Why do waiters ask you if you're on a Dining Plan before you order?

[momtotaryn]

We were asked this at every TS restaurant we went to, and I assumed it was because the servers could explain what was included with our meal. It was a good thing too, since it was our first trip, it helped a lot knowing what we could and could not order.

I was VERY surprised that at Kona Cafe, we could order have one of the non alcoholic "special" drinks with our meal, although those were not refillable (like the soft drinks). I chose to have the Lava Smoothie, and I loved it! Of course, it made me rather full, so I didn't have much room for my entree, not to mention dessert. However, we were able to get our dessert to go, so that was great!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

They ask at the podium and again at the table.

Well after we got to our table our waiter at Tony's never asked us a second time if we were on the Dining Plan.

 

[prttynpnk]

We saw this almost same thing just last month at Yak & Yeti. The table next to us were positive that appetizers were included with the DDP and rather loudly accused the poor waitress of trying to get to them. They insisted a manger being called, who explained that appetizers had not been included for several years now. The man got really abusive and said they had received them just the year before on the basic DDP. Uh, no it's been several years. He then demanded to know why the table next to them got appetizers then and the manager got to explain the DxDDP to them. The man finally backed down and said that the previous year's trip had been on his F-I-L's dime and maybe they did have the DxDDP and he just hadn't realized it. Duh, did you not also notice that you got more meal credits to use that trip.

I was just so appalled by their attitude- the poor staff was being so nice about explaining and they were just acting so entitled. As another poster said- tehy were probably trying to get comp'd.

 

[mom2of2]

Hopefully this will clear up any questions you have about servers asking if you are on the DDP and what type of plan you are using.

Yes, the podium may ask if you are on the DDP and they will then mark your seating card so that the server gets a heads up so they can just explain right off the bat what is included and what is extra. Sometimes you may be asked by both the podium and the server because it failed to print on your seating card or they use a stamp and simply forgot.

A lot of guests just know "we have a plan" they don't know what plan, could be DDP, DXDP or QSDP. They don't really care, they just know that they already paid for their food. Many many times I have asked to see the card and saw that it was a QSDP and notified the guest that they were in a TS restaurant and that it wasn't valid there.

TIW discount requires a swipe by a manager or GT (banker), that's why it's helpful to see the card prior to your bill being delivered. Sometimes it's difficult to get a swipe if the manager is really busy or there is a line in the banker office.

There is no difference when ringing in an order. The kitchen has no idea if you are on the DP. Portions are the same for everyone, DDP, DXDP or TIW, cash or charge.

You will be presented with a check for the total amount. It will have all the charges and an area where you can write in a tip if you would like to charge one or put a 0 or write CASH. You then fill it out and present that back to the server with your KTTW. The only time the type of DP comes into play is when the final check is presented. If you are on the DDP and you order an app or an extra beverage, the check will be split and you will be given two checks to pay. I generally show them the original check, then the check that has the 0 balance and then the balance due check. There is a lot of paperwork to sign and lots for you to take with you.

Some guests know that if they put up a stink pretty much anywhere on property they will get whatever it is that they want.....I just don't like it when it's in my station.

HTH clear up any questions you may have had OP.

 

[nrpofp]

Yes they ask you at the podium. Then they ask you at the table. Some waiters even asked to see my card, and then didn't believe me because our card did not say deluxe on it. We were on a Ap ticketless package with the deluxe dining. I have no idea why my card did not say deluxe on it. I was kind of annoyed with a couple of waiters. I know what plan I have and what I can order. I understand they probably get a lot of people that are confused about what you can order. When I tell them this is our 7th day and we got it. I expect them to believe me.

 

[TDC Nala]

They don't ever ask if you are on a FREE dining plan. Not everyone who is traveling during a free dining period is on a free dining plan - some still pay for it (DVC members for example) - so there is no way whether they can tell if you paid for the dining plan or didn't pay for it.

 

[mom2of2]

To the PP, Im sorry you got annoyed at the servers because of the card and were upset because you felt you weren't believed.

You need to understand that we constantly have guests tell us they know what plan they have, what they are entitled to and how many meals they have left only to find out when we see or run their card that whatever they thought they knew isn't always the case. This then requires a manager to get involved who then has to either explain everything to the guest or call their home resort. This takes time especially if the restaurant is busy. The guest is now aggravated and they take it out on their server when the gratuity is left.

Please understand we are trying to do our jobs to the best of our ability. We want you to enjoy your meal and leave with us both happy.

 

[nrpofp]

To the PP, Im sorry you got annoyed at the servers because of the card and were upset because you felt you weren't believed.

You need to understand that we constantly have guests tell us they know what plan they have, what they are entitled to and how many meals they have left only to find out when we see or run their card that whatever they thought they knew isn't always the case. This then requires a manager to get involved who then has to either explain everything to the guest or call their home resort. This takes time especially if the restaurant is busy. The guest is now aggravated and they take it out on their server when the gratuity is left.

Please understand we are trying to do our jobs to the best of our ability. We want you to enjoy your meal and leave with us both happy.

Sorry to hear there are so many idiots that don't know what they paid for, but it doesn't surprise me.