Tell your server before or after

[wilma-bride]

After reading a few comments about people thinking they may suffer service-wise because of the DDP, I am interested as to whether people declare they are on the DDP before or after the meal. Is there any advantage/disadvantage to waiting until you are finished to tell your server you are on the dining plan? Does anyone else wait until the end of the meal - and, more importantly, has anyone noticed they get better service if they do this?

 

[JimMIA]

The disadvantage of waiting is that you are probably going to force the server to re-do your bill into several bills (Adult, kid, non-DDP items). That's unfair to the server because it's extra work for them and reduces their service level for other guests. It will also prolong your wait for the check. If you do that, you might want to tip an extra 10%.

As far as the occasional comments about substandard service being blamed on DDP, we've eaten about 75 meals on DDP and never experienced that. If you read the DIS closely, you'll find that some folks just manage to have a crappy time whereever they go or whatever they do.

 

[disneynutt1225]

I've been telling them prior to ordering because the last time we went, DH and I were on the plan but FIL was not. I think they appreciated knowing ahead of time that they had to do two checks - and we never suffered service wise because of it.

 

[tndisneyfan]

The first time we used the DDP we tried to tell them up front but sometimes we forgot. The last time all the places we ate asked us if we were on DDP when they came to take our order. I don't think the service will be bad just because you're on the plan. Some of the worst service we've had was when we were paying OOP.

 

[kaybird]

I have said it for years, we have NEVER EVER had bad service while on the Dining Plan. We tell them first, then they can tell us if there is anything not on the plan, or conversely, that they allow that we might not think of. When guests look at the CM's as friends, instead of the DDP as being some secret think you will find that pretty much everyone is very helpful. We often have poor service at the local Applebee's, and don't think we can blame it on the DDP!

 

[blanq]

At virtually every TS restaurant we went to in January, the first question our server asked us was "Are you on the Disney Dining Plan?" I think they like to know this up front, so they can guide you around the menu to let you know what is included and what isn't. BTW, we received excellent service while on the DDP.

 

[Tam1067]

We were asked most of the time. I also told servers other times just to make sure we didn't mess up ordering. We had good service everywhere.

 

[wilma-bride]

Thanks for the clarification - we haven't eaten at too many places on-site before but have always received good service when we have. I just didn't want our first full-on on-site dining experience to be marred at all. It sounds like I am worrying unnecessarily - so I will stop

 

[wilde_oscar]

I have said it for years, we have NEVER EVER had bad service while on the Dining Plan. We tell them first, then they can tell us if there is anything not on the plan, or conversely, that they allow that we might not think of. When guests look at the CM's as friends, instead of the DDP as being some secret think you will find that pretty much everyone is very helpful. We often have poor service at the local Applebee's, and don't think we can blame it on the DDP!

So glad you have never gotten bad service NEVER EVER on the dinning plan. Others have. I have. Most times ya get great help, most times ya get great service, but what happens if ya don't?

I advocate, try not telling them vs. telling them you are DDP. See if there is a difference in service when the 18% is not guarantee. Further, if you get bad service, have the 18% removed.

So sorry to hear you received bad service at Applebee's... did you leave a tip? Did you contact a manager? Did that manager force you to leave an 18% tip to someone that gave you bad service? Was the service bad or was the kitchen bad. We have gotten great service, but lousy food. What do you do then? Thank goodness you life is so rosé that you NEVER EVER have had bad service at WDW on DDP. Consider the converse, what would you do if you did? I'll be thrilled to hear how you handled the tip at Applebee's and the specifics of the situation?

 

[Lewisc]

I never got bad service on the dining plan. I suspect many of the "bad service" posts were regarding servers that were having a bad day. I suspect the cash customers may have also gotten bad service from that server at that time.

Generally the servers asks if you're on the plan. That way they can explain what's included. It also avoids the server having to go back and re-do the check. I certainly wouldn't lie if asked and I think I'd volunteer I'm on the plan if the server doesn't ask.

So glad you have never gotten bad service NEVER EVER on the dinning plan. Others have. I have. Most times ya get great help, most times ya get great service, but what happens if ya don't?

I advocate, try not telling them vs. telling them you are DDP. See if there is a difference in service when the 18% is not guarantee. Further, if you get bad service, have the 18% removed.

So sorry to hear you received bad service at Applebee's... did you leave a tip? Did you contact a manager? Did that manager force you to leave an 18% tip to someone that gave you bad service? Was the service bad or was the kitchen bad. We have gotten great service, but lousy food. What do you do then? Thank goodness you life is so rosé that you NEVER EVER have had bad service at WDW on DDP. Consider the converse, what would you do if you did? I'll be thrilled to hear how you handled the tip at Applebee's and the specifics of the situation?

 

[wilde_oscar]

I never got bad service on the dining plan. I suspect many of the "bad service" posts were regarding servers that were having a bad day. I suspect the cash customers may have also gotten bad service from that server at that time.

Generally the servers asks if you're on the plan. That way they can explain what's included. It also avoids the server having to go back and re-do the check. I certainly wouldn't lie if asked and I think I'd volunteer I'm on the plan if the server doesn't ask.

Server having a bad day... ok, I can buy that at an Applebee’s or someplace local. But a resort entertainment complex... nope, should not be tolerated. For many, WDW is a once in a life time trip. ya save for years, ya get to WDW and the server is having a bad day? yeah, could happen, could be the reason... but every performance should be as if it is the last time they will ever get to see you, cause it may be the last time they ever get to see you. If you went to see Lion King on Broadway, and the performers were just going though the motions, would ya think ya got your monies worth... maybe they are having a bad day? At a resort you get once chance to impress the guest, ya better leave a good impression, as repeat business is based on consistent excellence in customer service. There is no room for a bad day, if you are having a bad day, go home. And to top it off you have to tip that bad service. Unacceptable.

 

[Praying Colonel]

When we were there last August, all of our servers asked if we were on the DDP before they took our orders. I guess I could've refused to answer on the grounds it would have incriminated me, but just decided to give them the info, anyway.

We had great service at every TS meal, and at 3 of them we had the best service we've had at any restaurant, anywhere. Everybody will have their own personal experiences, but ours has been that being on the DDP did not affect the quality of our service in any way.

 

[tigerdragon]

We were usually asked if we were on the dining plan when we checked in. If not, we told them. The only time I forgot to mention it was at CP and when I did tell the server he seemed a little agitated by it. Oops.

All the other places were very good about walking us through the menu and telling us what "extras" we could have. For example, at 50's PTC, we were allowed to get shakes or smoothies for our drinks.

There were a couple places that could have had better service, but I don't know if that had anything to do with the dining plan. At most places, though, the service was excellent.

 

[kelleigh1]

Wow!

 

[wilma-bride]

Wow!

I'm confused, was that aimed at me

 

[Hannathy]

Everywhere we went they asked before taking the order. Are you advocating lying? You have to be kidding me to put servers in the same category as a broadway trained artist! Talk about comparing apples to oranges. Last I checked they were turning away actors by the thousands and begging for servers so just where do you plan on them getting these superb servers? And do you wish to pay twice the amount food is now to pay for them- I don't because we found the service to be fine. We had one dud of a server but if I went out in the rest of the world and ate out for 2 weeks I'm sure I would run into one there to. Knowing we were on the ddp was usually helpful because as others said they would point out ways to get the most for our credits, including the nice server who when my DS wasn't feeling well and we planned on paying OOP for his milkshake since he wasn't eating a meal showed us how to fit it into what everyone else was ordering and not have to use a credit or pay. That night we gave her more than the 18%

Think what you want - you will anyway- but with the hundreds of thousands on the DDP if the service was noticeably different don't you think many, many more people would have brought it to Disney's attention by now.

 

[wilma-bride]

I must admit, wildeoscar, to wondering if you've ever eaten in the UK - then you would certainly know what bad service is all about

Thanks to each and every one of you who have answered my original question. I really wasn't trying to start an argument, just interested to know. I have got my answer now - and I will be quite happy to say that I am on the Dining Plan when seated and expect the great service that I know Disney is capable of

 

[wilde_oscar]

Everywhere we went they asked before taking the order. Are you advocating lying? You have to be kidding me to put servers in the same category as a broadway trained artist! Talk about comparing apples to oranges. Last I checked they were turning away actors by the thousands and begging for servers so just where do you plan on them getting these superb servers? And do you wish to pay twice the amount food is now to pay for them- I don't because we found the service to be fine. We had one dud of a server but if I went out in the rest of the world and ate out for 2 weeks I'm sure I would run into one there to. Knowing we were on the ddp was usually helpful because as others said they would point out ways to get the most for our credits, including the nice server who when my DS wasn't feeling well and we planned on paying OOP for his milkshake since he wasn't eating a meal showed us how to fit it into what everyone else was ordering and not have to use a credit or pay. That night we gave her more than the 18%

Think what you want - you will anyway- but with the hundreds of thousands on the DDP if the service was noticeably different don't you think many, many more people would have brought it to Disney's attention by now.

READ THE WORDS... and do not hear what you think they say, but what they actually say. There is an underlying point that you are missing in its entirety. Not all service at WDW is bad... but I have had bad service at WDW. I have good reason to believe that it was due to being on DDP and the server already knowing they will get their 18% regardless.

Advocating lying, are you kidding me with that crack pot comment? How about this, I’ll shoot your meal at you with a sling shot from the kitchen, and then force you to pay me extra for the privilege? Does that sound like something you might be interested in?

So once again, try telling them you are DDP and try not telling them you are DDP Did I say lie… nope, I am making a point using hyperbole as an example. Heck, try paying OOP... you will see there is a difference in service when they know they have to work for the tip. When we paid OOP we received much better service then when on DDP.

I put servers in the category of folks that do a thankless job that you reward for good service with a tip. If they do not provide good service I do not want to be forced to tip them 18% when they did not EARN it.

I have traveled throughout Europe, most Americans go toward the end of summer when Europe is on vacation and get lousy service and think that is how things are done. Go in the off season. Where do you get good servers from? Well to start with you do not reward bad service, you reward good service... ask your local economist, you get more of that which you subsidize.

UG... the bounds to which people will defend bad service astounds me. The comparison between actors and servers was in the experience of the performance/service. So give it another try there bub... besides NY and LA restaurants are full of unemployed actors... and I tell them all the same thing, act like an excellent server, you'll get more work as an actor if you can master that detail.

And I get the feeling someone has brought it to someone's attention, as the rumor is the tip is being removed from DDP next season. Yeah it will save Disney money, but it also puts reward for good service back into the hands of those that are footing the bill... The Guest/Customer.

 

[Nancyg56]

UG... the bounds to which people will defend bad service astounds me. The comparison between actors and servers was in the experience of the performance/service. So give it another try there bub... besides NY and LA restaurants are full of unemployed actors... and I tell them all the same thing, act like an excellent server, you'll get more work as an actor if you can master that detail.

And I get the feeling someone has brought it to someone's attention, as the rumor is the tip is being removed from DDP next season. Yeah it will save Disney money, but it also puts reward for good service back into the hands of those that are footing the bill... The Guest/Customer.

I did not see any defending bad service. One person explained why someone may have had a server that was not doing his job. Not excusing, simply explaining. Any time service is bad one only needs to bring that to the managers attention. My family was separated and had two different servers. Ours was stellar, theirs was not. I discussed her with the manager. I don't know, nor do I care if she got the tip that is on the plan, she did not get any extra for the extras we ordered, it was removed. I do know that the restaurant was one of the more expensive ones and that the tips are lucrative. I'm sure that the manager will not want a pattern of complaints.

I understand that you really do not feel that servers are professional enough to provide good service if they are guaranteed a gratuity. I do not feel the same way. I expect good service and normally receive it. I act on it when I do not. There is an incentive though other than professionalism. Too many complaints and there are other professional ready to take your place.That is the reality in resort restaurants like Disney. My DS was a server in a resort where the tip was automatically added onto the bill. He knew that if he could not afford to have complaints about his service.

I respect your opinion regarding the gratuity, but I really do not agree with it.

 

[just another guy]

The disadvantage of waiting is that you are probably going to force the server to re-do your bill into several bills (Adult, kid, non-DDP items). That's unfair to the server because it's extra work for them and reduces their service level for other guests. It will also prolong your wait for the check. If you do that, you might want to tip an extra 10%.

As far as the occasional comments about substandard service being blamed on DDP, we've eaten about 75 meals on DDP and never experienced that. If you read the DIS closely, you'll find that some folks just manage to have a crappy time whereever they go or whatever they do.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!