhryb]

Ditto - we have only ever used the dining plan and we have always had great service. We have had some waiters that we didn't care for, but it was more a relection of their personality and it would not have made a difference if we were paying OOP.