The Disney Tipping Info Thread *Updated 9.1.09*

[1stTimeDisneyer]

As of last we on the dining plan you did not have to pay the 10%. Also when asked what we could and could not get the Cast Members where very helpful and right about everything they told us.

If you are paying out of pocket and eating at a table inside, there is a 10% charge. But I have been told if you get it to go they waive the charge since they are not serving you drinks and setting your table up with silverware.

Last week we ate there multiple times on the dining plan and upon check out we never had to pay the 10% charge.

 

[Laurie L]

I would be interested in knowing this answer too...good question.

I have only done the dinner there but, the grat was included because it took two TS. I think this is for all that take 2 TS.

 

[jenseib]

No, not all 2TS places have the tip included. I know CRT has it included as well as Spirit of Aloh and Hoop Dee Doo. I think Mickeys backyard BBQ is included as well.

 

[DznyLvr2005]

Now that the DDP doesn't include gratuities, how does everyone leave a tip. When we go to Disney, we do not carry around cash with us. We have everyting on our key to the world card and I'm not about to start carrying cash just to leave a tip! I mean, if I have to I will, but what does everyone else do?

 

[DisneyDadNY]

I always charge the tip to my KTTW card. I do make a point to be sure the meals were deducted from my DDP and just the tip/extras were charged to my room.

 

[disneynuts777]

I have only done the dinner there but, the grat was included because it took two TS. I think this is for all that take 2 TS.

No, not all 2TS places have the tip included. I know CRT has it included as well as Spirit of Aloh and Hoop Dee Doo. I think Mickeys backyard BBQ is included as well.

Narcoosee's, Citrico's and California Grill are all 2 TS credits and you still have to leave a tip as it is not included.

 

[MelanieC]

We plan on just leaving the tip on our KTTW card too. I don't carry cash, only my KTTW and a back-up credit card in case I hit my $500 (value resort) limit.

 

[kidanigirl]

Last night we were at Downtown Disney Marketplace and chose to use our counter service DDP credits at Wolfgang Puck's. We just do not carry any cash with us at WDW as we use our room key card for DDP credits and room charging privileges. We always tip appropriately at any place we should tip at, but we were caught in an awkward situation last night. Typically, you do not tip with CS meals, and with TS meals, you can put a tip on your room charge. We sat down at a table, and a server brought us our meal, kept checking on us, and refilled drinks. Is this not a situation where you would tip? There was not an option to tip when we first ordered at the register, and again, we had no cash on us. We felt horrible, but we just had to leave. (Please don't flame me; we just didn't have any other choice that we knew of.) So my question is this...are you supposed to tip for Wolfgang Puck's counter service?

 

[PrincessKitty1]

No flames--yes we felt obligated to tip. I would not go back for that reason. I wasn't expecting to pay a 20% tip at what I considered a counter-service place. I wish they would re-think the way they provide service.

 

[Crystal_27]

We were in a similar situation when we ate there for the first time in September, 2008. We had to scrounge around for a couple of dollars and some change for the tip (which seemed woefully inadequate given the quality of the service). We came prepared with cash when we ate there this trip and tipped well. I do agree, though, that the setup is quite awkward, and there should be a way to put the tip on the KTTW since there are actually servers attending to you.

 

[diesel]

thank you for asking this question. We ate there on our trip in April and I was also confused about tipping. Would like to hear from others to see what they have done.

 

[smidgy]

smidgy, do you mind if I add... if you are unhappy with the service, it is best to address it while it's happening (or not), rather than after the meal when the check comes - even if that means taking a few minutes to get up from your table and go in search of a manager.

This gives the manager/restaurant the opportunity to fix any problem and make your meal enjoyable.

Packing up the soapbox until the next big issue...

kattieeldr made a great point!! (as usual) you can add to my posts anytime!

 

[Dismom55]

Now that the DDP doesn't include gratuities, how does everyone leave a tip. When we go to Disney, we do not carry around cash with us. We have everyting on our key to the world card and I'm not about to start carrying cash just to leave a tip! I mean, if I have to I will, but what does everyone else do?

As you can see it is really up to you, some prefer to use thier KTTW card for tipping. I personally prefer to leave cash. I prepare envelopes for each TS restarurant we have ADR's at before I leave the house. Then leave the envelope on the table for our server.

Either way that is comfortable with you is appropriate.

 

[maddiesmom0116]

Hi-
Does everyone tip the same at the buffets compared to an actual served meal at Disney, someone asked this on another thread and it got me to thinking about this. They do only get you drinks and refills if needed. I would love to hear everyone's thoughts.

 

[bicker]

It isn't permitted to discuss precise percentages for tips.

 

[Tricia1972]

Bicker is right, what you personally tip isn't up for debate on the board. Please read the first post for guidance. It'll also allude to the many debates that have exploded on the boards as a result of personal tipping habit conversations. (which will give you an idea as to why it can't be a topic for discussion here)

At Disney you can tip what you feel is appropriate for the service that you receive, unless you are a party of 6 or more or if are a party of any size using a Tables in Wonderland (formerly DDE) discount card at a table service location. If you are a party of 6 or more or have a TiW/DDE discount card, you'll have an auto gratuity of 18% added to your bill. This is at all TS locations, including buffets.

If you don't fall into one of the two mentioned categories, you are free to tip at your discretion.

 

[newfiegirl]

i will be using the free dining option, and i would like to tip extra at some places, and far less if i feel the service/food was bad. So can I write cash in the tip space and leave the desired amount on the table? or do we hand it directly to the server? also, how about if you don't want to leave a tip...is this even "allowed"?

 

[Stellapedia]

Do you know if WDW servers tip out? Is there any way to tip other staff at the restaurants? We once had great service from the characters and the chef and horrid from the waitress. I would generally have left with no tip for the service, but if they were tipping out the others were fabulous and should get their share. I'd like to know if they do in fact tip out and also if I can specifically tip the chef or a character?

 

[chloelovesdisney]

i will be using the free dining option, and i would like to tip extra at some places, and far less if i feel the service/food was bad. So can I write cash in the tip space and leave the desired amount on the table? or do we hand it directly to the server? also, how about if you don't want to leave a tip...is this even "allowed"?

If you are a party of five or less, yes, you can write cash on the tip line and leave the amount you want to tip in cash on the table. You do not need to hand the tip to the waiter/waitress.

 

[Tricia1972]

Do you know if WDW servers tip out? Is there any way to tip other staff at the restaurants? We once had great service from the characters and the chef and horrid from the waitress. I would generally have left with no tip for the service, but if they were tipping out the others were fabulous and should get their share. I'd like to know if they do in fact tip out and also if I can specifically tip the chef or a character?

We have had Disney servers post here in the past, and yes they do tip out.

So long as you are a party of 5 or less, tipping is at your discretion. If you are a party of 6 or more, or using the Tables in Wonderland discount card, an auto gratuity of 18% will be added to your bill,