tipping on dining plan/buffets

[jm-mom]

I'm not sure I'm thrilled with losing the gratuity as part of the dining plan however what is done is done. I now have a tipping question that I would think would be relevant at Disney as well as anywhere. At a buffet, how much do you tip and exactly what are you tipping for? We have 6 table service meals planned for our upcoming visit and they are all buffets. I'm sorry, I can't see tipping 18-20 percent to someone who stopped by and took my dirty plates a couple of times. At an off the menu table service meal where the wait staff has to actually take an individual order from everyone and then deliver that person's food order correctly, all the while doing the same thing with multiple other tables, and offering friendly service throughout, then I think they've well earned my gratuity. But honestly, I've been to buffets at Disney and all the wait staff did was refill my glass a time or two and take away my dirty dishes on occasion, not even as I finished with them.

So let me understand this, we are still free to choose HOW MUCH we tip right? The 18-20% is suggested but not automatically added to the bill right?

Thanks a lot, and we're still excited to be going to the World despite this little wrinkle.

Garland

 

[mom2alix]

You can tip what you want, unless you are a table of 6 or more, in which case there is an auto-grat. of 18%.

 

[LexPlayer]

Search for a few recent threads on this.... Some think 10% is fine, others think 20-25% is appropriate. However, as the previous poster noted, if your party has 6 or more, you will be paying 18%.

 

[Tricia1972]

Search for a few recent threads on this.... Some think 10% is fine, others think 20-25% is appropriate. However, as the previous poster noted, if your party has 6 or more, you will be paying 18%.

It is a loaded question and most of these threads get closed down in a few days due to heated debate about what servers deserve or do not deserve, how much work they do, etc.

That being said, parties of 6 or more and anyone using the Disney Dining Experience (DDE) discount card (regardless of party size) will be charged a minimum of 18% gratuity. If you would like to leave more than the 18% - that is at your discretion.

 

[magic mouse]

I think you need to tip what you think is appropriate. A beleive a tip is something is earned. A don't think Disney or anywhere else should tell you how to tip. I usually tip around 20% at buffets and TS , but thats what I do. Have fun on your trip! If your not a party of 6 more you can tip what you like.

 

[VacationDad]

. At a buffet, how much do you tip and exactly what are you tipping for?

I think it depends on the type of buffet. I think a lot of "buffets" at Disney World mean the servers bring a bunch of food to your table. You don't grab a plate and stand in line at a buffet table. In that respect, the work the servers do is just about the same, or maybe more.

 

[McSooner]

I think it depends on the type of buffet. I think a lot of "buffets" at Disney World mean the servers bring a bunch of food to your table. You don't grab a plate and stand in line at a buffet table. In that respect, the work the servers do is just about the same, or maybe more.

But a lot of them are actual buffets. Call me cheap, but I can't see tipping 20% at an actual buffet.

 

[jey]

I was thinking the same thing. Why give a server a 20% tip for Chef Mickey's or Crystal Palace? I think we will probably only do 15% for buffets.

 

[LexPlayer]

But a lot of them are actual buffets. Call me cheap, but I can't see tipping 20% at an actual buffet.

For most people, they have the option to tip whatever they prefer (I would start at 10% and work up). However, most discussion revolves round the "forced" 18% service charge for DDE or DDP with 6 or more.

 

[4 mickey]

Hi
Why is the tables of 6 peoples charge aut 18% doesnt seem fair ....and a buffet at CP in my opinion is not worth a tip if 18-20-25 % for bringing glasses of sodas .
Really I dont quite mind the lost of the app but the tip thing I do wish they left it as it was they should ( wdw ) have left tip included .

 

[angelmav]

Hi
Why is the tables of 6 peoples charge aut 18% doesnt seem fair ....and a buffet at CP in my opinion is not worth a tip if 18-20-25 % for bringing glasses of sodas .
Really I dont quite mind the lost of the app but the tip thing I do wish they left it as it was they should ( wdw ) have left tip included .

Because disney says so. This was for parties of 8 last year but wouldnt pass in the new Union Contract with removal of the tip from the dining plan, so they added the DDE service charge and lowered it to parties of 6 for the automatic service charge.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The servers at the buffets bring you your beverages and refills. They clear your dishes, as quickly as you empty them. You are not supposed to refill your plates, so if you get more from the buffet, you will be using clean dishes each time.

 

[Pumbaa_]

Disney does not differentiate between their TS restaurants. Both buffets and menu service are all considered TS.

The DDP had an 18% gratuity. The DDE card now has an 18% gratuity. Parties of 6 or more have an 18% gratuity.

There are many tipping threads that go over this topic in great detail and have been closed due to the not so nice turn each one has taken.