Disney Called Today Tips will not be cut out of DDP!~looks like they lied:(

[mom2alix]

With folks being able to start making their ADRs for 2008 around July 1st would it really be 2008 before Disney would announce changes to the plan?

They haven't released package prices for 2008 yet, so basically no one has been able to book a MYW package with dining yet. Once that happens, we'll know what's for sure going on with the dining plan. Sometime late this month or in July we should know for sure.

 

[GreatLakes5]

They haven't released package prices for 2008 yet, so basically no one has been able to book a MYW package with dining yet. Once that happens, we'll know what's for sure going on with the dining plan. Sometime late this month or in July we should know for sure.

Right - my point in the question - they really "have to" rotfl: ) announce something before 2008 because some of us are booking for 2008 in the next month or so....

(Congrats on the weight loss so far.... )

 

[peggyjean123]

I am so happy about that post, 3 family friends will be at Disney the same time as us, and the mandoatory 18% was scaring me. The meals are pricy and I am frugal with money, being a teacher you understand why. this makes me so happy, my family will be able to enjoy dinner without as many worries. Thank you Dinsy for thinking of middle income people and putting us ahead of the almighty dollar!

 

[MassMom94]

I am so happy about that post, 3 family friends will be at Disney the same time as us, and the mandoatory 18% was scaring me. The meals are pricy and I am frugal with money, being a teacher you understand why. this makes me so happy, my family will be able to enjoy dinner without as many worries. Thank you Dinsy for thinking of middle income people and putting us ahead of the almighty dollar!

??? Did I miss something? Nothing I've read to date (though I admit I haven't been through all posts on this thread) suggests Disney is going to reduce the cost of the DDP to reflect that they've stopped paying the servers the automatic 18%. And they've reduced the group number from 8 to 6 where they DO add an automatic 18%. So I'm not sure how this is going to save you money. And believe me, Disney is not thinking about putting middle income people ahead of the almighty dollar with this change!

 

[stagemomx3]

I am so happy about that post, 3 family friends will be at Disney the same time as us, and the mandoatory 18% was scaring me. The meals are pricy and I am frugal with money, being a teacher you understand why. this makes me so happy, my family will be able to enjoy dinner without as many worries. Thank you Dinsy for thinking of middle income people and putting us ahead of the almighty dollar!

Huh how is this going to save you money?

 

[BuffaloGal]

Huh how is this going to save you money?

I say this with great fear and trepidation, but I think that this poster thought that Disney auto-gratted everyone at 18% and that she's excited to hear that they don't so that she doesn't have to tip properly. I hope that's not what she's saying.... but I have a bad feeling......

If that is what you are saying, please remember that servers are people too.
We have bills to pay. We have children to feed. You really need to figure a decent tip into the cost of your trip. I understand that you have to watch a budget. Just try to get that I do too. Budget accordingly. Eat at less expensive restaurants. Please figure a reasonable tip into your equation. Hurting the little guy who bends over backwards to make your vacation magical should not be an option to cut a few bucks out of your vacation budget.

 

[just another guy]

I say this with great fear and trepidation, but I think that this poster thought that Disney auto-gratted everyone at 18% and that she's excited to hear that they don't so that she doesn't have to tip properly. I hope that's not what she's saying.... but I have a bad feeling......

If that is what you are saying, please remember that servers are people too.
We have bills to pay. We have children to feed. You really need to figure a decent tip into the cost of your trip. I understand that you have to watch a budget. Just try to get that I do too. Budget accordingly. Eat at less expensive restaurants. Please figure a reasonable tip into your equation. Hurting the little guy who bends over backwards to make your vacation magical should not be an option to cut a few bucks out of your vacation budget.

Agreed, take care of a server who takes good care of you!

 

[Snow_White]

I am so happy about that post, 3 family friends will be at Disney the same time as us, and the mandoatory 18% was scaring me. The meals are pricy and I am frugal with money, being a teacher you understand why. this makes me so happy, my family will be able to enjoy dinner without as many worries. Thank you Dinsy for thinking of middle income people and putting us ahead of the almighty dollar!

You are mistaken. Not only is Disney now making YOU pay the tip (they used to cover it for you), but they are also raising the price for the DDP. Sorry, but you are really off-base on this if you think Disney is putting you "ahead of the almighty dollar"...this new setup will cost you MORE money, not less (even if you plan to screw the servers).

 

[Snow_White]

If that is what you are saying, please remember that servers are people too.
We have bills to pay. We have children to feed. You really need to figure a decent tip into the cost of your trip. I understand that you have to watch a budget. Just try to get that I do too. Budget accordingly. Eat at less expensive restaurants. Please figure a reasonable tip into your equation. Hurting the little guy who bends over backwards to make your vacation magical should not be an option to cut a few bucks out of your vacation budget.

I thought this was worth repeating. If people decide to start saving money by ripping off their servers, shame on them.

 

[SusanDK]

Huh how is this going to save you money?

I think peggyjean123 read the first post of this thread (remember the subject of this whole thread?), and didn't read the next 10 pages, and just assumes that the OP's post is the definitive word.

I don't think she was talking about stiffing the waitstaff. I think she believed the OP that the tips would not be removed.

Just guessing though.

Susan

 

[bicker]

This is true, but I wish they would have simply raised the price.

The problem is that the price already seems overly-inflated to some, specifically because of the gratuity (and the fact that they see other prices related to dining presented without gratuities included). Perhaps Disney has determined that, because of this, just raising the price would cause too much of a disruption to the offering's revenue stream -- that the offering would benefit from having the cost of service split back down into its component parts (food and prep service cost reflected in the price displayed on the menu; while the cost of table service as an extra add-on cost), as is traditional in our society.

My wife and I were talking about something similar yesterday -- that people are more willing to pay twice rather than pay double (in that case it was for a DVD set for a television series, where a single season was split into "Part One" and "Part Two" rather than released as a single set).

 

[GreatLakes5]

The problem is that the price already seems overly-inflated to some, specifically because of the gratuity (and the fact that they see other prices related to dining presented without gratuities included). Perhaps Disney has determined that, because of this, just raising the price would cause too much of a disruption to the offering's revenue stream -- that the offering would benefit from having the cost of service split back down into its component parts (food and prep service cost reflected in the price displayed on the menu; while the cost of table service as an extra add-on cost), as is traditional in our society.

My wife and I were talking about something similar yesterday -- that people are more willing to pay twice rather than pay double (in that case it was for a DVD set for a television series, where a single season was split into "Part One" and "Part Two" rather than released as a single set).

You make good points -
We went DDP last time, will this time...I guess "we shall see" for February. Perhaps we are in the minority (I never thought so, though) & we just plain looked at the bottom line - what's it gonna cost us per day, will we at the very least break even, & is the convenience of it worth it. Our bottom line included tips just because it seems only natural. I'm already bringing tip money allotted for baggage, mousekeeping....I guess I'd bring extra for my servers as well, the convenience was nice though.....

Which makes me over your DVD observation - I think it's that shelling over the big $ all at once (even if it's a savings) is often harder for people - either literally or mentally - than spending the two smaller amounts, perhaps at different times. That's where the DDP worked for us in spite of faulty accounting. For us it felt easier mentally to have the whole she-bang paid for in advance including our meals. We probably would have used the program even if it just broke us even. No good financial reason at all.

 

[Lewisc]

Although I quoted your post my point isn't specifically directed to this post. Some thoughts about this change:

1) I agree this is one way to present a price increase. Let customers pay "double".

2) Disney initially said DDP was designed to offer guests a dining plan similar to cruise ships. Most cruise ships don't include tips.

3) I think servers made out VERY WELL. Guaranteed 18% gratuity. Guests offering complete meals. Guests ordering more expensive menu items then they otherwise would be ordering. Servers assisted guests with strategy. Suggested guests pay OOP for kids meals. "Bank" kids credits so those credits could later be used to purchase adult meals. Encouraged guests into ordering food they otherwise wouldn't have ordered. Disney may have thought servers were being paid too much. I wonder if the average DDP tip will be less then 18%. I don't normally tip 18% at a buffet. The normal tip range is 15-20% but many people think a normal tip for a buffet restaurant is less.

4) I obviously agree with your previous posts. Disney isn't likely to react to emails based on "internet rumors" regarding plan changes. Disney cares if the number of guests who purchase the DDP is less then projected. Disney will also care if guests, who purchased the plan, complain when they first use the plan and find out "for real" that tips aren't included. This change might be buried in the "fine print" and guests who previously used the plan might not realize the change in policy.

5) In the event I use the DDP in 2008, unlikely if the terms are as rumored, I'll probably try to find some way to let the server I know, in advance, I'll be tipping. Maybe I'll ask if I can charge a tip back to my room.

The problem is that the price already seems overly-inflated to some, specifically because of the gratuity (and the fact that they see other prices related to dining presented without gratuities included). Perhaps Disney has determined that, because of this, just raising the price would cause too much of a disruption to the offering's revenue stream -- that the offering would benefit from having the cost of service split back down into its component parts (food and prep service cost reflected in the price displayed on the menu; while the cost of table service as an extra add-on cost), as is traditional in our society.

My wife and I were talking about something similar yesterday -- that people are more willing to pay twice rather than pay double (in that case it was for a DVD set for a television series, where a single season was split into "Part One" and "Part Two" rather than released as a single set).

 

[GreatLakes5]

5) In the event I use the DDP in 2008, unlikely if the terms are as rumored, I'll probably try to find some way to let the server I know, in advance, I'll be tipping. Maybe I'll ask if I can charge a tip back to my room.

Out of curiousity, why would you personally feel this would be necessary?

 

[kimberh]

Out of curiousity, why would you personally feel this would be necessary?

I will inform the server that we will be tipping also, If we purchase the DDP in 2008, the reason... as sad to say as it is, the table before me, may have just stiffed the server and I don't want bad server based of someone's else's protest or budget! We always tip very well, I have stated this in previous posts, I have friends that are horrible tippers, and it is embarrassing.

We have a group of ladies that go to lunch, to celebrate each others Birthdays, every month or so through out the year... The same group always shows up. We can talk a long time. When we do this, I call it renting the table. I tell them," to anti up", some of us will leave 30-40% tip because we know that the server could have had 2 groups at the table, but I have one, that will leave her dollar. She has money, She travels all the time, She doesn't tip! She loves Disney! She eats TS, every night, when she goes to Disney, I have always wondered what her tip was. I can bet, she will not leave 18% for anything. The server was taken care of with this type of person, and they are out there, I am sure they are in abundance.

 

[Disneyhappy]

The more I think about the tipping from the DDP being removed, the more I think Disney is going to revamp the whole system. Disney is smart. Unless they plan to decrease the price of the DDP as it currently exists because of the removal of tips, I think it will be a brand new plan. I do not think they would expose themselves to the bad press and negative emails from guests on the appearance of looking greedy by realizing an 18% increase in the DDP. I imagine the reason they made it a sticking point to remove the automative gratuities was because the plan was not profitable or they realized how popular the plan was and want to economize on it even more. They just have to revamp it so it is not obvious what they are doing and why. Or they may want to try to find a middle of the road between the old DDP (I can't recall it's name) and the current DDP. For us personally, the old plan had too much included and the price was way too high for us to even consider whether it was worth it to my family. Along came the new dining plan which is hugely popular and most retaurants are filled to capacity and there are complaints of overcrowding, inability to get ADRs and decreae in service and quality.

Not sure if I made any sense but these are just some of my rambling thoughts now that this has had a chance to digest.

 

[hansel1]

I think the most fair way to tip based on a pre-packaged plan is to tip what the plan costs per day.

From all accounts the DDP has increased patronage of the disney restaurants. The plan is bringing people in to eat and tip, without the people who go to LeCellier (for example) only because they are on the DDP (the only way they can afford it) the servers would have less tables.

Less tables = Less tips

So even if people tip based on the plan amount and not the ticket amount the servers are making money they might not otherwise.

2 adults @ roughly $40 each, plus 1 child @ roughly $15 would equal $95 dollars that I will tip on.

So, regardless of what my bill is i will tip 20% on the $95. $19

The argument that you should go to a less expensive restaurant is ridiculous. Servers do the same work whether they are working in an expensive restaurant or a cheap restaurant. On the DDP both servers would bring the same amount of food out and take the same amount of orders.

20% of the cost of the plan is the way to go. The larger the group the larger the tip.

 

[kimberh]

I think the most fair way to tip based on a pre-packaged plan is to tip what the plan costs per day.

From all accounts the DDP has increased patronage of the disney restaurants. The plan is bringing people in to eat and tip, without the people who go to LeCellier (for example) only because they are on the DDP (the only way they can afford it) the servers would have less tables.

Less tables = Less tips

So even if people tip based on the plan amount and not the ticket amount the servers are making money they might not otherwise.

2 adults @ roughly $40 each, plus 1 child @ roughly $15 would equal $95 dollars that I will tip on.

So, regardless of what my bill is i will tip 20% on the $95. $19

The argument that you should go to a less expensive restaurant is ridiculous. Servers do the same work whether they are working in an expensive restaurant or a cheap restaurant. On the DDP both servers would bring the same amount of food out and take the same amount of orders.

20% of the cost of the plan is the way to go. The larger the group the larger the tip.

There is not a tip on Counter Service meals or Snacks, they will have to split the table service out to have a prepaid tip.

 

[travelgirl06]

2) Disney initially said DDP was designed to offer guests a dining plan similar to cruise ships. Most cruise ships don't include tips.

You make an excellent point here. The fact that DDP makes Disney a "mostly-inclusive" trip is a deffinate draw. The ability to order things you wouldn't normally order and to "indulge" a bit is one of the main perks of DDP, but in my opinion the convenience factor is an even bigger perk. The fact that you don't have to worry about cash for a tip, figuring out how much to tip, or even think about money is a great perk.

One way to keep the convenience the DDP with the rumored exclusion of tips would be to offer the option of pre-paid gratuities, much like on a cruise ship. For the cruise ship example, guests typically pay $10/day which is distributed to their dining room staff, room attendent, and others; thereby eliminating the need for guests to worry about the tip. Guests who had pre-paid their gratuity would have this noted on their KTTW card, and their servers would automatically recieve the appropriate gratuity. Offering this option would be a way for Disney to essentially raise the price of DDP (albeit covertly), while maintaining the convenience of the plan (at least in my opinion).

On another note, someone mentioned the need to "pay twice" (once with meal credits and once for tip), and I agree that this would be very inconvenient and inefficient. It would make more work for the servers, hold up tables longer (as everything is being figured out), and lead to more waiting time for guests (both at tables and waiting for tables). Again pre-paid gratuitues or another way to alleviate this issue seem like a good option.

 

[GreatLakes5]

One way to keep the convenience the DDP with the rumored exclusion of tips would be to offer the option of pre-paid gratuities,

Then the can of worms may get opened regarding tips for mousekeeping & other staff....I know other threads on these topics have gotten very as it seems people don't agree on that either (shocking - I know)

On another note, someone mentioned the need to "pay twice" (once with meal credits and once for tip), and I agree that this would be very inconvenient and inefficient. It would make more work for the servers, hold up tables longer (as everything is being figured out), and lead to more waiting time for guests (both at tables and waiting for tables). Again pre-paid gratuitues or another way to alleviate this issue seem like a good option.

I don't know that me paying my tip - the one I determine - with cash or my VISA would be that much more work. And I'm guessing that if it were cash it would be time that most servers would happily take - no dealing with getting paid their tips that were paid via a credit card, etc....it's money they'd actually take home that nite.

My only real concern here is what the bottom line will be in terms of my cost. Increase the DDP by 18% by removing the tip - I'm okay with that. Increase the DDP by removing the tip AND increasing the price by more than that 18%...whew