I think a better solution would be to have the guests write in the amount of tip they think their server deserves up to the 18% (part of the dining plan) and if you want to leave an extra tip then go ahead. This would then give the servers an incentive to provide good service. Sometimes you get a bad server, sometimes the server has been assigned to many tables and are trying their best but are just rushed off their feet.
I think Disney is trying to milk the success of the
DDP for all they can get and trying to disguise it by saying the waitstaff should EARN their tips instead of having it added automatically.
I agree that they should have the customer determine the amount of tip by just writing in a percentage up to 18% when signing the bill; but it should still be included in the plan.
I also think this is an interesting idea -- the max tip included in the plan is 18%, but the guests could always leave more OOP if they chose, or indicate on the ticket if the service was lacking and deserved a lower tip. If Disney didn't change the cost of the plan but only implemented this, either service would be fantastic, or Disney would save money. It would also satisfy those who feel uncomfortable with the automatic 18% gratuity.
I think an automatic 18% tip at a buffet restaurant is on the high side.
I don't think I'd purchase the dining plan if the price went up much, and dropping the tip would increase my cost by $5-$10. I think the servers would get screwed if the tip became optional.
I agree, both on the buffet tip being high (since I serve myself at a buffet, I don't ever tip that high OOP for someone to essentially bus my table), and that servers could definitely get the short end of the stick if tips were totally optional. But, the 18% tip included in the price of my DDP...doesn't bother me if that's what the buffet servers get.
If the DDP changed to not be all inclusive, the servers are the ones who would bear the brunt of the cut. Let's face it, people order expensive items on the DDP, many of whom would never order the same way if paying for each meal (at time of meal).
I doubt if many people would be as generous as an 18% tip if they do tip. If tips decline, then service will decline. If DDP becomes known as the dining plan where servers get stiffed, then the service will decline also.
I would rather the price go up then to remove a critical element of the DDP. It should be all inclusive or retired, IMHO
I agree with all points you made, Pumbaa_. If the tip was not included...I would seriously consider the AAA room discount instead, look for other package perks, and skip the DDP. DH and I might eat fewer TS meals (maybe 5 in a 7 day trip instead of 7), and when we ordered OOP we'd be more careful about entree price again, and go back to sharing appetizers and/or desserts, and probably sharing CS meals, too. Wouldn't be as much fun, but we'd eat more like we typically do, and I'm sure we could do it under $80/day.
Nothing is set in stone yet, but the union made clear they wanted it gone. After 20 some hours of straight aruging 2 days ago, this is what they came up with. Clearly the servers union is trying to get as much possible in return for losing the grat, but I don't see them getting much. It will be up for vote sometime shortly. I personally hope its voted down, and the servers strike. If they lose the grat, I see a lot of servers being stiffed by trashy lowlifes, and then quitting disney.
If the union gives it up, then as a fellow union worker, I really hope the servers get a good contract in exchange.
Some guests may stiff the servers. Some of those guests might be "trashy lowlifes" but many of those guests might not have realized gratuities were excluded until they got their check. Do you really think the marketing material, and CM assisting guests with their reservations, will be highlighting the fact that gratuities are now excluded?
Nope, I think they just won't mention gratuities at all, and will gloss that right over. I think it will be left up to the servers to point out to guests when they present their check -- "Um, oh, by the way...don't know if you've been on the dining plan before, but things have changed, and the tip is no longer included...yes, I realize that the cost didn't decrease for you, but honest, my tip is no longer part of the package...I'm sorry if that wasn't explained to you clearly when you purchased the plan this year..." How...awkward...that might be.