Would this be a no-no?

[Laura24]

I'm having thoughts about our next cruise, 7nt.western and dining. This will be our 5th DC and I am considering skipping dining in the dining rooms and just ordering room service or using fast food on the upper decks. DH and I just want to go at our own pace and not be set to schedules this trip. I would, however, absolutely tip the wait staff as if we were there. Has anyone else considered doing this? It's all about going with the flow and not being set to a schedule. Any thoughts or comments (go easy)! Thanks.

 

[poohs4me]

We did a combination on our last cruise. I think we made half of our main seatings and the others we skipped for a variety of reasona. Once was Palo, Once we missed dinner due to lingering in port, once we just didn't feel like dressing up. Well you see the pattern. Anyway, our servers were very nice and actually were worried we were ok. One night they even sent dessert to our room.

That being said, we still tipped the servers well even though we did not use their services the whole time. I did not feel it was right to ding them in tipping when it was our choice to miss the meal.

You could always ask a DCL reservationist and see what they say.

 

[Drcell01]

I could not imagine missing all of the meals in the dining room (especially Animator's Pallet) and after our wonderful experience at Palo I would not cruise again with out visiting once.

...but to each their own...you do what you want as it is YOUR vacation.

 

[logan1_2000]

You can do some searches and find other threads on this issue. It really is your choice, you have expressed an opinion that I think a majority of those posting on here would agree with and approve of, that is, to tip your assigned staff as if you were there the full cruise to not "ding" them. So if the limited room service menu offerings will be nough on some nights, and also the casual selections at Pluto's, or a "fancy" night at Palo's add up to being what would fit your trip best, along with the casual dinner at the buffet (which I have still never done), why not--enjoy the flexibility.

 

[westjones]

Since you have done the cruise before, and you know what you would be missing in the dining rooms, I would say, go for it! Do whatever you want to do. We have been on 6 Disney cruises so far, and each time we try something a little different. You mentioned you are on the 7 night, so you could always go up to Topsiders for dinner (they don't offer that as an option on the 3/4 nights). We did that once when we didn't want to miss the show and we wanted to go to a movie also.

My family loves dining in the dining rooms, so I don't see us doing this. BUT if you guys don't mind, then go ahead. Relax and enjoy your vacation any way you want to.

DJ

 

[poohssmum]

I, personally, have not considered doing this. But that's just me, and dinner in the dining rooms is one of my favorite parts of the cruise. We choose late seating dinner and that works for us. We never feel rushed or pressured to get to dinner on time and rarely have to pull our children away from anything they are enjoying. One thing that I find myself doing is actually skipping the shows We aren't really "variety show" people but I do try to see the Disney productions at least once. Unless there's something the kids ask to see, we won't change our plans or rush around to see them again ... just our opinion. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's your vacation and if you don't want to eat in the dining rooms, there are other options for you and you should feel free to utilize them. Have a GREAT vacation

 

[UGAFan0829]

I have to say that I think it would be fine. I mean after all, it is your vacation, so why not be able to do whatever you wish. I don't think you should have to eat in any of the restaurants if you wish not to. I do think it would be very nice of you if you still tipped your waitstaff. Since I'm about to go on only my 2nd cruise, then I've never thought of doing this, since it's all still new to me, but I can see why after 5 cruises that you would want to try something new. It's all about you and your DH, and what you want, so I say go for it!

 

[RealMickeysGirl]

After 5 cruses, I am sure you are ready for a change. I do think tipping your scheduled staff is a good idea - you will probably see them in other dining spots during your cruise anyway. We had lunch at the buffet a couple of times on our last cruise and our assistant waiter was there each time. They do work at other sites for meals other than dinner where they are not regularly tipped.

It would be nice to let them know what you are doing, IMO. Just so they know that you did make it on the ship, you are ok, you are just choosing to do something different. Just out of courtesy to them.

We planned to go to Palo our first night of our last cruise and found our wait staff at lunch to let them know that we would see them the next night. It probably helps them in their preparations also since they do work more than one table each meal seating.

There was a table on our rotation that was empty most of the trip. The family probably did what you are planning on doing - eat at other places. It was late seating and they did have preteen kids so I don't what their reasoning was and it doesn't matter because it was their vacation - just letting you know that this probably happens more than people think.

Hope you have a blast on you trip!!

 

[3redheads]

I say it's your vacation. You spent a lot of money for this cruise and should feel comfortable doing what you want. I agree that you shouldn't forget the serving staff when tipping comes around. Perhaps even explain on the first night what you are doing.

Enjoy your cruise!!!
Kim

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I think it's a good idea. The cruises with "freestyle" dining appeal to us because sometimes we just don't feel like getting dressed up for dinner or watching the clock (though we're not ready to give up on Disney just yet, LOL). Have a great time and be sure to let us know how it works out for you!!

 

[8 Ears]

This is only our 2nd cruise and it will only be DH and myself but we are giving up our seating. 2+ hours for supper is too long. So many other activities we would rather be participating in.

Glad to hear other's feel the same.

 

[CM_Mom]

If you don't feel like dressing up but still want a full meal, you can eat in Topsiders. They have seated dinners but Casual dress. Also, since the dining rooms now allow jeans on the "Resort Casual" nights the dressing up part might not be as big a deal.

 

[4formickey]

It is recommended that you tip when you dine. If you are not eating in the dining room you do not have to tip. Room service is tip and Palo is tip. The wait staff often work in other locations so you will not be stiffing them if you didn't dine in the dining room. Tipping is for the service recieve,If no service is given are you expected to tip? Do we pay for things that we don't use? Why pay for a car and it stays on the dealer lot? Why buy gas that you never pump into your car? Why buy a big screen tv and it stays at best buy? I know so many people will disagree with me but this is your right and I will still be your dis friend.

 

[CM_Mom]

The wait staff often work in other locations so you will not be stiffing them if you didn't dine in the dining room.

HOWEVER, they DON'T usually get tips from those locations.

IMHO, I consider the tips a bargain for the level of service we received all week where ever we chose to eat all over the ship. We received fantastic, cheerful service from everyone and tipped above the recommended amount based on that.

I think the bottom line is that you should do what you feel comfortable doing. I would hate for your trip to be spoiled because you felt "compelled" to tip someone who didn't deserve it.

 

[roscodog]

I always thought the room service menu was pretty limited and I would get tired of it if I had to eat from it several days in a row but do what pleases you and give us a report on your experience when you get back.

 

[mhelsley]

I got this straight from the front desk last year on tipping. I got the info. due to the fact that i changed tables after the first night. It didn't seem right that my servers from the first night get nothing so i had the front desk adjust the tip envelopes. I even ask about Palo's and they said i shouldn't tip reg. dinning for that night and that you should only tip if you dine in the dinning rooms at night much to my surprise. My first servers even said i didn't need to do it but were very thankful. So do with this info. what you think is best.

 

[Dreamer04]

It would be nice to let them know what you are doing, IMO. Just so they know that you did make it on the ship, you are ok, you are just choosing to do something different. Just out of courtesy to them.

I was thinking this, too. This way they can skip your table as far as setups.

BTW, it sounds like a great idea! Enjoy your cruise, your way!

Ursula

 

[Laura24]

It's not about "having to dress up"-have no problems at all about doing so, or "needing a change" (I cancelled RCCL thinking I would try another cruise line other than Disney...wrong- my head and heart made me realize I'd miss DCL too much ) I enjoy the dining rooms and the shows, and just had a conflict going on in my brain...is it right or is it wrong to relax the routine a bit. Still have months to go, I'm sure I will hash this out over and over until we actually pack and go!