The Disney Tipping Info Thread *Updated 9.1.09*

[britincgn]

Thinking of using the DDE in sept for my next visit,being a DVC member means it would be a lot cheaper.
But is it worth it because of the 18% being put on top of the bill anyway?Many times I have felt the need not to give 18% because the service was really bad.
Also do you have to show the DDE card before you order?and if yes has anyone experienced bad service because of this?(If the server knows what he is getting why should he go out of his way)
Being from Europe it is always a problem for me not knowing if I an doing the right thing when tipping(and dont get me wrong I have given a lot more than 20% at WDW for exellent service.

 

[bicker]

Personally, if you're experiencing consistently bad service, I'd avoid the restaurant(s) entirely.

I've never used DDE, but I have used DDP, and never received anything other than the fine service I have always received.

 

[Tricia1972]

You do not need to show the card before you order. The DDE is a discount card and currently you only have to let the server know that you are using a dining plan prior to dining.

We went in March 2008, used our DDE card for the entire trip. We never gave the card until the end of the meal and we never had anything but fine service.

We personally presented the card when we declined dessert. If we had eaten dessert, we'd have presented the card when asked if we needed anything else after dessert.

 

[britincgn]

This is all really interesting ,I did not realise the servers earned so little.
I posted because I had read in another thread that someone had got worse service than others not using some sort of plan.
What would you think I should give (using DDE)on top of the bill for a really eccelent service.....knowing that I do not have that much money to give away myself

 

[Tricia1972]

This is all really interesting ,I did not realise the servers earned so little.
I posted because I had read in another thread that someone had got worse service than others not using some sort of plan.
What would you think I should give (using DDE)on top of the bill for a really eccelent service.....knowing that I do not have that much money to give away myself

Above 18%, for good service, I'd give whatever you feel comfortable with. If you can only afford an additional dollar or two above the 18% you are already giving that's perfectly fine and very generous of you because of your financial situation.

 

[bicker]

This is all really interesting ,I did not realise the servers earned so little.

It is not unusual for servers in the United States to make less than minimum wage, the vast majority of their take-home pay coming from the expected gratuities.

What would you think I should give (using DDE)on top of the bill for a really eccelent service.....knowing that I do not have that much money to give away myself

15%-18% is appropriate for good service; for really excellent service, you should give 18%-25%, depending on how excellent the service is.

 

[peach3es]

Buffet service does warrant a gratuity. The standard (in society) is 10% (as compared to 15% for full-service). Disney, however, makes no differentiation between buffets and full-service, pegging their standard at 18% for both.

So, am I understanding this correctly: my party of 7 will be charged 18% at a buffet dinner automatically? Wow. A waiter brings us drinks and that's it and we pay 18% for that? It just seems steep for me.

Can anyone clear this up for me. I'm finding my head is sort of spinning reading this thread! So glad so many of you are so much wiser than me!
~~Carrie

 

[Pumbaa_]

we have gotten off track here. This thread is for questions on tipping, not debating.

 

[Pumbaa_]

So, am I understanding this correctly: my party of 7 will be charged 18% at a buffet dinner automatically? Wow. A waiter brings us drinks and that's it and we pay 18% for that? It just seems steep for me.

Can anyone clear this up for me. I'm finding my head is sort of spinning reading this thread! So glad so many of you are so much wiser than me!
~~Carrie

At Disney a TS is a TS, there is no distinction between CP and Kona in regards to the gratuity for parties 6 or more or for using the DDE card.

Hope that helps!

 

[peach3es]

At Disney a TS is a TS, there is no distinction between CP and Kona in regards to the gratuity for parties 6 or more or for using the DDE card.

Hope that helps!

Exactly what I needed: a short, clear answer! Thank you!

 

[Disney8704]

I was gonna say the exact same thing!

we have gotten off track here. This thread is for questions on tipping, not debating.

 

[Lehuaann]

Above 18%, for good service, I'd give whatever you feel comfortable with. If you can only afford an additional dollar or two above the 18% you are already giving that's perfectly fine and very generous of you because of your financial situation.

Tricia,

Was it you that posted that Disney Union Contract for Servers on this thread...I cant find it now?? I read through it briefly the other day and have a couple of questions about it.

If I remember correctly they used the term "Service Fee/Charge" to describe the Automatic 18% Gratuity. Did I read the contract correctly because if that is the case it is conflicting? Legally it should be one or the other since there are major differences:

"Automatic Gratuity" (although automatically added to the bill, it is still considered a favor/tip/gift and is not a legal payment)

"Service Charge/Fee" (mandatory/legally required payment)

Also, I noticed an automatic 3% gratuity for parties of 6 or less in 2008...3% 2009...are you able to clarify what they meant by this?

Thanks for your clarification!

 

[Pumbaa_]

sorry, that thread was deleted. It is off topic for this thread

 

[Lehuaann]

sorry, that thread was deleted. It is off topic for this thread

Hi Pumbaa,
Yes, I remember it regarding wages.
Do you know if the Auto 18% Gratuity is mandatory or disputable? I have read of some leaving less and walking out. Wouldn't this be considered non-payment of services?
Thanks!

 

[Pumbaa_]

The 18% is required for the DDE card and groups larger than 6. Any change in that due to poor service is at the discretion of the manager.

 

[Lehuaann]

The 18% is required for the DDE card and groups larger than 6. Any change in that due to poor service is at the discretion of the manager.

Thanks!
Looks like we will be visiting the World the same week...Happy 25th Anniversary!

 

[britincgn]

Personally, if you're experiencing consistently bad service, I'd avoid the restaurant(s) entirely.


At no time did I say I was experiencing consistently bad service also is it acctually possible to avoid the restaurants I have to eat.

 

[bicker]

At no time did I say I was experiencing consistently bad service

Then the comment you replied to didn't apply to your specific circumstance. It is not unusual to have anecdotal instances of bad service. Nothing is perfect.

also is it acctually possible to avoid the restaurants I have to eat.

True, but yes, you can avoid the restaurants. There are many counter-service options, in which case tipping is not necessary. Also you can return to your hotel for meals, if you wish; even without park hoppers you can return to the same theme park later in the day without using up another day on your passes. It is all a matter of how much you value things (time versus money). Make the best decisions for your specific sensibilities, given the options available to you.

 

[Lovin Mickey]

Can anyone tell me if you can use Disney store giftcards to pay the tip? Going during free dining and have a lot of giftcards to use up.

 

[World Bouncer]

Can anyone tell me if you can use Disney store giftcards to pay the tip? Going during free dining and have a lot of giftcards to use up.

Yes, you can use giftcards as a form of gruatuity payment. I have done this in the past to use up remaining balances on them. It works just fine. I do prefer to use cash but have used other methods.