Tipping if not using MDR

[daisygirl902]

Hello - I've been on four cruises prior to our upcoming cruise on the Fantasy and always loved the MDRs. The difference this time is that we've got our 1 year old with us, so I'm not sure we'll be using the MDRs or just eating at Cabanas. It really depends on our little guy...he's a great traveler and eater normally but as a backup we know we may end up avoiding the MDRs this trip. How does that impact tips? Do we tip the servers in Cabanas per day that we're there? Do our MDR servers bet the tips even though they aren't the ones taking care of us? Or do we forgo tipping (keep in mind I'm definitely not trying to avoid tipping by skipping the MDR meals)?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Hello - I've been on four cruises prior to our upcoming cruise on the Fantasy and always loved the MDRs. The difference this time is that we've got our 1 year old with us, so I'm not sure we'll be using the MDRs or just eating at Cabanas. It really depends on our little guy...he's a great traveler and eater normally but as a backup we know we may end up avoiding the MDRs this trip. How does that impact tips? Do we tip the servers in Cabanas per day that we're there? Do our MDR servers bet the tips even though they aren't the ones taking care of us? Or do we forgo tipping (keep in mind I'm definitely not trying to avoid tipping by skipping the MDR meals)?

You leave the tips in place. The dinner servers also serve breakfast & lunch in other venues, as well as working the poolside quick serve locations. Your "dinner" tips cover all meal service onboard.

The servers in the "buffet" at dinner are new (trainees). You may tip them directly, if you wish (much like at a land based restaurant), but it's not expected.

I'd suggest you give the MDRs a try (yes, even with a 1 year old). The servers have lots of skills in keeping even the little ones happy. Or you do have the option of placing the baby in the nursery during dinner.

 

[daisygirl902]

You leave the tips in place. The dinner servers also serve breakfast & lunch in other venues, as well as working the poolside quick serve locations. Your "dinner" tips cover all meal service onboard.

The servers in the "buffet" at dinner are new (trainees). You may tip them directly, if you wish (much like at a land based restaurant), but it's not expected.

I'd suggest you give the MDRs a try (yes, even with a 1 year old). The servers have lots of skills in keeping even the little ones happy. Or you do have the option of placing the baby in the nursery during dinner.

Thanks, that was my original thought, to tip the same as I normally wound regardless, but just wasn't sure if I was correct in my thinking.

We certainly will try out the MDRs and I'm 95% sure he'll do fine. We eat out with him at home but I also don't want to negatively impact the others at our table (or our servers) if dinner time isn't working for his schedule, or if he's having a bad day, etc. I'm just trying to have backup plans in place just in case!

 

[ctnurse]

What about putting LO in the nursery? DD has been on two cruises at 18 months and then two years old. We put her in the nursery and DH, DS, and I were able to enjoy dinner every night. Regardless of how much "entertaining" the CM do, DD is still a 2 year old.

 

[AndreAggie]

You can also inform your wait staff you would your dinner experience to go a little faster for the sake of you child. They understand and are usually pretty accommodating. But it's also nice to know you're not forced to eat in the MDR and there are other options as well.

 

[Quellman]

We did MDR with a 14 month old. Everything worked fine. We did bring the dreaded iPad for a show to help with the longer time we were there. But many people will eat as a family then drop them off at the nursery for the second half of dinner too.

 

[daisygirl902]

As a working mom, I don't get to spend nearly as much time as I want with my boy in "normal life" so I'd rather have him with us than in the nursery at mealtimes if possible. I'm certainly not judging anyone who chooses that route as it does make sense for some, but since he's been in daycare 5 days a week since 6 months old, I really want to experience this vacation with him as much as possible. I'd likely feel different about this if it was our first cruise on DCL, or or last (which it's surely not - I think we may do the PC next!). Granny is coming along on the trip so he'll have lots of adults to entertain him. I think we'll likely try to swing mealtimes in the MDRs and keep Cabanas as a second option if need be. If anything we can also just take him out in the entry area to walk (toddle) around between courses if need be to blow off steam. Thanks a bunch for the ideas though, it helps to get feedback from others who have been in our shoes. I think I'm more nervous about him disrupting others at our table (although he's pretty well behaved, he's only 13 months so that's a relative term) - although we'll likely be seated with others with littles too...

 

[srferson]

Thanks, that was my original thought, to tip the same as I normally wound regardless, but just wasn't sure if I was correct in my thinking.

We certainly will try out the MDRs and I'm 95% sure he'll do fine. We eat out with him at home but I also don't want to negatively impact the others at our table (or our servers) if dinner time isn't working for his schedule, or if he's having a bad day, etc. I'm just trying to have backup plans in place just in case!

Since you've been on several cruises before, you probably already know this, but I just thought I'd mention it...

If you are concerned about tablemates, you can put in a request for your own table. As always with Disney, a request is just a request, but they are frequently granted.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying you should ask for your own table just because you have a little one. Just that it is an option.

And if you do have tablemates, make sure to let them know in advance if you know you won't be there so they don't wait for you.

Have fun!!

 

[daisygirl902]

Since you've been on several cruises before, you probably already know this, but I just thought I'd mention it...

If you are concerned about tablemates, you can put in a request for your own table. As always with Disney, a request is just a request, but they are frequently granted.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying you should ask for your own table just because you have a little one. Just that it is an option.

And if you do have tablemates, make sure to let them know in advance if you know you won't be there so they don't wait for you.

Have fun!!

I know, early on I kept debating that option - we've had many great experiences with table mates on DCL - I met a lifelong friend on my first DCL cruise! However, we also requested our own table on a different trip and had a blast. That may be the better option for this trip - in fact I might make that call this evening and try to go that route just in case. Thanks for the reminder on that option, it dropped off my radar a few months ago for some reason!