The whole Tip thing

[Canadian Girl 77]

My CAA (AAA for Americans) travel agent gave me the book for our upcoming trip. It is the 2008 edition and actually says that the tip is included. It doesn't say appetizers are included so it isn't just a reprint of the 2007 brochure. Yikes! Bet this is going to cause some issues for Disney.

 

[Tricia1972]

Wow, that's hard to believe! However, hopefully it will make others see that it's possible to fully research your vacation and still have wrong information.

(Of course I am waiting for some to flame me saying that you need to do more research than just read the books - check the internet to make sure that the books are right, etc. )

What book is it that you received? Does it have a published date? Can you scan or take a picture of the information as proof to others that Disney and their affiliated sources can make mistakes.

 

[Mermaid_Ariel]

(Of course I am waiting for some to flame me saying that you need to do more research than just read the books - check the internet to make sure that the books are right, etc. )

I totally agree with ya there. I'm an advocate for doing some research before you vacation, but seeking information from the Internet should be mostly for opinions (where to eat, what to see, etc) not for facts and what's included with what you purchased.

Nothing wrong with getting clarification from message boards but you should be able to trust written information that you receive.

 

[LSchrow]

did the TA inform you about the changes?

 

[jascar]

I am still confused...Is the tip automatically added to your bill for 18% or just on the bill if you have 6 or more in your party.
We are on the DDP, so when the bill comes we will only need to pay the tip. Is it a suggested amount to pay or the amount you need to pay???

 

[Tricia1972]

I am still confused...Is the tip automatically added to your bill for 18% or just on the bill if you have 6 or more in your party.
We are on the DDP, so when the bill comes we will only need to pay the tip. Is it a suggested amount to pay or the amount you need to pay???

If you are on the DDP the tip will not be added unless you have a party of 6 or more. (Assuming you aren't using a DDE card or ordering extras that aren't covered by the DDP)

For parties of 5 or less on the DDP, there will just be a suggested amount.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Could also be that Disney provided accurate information and CAA fouled it up. Of course you are aware of the correct information, but maybe a quick call to the CAA agent just to let them know their information is wrong??

 

[Atchley]

I have been over the tip thing many times. I know that I am going to sound like an idiot, but I have my reasons.

We are a family of four and on the DDP for July. I assumed that we were going to pay the 18% gratuity by having it automatically put onto our bill. (Have the server ring up the meals on the DDP and then put the tip on the room account)

I was talking to a girl at work who is also going to Disney with a party of six. They told her that the tip would only be added on for parties of six or more. (There are four and two but I would think that it would still add up to six)

So who is right? She thinks that she isn't going to have to pay the 18% automatically and I think she is. I don't want her to get there and have unexpected charges.

Will my family be charged the 18% automatically? I guess I'm okay with that since that is what I thought it was going to be anyways.

I just want to make sure that we are both informed before we go.

I looked on the WDW website and it talks about what is on the DDP and it says that gratuity is not included but that is all. If anyone else could help me find something, I would be very appreciative.

 

[TLSnell1981]

If they dine at the same table.....they are a party of 6. The 18% service charge will automatically be added.

 

[Aliceacc]

Is the book talking about the DDP or the general policy for large parties?

As I understand it: they've always (or at least for the past few years) included a tip on the bill for parties of 6 or more.

But 2008 is the first year that the tip is NOT included in the pre-paid DDP. Everyone is expected to provide the tip after they eat.

Could that be the source of the confusion?

 

[Atchley]

The 18% tip will be added on as part of their bill, right? It will be on there when the bills come to the table. (For my friend I mean)

Will the 18% be added to my bill since we only have 4 people or will I have to figure it on my own?

I figure someone has already went to WDW and used the dining plan and could maybe help me with my stupidity.

Just want to make sure that I am informed before I go. (I know its in July, but want to make sure that I budget for it.)

 

[Tricia1972]

Tipping for Large Groups - 6 or more bodies at a table or on one reservation split into two tables at the restaurant will have an 18% automatic gratuity on their bill. (The body count of 6 is regardless of age of party members, regardless of separate rooms, etc.)

Tipping for Small Groups - 5 or less (excluding DDE users) - These groups will not have an amount added to their bill. Rather their bill will show suggested tip amounts for 18% and for 20% and what those totals are. WHAT the small group tips in the end is up to their discretion.

DDE Users - Will have the 18% automatic gratuity added to their bill that also applies for groups of 6 or more. DDE has this REGARDLESS of party size.

As I understand it: they've always (or at least for the past few years) included a tip on the bill for parties of 6 or more.

The large group policy always used to be 8 or more, but in 2008 it changed to groups of 6 or more.

 

[Atchley]

Thanks for the info.
I was wrong on what I was thinking for my family, but correct for my friends.
Again, Thanks!