DDE email

[KISSman]

Re: DDE email

I don't like the idea of included tips. It becomes something other than a tip -- maybe a service fee of sorts -- when you force me to pay X.X% on my bill.

A 'tip' is something I elect to give a server based on how I perceived my service to be. Personally, I average about 20% gratuity, but whether I round up or down from that 20% (since you rarely can nail 20% exactly without using small bills and/or change when paying with cash) depends on the quality of my service.

This new rule may cause there to be less incentive to be a great server. I mean, you could give your least effort now and you're still getting as much tip as the person who bends over backwards for their tables. Seems unfair and unmotivational.

[Jerren]

Re: DDE email

Jerren - I don't know why 15% isn't standard anymore (I used to be a server when it was), as food prices have gone up. If I'm at a place where food is inexpensive, I tend to tip extra well. I don't think someone should be penalized because the entree wasn't expensive. (like at Trails End, Ken is the BEST server - Donnell too). I am sure that people often tip on the discounted amount, or will tip what is considered standard at a buffet - which is still often stated at 10% outside of Disney. I have worked buffets in the distant past, and I found that I keep just as busy with the tables as I would with a regular sit-down restaurant. Generally it's more plates to clear, more drinks to fill at a more rapid pace.

I eat in and around the DC area a lot and it could just be regional but 20% is the norm for good service, 15% is still ok most areas but at a nicer restaurant you may get a dirty look when you leave or the next time you come in. When taking out clients I almost always tip 20% since I use the same establishments over and over, it generally ensures I always have a good table.

[BigPigletFan]

Re: Upgraded Disney Dining Experience Process & New Tip Policy at WDW

It says across property, but it may also just be the DDE.

I think that's fine for the DDE as we will generally will tip whatever we saved (20%) and then some. But I'm sure there are people on the DDE who don't tip well.

The question though is, is the 18% based on the before discount price or once the discount is applied?

I believe it is across property for all DDE members.

I would say that it is before discount amount. This is probably because you should always tip on the amount BEFORE any discount and people do not. That is why the CM discount places in the 18% so that they will tip correctly.

[SkittleKicks]

Re: DDE email

I got my DDE so we could experience a few of the sit downs we had always wanted to try and get a discount on them. I don't think I'll be renewing next year, though. It's too hard to get a sit down reservation if you don't know long in advance when you'll be coming (like many AP holders - we tend to decide to go down there on the weekend and walk around / have a meal). We've still got more than a few places to try, though, and will have to make special plans to get down there for them (Boma, Jiko, California Grill).

[SummerInFL]

Re: DDE email

Well that was the beauty of the Disney Dining Experence (DDE). It was a card you paid for (started at $60 I think) and you got 20% off your bill.

Not really a "plan". Just a discount for people who ate a lot of sit down meals (and were either FL residents or AP holders)

Now they are lumping more and more "rules" on the DDE.

-dave

Yeah, I didn't renew mine, to much of a hassle, mainly for the reason you listed. If I have to think about it to much regarding if I get a discount, what applies, what is extra that gets added on etc.. it's not worth my time or hassle. I'd rather just pay the full price, 10 bucks is not that big a deal to me, if I'm throwing away money at a sit down restaurant anyway.

[Phonedave]

Re: DDE email

Whatever happened to just paying for your meal on a case by case basis and getting good food and good service? What's with all these plans? It seems like they roll out these plans that sound too good to be true, and then take away benefits, features, and raise the price each year. It sounds like a bunch of hooey to create the illusion of value where there is none.

Well that was the beauty of the Disney Dining Experence (DDE). It was a card you paid for (started at $60 I think) and you got 20% off your bill.

Not really a "plan". Just a discount for people who ate a lot of sit down meals (and were either FL residents or AP holders)

Now they are lumping more and more "rules" on the DDE.

-dave

[nbodyhome]

Re: DDE email

Whatever happened to just paying for your meal on a case by case basis and getting good food and good service? What's with all these plans? It seems like they roll out these plans that sound too good to be true, and then take away benefits, features, and raise the price each year. It sounds like a bunch of hooey to create the illusion of value where there is none.

They created a lot of interest in the plan, then took away the best parts of it! You are right. I actually wouldn't mind if the DDP got less popular, it would be easier to get a reservation last-minute.

[Pressler69]

Re: DDE email

Whatever happened to just paying for your meal on a case by case basis and getting good food and good service? What's with all these plans? It seems like they roll out these plans that sound too good to be true, and then take away benefits, features, and raise the price each year. It sounds like a bunch of hooey to create the illusion of value where there is none.

[nbodyhome]

Re: DDE email

When I visit Europe, tips are usually included in the bill. .

I actually really like that. Spaghetti or a single serving margherita pizza was 7 Euros each at my favorite Parisian restaurant this year, and that includes tax and tip. I do leave a little change at the end of my meal, but not a percentage tip. I can't wait to go back to Paris, I ate there 5 times in May.

Jerren - I don't know why 15% isn't standard anymore (I used to be a server when it was), as food prices have gone up. If I'm at a place where food is inexpensive, I tend to tip extra well. I don't think someone should be penalized because the entree wasn't expensive. (like at Trails End, Ken is the BEST server - Donnell too). I am sure that people often tip on the discounted amount, or will tip what is considered standard at a buffet - which is still often stated at 10% outside of Disney. I have worked buffets in the distant past, and I found that I keep just as busy with the tables as I would with a regular sit-down restaurant. Generally it's more plates to clear, more drinks to fill at a more rapid pace.

[DVC Mike]

Re: DDE email

This new move really pisses me off! It's taking what should be MY decision out of my hands. And now waiters have no incentive to provide great service, as their tip with the DDE is now included. Very bad move on Disney's part.

When I visit Europe, tips are usually included in the bill. So when Europeans visit WDW (and a lot are, given the strength of the Euro and the weakness of the dollar), a lot of them don't tip.

For us in the U.S., there are probably folks that tip 15% based on the discounted cost of the meal, instead of tipping based upon the non-discounted cost of the meal.

Automatic gratuity will correct for these types of issues.

Plus, if I'm truly unhappy with the service I get, I can still complain to the manager and ask that the gratuity be reduced. I'm sure they will comply with my request.

[Jerren]

Re: DDE email

I am wondering also - will people eat differently? Will they have the most expensive steak, and the most expensive dessert, etc. I don't know if I would even do the free dine next year, since the tipping really adds up. I would have rather seen the DDP go up to $50, including the appetizer and tip.

I always wondered how Disney even made money with the DDP, but I've heard that a lot of credits go unused. I had like 23 credits left at the end of my free dine time (I often didn't make my dine times, or want to eat so much). So as I'm local, I hit 3 counter service restaurants and took it all to go (converting my table service into counter at the Pepper Market).

I think you may have hit the nail square on the head there Denise, I for one will probably not use next years DDP unless the price is lower than this years (not likely) Normally we would not order appetizers, main course and dessert while touring the parks as it is a lot of food, I also lean towards more expensive items to "get my money's worth" out of the plan. We also plan where we eat and where we use the points to maximize the value. I rarely have unused points, we find a way to use them, usually the snacks wind up as breakfast or snacks for the plane.

The tips where always something I felt like we should have to pay anyway to complement good service, we often did tip on top of the included tip, other times there where occasions where I wish I could have withheld it. I think the main issue here and why the union is pressing for the mandatory tip, is that a lot of people don't understand the concept of tipping....

My Niece is a waitress and she has had folks leave little or no tips back when she worked for Applebee's mostly from younger teens and college students. (She does much better now working at a 3 star establishment) those who have never worked in the service industry may not know that most waiters make less than 2$ an hour and live off tips. The old 15% is not considered a good tip for good service these days if it was so so or fair give 15%. For good service 20% is good and sometimes you go higher. Also never ever leave pennies if you leave a cash tip unless you really are trying to say the service was lousy.

[Melonballer]

Re: DDE email

I tend to be a generous tipper. I really dislike having the choice taken from me. I can understand with large parties of people, but not for a single person or a group of 2 or 3.

[nbodyhome]

Re: DDE email

For me I give 20% in tips
Now I will have more money to spend on gifts

That 2% won't buy a lot! :-D

[akfandisney]

Re: DDE email

For me I give 20% in tips
Now I will have more money to spend on gifts

[nbodyhome]

Re: DDE email

And this is the prime reason why this new version of the DDP is going to cause HUGE problems. When your meal was basically paid for up front, including tip, it was just so nice to dine, get what you want, and not have to worry about any extra. I'm sure not going to enjoy paying money up front for a meal, and then have to bring along extra money for the tip (and I'm always a good tipper!). It makes the DDP a no-go for me. And I"m betting that the vast majority of folks who will use the DDP next year either won't tip or will tip a dollar or 2. It's just gonna blow up bigtime.

I am wondering also - will people eat differently? Will they have the most expensive steak, and the most expensive dessert, etc. I don't know if I would even do the free dine next year, since the tipping really adds up. I would have rather seen the DDP go up to $50, including the appetizer and tip.

I always wondered how Disney even made money with the DDP, but I've heard that a lot of credits go unused. I had like 23 credits left at the end of my free dine time (I often didn't make my dine times, or want to eat so much). So as I'm local, I hit 3 counter service restaurants and took it all to go (converting my table service into counter at the Pepper Market).

[Burnt Toast]

Re: DDE email

Sadly this is per the new Union Contract. So this is really out of the hands of the normally descion makers.

Ugh... another reason why I hate unions.

[Burnt Toast]

Re: DDE email

Ewww...

However, this last trip to WDW I was on the free Disney Dining Plan... and even though gratuity was included in the plan, I didn't experience a lack of service on any part.

In fact, at California Grill I spoke with a manager about Billy (our server) on how wonderful he was. On top of the 18% that was included, my party of four also left him around a $100 tip extra. He wound up getting (minus whatever shares go out to the supplemental help, like bussers) around a $180 tip... and we didn't even drink any alcohol.

Even at the one credit locations or smaller locations that get really busy, like Donald's Breakfastosaurus... the service was pretty good.

[sir clinksalot]

Re: DDE email

And I"m betting that the vast majority of folks who will use the DDP next year either won't tip or will tip a dollar or 2. It's just gonna blow up bigtime.

Sadly, your probably right. Which again, may effect your service if your on the DDP.

For those of us NOT on the plan, we just need to make sure we let our waiters know that were not and make them work for the tip.

[danyoung]

Re: DDE email

But still - if you paid already for a dining plan, and your total bill came to $200.00 for a family of 4...are you going to shell out another $40?

And this is the prime reason why this new version of the DDP is going to cause HUGE problems. When your meal was basically paid for up front, including tip, it was just so nice to dine, get what you want, and not have to worry about any extra. I'm sure not going to enjoy paying money up front for a meal, and then have to bring along extra money for the tip (and I'm always a good tipper!). It makes the DDP a no-go for me. And I"m betting that the vast majority of folks who will use the DDP next year either won't tip or will tip a dollar or 2. It's just gonna blow up bigtime.

[nbodyhome]

Re: DDE email

80k just in tips!?!? And that's in Orlando. Not too shabby.

Sadly Denise, I agree. I think if people are on the DDP they will probably assume the tip is included (if they have done it before). And short of the waiter letting them know the tip isn't included (risky) they are just going to have to deal with it.

Most of that would be tips, anyway! I knew a 19 year old (well, I knew his mom) who was making like 50k or more at Pizzaria Uno! And that is much less expensive than a $30 buffet (well, nearly $30 in the evening). As I recall, that is what he claimed - I'm not sure if that is his full amount that he made. Even if it was, that is a LOT of money. (I have been a server, it is hard work - maybe I need to get back into it).

Even this year, with the DDP, some waiters didn't make as much money. If you went and ordered $80.00 worth of food at Tutto Italia, the waiter made like $4.20. Some restaurants are not Disney owned, so they would get a percentage of what the dining plan cost. Not on what the food cost. A waiter at Le Cellier would have earned about $15.00 on that $80.00. So this gives equal footing to servers, but I don't think that many guests will tip well on this. It will be like "I paid for my dining plan already". I hope that isn't the case, but this cannot be a win for servers.

I have heard that Disney held the tip money (that was from the DDP) and gave it to servers in a paycheck. Personally, I would prefer a guaranteed tip than none at all - no matter how or when it was dispersed. I think on the bill it will state something like "gratuity not included". But still - if you paid already for a dining plan, and your total bill came to $200.00 for a family of 4...are you going to shell out another $40? I don't know. I think many people don't spend that much normally on food, and will be shellshocked when they see how much extra it will add to their daily trip spending.