Tax and gratuity on character meals

[Missyk1124]

We have 2 adults and one child and are planning a character meal at both The Plaza Inn (Minnie's) and Ariel's Grotto. I'm trying to decide if it's worth it to buy the Character dining vouchers before we go. We are going "off-season" and they told me the in the park cost for Minnie's is $24/adult and $12/child and for Ariel's Grotto it's $34/adult and $20/child. I know if we pay in the park we will also be charged tax and gratuity. Does anyone know what the tax rate is and if they automatically charge the gratuity what the percentage they add is?

 

[Malcon10t]

We have 2 adults and one child and are planning a character meal at both The Plaza Inn (Minnie's) and Ariel's Grotto. I'm trying to decide if it's worth it to buy the Character dining vouchers before we go. We are going "off-season" and they told me the in the park cost for Minnie's is $24/adult and $12/child and for Ariel's Grotto it's $34/adult and $20/child. I know if we pay in the park we will also be charged tax and gratuity. Does anyone know what the tax rate is and if they automatically charge the gratuity what the percentage they add is?

Tax and tip will be added at Ariel's. Tax is approx 8%, adn they will add 18% tip. So the adult meal will be roughly $42, adn kids are about $25.

Minnie's only adds tax.

 

[Girimama33]

Tax rate is 7.75%
I forget which ones include the tip and which ones do not. Always check the receipt...It will tell you if tip is included.
As far as the vouchers go, I think the Minnie's breakfast you may lose a few bucks...or tip the servers more...however you want to look at it.
$23.99+$1.86 (tax) = $25.85. Since the voucher is $33, you are essentially tipping them $7.00 for buffet service.

The voucher for Ariel's would be worth it as long as it is not breakfast.
$33.99+$263 (tax) = $36.62 Since the vouchers are $40, you are kind of saving here depending on your typical tipping habit ( I usually tip 20%).

 

[ValpoCory]

Tax rate is 7.75%
I forget which ones include the tip and which ones do not. ...

The voucher for Ariel's would be worth it as long as it is not breakfast.
$33.99+$263 (tax) = $36.62 Since the vouchers are $40, you are kind of saving here depending on your typical tipping habit ( I usually tip 20%).

Ariel's forces you to tip 18%, so yes, the voucher's look to be a good deal there for lunch and dinner. Goofy's dinner is the same way, I believe.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

vouchers good for prem meals but not so good for minnies in off season

 

[Babybears]

When I figured this out last year, Ariels and Goofy's in particular charged a 15% gratuity and added that in to the total and THEN taxed that amount (7.75%) I couldn't figure out why it wasn't adding up, but when I figured out that they tax the gratuity also, it all added up.

Bottom line, the vouchers definitely don't save you any money at Minnie's, as they only charge tax (no automatic gratuity). All others, just take the amount they charge per meal, figure the 15% gratuity, and then add those together and then use that number to figure the tax (7.75%) and you can see for sure if the vouchers are to your advantage or not.

 

[Pesky]

Wouldn't have even thought to look at vouchers and we're definitely hitting Ariel's too so thanks for the idea!

 

[Girimama33]

vouchers good for prem meals but not so good for minnies in off season

This is only partially true Jade. Premium vouchers are only worthwhile if you are having lunch or dinner. You lose money for breakfast.

 

[Missyk1124]

Thank you all so much for responding! That is very helpful information. It looks like it might save us $10-20 at Ariel's but isn't a good deal at Minnie's.