The Disney Tipping Info Thread *Updated 9.1.09*

[Mermaid2sea]

I'm new to Free Dining.....I believe that tips are not included anymore, can someone tell me how much we should be tipping I read somewhere it was 18%for a party of 6 or more...there are 4 of us...

Also with the character meals with buffet is there a service tip for them aswell?

 

[Dorisk3]

For a regular meal- if the service is good we leave between 15 and 20%.

For buffets, although this has been debated on the disboards many a time- we usually leave 10%. Some folks feel that the servers do just as much and deserve the same amount as a regular meal- so that I guess comes down to personal preference.

We put all the tips on our key to the world card so that we didn't need to carry any cash around.

Have fun on your upcoming trip!

 

[ancestry]

If you had a party of six or more the tip at an 18% rate would be automatically added to your bill.

With less than six people the tip amount is left to your decision. Normally tipping amounts usually range between 15-20%. Although 18% is slowly becomming the new minmum.

I also asked about buffets in a separate post several weeks ago, and the response I got was that buffets are supposed to be tipped the same as any other meal. It was recommended to me that I follow the same 15-20% guidline for tipping at a buffet. I, like the previous poster, thought you could tip less at a buffet since you are getting the food yourself but it was pointed out to me that my way of looking at it was flawed and that the servers at buffets still do alot of work and that I should leave a full tip.

 

[n2mm]

The server will present you with a bill at the end of your meal. On it will have two suggested amounts, just so you don't have to do the math. It is always 18% and 20%. It will help you decide and is a good guideline.

 

[puppytrainer]

I've read that you can leave a tip any way you want - credit card, cash, KTTW - when you use your dining credits. This will be our first time using the DDP, so I was curious as to how to actually do it. We'd probably use our KTTW cards because we'll have them linked to a credit card. Do you automatically get a receipt when you use your dining credits that tells you what your meal would have cost had you paid out of pocket so you can calculate and leave a tip or do you have to ask for a something so you can leave a tip? I just want to make sure I know what I'm doing so it's not some weird ackward moment and I do stuff correctly so the tip is not missed.

Thanks!!

 

[Faldred]

You get a normal receipt, showing the full cost of the meal, including taxes, and the suggested tip amounts (at 18% and 20%). Best bet is to write in the tip at this point, if charging to the room.

They'll take your KTTW card and present you with two receipts to sign --one showing a zero cash balance for (covered portion of) the meal and your remaining plan credit balance, and another for the room charge of the tip and any non-covered options you ordered.

 

[goofy4tink]

I generally tip at 18-20%. My service has been pretty decent at most restaurants. For buffets, it depends on my server. If my server kept my glass filled, my used plates moved off the table, and was prompt with the check, then the tip is usually 15-18%.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Disney does not differentiate a table service buffet from a served meal

There are exceptions to all guidelines, and Disney is one of them

We tip the same at all TS

 

[bicker]

I generally tip at 18-20%. My service has been pretty decent at most restaurants. For buffets, it depends on my server. If my server kept my glass filled, my used plates moved off the table, and was prompt with the check, then the tip is usually 15-18%.

That's pretty much how we do it.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Before this thread heads into rough water, just want to remind everyone of the guidelines on page 1

Tipping discussions in the past have been ugly, there is no other word for it. People have called each other horribly names, sniped at each other, have been judgemental and anything else you can think of.

That is how this one thread came into being

So this is my gentle reminder, we do not discuss personal tipping habits. Simple questions - how do i pay the tip with free dining is fine. Straying into specifics - not so fine

Again, not saying anything posted here is crossing that line, but I am saying it seems to be heading there.

Thank you all, the mods all appreciate how great this thread has been and how everyone has supported this thread. We all thank you!

 

[nm0859]

I am sure it is posted somewhere but I will ask again...I am also new to the DDP and all the other stuff. I am planning on getting a rewards card from Disney Visa. Can you use the rewards card to put tips on? or is it easier to use the card to buy stuff and just use money or charge to the room for tips?

 

[dlaushey]

You should be able to put tips on your Disney Rewards card. I think that is a great idea! I have put many meals on a rewards card including the tip.

 

[cab0ad]

The menu on allears says that pepper marked adds a 10% gratuity when you pay your bill. Is this right??? I didn't think they would add gratuity to a counter service meal! They don't have waiters or anything do they? I understood that you go get your meal yourself and sit. Then pay on your way out. Has anyone been here lately to verify this? Is it included on the DDP or do you have to pay OOP?

 

[bicker]

Pepper Market is the singular exception, cab0ad.

 

[cab0ad]

Pepper Market is the singular exception, cab0ad.

Meaning we do pay gratuity? weird. who is getting the gratuity? so there ARE waiters here? and its an automatic 10% regardless of party size???? and we have no say/control of tip amount? i'm not against tipping for services rendered but it seems strange i;m tipping a required 10% to do all the work myself am i missing something??? do they have waiters for drink service or something??

 

[bicker]

There are folks who bring your beverages to you, and bus your tables.

It is automatic, and non-discretionary; it is 10%; and it is regardless of party size.

 

[cab0ad]

That makes more sense now. Its more buffet style but you don't get "all you can eat"!

 

[bicker]

It is not like a buffet. It is like a number of restaurants around the country, where you get your own meals, and then sit down and are waited on with regard to beverage service and bussing. Ponderosa is one nationwide chain that is like that.

 

[Bama_C]

I am sure it is posted somewhere but I will ask again...I am also new to the DDP and all the other stuff. I am planning on getting a rewards card from Disney Visa. Can you use the rewards card to put tips on? or is it easier to use the card to buy stuff and just use money or charge to the room for tips?

We used our DV Rewards Card last year for our tips. We had parties of 6 or 7 at all our meals, so all our tips were mandatory 18%.

 

[puppytrainer]

Thank you!