Dining Plan and Gratuity???

[Lovemyblt]

Okay here is my question- We are getting the DDP but eveyrwhere I read says " party of 6 or more with have the gratuity automatically added". Does that mean I will get a bill for the tip?????:RpS_confused:
It may be a dumb question but this is our first try with the DDP.

[Lisa]

It's not a dumb question, and yes. If your party is less than 6, you will be able to add your own gratuity, but that also will be out-of-pocket.

[Lovemyblt]

They bring us a bill for the gratuity amount??? We have 6 and DH says 20% on Buffets is ridiculous, he's not going to be happy!!! OOOPS!

[Lisa]

It's actually a bill for the entire meal, but the amounts for the food are "zeroed out" (sorry, can't think of a better way to put it) since you're on the dining plan. Then they figure the gratuity on the actual cost of the food and add that, and you need to pay that. I think it's 18%, though, not 20% - maybe someone else can clarify that for you.

[Rhonda]

Im not sure but I think it will be 18% if it is automatically added.

[Lovemyblt]

Ugh, I was right he's not happy... He just doesn't get how bringing drinks qualifies for the same tip as bringing the entire meal. Sigh... living with a money minded person is not easy at Disney!!

[Havoc315]

A tip is "expected" regardless of party size. When you get a check, it will show the 18% recommended tip. If your party is 6 or more, then yes, you will automatically be charged the 18%.

[Rhonda]

Yep, here it is from the Disney website:

If applicable, a gratuity of 18% will be automatically added for parties of 6 or more.

[Lovemyblt]

Oh he planned on tipping- he just doesn't think buffets require the same amount as regular restaraunts.

[Lisa]

Well, you could always show him the bill as to what the whole meal would have cost if you were paying out-of-pocket for it - the amount you'll pay for the tip is going to be significantly lower - even at 18%! (Can you tell I love Disney math? LOL).

[Lovemyblt]

LOL he said tonight $1900 for the dining plan and then I have to tip another $4-500 on top?
Good thing we got food poisoning from our Garden Grocer order last year or I would not be getting the dining plan!!!

[Lisa]

Oh, sorry - I thought you had free dining. Ugh.

[Lovemyblt]

Oh, sorry - I thought you had free dining. Ugh.

Nope DVC member so that's not a perk for us - see why he is aggrivated now??? :(

[George]

If DH worked a few nights as a server at a buffet and then as a server at a place with a menu, he'd realize that the same amount of work is involved. But then maybe he doesn't want to know that.

[Lisa]

Nope DVC member so that's not a perk for us - see why he is aggrivated now??? :(I totally get it. And I learned something - I didn't know that DVC members couldn't get free dining.

[bnoble]

he just doesn't think buffets require the same amount as regular restaraunts.
I'm afraid Miss Manners (my go-to source on matters of etiquette) disagrees with him, for reasons George points out, but that's neither here nor there.

Give him the choice: skip the buffets, or pay the service charge.