The Disney Tipping Info Thread *Updated 9.1.09*

[Callalily6]

OK. One more question. Last time I was there they had a mandatory gratuity, if I recall correctly. It was added at checkout. Does the PM still do that? Is it included in the DDP? I thought they were calling it something else, not a tip. Like a service fee or something? Thanks!

 

[just another guy]

While on DDP, do most people tip with cash or use CC?

a VERY large majority charge it back to the room. Its the easiest way for both the server and the guest. Its the quickest as well.

 

[Buzz2001]

OK. One more question. Last time I was there they had a mandatory gratuity, if I recall correctly. It was added at checkout. Does the PM still do that? Is it included in the DDP? I thought they were calling it something else, not a tip. Like a service fee or something? Thanks!

THe PM does charge a 10% gratuity and it is included at the PM because it is considered a counter service location.

 

[maggs]

THe PM does charge a 10% gratuity and it is included at the PM because it is considered a counter service location.

Im sorry Buzz, but that is not the case. I had been staying at CSR in August and one evening when the server brought us to the table he informed us that the tip was not included on the DP. I insisted it was and again he said that this was not the case. I was pretty upset as I had been there for two days and had tipped nothing. I asked if I could speak with the manager. Fifteen minutes later he came along and spoke with me. He told me that in 2007 the tip was included but not this year. In 2008 the tip was NOT included. He was emphatic about this and told me that yes, it was a problem. Lots of ddp'ers were not tipping because they didnt know it wasnt included and the servers were missing out. We spoke at length for about ten minutes and I told him I would put the word out on the forums I was on. He told me that would be very useful as it had become a problem. Now, after having checked with the server, and the manager I also took it upon myself to talk to an appropriate member of staff at check in and yet again, I was told very firmly but politely that the tip was not included this year. So there you have it - a server who has been there a long time, the Pepper Market manager and a member of staff at check in all informed me it wasnt included.

Maggs

 

[justplaingoofy]

hmmm... they told us in January & September the service fee was included in the ddp.

 

[PaulaSB12]

Im sorry Buzz, but that is not the case. I had been staying at CSR in August and one evening when the server brought us to the table he informed us that the tip was not included on the DP. I insisted it was and again he said that this was not the case. I was pretty upset as I had been there for two days and had tipped nothing. I asked if I could speak with the manager. Fifteen minutes later he came along and spoke with me. He told me that in 2007 the tip was included but not this year. In 2008 the tip was NOT included. He was emphatic about this and told me that yes, it was a problem. Lots of ddp'ers were not tipping because they didnt know it wasnt included and the servers were missing out. We spoke at length for about ten minutes and I told him I would put the word out on the forums I was on. He told me that would be very useful as it had become a problem. Now, after having checked with the server, and the manager I also took it upon myself to talk to an appropriate member of staff at check in and yet again, I was told very firmly but politely that the tip was not included this year. So there you have it - a server who has been there a long time, the Pepper Market manager and a member of staff at check in all informed me it wasnt included.

Maggs

I was atCSR in August this year and was told specifically that if on the dining plan tip was not charged. If not on the ddp an automatice 10% would be and was added.

 

[maggs]

hmmm... they told us in January & September the service fee was included in the ddp.

I always got that impression from reading the boards here, but I can tell you that our three conversations lasted almost 30 mins. I was there with my family and they were privy to them all. I was told again and again by the manager (a smart suited man), that the tip was not included. When I asked him why no one in 'forum world' was aware of that and why everyone was under the impression that the tip was included he said (verbatim) 'I dont know why Ma'am, but all I can tell you is that it is not included this year. It was in 2007 and a lot of people are under the misapprehension that it is this year'.
When I asked where I should leave the tip, he said it was best to leave it on the table for the server.
I can tell you I was taken aback by all of this and that is why I asked for the manager in the first place. He did say that he would be raising the issue as a matter of course in a meeting.

Maggs

 

[maggs]

I was atCSR in August this year and was told specifically that if on the dining plan tip was not charged. If not on the ddp an automatice 10% would be and was added.

Again, I point specifically to my conversation with the manager, the server and the member of staff at check in, ALL of whom informed me of the change and ALL of whom insisted it was not included. Can I ask you who told you this as my information came from the manager of the Pepper Market. Now if I thought that he , the server and member of staff at check in were not telling me the truth, I would even at this late stage take it up with Disney. I was on the plan, was not charged but was informed that a tip was expected

Maggs

 

[Lilolvr]

I was at CSR in August this year and was told specifically that if on the dining plan tip was not charged. If not on the DDP an automatic 10% would be and was added.

Correct, if you are on the DDP, the tip is included. You were given bad info maggs

 

[maggs]

Correct, if you are on the DDP, the tip is included.

Again, as was witnessed by all my family, I am telling you that we were informed it was not. I even mentioned, this forum, the restaurant board and the manager said, 'Im sorry but they are misinformed'. I would be very grateful if someone on the plan could ask the manager on their visit to CSR, because he will remember me speaking to him. It was a forthright conversation but the upshot was that the manager was saying that the message hadnt got across to those on the plan. Believe me, I am not imagining the series of conversations.In fact before speaking to the manager I was quite confident the server had got it wrong and would be told he had. I was quite angry about the whole thing because this was CS and I was led to believe tips were included only to be told they werent. Whatever the case, I would rather they had misinformed me. In that way, I could get back to Disney, tell them they are sending out mixed messages and at least get an apology.

Maggs

 

[PaulaSB12]

Again, as was witnessed by all my family, I am telling you that we were informed it was not. I even mentioned, this forum, the restaurant board and the manager said, 'Im sorry but they are misinformed'. I would be very grateful if someone on the plan could ask the manager on their visit to CSR, because he will remember me speaking to him. It was a forthright conversation but the upshot was that the manager was saying that the message hadnt got across to those on the plan. Believe me, I am not imagining the series of conversations.In fact before speaking to the manager I was quite confident the server had got it wrong and would be told he had. I was quite angry about the whole thing because this was CS and I was led to believe tips were included only to be told they werent. Whatever the case, I would rather they had misinformed me. In that way, I could get back to Disney, tell them they are sending out mixed messages and at least get an apology.

Maggs

I had this problem with snacks I was told by checkout and manager that sides at breakfast couldn't be charged as snacks, my sister on the next checkout did just that. I went to conseirge and they confirmed sides could be charged as snacks. Even managers can be wrong.

 

[maggs]

Even managers can be wrong.

Believe me Paula, if he is, Disney will hear from me! lol I have parted with a lot of $$$s over 10 days as extra tips. I am like a bear when I feel I am being wronged and that evening I felt I was. That is why I tackled the issue head on. I had accounted for every penny on my trip and to have to cough up all the extra money that I was supposed to find upset me. However to be told the same thing three times over....
Just a thought....do you think that with the change in the tips situation in TS restaurants, the manager could have misinterpreted the situation as to applying to Pepper Market too? If so, he certainly passed the confusion on to his staff! In any case, I am definitely emailing Disney this evening as I am not one bit happy.

Maggs

 

[justplaingoofy]

Too bad they don't post a sign at the entrance or on the tickets if it is/isn't included....that if you are on the ddp etc...
I'm sure the cm's would appreciate it, and the guests would also like to know.

 

[Callalily6]

The last 2 times I was at WDW it was on the DDP. The 1st year was a mess. No one was really sure what was included and what wasnt. 2nd year was MUCH better but we still had disagreements. As for the tip part - PM is a weird counter service place. The DDP doesnt include tips for 2008 w/ TS, but this is counter service. Which is why Im not sure. Is PM calling it a tip or gratuity. Last time I was there it was called a service somthingorother.

 

[Lilolvr]

He was definitely wrong. They don't charge on the DDP.

 

[maggs]

He was definitely wrong. They don't charge on the DDP.

He's in trouble then! I have been thinking about this for the last couple of hours. Im sure he was called Bryan - pleasant but misinformed by all accounts!

Maggs

 

[TroyE]

Yes, great example.

Thanks for the explanation, I can see now that it just works out the same

 

[ents_2]

I have already purchased the dining plan (basic) and when I booked our restaurants awhile back, they said because there's 8 people, an 18% tip will have to be paid at the time even though we have a dining plan.

First of all - who the heck pays 18% tip!!!!!
Second - at most of the restaurants, we're at 2 tables of 4. So how do they get off charging 18%?

If a typical meal comes to let's say $50 per adult and $30 per child, and you have 4 adults and 4 children although the 11 year old is an adult, so I guess that's 5 adults and 3 children, that's $340 for the meal and therefore that's a $61 tip we have to pay!!!!!

Can we say RIP OFF???????

The prices are ridiculous to begin with but that's just uncalled for!

Have any of you dealt with this? Would they be open to toss the 18% tip when we're not seated at one table? I think there's only 2 restaurants where we're at one table.

Thanks.

 

[Tricia1972]

I have already purchased the dining plan (basic) and when I booked our restaurants awhile back, they said because there's 8 people, an 18% tip will have to be paid at the time even though we have a dining plan.

First of all - who the heck pays 18% tip!!!!!
Second - at most of the restaurants, we're at 2 tables of 4. So how do they get off charging 18%?

If a typical meal comes to let's say $50 per adult and $30 per child, and you have 4 adults and 4 children although the 11 year old is an adult, so I guess that's 5 adults and 3 children, that's $340 for the meal and therefore that's a $61 tip we have to pay!!!!!

Can we say RIP OFF???????

The prices are ridiculous to begin with but that's just uncalled for!

Have any of you dealt with this? Would they be open to toss the 18% tip when we're not seated at one table? I think there's only 2 restaurants where we're at one table.

Thanks.

Tipping when part of a group of 6 or more is not discretionary as of January 1, 2008.

You mentioned that you may be sitting at different tables. This is entirely possible though Disney will do everything they can to seat you together being that you're one group.

How the tables work for a party of 6 or more:

Seated at one table - 18% Gratuity is automatic
Seated at two tables with the same server (generally next to each other) - 18% Gratuity
Seated at two tables in groups of 5 or less with different servers (across the restaurant from each other) - Gratuity is at your discretion.

Unfortunately it is what it is and it's not open for debate (with Disney or even here on the boards) Disney's rule is parties of 6 or more eating on property are subject to a mandatory 18% gratuity.

It makes a difference, but it may help to look at it this way, if you weren't subject to a mandatory percentage in your example:

$341 Bill
$51.15 - 15% Gratuity
$61.38 - 18% Gratuity

The difference is just over $10 or the whole group so it's about $1.25 more per person.

I know it's no fun to have the tip dictaed to you, but hopefully this helps ease the sting a bit.

 

[ents_2]

Tipping when part of a group of 6 or more is not discretionary as of January 1, 2008.

You mentioned that you may be sitting at different tables. This is entirely possible though Disney will do everything they can to seat you together being that you're one group.

How the tables work for a party of 6 or more:

Seated at one table - 18% Gratuity is automatic
Seated at two tables with the same server (generally next to each other) - 18% Gratuity
Seated at two tables in groups of 5 or less with different servers (across the restaurant from each other) - Gratuity is at your discretion.

Unfortunately it is what it is and it's not open for debate (with Disney or even here on the boards) Disney's rule is parties of 6 or more eating on property are subject to a mandatory 18% gratuity.

It makes a difference, but it may help to look at it this way. If you weren't subject to a mandatory percentage in your example:

$341 Bill
$51.15 - 15% Gratuity
$61.38 - 18% Gratuity

The difference is just over $10 or the whole group so it's about $1.25 more per person.

I know it's no fun to have the tip dictaed to you, but hopefully this helps ease the sting a bit.

Thank you much for the info.
I appreciate your time on this.
I understand the whole thing now.
The thing is - there's only 3 people paying the money (the rest are young folk)...so $20 tip per person still sucks.

Yes your info does ease the sting, but it's still painful. ha ha ha.