Strange Questions (maybe even rude)

[phlufster]

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?

I think the reason some people are weary about service with DDP is that it is an 18% gratuity no matter what. So even if the service is bad, the server is still going to get their tip.

If it was me and I felt that the service was lacking that much, I would turn the tables and pay OOP and save that extra credit to do a signature restaurant. That way you can let the server know that you realized their service was lacking due to the "automatic" tip and you hit 'em where it hurts. ($$$$)

 

[Goofy4Disney!]

I think the reason some people are weary about service with DDP is that it is an 18% gratuity no matter what. So even if the service is bad, the server is still going to get their tip.

If it was me and I felt that the service was lacking that much, I would turn the tables and pay OOP and save that extra credit to do a signature restaurant. That way you can let the server know that you realized their service was lacking due to the "automatic" tip and you hit 'em where it hurts. ($$$$)

And that was also the only time we were asked for our DDP cards ahead of time. He said he wanted to make sure the credits were on there. Odd huh? I don't remember any other restaurant we went to asking for our cards up front. Either way, I'm never going back to the Coral Reef. Other than that I LOVE the dining plan. It takes the worry out of so much. We made all our ADR's way ahead of time, and had some absolutely great experiences. Spirit of Aloha was wonderful!

 

[phlufster]

And that was also the only time we were asked for our DDP cards ahead of time. He said he wanted to make sure the credits were on there. Odd huh? I don't remember any other restaurant we went to asking for our cards up front.

This is actually a new policy that Disney is starting. The greeters will be asking if you have DDP and then the servers will also be asking to confirm. Servers are supposed to be looking at the cards before the meal now to confirm the number of adults and children. This helps to avoid any confusion later since you cannot use more credits than what is listed on your card. Ex. two couples come in and only one couple is on DDP, but wants to pay for everyone using their credits. Due to the new system this is not something that you can do anymore, so servers need to catch that before it happens.

 

[Goofy4Disney!]

One thing that I found irritating was, it was me and my 4 kids, and we needed two rooms. Because of that they gave us two different dining plan accounts. It got very confusing trying to figure out how many credits we had on each one all the time. Wish they could change that.

 

[jodifla]

We noticed service OVERALL was pretty slow at WDW dining last week. They didn't seem to have enough servers at any restaurant, and many of them were shockingly new, even at the signature restaurants, where CMs used to compete to end up after YEARS of service at other WDW restaurants.

Wouldn't be suprised if the DDP and the poor menu changes are driving the veteran, good servers away.

 

[MomofCKJ]

We were on the DDP in December and had no issues with rude service at all when we said were on DDP. We paid one meal OOP and that service was no worse nor better than the ones we used credits on. We were pleased with the service all week.

Allyson

 

[MSSANDRA]

WE were there last week and only once did they ask to see our card upfront. I had no problem with that but the waitress wanted to keep the card the entire meal. I said ok but it was our last night and we were not going back into the parks and there was nothing but a few snacks left on it anyway. I would have had a problem with leaving my card for an hour or two with my park passes, charging rights and meals on it. We really guard our cards. Anyone else have this happen.

The only real difference I have noticed with the dinning plan is an increase of very small children in some of the nicer resturants. Now please understand that I have NO problem with small children in any of the WDW resturants and we have taken our DS to anyplace we eat since he was a baby. We did notice however a higher than adverage number of toddlers having full tatrums in these resturants and not being removed. It seems that ADRs are harder to come by with the DDP and often the only ADR's parents can get are quite late and the children are understandingly exausted and unable to cope any longer. We did encounter a lot of truly delightful children in some nice places that were so enjoying the wonderful experence of a fine meal. We aslo encountered a lot of large family groups that were spilt at two table and they had put all the children at one table and the adults at another. More than once we saw these unsupervised children (parents at the next table but paying little attention) throwing food, spitting drinks etc. I am sure this happens all the time but we just saw more of it this trip.

Service however overall for us was some the best we have ever gotten anywhere!!!!!!1

MsSandra

 

[pearlieq]

Just back from a DDP trip. It's been a year since we've been there and I couldn't say whether the change was due to our using DDP or something else that may have changed in the past year, but we did notice a change in service.

Service was by no means rude, but it was rushed and inattentive. We often went quite a while between drink refills and didn't see our server for long stretches.

I would have written it off if it had just been once, but it happened at every single TS meal we had, in parks or at resorts.

It didn't ruin anything, but it definitely wasn't as good as before.

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

We have not seen a difference at all. And in many cases, our server hasn't even asked us ahead of time. Maybe they already know from when we made the ADR though.

 

[3daughters]

As I mentioned on another post when we first returned we had nothing but excellent service and meals on the DDP. Not one complaint. We were there the 19-25 of January. Had TS's at Chef Mickey, Concorse Steak House, Coral Reef, Mama Melrose & Crystal Palace. Unlike the previous posters we had our drinks refilled the second our glasses had about 2 inches left. I actually had to tell them to stop before we floated away! We were never rushed either.

The only time they did not ask up front if we were on the DDP was at Concorse. We told our server we were and he made suggestions on what was good, didn't give us a hard time when we asked for sauces on the side, substitutions, etc., even had him bring ice for my daughter who hurt her foot. Our server was Jorge, he was top notch.

In all the places we went we were never rushed, never treated poorly and had excellent food. Zero complaints. I think like any restaurants it is luck of the draw on your server. I've been to some fine dining and gotten terrible waitstaff and food. It happens. I can't however say anything negative of the dining plan and never had anyone ask us for our cards until it was time to "pay."

I don't believe the DDP has had/has a negative impact I think it is just plain old life and luck of the draw. We were very fortunate and received excellence at WDW in all we experienced. It was a trip of a lifetime. Although we stayed at POP we were treated like royalty everywhere we went.

 

[captinhookedondisney]

My servers bent some of the rules of the DP. They were so nice best dinning experience every at disney

I love the Dinning Plan And hope they keep it forever

 

[fkwok]

Hmmm. I think the majorityof people had great experiences with their servers and some had sporadic service issues while one person had an awful experience.

I know the 18% is automatic, but if the service is truly awful, can you ask the tip to be lowered? Or if you already told your server you were on the DPP and decided at the end to pay cash/credit, can you do that to tip accordingly?

I guess if service is that bad, then speaking to the manager is the best course of action.

I am not asking for instant re-fills or white glove service, but I should have to send a serach party out to look for my server just for another drink.

I am just afraid that service will suffer as DPP becomes the norm. I have seen it on cruise ships where tips are automatically deducted from your cabin account on a daily basis versus the old cash tip at the end of the cruise method.

I hope that the Disney folks realize that this may happen and train their staff accordingly.

 

[DVC Sadie]

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?

YES! For us, we have seen a big difference in service between paying in cash vs DDP. Not only has the service slipped but also the quality of the menu's.

 

[k5thbeatle]

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? ...

Tip is included, correct? Yes it is 18%. What is your incentive as a wait staff to go the extra mile knowing good or bad you are getting that 18%? By far the vast majority do NOT tip more even for very good service. In fact the mentality of most on these plans is "they're getting their 18%, that's good enough."
Same with the quality of food. Anyone who has been going knows that the quality is in decline and has been for some time now.
(Please don't cite examples of how you or your friend that you know always tip more...I know some do this but by far the minority)

 

[Katiebell]

(Please don't cite examples of how you or your friend that you know always tip more...I know some do this but by far the minority)

OK, I won't cite examples.

This is my line of reasoning: a server should be happy to find out the customers are on the DDP because they know they will be guaranteed a good tip. Without the Dining Plan, it's a total gamble -- they could go out of their way and be absolutely stellar, friendly, efficient, attentive without being obtrusive -- and that family could smile and wave and walk out the door leaving a ridiculously low tip, or even no tip at all. I don't know what servers make at WDW, but the minimum wage for servers in Florida is 3.65 an hour. Those folks rely on tips as a major part of their wages.

So I was only wondering why, if a server found out someone was on the plan, they would suddenly treat that customer badly. I asked if there was maybe some drawback for the server if the customer is on the plan, and there doesn't seem to be one. More food, more expensive food, and a guaranteed decent tip on that higher bill -- doesn't seem like there would be any reason for the server to be upset. I didn't say it doesn't happen; I just said I thought it was weird, since it seems to benefit them.

 

[k5thbeatle]

OK, I won't cite examples.

This is my line of reasoning: a server should be happy to find out the customers are on the DDP because they know they will be guaranteed a good tip. Without the Dining Plan, it's a total gamble -- they could go out of their way and be absolutely stellar, friendly, efficient, attentive without being obtrusive -- and that family could smile and wave and walk out the door leaving a ridiculously low tip, or even no tip at all. I don't know what servers make at WDW, but the minimum wage for servers in Florida is 3.65 an hour. Those folks rely on tips as a major part of their wages.

So I was only wondering why, if a server found out someone was on the plan, they would suddenly treat that customer badly. I asked if there was maybe some drawback for the server if the customer is on the plan, and there doesn't seem to be one. More food, more expensive food, and a guaranteed decent tip on that higher bill -- doesn't seem like there would be any reason for the server to be upset. I didn't say it doesn't happen; I just said I thought it was weird, since it seems to benefit them.

Good point.

 

[fkwok]

OK, I won't cite examples.

This is my line of reasoning: a server should be happy to find out the customers are on the DDP because they know they will be guaranteed a good tip. Without the Dining Plan, it's a total gamble -- they could go out of their way and be absolutely stellar, friendly, efficient, attentive without being obtrusive -- and that family could smile and wave and walk out the door leaving a ridiculously low tip, or even no tip at all. I don't know what servers make at WDW, but the minimum wage for servers in Florida is 3.65 an hour. Those folks rely on tips as a major part of their wages.

So I was only wondering why, if a server found out someone was on the plan, they would suddenly treat that customer badly. I asked if there was maybe some drawback for the server if the customer is on the plan, and there doesn't seem to be one. More food, more expensive food, and a guaranteed decent tip on that higher bill -- doesn't seem like there would be any reason for the server to be upset. I didn't say it doesn't happen; I just said I thought it was weird, since it seems to benefit them.

Yes, I would agree with you that you should not see a drop off in service or recieve surly staff b/c the automatic tip is generally more than what they would have gotten from a cash paying guest.

But, wouldn't they lose any incentive to work for that extra tip? They know they are gonna get 18% no matter what you order and how hard (or not) they serve you. Yes, some may help you order more $$$ expensive dishes to get a bigger tip, but is that help you or them really?

What if I do not want a more expensive entree? Will the server give me less service b/c his tip will be less?

Disney must be losing money if all the servers are encouraging people to order expensive dishes and then getting the 18% tip. The cost I pay per day is gotta be less than what I would pay out of pocket.

We paid over $100 for a dinner for 3 at Cap'n'Jacks when we went in 1/05. When we go this later this year, we will pay $110 per day for all three of us to be on the plan. Add the 18% tip and the CS meal, WDW is gotta be losing money on this.

Based on your family's eating habits, how can WDW make money on this?

I think its a great plan if we all eat a CS for lunch and a TS each night. We would get more than our money's worth. But is WDW gonna pass on the cost elsewhere? Is food quality and/or service gonna suffer?

I think the automatic tip is a blessing and a curse. IMHO.

 

[fkwok]

Good point.

Yes, but remember we are talking about about human nature after all.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

Disney must be losing money if all the servers are encouraging people to order expensive dishes and then getting the 18% tip. The cost I pay per day is gotta be less than what I would pay out of pocket.

We paid over $100 for a dinner for 3 at Cap'n'Jacks when we went in 1/05. When we go this later this year, we will pay $110 per day for all three of us to be on the plan. Add the 18% tip and the CS meal, WDW is gotta be losing money on this.

Based on your family's eating habits, how can WDW make money on this?

Disney makes money in several ways - by you purchasing the DDP you have basically given disney your entire food budget for your length of stay - you are also staying on property so disney is getting your entire accomadation budget as well. There is also some "non-usage" built into the plan - not everyone is going to use every credit they are entitled to or they might not use them in what we (on the DIS boards) would consider a wise use.

Disney employees people to worry about profitability - if you aren't receiving a pay cheque from them, I wouldn't concern yourself if disney is losing money on the dining plan.

 

[Katiebell]

But, wouldn't they lose any incentive to work for that extra tip? They know they are gonna get 18% no matter what you order and how hard (or not) they serve you. Yes, some may help you order more $$$ expensive dishes to get a bigger tip, but is that help you or them really?

I haven't waited tables in a restaurant, but I've worked in the service industry for years. If I was waiting on a table for a family on the DDP, I would know that I was already getting that 18% tip. But I would also know that if I gave exceptional service, there is always the possibility of an additional tip -- certainly not guaranteed, but possible; definitely worth trying. Waiting tables is a tough, often thankless, job, but it's not that hard to smile and be pleasant, and try to make sure everyone's glasses are kept full. If a server can't do that, then maybe they are in the wrong line of work.

Disney makes money in several ways - by you purchasing the DDP you have basically given disney your entire food budget for your length of stay - you are also staying on property so disney is getting your entire accomadation budget as well.

Absolutely. Disney is also training repeat guests that dining at WDW isn't just popcorn and CS; there are a lot of wonderful restaurants to try -- and that's what you should expect on a Disney vacation, even if you pay OOP in the future. And when you figure in the convenience of the free ME, which discourages guests from renting their own cars and leaving the property...guests stay at WDW and eat and drink and shop and go to shows. Disney marketers know what they are doing.

There is also some "non-usage" built into the plan - not everyone is going to use every credit they are entitled to or they might not use them in what we (on the DIS boards) would consider a wise use.

Again, very true. I was surprised that CM's were included in the DDP for only 1 TS credit each -- until I did the math and found out that a typical character breakfast for 2 adults w/tax and 18% tip has a value of $47.73. A full dinner at Rose and Crown with appetizers, entrees, desserts, and beverages for 2 adults came to more like $92.29 (and I wasn't counting the most expensive items on the menu). I have ADR's for two character breakfasts but I'm going to pay OOP for the second one and use the 2 TS credits for R&C instead.