Tipping, this came up in one of the other forums...

[mwatson011]

Tipping a penny is silly. Complaining about bad service isn't rude or rotten. It's smart. Doing it while you're experiencing the bad service - instead of waiting until the end of the meal or the check comes - is the smartest move of all. Why suffer in silence in thehope of maybe getting something knocked off your bill or not having to tip, when instead you can get the problem fixed on the spot??????

Would you then worry about getting food that was spat on? Or dropped and put back on the plate? I would.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Disney, I digress. Since we go on the DP and that is a fixed amount, let me just say that my base tips are also a fixed amount, with room for fluctuations for exceptional/lousey service

Well, at WDW, the managers aren't hanging out in corners chatting with employees. They do care. So rather than determine your tip based on lousy service, talk to a manager while you're experiencing the service and get it fixed before it ruins your meal!

While the cost of any Dining Plan is a fixed amount, the tip should be calculated on the price of the food you order, not the price of the DP. If that's not what you're doing now, apologies for my confusion but that's how your description sounds.

 

[WAMUMOF4]

Maybe like Cici's Pizza?

As for making your parents a separate reservation, feel free. You may want to make them for (even slightly) a different time, using a different name, not associate with them in the waiting area, not ask to be seated near each other, and if you do end up seated in the same area and have the same server - 100% be sure to complete ignore each other and that your kids ignore them as well.

Otherwise, despite all your deceptive efforts to avoid WDW's mandatory large party service charge, you'll reveal yourself as such and each table will find the 18% s/c added to its respective check

We are a family of 6 and for 2 of our DW reservations we have had to make reservations of tables of 2 because it was the only way for us to get reservations at where we wanted so i am wondering why i should pay an automatic 18% when they cant give us a table together
I am more than happy to if we are seated together but if we are not why should would be automatically charged 18%?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Would you then worry about getting food that was spat on? Or dropped and put back on the plate? I would.

Actually, no.

 

[kaytieeldr]

We are a family of 6 and for 2 of our DW reservations we have had to make reservations of tables of 2 because it was the only way for us to get reservations at where we wanted so i am wondering why i should pay an automatic 18% when they cant give us a table together
I am more than happy to if we are seated together but if we are not why should would be automatically charged 18%?

I don't make the rules I just know them:

Parties of six or more seated at the same table = automatic 18% service charge
Parties of six or more seated at separate tables with the same server = automatic 18% service charge
Parties of six or more seated at separate tables with different service = gratuity at discretion of individual parties

Please note that party count includes all persons at table with no consideration of age or whether ane person/s actually order food

 

[WAMUMOF4]

I don't make the rules I just know them:

Parties of six or more seated at the same table = automatic 18% service charge
Parties of six or more seated at separate tables with the same server = automatic 18% service charge
Parties of six or more seated at separate tables with different service = gratuity at discretion of individual parties

Please note that party count includes all persons at table with no consideration of age or whether ane person/s actually order food

Thanks for that so many rules for DW

 

[mwatson011]

Well, at WDW, the managers aren't hanging out in corners chatting with employees. They do care. So rather than determine your tip based on lousy service, talk to a manager while you're experiencing the service and get it fixed before it ruins your meal.

I was not referring to WDW at this point in my post, I have never had a problem worth mentioning in WDW. I was talking about our local chain restaurants.

While the cost of any Dining Plan is a fixed amount, the tip should be calculated on the price of the food you order, not the price of the DP. If that's not what you're doing now, apologies for my confusion but that's how your description sounds.

Since the boards do not allow discussing tips specifically at WDW, I will not elaborate.

 

[mjkacmom]

The one poster felt the need to make fun of people on the net? "size of the guests"? Someone has a low self esteem!

Actually, I really don't. I think it's pretty obvious that there are more overweight people at buffets than at regular restaurants. Overweight people usually like to eat! Which is fine, but when I go to our local buffet, and see people go back to the buffet frequently, their tables have to be cleared. I think people who work at buffets work just as hard, if not harder, than servers in traditional restaurants.

And lets talk about children. Buffets are great, because they can try so many new things! I know my kids get at least 4 or 5 plates of food (not full plates, but they do like to sample a lot of the desserts). They make more work for the staff.

Plus, with all you can eat, people want to get a bang for their buck (which is why sushi, shrimp, crab legs, mussels, and oysters are my go-to choices). Buffets at WDW are expensive, which also causes people to eat more than usual.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

Many people look to *cheap out* on tips and eating at a buffet restaurant is a perfect excuse to do so.

I've only eaten at buffets in WDW and Atlantic City (Borgata and Harrah's where the buffet is around the same cost as at WDW) so I will only comment on those types of buffets.

The servers at these restaurants take your drink orders, replenish your drinks, and constantly take away your plates. They do as much work as a server at a regular restaurant. So why would you try to screw them out of a tip? (Sorry but I don't consider leaving a couple of bucks or 5-10% an appropriate tip.)

If a person has a problem with leaving an appropriate tip then maybe they should stick to Mickey D's or a counter service restaurant.

 

[Theosus]

I tend to tip 10% at a buffet rather than my usual 20% because all they do is show you your seat, bring you drinks and take away dirty dishes. I think they should get something but not as much as a full service restaurant

10% is the "proper" amount for buffet places....

 

[Disneyliscious]

If a person has a problem with leaving an appropriate tip

Who says what you think is appropriate is any more "right" than what I think is appropriate?

Its a personal choice and should in no way be used to determine the character or financial status of a person.

 

[Tinknalli]

We generally dislike buffets in any venue and will avoid them as possible. However when we do eat at them we do 10%. Sit down we do 20% standard. These are the amounts that we have always been taught are standard/correct/proper/acceptable. I have tipped less or more if the service warranted. The only time we did buffets at WDW was on the dining plan when tips were included. People sometimes refer to Ohana and Liberty Tree Tavern as buffet. They are not. They are sit down served family style. I agree that if one is not prepared to tip the standard then they should plan on eating elsewhere. I don't think what is considered proper is a personal opinion. It is based on manners and generally accepted rules.

 

[Ciao Mickey]

Who says what you think is appropriate is any more "right" than what I think is appropriate?

Its a personal choice and should in no way be used to determine the character or financial status of a person.

I don't know about you, but when I go to a buffet and see someone leave a $2 or $4 tip on an almost $70 bill (last week at the Waterfront Buffet at Harrah's in AC) THAT says plenty to me about that person's character.

 

[Disneyliscious]

e. I don't think what is considered proper is a personal opinion. It is based on manners and generally accepted rules.

Might I respectfully suggest a course or reading a book in Sociology?

There you will learn that while "norms" are based on what is general to ones culture, no one's "norms" are any more right than the other.

As I stated in a post a a while back in a separate thread:

Its normal to eat a cat in some countries. It is not acceptable in the US (which is where I live). However, if I wanted to eat a cat (and I don't) I wouldn't let what society dictates tell me if I should or not. With respect to the law, if I want to do something that is considered "abnormal, unusual, or not with the masses" I will. It doesn't make me or anyone else a bad person, a prude, a grinch, or a flake if I decide to tip a different amount than they do.

For those telling me I should eat elsewhere, I have already stated that I avoid restaurants with a mandatory gratuity. I am not guaranteed good service so I will not guarantee a tip of any percentage.

If you really want to harp on someone, complain to the restaurants who don't pay wait staff even minimum wage. I always leave some kind of a tip, however, I will never under any circumstances leave a tip that comes up to 20% of the cost of my meal at Disney. I have spent $40 and left an $8 tip before at a local place. Disney's prices are more than the average restaurant which makes the tipping get out of control when you figure it at the %20 amount.

If a person is waiting on 10 tables at once and the average bill of those tables is $200 thats a total of $2000 for one round of tables. The wait staff would get $400 for those 10 tables. Even if every person sat for 2 hours thats still $200 an hour for being a waiter/waitress. Nurses and some Doctors who have college degrees don't make that. We all know that Disney's tables generally stay booked so its not like he or she will have a "down" night. I will not tip someone on an entry level job to the point that I am contributing to them making more than someone who has vested money into a college degree and in the cases of mandatory tipping, this is what is taking place.

Im not saying what I do is right. Im not saying what you do is right. Im just saying that I won't cave to society when it comes to tipping. I will tip what I think is fair for the meal and service I have gotten and under no circumstances at a restaurant priced as those are in Disney will it be 20%.

Just because a meal costs more doesn't mean the wait staff is doing any more work then they would at the same kind of restaurant who has lower menu prices, which would result in a lower tip if based off total price.

 

[Acklander]

Might I respectfully suggest a course or reading a book in Sociology?

There you will learn that while "norms" are based on what is general to ones culture, no one's "norms" are any more right than the other.

As I stated in a post a a while back in a separate thread:

Its normal to eat a cat in some countries. It is not acceptable in the US (which is where I live). However, if I wanted to eat a cat (and I don't) I wouldn't let what society dictates tell me if I should or not. With respect to the law, if I want to do something that is considered "abnormal, unusual, or not with the masses" I will. It doesn't make me or anyone else a bad person, a prude, a grinch, or a flake if I decide to tip a different amount than they do.

For those telling me I should eat elsewhere, I have already stated that I avoid restaurants with a mandatory gratuity. I am not guaranteed good service so I will not guarantee a tip of any percentage.

If you really want to harp on someone, complain to the restaurants who don't pay wait staff even minimum wage. I always leave some kind of a tip, however, I will never under any circumstances leave a tip that comes up to 20% of the cost of my meal at Disney. I have spent $40 and left an $8 tip before at a local place. Disney's prices are more than the average restaurant which makes the tipping get out of control when you figure it at the %20 amount.

If a person is waiting on 10 tables at once and the average bill of those tables is $200 thats a total of $2000 for one round of tables. The wait staff would get $400 for those 10 tables. Even if every person sat for 2 hours thats still $200 an hour for being a waiter/waitress. Nurses and some Doctors who have college degrees don't make that. We all know that Disney's tables generally stay booked so its not like he or she will have a "down" night. I will not tip someone on an entry level job to the point that I am contributing to them making more than someone who has vested money into a college degree and in the cases of mandatory tipping, this is what is taking place.

Im not saying what I do is right. Im not saying what you do is right. Im just saying that I won't cave to society when it comes to tipping. I will tip what I think is fair for the meal and service I have gotten and under no circumstances at a restaurant priced as those are in Disney will it be 20%.

Just because a meal costs more doesn't mean the wait staff is doing any more work then they would at the same kind of restaurant who has lower menu prices, which would result in a lower tip if based off total price.

I have a friend who used to waitress at one of the restaurants on the boardwalk (maybe ESPN club??? I can't remember) and she said that the biggest challenge with waitressing at a place like Disney was that, since everyone was on vacation many felt that they could get away with tipping very little, since the customer would never see them again (as opposed to when you wait on regulars every week in your hometown). After tipping out to the support staff, On a slow night she would make about $75 a night, and on a busy night she would make about $150 a night. Not quite up there with what Doctors make.

 

[disneychic2]

This has been very enlightening. I wasn't sure about buffets since we rarely go to one. But have a couple scheduled this trip, so thanks for the insight.

What I've often wondered about is the custom of tipping according to the dollar amount of your food. So, you're at a restaurant and order the chicken dish. Say it is $15. Your server comes to your table to take your order, get your drinks to you, maybe bring the salad, then refills on drinks, then brings your entree and later comes by to see how things are and to refill your drink again. Finally, assuming no dessert, brings your bill and takes care of that. So, with 2 entrees and (soft) drinks, your bill is say, $36. The 20% tip would be $7.20. You go the next night to the same place and this time order lobster for $40 each (& 2 soft drinks). The server comes to your table the same number of times, does the same amount of work as the previous night, but because your entree costs more, they now should get a tip of $17.20. Please understand I am just curious about this. We always tip 20% (or more if we got exceptional service). Has anyone else wondered about this?

One other note: I am in awe of people who are wait staff anywhere. It is a hard, demanding job where they have to put up with some really "challenging" personalities. Never been a waitress, don't think I could do it, so hats off to anyone who does this for a living! You earn every dime of the 20%!

 

[TinkPirateMom]

At sit down restaurants the average amount of tables 1 server waits on at a time is 4. In many restaurants servers that have been there longer are given more tables, possible 6. It is unlikely any 1 server would ever wait on 10 tables at once or even turn over 10 tables within 2 hour period.

Also someone else brought up how in certain restaurants the server has to tip out to other staff based on sales regardless of whether or not they were tipped on those sales. That was true where I worked. 1.75% of my sales to runner, 2% of my sales to busser, 10% of my tips to bartender (regardless of whether a majority of my tables ordered bar drinks or not). I have heard of many restaurants that are similar and some that are different so it does vary but it is true that a server could end up paying out of pocket if they get low tips consistently all night. Luckily, the low tips are usually evened out out by the generous tippers.

I'm not telling anyone what they should or should not tip. Just explaining how it works and why I personally feel the need to tip the way I do.

 

[Disneyliscious]

When I worked for Ryans Steakhouse, I got 10 tables from the get-go. Every waitress had at least 10 and if someone called in, you got more.

When I worked at Applebee's I started out with 8 tables.

I don't know what Disney's table allotment is. When we were at CM our waitress came to our table to remove dishes twice (we ate and then refilled clean plates once more) and filled our drinks probably 3 times. Total time devoted to our table (including walking) was less than 10 minutes. While we were pleased with her service, I don't feel it was worth any more than $2 per minute. She got a $20 tip.

What I've often wondered about is the custom of tipping according to the dollar amount of your food. So, you're at a restaurant and order the chicken dish. Say it is $15. Your server comes to your table to take your order, get your drinks to you, maybe bring the salad, then refills on drinks, then brings your entree and later comes by to see how things are and to refill your drink again. Finally, assuming no dessert, brings your bill and takes care of that. So, with 2 entrees and (soft) drinks, your bill is say, $36. The 20% tip would be $7.20. You go the next night to the same place and this time order lobster for $40 each (& 2 soft drinks). The server comes to your table the same number of times, does the same amount of work as the previous night, but because your entree costs more, they now should get a tip of $17.20. Please understand I am just curious about this. We always tip 20% (or more if we got exceptional service). Has anyone else wondered about this

Yes, and its the very point Ive been stating my case on. A tip should not be consistent with the amount of the bill, rather it should be consistent with the service you got imo, and thats how I tip.

After tipping out to the support staff, On a slow night she would make about $75 a night, and on a busy night she would make about $150 a night.

That averages out to about $112 per night. If they work 5 nights a week thats over $550 a week. At three nights per week thats $336 a week and they are free to have time for a 2nd job. Those are pretty good figures for an entry level job where Im from. Don't see any reason for complaints there.

 

[tzeitel]

That averages out to about $112 per night. If they work 5 nights a week thats over $550 a week. At three nights per week thats $336 a week and they are free to have time for a 2nd job. Those are pretty good figures for an entry level job where Im from. Don't see any reason for complaints there.

I don't know if I would call Disney servers entry-level. It is a career and the waitlist to be a server at WDW is huge! I was a seating hostess at a WDW TS restaurant (and I bussed tables on holidays, tipped out by the servers in my section while getting paid less than min. wage) and servers there had worked up the ladder at WDW for years before getting a good TS.

Wow, flashback to bussing tables at WDW. It was exhausting! Food, crayons, drinks EVERYWHERE!

 

[Kat&Dom]

I worked as a server through college - it is very hard work. I worked at 4 different restaurants and this is how the tipping worked.

At one, I had to tip 10% of total tips to kitchen, 5% to front of house (hostess and bus staff) then $2 to dishwasher. Now at this restaurant, we got our credit card tips paid twice a month to us so if people tipped on credit card, I still had to tip out to everyone but did not receive the money for a couple of weeks. I always had to bring cash to work with me just to tip out in case all I received was credit card tips.

Another restaurant that I worked at, we had to tip out a certain percentage of sales that went for kitchen, bus staff and hostess. So if you have a table not tip you, then it costs you money to serve them. There was one really nice family - very polite and kind but they just didn't believe in tipping - it didn't matter how exceptable the service was - all they would do is tell you - you are a wonderful server, thanks for giving us great service but they never, ever tipped. Although they were super nice people, all the servers hated having to serve them because they knew it would cost them money from their own pocket to serve them. This restaurant also paid you your credit card tips and debit card tips twice a month with your paycheque but you still had to tip out in cash nightly to the rest of the staff.

Also, another restaurant that I worked at did a Sunday buffet and to be honest, I worked harder on the buffet days than regular menu days. As a server, you are constantly clearing dirty plates, refilling food on the buffet and refilling drinks. At that restaurant, we had to tip $5 to kitchen, no matter how much we made in tips - so if you only made $20 on a slow night, you tipped the kitchen $5 anyway.

When you tip, know that you are tipping the entire restaurant, the cooks who prepared your food, the hostess that greeted you and sat you at a table, the bus staff who work quickly to clean your table before and after you use it, the dishwasher who makes sure that you have clean dishes to eat of and the server obviously. It is an entire team that is benefitting from your tip!