Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 This is NOT simply for DDE members. It is across the board for all full serve dining locations whether you get a discount, are on the food plan or simply just paying retail. It reeks ... and it all goes back to the whole idea of the DDP, and how it is what winds up screwing servers. For me, I usually tip 20-25% for great or exceptional service, 18% for good service, 15% for average service, 10% for poor service and if it's worse than that I'm speaking to a manager. But I don't like the idea of my choice of discretionary tip being taken out of my hands. This is BAD policy. I also think it will result in a whole lot more complaining and 'asking for the manager' when your service isn't up to 18% standards.
Originally Posted By danyoung So, oh Spirit, how does this work with the DDP? Are you going to get presented with a bill at the end of each meal, demanding the payment of the 18% tip? I just can't imagine how pissed of people will be, when they thought they had a comprehensive dining plan, and are still FORCED to pay money to get out of each meal. Seems pretty stupid to me.
Originally Posted By CMDad ^^ Agreed - as that is my policy as well. My tip does indeed reflect the service I get and is not just a routine "tax" that I automatically add. For myself, in general, it will not mean a whole lot as I really have not encountered a service problem at WDW ... at least until now. However, it is the option of being able to adjust the tipe downwards that I feel is my right and privilege. I can almost accept is as a part of the DDE - but to make it part of the normal dining experience at WDW ... there I have my problems and see it a a very "guest unfriendly" policy.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<So, oh Spirit, how does this work with the DDP? Are you going to get presented with a bill at the end of each meal, demanding the payment of the 18% tip? I just can't imagine how pissed of people will be, when they thought they had a comprehensive dining plan, and are still FORCED to pay money to get out of each meal. Seems pretty stupid to me.>> Yeah. It just seems absurd, doesn't it, Danny? Of course, changing the DDP (which was bad enough to begin with) to now not include appetizer and gratuity takes away any real value for anyone that really thinks about it. Oh, and at the risk of being called a stalker, if you don't like the policy, I'd drop a letter, email or phone call to Dieter Hannig, Head of WDW Food and Beverage and to Erin Wallace, Sr. VP of Ops for the WDW Resort.
Originally Posted By bobbelee9 Why can't I just go on vacation, eat where I want, when I want, tip what I want? WDW is sounding less and less like a vacation, and more like a lesson in organizational skills and math. I'm getting a headache. Maybe we'll just eat all our meals at Casey's. Hakuna Matata.
Originally Posted By Indigo T.I.P.S. = To Insure Perfect Service. That's why the amount of the tip is determined after the meal is served. If this policy is implemented for those not on the DDP, I will make it my policy to ask for the manager after ordering and let them know not to automatically include the 18% on my check. I will make the determination on what to tip after the service is over. If they want to add a surcharge, then the should just call it that. But don't call it a tip when it is not. signed, *not happy if true*
Originally Posted By danyoung >T.I.P.S. = To Insure Perfect Service. < While I agree with most of what you said, Indigo, the above is another urban myth. <a href="http://search.atomz.com/search/?sp-q=tips&sp-a=00062d45-sp00000000&sp-advanced=1&sp-p=all&sp-w-control=1&sp-w=alike&sp-date-range=-1&sp-x=any&sp-c=100&sp-m=1&sp-s=0" target="_blank">http://search.atomz.com/search...&sp-s=0</a>
Originally Posted By danyoung Sorry, this is a better link - <a href="http://www.snopes.com/language/acronyms/tip.asp" target="_blank">http://www.snopes.com/language /acronyms/tip.asp</a>
Originally Posted By brerroadrunner What about the regular consumer who does not know the tip is added and doesn't read his bill and then leaves a double tip unknowingly. A few of those will make up the 2%. Disney could add the 18% into the food prices and then advertise "no tipping needed." Either way, service is going to..... Server knows they are getting 18% (and more in some cases) so their load just got easier. I too will make my lousy service made known to a manager before I leave and ask for the tip back. Bad service does not get rewarded! And we have had bad service on more then one occasion!
Originally Posted By Doobie Just for the record, we have heard officially from Disney that this changes applies to DDE only, not to everyone. Others on here may have different info but that's the official word from Disney. Doobie.
Originally Posted By danyoung If I may ask you to clarify, Doobie - have you had some communication with Disney other than the email that was sent out to all DDP'ers? Because within that email it could be read either way. Thanks.
Originally Posted By MPierce What a lot of people are finding out is they are getting two different answers from CM. Some say it only applies to DDE, while others say it applies to all guest. It will take a while to sort this out.
Originally Posted By CMDad Just received another email (or 3) --------------------- Dear Mark, Many of you have expressed concern about the 18% gratuity that will be added to all Disney Dining Experience transactions. When using your Disney Dining Experience membership card the assessed gratuity will be added to all table service restaurant locations and lounges for all transactions regardless of party size. Gratuity will not be added to any counter service, food cart or quick service locations. In the past, gratuity was only implemented for larger parties of 8 or more for guests utilizing their Disney Dining Experience membership. This adjustment to the program has been implemented in order to align the Disney Dining Experience Program with other dining experiences where gratuities are included. Effective January 1, 2008, when utilizing your Disney Dining Experience discount 18% gratuity will be added. If you have any further questions or concerns we would ask that you send an e-mail to our Executive Offices at wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com. Thank you, The Disney Dining Experience Team
Originally Posted By danyoung I got the same email. This is the line that has me confused - >This adjustment to the program has been implemented in order to align the Disney Dining Experience Program with other dining experiences where gratuities are included.< But they're ELIMINATING the 18% tip on their largest program, the DDP. So in essence this statement isn't true. What it's doing is attempting to compensate for the removal of the mandatory DDP tip. Very very odd and awkward, Disney.
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 I got that email too. I'm more confused now than ever. And if it is DDE only and is guaranteed 18% of the pre-discount price, I have the feeling I'll be engaging in some spirited discussion with managers when I don't get service that warrants that. Oh, and Danny, you're quite right. How crazy is it they want to add the 18% to DDE to bring it inline with other 'dining experiences' when the ONLY other one is the DDP and they are eliminating it. Sounds like some VP is trying to get his/her numbers up. Again, Sprirt The Stalker says if you don't like the changes, contact the people with the power to change things.
Originally Posted By Doobie <<< If I may ask you to clarify, Doobie - have you had some communication with Disney other than the email that was sent out to all DDP'ers? Because within that email it could be read either way. >>> I asked Disney media relations and got the same answer everyone is now getting in email - it applies to DDE only. Doobie.
Originally Posted By danyoung Thanks, Doobie - didn't mean to question you there. This whole thing has been very confusing, and seems to have been handled poorly by Disney.
