Tipping at WDW on a budget -

[disneydreamersx4]

I just read that the dining plan does not include the tip anymore! We went in 2007 and it was included then. So do you really have to leave let's say 15% of the entire bill? That really adds up like at Cinderella's Royal Table. We would be getting the dining plan.

 

[SamSam]

I just read that the dining plan does not include the tip anymore! We went in 2007 and it was included then. So do you really have to leave let's say 15% of the entire bill? That really adds up like at Cinderella's Royal Table. We would be getting the dining plan.

Yes, 15% minimum, 20% is more the norm.

 

[mickeymaker2003]

The tip is included at Cinderella's Royal Table and at the dinner shows (each takes 2 TS credits). You will not need to leave a tip at these places. At other restaurants, the tip is no longer included in the dining plan and you will need to either leave cash, charge it on a credit card, or have it charged to your room.

 

[Maddie2]

We went in 2007 and also had tips included, so when we went in 2009, we switched to the QSDDP/counter service plan, partially due to the tips issue. This plan worked better for our family too. We liked the flexibility of not having ADR's every day. We did 2 OOP table service meals and found we spent less overall this way.

Definitely something to consider and take into account! Have fun planning!

 

[Zookeeperof4]

Tips are not all that much. We heard it was 15-20% and that they give you the tip ammount on the bill. The dinners we had were over 100 each time so we planned in advance for a 25 minimum. The most expensive one we had said the tip was 27$.. we had five of us...two adults and three kids.

 

[XYSRUS]

We do the QS dining plan with 1 character meal OOP. At first I thought it wouldn't be enough food for all my boys....turns out it's more than enough. Saves on tip money too. For us it's the automatic 18%. I tip well but I also like to determine it based on service.

 

[comicguy]

We plan an average of 25 dollars per Table Service meal.

Some come in a little less other a little more but it is a nice average to work with.

 

[wdwfan16]

I just read that the dining plan does not include the tip anymore! We went in 2007 and it was included then. So do you really have to leave let's say 15% of the entire bill? That really adds up like at Cinderella's Royal Table. We would be getting the dining plan.

Yes.

If the tip is too much then chose a cheaper restaurant or don't do the DDP and eat counter service. There is not tipping there.

 

[littlbugmom]

We stay offsite, so we don't use the dining plan. We treat tipping in WDW just as we do in "real life".....15% or more, based on service. I figure it into our budget, based on our ADRs.

 

[Nancyg56]

Check tmeenus before you make your ADR's and then you can include the gratuity as you plan your budget.

 

[poohfriend]

The servers complained when tips were taken off the dining plan because they are more often stiffed (left nothing) by patrons. Please consider tipping as you would at home.

 

[delmar411]

I just read that the dining plan does not include the tip anymore! We went in 2007 and it was included then. So do you really have to leave let's say 15% of the entire bill? That really adds up like at Cinderella's Royal Table. We would be getting the dining plan.

of course you need to tip properly.

18-20% is a normal and proper tip amount. Orlando is an extremely high COL area too and your server is a real person who is getting $2.xx per hour wages and expects tips on the entire bill.

If you are a party of 6 or more (including non-eating infants) you automatically have an 18% tip included in your bill.

Also those same tips are expected at buffets so keep that in mind when planning where you'd like to eat.

CRT is tip included BTW as is HDDR.

 

[okeydokey]

Yes, you need to tip. Maybe the counter service plan would be better for you?

 

[scard192]

6 days on the DDP in September, total tips were $43 for one adult. We ate at the more expensive character buffets and I tipped 18-20% except at the one meal where the waitress was very inattentive and we couldn't find her to ask for the bill. I thought the amount I spent on tips was every reasonable. I didn't order any alcohol so the amount was just the meal.

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

The gratuities on the DDP was really a fairly small part of our vacation. On our last trip we stayed 5 nights, ate 6 TS meals (one OOP), only 1 of which was a character meal. Our total tips were less than $125 for 2 adults, 2 children. We ate 2 breakfasts (less expensive meal, less gratuity), 2 lunches (again, less expensive than dinner, so less gratuity), and 2 dinners. We never tip less than 18% and we tipped over 20% at Tutto Italia (lunch) where we had a wonderful server who was prompt and courteous and attentive.

 

[allison443]

I just read that the dining plan does not include the tip anymore! We went in 2007 and it was included then. So do you really have to leave let's say 15% of the entire bill? That really adds up like at Cinderella's Royal Table. We would be getting the dining plan.

Why wouldn't you expect to tip? Don't you tip when you go out to eat at home?

I can understand being surprised to find out the tip is no longer included, when it was included the last time, but why would you ask if you have to tip?

 

[My2BabiesLexis&Dill]

We heard it was 15-20% and that they give you the tip ammount on the bill. .

My question is, is it REQUIRED to leave what they have on the bottom of the reciept?

 

[MinnieVanMom]

My question is, is it REQUIRED to leave what they have on the bottom of the reciept?

No you are not required to leave the amount they print out. I had the worst ever server at the wave. Yet he circled the 18% tip on the bottom of receipt. No way! I left 10% for the very worst. I was there with my SN son, just him and I and could never even find our server.

 

[My2BabiesLexis&Dill]

No you are not required to leave the amount they print out. I had the worst ever server at the wave. Yet he circled the 18% tip on the bottom of receipt. No way! I left 10% for the very worst. I was there with my SN son, just him and I and could never even find our server.

I don't mind leaving a great tip IF they do their job. But I don't want to feel obligated to have to leave them the 18% tip if they don't do their job. Thanks for the reply...

 

[Melrosgirl]

No problem. When you get seated, just tell the server you do not plan on tipping (before you order your food). Get the server's opinion.

Seriously, unless the server is downright rude, I would leave the minimum always. Even at the buffets.