Why do servers need to know if you're on DDP?

[molly2004]

I've read through many posts where people have reported servers/host(esses) asking whether you are on DDP. Many speculate that they want to know so they can determine whether they ought to earn their tip. With all due respect, that's speculation. Why do they need to know, is my question.

Has anyone ever pushed back and asked these people why? Just curious to know how they respond.

 

[Disney with Triplets]

I would think that the servers need to know so that they can explain what's included, what's extra, etc. so that there aren't any surprises in the end.

 

[bicker]

That would be my perspective as well.

 

[kaybird]

I agree with the previous posts, and never get why this should be some big secret. Obviously the server is going to need to know so your credits will pay. Our servers are always good about explaining what is included, and most often want us to get everything that we are entitled to. I may put it on a tshirt next trip. "Yes, I'm on the dining plan. Bring the food, and stand back!"

 

[Seahunt]

I read somewhere that it also helps the servers "ring" the meal at the register correctly (already adding the gratuity,etc.) Otherwise, they ring it in as a regular purchase, and then have to void that receipt and re-ring it as a DDP meal

 

[ReneeA]

I read somewhere that it also helps the servers "ring" the meal at the register correctly (already adding the gratuity,etc.) Otherwise, they ring it in as a regular purchase, and then have to void that receipt and re-ring it as a DDP meal

This is true...when they are busy I can imagine that they don't have time to void and re-ring every transaction.

All of our servers were very accomodating, friendly and efficient while we were there on the plan. They explained what was included and made suggestions. I kow every TS has different "rules" - for instance, some include smoothies as a beverage, other's don't.

Why would it bother you to be asked?

 

[molly2004]

It doesn't bother me to be asked. I've just gathered from other posts that people feel that their service has been compromised when servers ask and they are on DDP. So I wanted to truly see if there was a connection.

BTW, what you all say makes total sense.

 

[Jennyvelaz]

This is an interesting topic for me and I am trying to find out...We're just back and our group was split, some on dining and some not. Not only did they get a tip from the DDP members but also charged my tab automatic gratuity for the number of members in my party (8 or more). If they were separating the tips on their own (separating the checks) then the tips shouldn't be charged for the whole party.
For example;
Whispering Canyon party of 9
5 on DDP....bill covered for them, asked to sign their slip
4 DDE my party
- tip added automatically on bill
- check for 2 adult, 2 child lunch
- to sign the slip it said tip optional so we tipped, not knowing our billed had been charged because our bill was for four persons
Can someone explain if this is sounds right?

 

[Lewisc]

Once you're using the dining plan for anyone in your party an automatic tip is added on for all out of pocket costs including the meals for guests paying out of pocket because they're not on the plan. This is done even if your group is less than 8, has separate checks and even if you're seated in different tables.

I guess tip optional is intended to refer to an optional (extra) tip if you think the service is worth more than 18%.

This is an interesting topic for me and I am trying to find out...We're just back and our group was split, some on dining and some not. Not only did they get a tip from the DDP members but also charged my tab automatic gratuity for the number of members in my party (8 or more). If they were separating the tips on their own (separating the checks) then the tips shouldn't be charged for the whole party.
For example;
Whispering Canyon party of 9
5 on DDP....bill covered for them, asked to sign their slip
4 DDE my party
- tip added automatically on bill
- check for 2 adult, 2 child lunch
- to sign the slip it said tip optional so we tipped, not knowing our billed had been charged because our bill was for four persons
Can someone explain if this is sounds right?

 

[**pixiedust**]

The servers need to know because it affects how they ring in the order on their computers for many reasons, such as tracking the percentage of meals that were sold on the dining plan vs. OOP, adding the gratuity in, and other restaraunt organizational stuff.

 

[bstnsprts]

It doesn't bother me to be asked. I've just gathered from other posts that people feel that their service has been compromised when servers ask and they are on DDP. So I wanted to truly see if there was a connection.

BTW, what you all say makes total sense.

Just came back on Sunday and service at all meals, with one minor exception was outstanding. Only at Planet Hollywood, which seemed to be understaffed, was the service below grade. It wasn't that the server wasn't trying, she just had to many tables. At all other TS we ate at the servers were all friendly, professional, and doing a great job.

 

[Luv4Disney]

I agree with the servers asking about DDP so they explain everything, but I have also heard about service being compromised in some instances. I guess we'll find out in November. Trying the DDP for the first time!

 

[HopperFan]

I asked at check in if I needed to tell the server up front and they said no. She said some people decide during their meal to not use the credits if they aren't hungry for that much food or it wasn't as much money as they thought and wanted to save the credit for a more expensive meal.

In about half the restaurants, they asked me in advance, and said "okay, let me explain to you what is included.". I think that is the real reason.

I would always get a bill with numbers, then they take your card and bring back a bill with all zeros, and it showed your credits left. Everywhere except for Chef Mickey they also brought me back a bill showing all the amounts spent including the gratuity, but a balance paid by TSR Package Plan. The only time I got a receipt where I could add a tip was CRT (I paid OOP) and Capt Jack where I had a drink and needed to pay for it. Both these servers deserved extra, so I gave it to them. On the others I wanted to tip extra, I would have to leave cash as the receipt did not allow for me to add on.

As long as the final method of payment is in the computer at the end, it shouldn't matter how the order was entered.

 

[powellrj]

Most resturants asked to see our card after we told them we were on the DDP. I assume it was because we had 2 children and they wanted to make sure they were listed as adults on our tickets before we ordered adult meals. (they were) After the first couple of times we just showed our card as soon as our server came to our table.