tipping/gratuity while on DDP

[KelseyLaPerle]

Since we're on the DDP it will be easy to know the total charge for our meals - I can just look online. So, is it crazy to plan this far ahead and put the tip for each meal in an envelope for each day's dining? I'd much rather do this rather than charge all tips to our room and be WAY surprised by the bill at the end of our trip. Has anyone done this? Does anyone have any other suggestions for figuring/allocating tips?
Thanks!

 

[Ctsplaysinrain]

That seems like it would work.. BUT, how do you know what the total bill is- you have already decided what everyone is eating? I don't know most times what I'm eating until I'm eating..LOL

 

[ToddyLu]

I think this a great plan, just let the server know you will be paying cash for the tip or with another CC. When you get your receipt there will be suggestions for 18% and 20% tips on it. You can circle one (if applying it to the room) or put the word "CASH" in the blank for the tip. I think that is the best choice. What you don't want to do is circle the option then add or write the amount on the tip line. You will be double tipping. Just wanted to make you aware. We goofed on our first meal and double tipped, I think the waiter was nice enough to let us know. So check the tab and just be aware of how the receipt is written.

 

[tinksgilrs251520]

why would want to be surprized???? Unless your not on a budget and have oogles of money to blow i like to know how much i tip and spend everyday then to be shocked.... You can look at the menus in the dinning section of the DIS home page and kinda of figure out before hand what your gona eat and the cost. Thats what I do i take the highest meal entree and add the dessert and then add the tax (6.5%) i believe and then add my tip from that amount. I just dont like surprizes... sorry

 

[KelseyLaPerle]

That seems like it would work.. BUT, how do you know what the total bill is- you have already decided what everyone is eating? I don't know most times what I'm eating until I'm eating..LOL

I already know the bill because we're on the DDP and won't order anything that's not included in the package. Plus 90% of our ADRs are at buffets

 

[ToddyLu]

DH and I know we will spend a lot of money on food in WDW. Usually anywhere from $750-$1000. We know this because we have been so many times. We do not have children and we both work full time--so eating is a social event and we love it at WDW (yes, there are physical remifications of eating that we won't get into here). I don't blame anyone for planning ahead...my personal Disney spreadsheet reads like a OCD Planner that is in charge of ADRs. I think it is good for people to plan and budget or things will get out of hand....however it would be difficult to decide what you are eating before you really get there and decide what looks good...even if you research the menus. So we plan, not really "budget", for our annual trip and don't really care about specific amounts...we know what our past record is, and maybe that is budgeting of sorts...works for us.