Things not going well with the DDP changes

[GreatLakes5]

And what is the big advantage of this rule?

It's a fairly obvious advantage for the employer. And, I suppose, if getting paid minimum wage vs. getting a low base rate plus tips is the choice, it is still an advantage to the server.

In America, I believe that if there was a movement to pay waitstaff a higher base rate, the CUSTOM of tipping would die out. Why tip for a service if the server is getting paid a typical wage. If you read the history of the 'tip' - which has nothing to do with the acronym "to insure prompt service" by the way - it's an interesting thing.

And as one of Dutch descent myself, I would not doubt your tipping ;-) I do think many Europeans tip in response to good service rather than some misplaced obligation which is really how it should be.

 

[sjaakie]

It's a fairly obvious advantage for the employer. And, I suppose, if getting paid minimum wage vs. getting a low base rate plus tips is the choice, it is still an advantage to the server.

In America, I believe that if there was a movement to pay waitstaff a higher base rate, the CUSTOM of tipping would die out. Why tip for a service if the server is getting paid a typical wage. If you read the history of the 'tip' - which has nothing to do with the acronym "to insure prompt service" by the way - it's an interesting thing.

And as one of Dutch descent myself, I would not doubt your tipping ;-) I do think many Europeans tip in response to good service rather than some misplaced obligation which is really how it should be.

Thank you.

 

[LizinSTL]

A lot of people are unaware that servers are guaranteed at least minimum wage. Years ago, I worked in accounting for a large company that had a restaurant division. My job was to go through payroll to ensure employees were making at least minimum wage and supplementing those who weren't. Almost always, more was claimed than was needed. The only supplements were in the same locations over and over. Their employees made more than enough in wages....they just wanted the "extra" from the company. Don't feel sorry for servers who don't a least make minimum wage.....they do and then some.

Are you certain this is the case at WDW? I know it's not the case at most restaurants (since most are small, independant places.) I was NEVER supplemented when I waited tables.

There were a few slow winter nights that between the 2 waitresses, we wouldn't make more than $10 in tips between us. Since they were 5 hour shifts, we were working for less than minimum wage by about $1. But the next week, we'd bring in $100 each...same night of the week, same weather. Go figure.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Are you certain this is the case at WDW? I know it's not the case at most restaurants (since most are small, independant places.) I was NEVER supplemented when I waited tables.

There were a few slow winter nights that between the 2 waitresses, we wouldn't make more than $10 in tips between us. Since they were 5 hour shifts, we were working for less than minimum wage by about $1. But the next week, we'd bring in $100 each...same night of the week, same weather. Go figure.

You must take an average. You divide how much you make, including tips, by how many hours worked in that pay period. I am not sure how many employees you must have before the law kicks in requiring a supplement to ensure minimum wage. I may be wrong, but from memory, I think it's 5.

 

[JoanneNC]

This is one reason my feathers get ruffled when I hear that Dis servers should get at least 18% (plus the 3% from Disney)" because they have such a hard job". Many of them make as much or more than nurses, school teachers, policemen, firemen, etc. Waiting tables may be a hard job, but pales in comparison to others. I just get tired of the whining.

DH is in the military - lets just say it's laughable to try and calculate their "hourly wage" when they are working almost nonstop during 12-15 month Iraq employments.. Maybe we need wars in countries where tipping is customary and then he can get a tip for each life he saves.. Umm...

Oh well - the tipping debate will never go away - I tip if I feel its earned - its not a right that the server has to get a tip - but I eat out very often even at home and if I couldn't afford the customary 15%-18% I shouldn't be there since 99% of the servers do earn it (in my opinion)

 

[GreatLakes5]

Are you certain this is the case at WDW? I know it's not the case at most restaurants (since most are small, independant places.) I was NEVER supplemented when I waited tables.

There were a few slow winter nights that between the 2 waitresses, we wouldn't make more than $10 in tips between us. Since they were 5 hour shifts, we were working for less than minimum wage by about $1. But the next week, we'd bring in $100 each...same night of the week, same weather. Go figure.

WDW - when a Union gets involved everything can change although at WDW I would feel fairly sure putting money on the fact that there are no servers who would ever NOT make minimum wage.

As for other restaurants, I know that at one time there was a threshold and if a restaurant made less than a certain figure per year they are not held to this rule because it is assumed they could not afford to do so. For some reason the figure of 500K is in my head (that would be gross, not net) but I could be off on that.

 

[Katie's Mom]

Give me a break. These idiots purchased the DDP without knowing all the details?

Talk about a bunch of entitled jerks.

I do not believe that we are entitled jerks. I was on the free DDP in Sept ’06 and decided to include it when I added two days in WDW this month to our Disney cruise in March. I was completely in the wrong because I added the plan thinking it would be the same plan that I had in ’06, but do not feel I am entitled. However, had I known that the tip and appetizer was not included I would have completed an analysis prior to making the purchase. Would I ever make a scene about the tip being included? Of course not, but had I not read the boards here I would not have been aware of it prior to my arrival and this would have led to an uncomfortable situation when the bill did arrive. That said, I love Disney and am looking forward to our time there.

 

[kaytieeldr]

because I added the plan thinking it would be the same plan that I had in ’06

I'm genuinely not sure why you would think this. Things change - not just from year to year, and not just at Disney, but everywhere.

 

[catalexander]

the central problem is, IMO, a lack of communication directly from WDW to their guests about the products they have purchased.

We have purchased the dining plan previously. However, we were never given (mailed or presented upon check-in) any written information about this program or how to properly utilize it. We were asked AT THE RESTAURANT if we were on the dining plan... answer "yes"... server's response: okay, are you familiar with how it works? .... THIS is the key moment... see... we've BEEN on the DP before, so sure we *think* we know... but alas, is has been changed.

A simple, one-page program summary either mailed to the guest and/or presented upon check-in seems almost mandatory.

After-all... aren't we generally given instruction manuals when we purchase products with limits, restrictions, or other special rules?

It's unfair to *ASSUME* that ALL GUESTS have access to the Internet or these very helpful message boards. That's not true 100% of the time, and therefore, Disney should be VERY proactively explaining it's policies, procedures and programs for the products you purchase from them... PRIOR TO YOUR USE of those items.



Do you call your Dr's office before every visit to be sure that any of their practices haven't changed? No, you assume that if there's something you need to know that is necessary to the experience --ex: you now need to bring XYZ with you, or be prepared to pay 20% of your balance at the time of service-- that the office will TELL YOU when you make the appointment.

The problem is not only with the policy change itself, but the unnecessary lack of communication of the change from Disney to their Guests.

 

[kaytieeldr]

So, you're not given any information about the Dining Plan when you check in?

Funny you should mention the doctor thing - no, my doctor's office didn't change anything about the practice, patient requirements, payments, etc.

Instead, my insurance company changed my copay. Why? Because my primary care physician happens to also specialize in a certain field (that doesn't apply to me). She always has, this isn't a change. Did the insurance company notify me? Are you kidding? And I didn't even find out DURING any recent visits - instead, I have been billed the additional copay after the fact, when it is IMPOSSIBLE to refuse service.

 

[TLSnell1981]

So, you're not given any information about the Dining Plan when you check in?

Funny you should mention the doctor thing - no, my doctor's office didn't change anything about the practice, patient requirements, payments, etc.

Instead, my insurance company changed my copay. Why? Because my primary care physician happens to also specialize in a certain field (that doesn't apply to me). She always has, this isn't a change. Did the insurance company notify me? Are you kidding? And I didn't even find out DURING any recent visits - instead, I have been billed the additional copay after the fact, when it is IMPOSSIBLE to refuse service.

You should have been notified by your insurance carrier that your co-pay had changed. It would normally be done when your insurance renewed.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Thanks. They reassessed my PCP in October, during the coverage year - and no, didn't notifiy me. It's okay, we've got better insurance now but back to the topic at hand...

 

[catalexander]

no... I've always booked directly through Disney, and have never been given the Dining pamphlet... not when my reservation "summary" is mailed or upon check-in.

I honestly don't know *HOW* people can go to Disney these days without extensive internet research... there is so much to know about the ins and outs of the programs, and if you are uninformed, then you are really missing out....

OT, but good as an example.... how many people don't know there are "length of stay" stroller rentals? That you can actually decrease your rental cost, and eliminate the need to stand in the long lines everyday to rent a stroller?
While this policy is in effect, Disney DOES NOT actively and universally "advertise" it to it's guests.... why? well... we can all guess... the "non-utilization" of the policy results in higher revenue.

How many folks rent a stroller 7 days in a row, at full price, without knowing that they can get a discount? Or, without knowing that they can change parks each day, and simply show their reciept and get a second stroller (same day, different park)? The policy is in place, Disney simply chooses not to openly INFORM its guests.

With Disney, it is truly up to the Guest to be as well informed PRIOR to landing on WDW property as possible.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Thanks. They reassessed my PCP in October, during the coverage year - and no, didn't notifiy me. It's okay, we've got better insurance now but back to the topic at hand...

Hmmm. I deal with healthcare insurance everyday. That is unusual.....guess it slipped through the cracks.

 

[Nicole721]

So, you're not given any information about the Dining Plan when you check in?
Funny you should mention the doctor thing - no, my doctor's office didn't change anything about the practice, patient requirements, payments, etc.

Instead, my insurance company changed my copay. Why? Because my primary care physician happens to also specialize in a certain field (that doesn't apply to me). She always has, this isn't a change. Did the insurance company notify me? Are you kidding? And I didn't even find out DURING any recent visits - instead, I have been billed the additional copay after the fact, when it is IMPOSSIBLE to refuse service.

When we went to WDW last year, when we checked in at the GF, the CM who checked us in told us we had booked the meal plan, gave us a brochure, and went over it with us point by point of what was included, what wasn't.

We already knew everything (and had booked advanced reservations), but it was certainly nice to have her take the time to go over it with us unprompted.

Is this not common practice?

 

[kaytieeldr]

no... I've always booked directly through Disney, and have never been given the Dining pamphlet... not when my reservation "summary" is mailed or upon check-in.

Thanks. I wasn't disputing you, I just honestly didn't remember. I thought there was something in my check-in documentation, but it's been a few months... and I know I threw it all out when I was packing.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Thanks again... This reminds me, Monday will be two weeks since I disputed it; I need to call the dratted insurance company again.

 

[DisOrBust]

Kayrieeldr, It sounds like a coding error. Internal medicine codes one way but if she is also endocrinology she codes another way. I know my DH's endo would not take him as his PCP because she could then only code as Internal medicine and get less reimbursement. Clear as mud,right?


Back on topic I find it unforgiveable the an organization that prides itself on guest satisfaction could have it come down to this. The CM at CRO are consistantly inconsistant with the info they give out wether it's the DDP or park hours. As a first line contact its unforgivable. That they even have info on the 2007 plan on theri website anymore?? It should be told in BIG BOLD LETTERS what the changes are!

 

[GreatLakes5]

Last year we received the big Disney Dining 'brochure' (more like the size of a comic book) upon check-in. We are leaving next Saturday cheer2: ) & I still stand by the fact that we would not have known of changes had it not been for this or other dis consumer-run sites.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Kayrieeldr, It sounds like a coding error. Internal medicine codes one way but if she is also endocrinology she codes another way. I know my DH's endo would not take him as his PCP because she could then only code as Internal medicine and get less reimbursement. Clear as mud,right?

Unfortunately, for some of us it is.