Strange Questions (maybe even rude)

[fkwok]

Forgive me for even asking, but has anyone experience a drop off in service from TS servers when you you were eating on the plan versus paying cash/credit?

And, do you have to tell your TS server you on the plan beforehand?

 

[Amyrlin]

We have great service on both on the same visit, there are some reports of a drop off, but these appear to be few and far between.

 

[kaybird]

We have always been treated well by the servers both on and off the plan. We love to eat TS, and always advise the servers ahead of time, saves questions later, and many times they offer additional information that helps in the dining process. We have had better servers and servers not quite up to par again both with and without the plan.

 

[pezpam]

I've gone with and without the plan recently and noticed no difference. The service we've received has almost always been good to excellent, no matter how we pay.

You generally do tell them you're on the plan - most ask - so that it can be rung up correctly.

 

[tndisneyfan]

We have used DDP twice. The worst service we've had was when we were paying OOP.

 

[JimMIA]

I've always found the service the same with or without DDP. Most of the TS places have good to great service. There are a couple of places where service leaves something to be desired, but I don't think it has anything to do with DDP.

For example, service is usually so bad at Alfredo's that we don't eat there any more (No great loss, we didn't like the food anyway. DW's whole family is Italian, so we're spoiled by the real thing.) I've also heard complaints about Spoodles, but I've heard the same complaints (snooty) both with DDP and without.

Our experience has always been that the servers go out of their way to ensure that we understand DDP and make the most out of it. So, if anything, we seem to get a little better service with DDP.

The situation might be a little different during Free Dining promotions. I know the restaurants are just overrun during Free Dining, and that's tough on the servers no matter how you're paying for the meals. We don't go during free dining, so I am just reporting what I've read here.

 

[SuperLlama!]

We had good experiences using the Disney Dining Plan. When we have the DDP, I like to tell them upfront so there is no confusion later on. Usually, the cm reviews what we are entitled to with it, which is nice incase one forgets

We also in the past used the DDE card for 20% off at Flame Tree as well as the POR food court when we had APs and no problem with staff either.

I have paid out out of pocket too, and no problems.

I wouldn't think that the CMs would care how guests pay, as long as they are paying. There is no real drawback to someone using DDP for the CMs (is there?) so I don't see why they would give those using it better or worse service.

 

[jillyjoey]

We had a great experience on the DDP and great service -- especially at Ohanas -- our server went way beyond and we tipped way beyond for his wonderful service. Everyone asked if we were on the DDP. The only time I felt we were snubbed was at Marrakesh. Two members of our party were not on the DDP -- they seemed to be treated better -- our meals were not prepared correctly, our drinks were never brought (we had to ask several times) while theirs were brought and we were at the same table ?? I don't know if it was b/c we were on the plan or not. We had eaten there a previous trip and loved it. Unfortunate for me (I love the food), DH said never more. Oh well can't win them all -- I have two new favorites Ohana and Teppanyaki.

 

[MSSANDRA]

We just returned from a week on the DDP and could not have had better service anywhere we ate. Everyone went out of thier way to make sure we have everything we need and wanted. Suggestions were made and attention was top notch. Every single place we went asked up front if we were on the DDP.

 

[Katiebell]

This will be our first trip, and we bought the DDP because we like to have one nice sit down meal each day of our vacation, and we like to try a lot of fun and different restaurants...

So I don't have experience using the plan yet, but I would think the servers would actually be very happy you are on DDP -- because you will likely order more food than if you were paying OOP, you very well may order more expensive food than if you were paying OOP, and they are guaranteed a minimum 18% tip on all of it -- even extra, if they give good service. If I was a server in a Disney restaurant, I would be delighted if my customer was on DDP!

 

[kribit]

No difference here.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

Never felt snubbed because of DDP - have had mostly good service both on plan and when paying OOP.

I did find that servers were more likely to suggest dishes when we were on the DDP.

 

[ReneeA]

We have used DDP twice. The worst service we've had was when we were paying OOP.

Ditto. We've always had fabulous service on the DDP. I wouldn't go to WDW without it.

ETA: We've always told the server up front so they wouldn't have to ring the order twice. They have normally given us suggestions on how to "get the most" out of the plan.

 

[fkwok]

Thanks everyone for their insight! It just confirmed what I thought.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Yep, just have to add we have done the DDP only once out of 8 trips and noticed nothing but great service just like we have always had. And like another poster, the servers always seemed very willing to help us maximize our credits, work with my adult paying 10 year old daughter to find her something she would like. I was wary but was pleasantly surprised. And turned into a DDP convert!

 

[goodferry]

The only time we have had a snooty cm when on the dining plan was at the Flying Fish, other than that we found the service just as wonderful as always.

 

[disprincess2002]

When my sister and I ate at alfredos on the dining plan our server was very perky and informative. Then we said we wanted to share(no children in the party mind you).He actually huffed and was completly unattentive and robotic.BTY, we WOULD have tipped more had his service not been so rude.
We were actually embaressed.
Anyway, all other service was great.We shared at the others as well.
Overall we will never go without the plan just be more careful about where we share

 

[Goofy4Disney!]

The only problem we had on the DDP was at Coral Reef. When we walked in and sat down the waiter was very nice, he saw we were trying to take a picture of ourselves and offered to take our picture, was very talkative, told a few jokes, etc. Then he asked if we were on the dining plan (I think most ask that up front, not sure) and his attitude changed immensely. He brought us our food. Didn't even talk to us when he did. Plopped it down in front of us. Didn't ask if we needed anything, never asked if I wanted another drink etc. He brought us our check when we weren't even done yet. Never once asking if we needed anything else. He treated us like we were a bother to him. Needless to say he didn't get any additional tip, and we will never eat there again. (not that I cared for it anyway...except for the dessert)

Other than that we were treated great. No difference that I could see. I plan on doing the Dining Plan again when we go in August. (crossing my fingers for free dining this time, I can't believe how stupid I was to not have booked my trip for August when I was there in December...I'd be guaranteed free dining..) Oh well...let's hope..

 

[Katiebell]

The only problem we had on the DDP was at Coral Reef. When we walked in and sat down the waiter was very nice, he saw we were trying to take a picture of ourselves and offered to take our picture, was very talkative, told a few jokes, etc. Then he asked if we were on the dining plan (I think most ask that up front, not sure) and his attitude changed immensely. He brought us our food. Didn't even talk to us when he did. Plopped it down in front of us. Didn't ask if we needed anything, never asked if I wanted another drink etc. He brought us our check when we weren't even done yet. Never once asking if we needed anything else. He treated us like we were a bother to him. Needless to say he didn't get any additional tip, and we will never eat there again. (not that I cared for it anyway...except for the dessert)

This seems so weird! How awful that you were treated that way

First of all, why would any server care if you are on the Dining Plan? How could it possibly affect them negatively in any way at all? Am I missing something?

As I wrote in my previous post, servers should be GLAD a customer is on the DDP because:

~The customer will likely order more food than if they weren't on the plan (appetizer, entree, dessert, AND beverage for every single person over 10 at that table -- I can't imagine that most families not on the plan typically order that much food).

~The customer will often order more expensive items than if they weren't on the plan because they feel like they've already paid and they should get their money's worth...and they aren't worried about the OOP cost.

~The server is guaranteed an 18% tip -- which is pretty darn good -- and if they go out of their way to offer exceptional service, they could very well get a little extra, too.

So, from a server's perspective: more food + more expensive items + guaranteed 18% + even more tip if they are extra nice...what's not to love?

 

[3daughters]

We had DDP and had outstanding service every time. No complaints here!!! In fact some of the best service we've ever had ever in a dining experience and we've eaten in some of the most expensive rests. in NY City that are known for outstanding service. Disney matched their service hands down.