Tipping for Buffet Character meals

[Pamela M]

This is probably a really stupid question. But I have 2 character buffet meals (Tusker house and Hollywood & Vinv) planned for my trip. I was watching some reviews on Youtube and someone mentioned tipping. If it's a buffet what is there to tip for?

I'm doing the dining plan so just want to make sure I'm budgeting correctly for tipping.

 

[epcotobsessed]

Most servers we've had at buffets have been quick to bring drinks, drink refills, clear plates, bring new silverware, etc. We tip 20% for that. Once in a while we get a server who takes our drink orders and then we never see them again. We tip less for that.

 

[3gr8boys]

We ate at TH for the first time last year (dinner). Our server was very attentive with drink service, table clearing and answering questions.

 

[Pamela M]

Most servers we've had at buffets have been quick to bring drinks, drink refills, clear plates, bring new silverware, etc. We tip 20% for that. Once in a while we get a server who takes our drink orders and then we never see them again. We tip less for that.

So you tip 20% of the cost of the meal if you get great service then less if they aren't as good?

 

[Stacybaeasm]

As a solo diner, my wait staff have also been very happy to take my picture with the characters. I always tip more than 20% for that.

 

[westie55]

Even at a buffet, the service staff is still working. They take your drink order and serve you drinks. They clear the tables and reset them. They generally attend to your needs, answer questions, etc. As others have mentioned, they also often take photos and try to make your meal special if you are celebrating something. I would never consider tipping a server at a buffet any less than at another location.

 

[shocker]

I know tipping customs are different, especially by country. But for my family, in the USA, we tip the same whether a buffet or not.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I don't know the size of your party, but last year we went to Tusker House. There were 6 of us, and a sign on our check that they automatically add a 20% gratuity for parties of 6 or more. Yes, the server was nice and attentive, but I would have liked a choice.

 

[sullyfam]

We tip the same as the servers at any other restaurant. The check they bring you will say suggested tip amounts right on it. The servers at buffets probably do more than those at table service locations as they often are coming back often to clear plates and assist with pictures and any other customer requests. At table service locations that are not buffet style, often times they bring your drinks themselves but then there are food runners that bring out the food for them.

That's one of the things that the dining plan doesn't account for is the tips so it's a good idea to budget tip money for any table service dining you plan on doing.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

The servers at buffets style work, and honestly I find the tips at them easier to budget for since you can figure out the exact cost of those meals beforehand.

 

[tamerbelles]

Yes, I tip the buffet servers just as I would at any other restaurant. I've even given extra at character meals because some of the servers go above and beyond to make sure you understand the flow of characters and when might be the best times to go to the buffet, and most will check in to be certain you've had visits with all the characters before you're done eating.

 

[Pamela M]

Thanks all. I've never eaten at a Disney buffet and it's probably been 10+ years since I ate any buffet. From what I remember from those buffets you never really saw a server so that's where my confusion was coming from. Sounds like the service will be just as great as the character interaction so we'll plan on tipping accordingly.

I have 7 table service dinners planned for 4 people on the dining planned so tipping on those can add up so just want to make sure I've include that in our budget of overall cost for the trip.

Thanks again!

 

[Pumbaa_]

This thread is closed, personal tipping habits is not a topic for discussion

We do have a sticky thread on the mechanics of tipping