I know that a buffet server works hard, just like a table service server, but at a buffet, I, the consumer, am also working hard, as is the rest of the family. We just can't sit back and relax after walking the parks. Everyone is constantly getting up, leaving and coming back. The patrons are assisting in the food service and this should not be discounted. We are talking about "service" and there is less "service" at a buffet. So, to tip the same, would actually be tipping the buffet server "more" for less "service."
It can be argued either way.
At a buffet, its the guest choice to be there. So the "work" they have to do is again their choice. The reward for this "work" is having 5x the options as opposed to sitting down, and ordering one plate from a menu. With a menu restaurant, the server controls the timing, as to when they get their app, meals, desert, etc. At a buffet, its all random. They get it when they want it. With a menu restaurant, the server can take a families order, go ring it in, and then know he can easily not even check on them for 4-5 minutes.
Buffet servers don't have such free time. They make a trip past their tables grabbing dirty plates, and seeing what their guests need. They drop the dishes in the kitchen, and then go into the side area to get refills/napkins/checks/extra spoons/etc. They drop those off at whatever tables asked for them, and start collecting more dirty plates, and seeing if other people now need stuff. Again, a drop in the kitchen, and back into the side area to get what they need. This is how it goes for 6+ hours.
...and that is if things go smooth. Lets toss in a bunch of random variable. Little Jimmy spills 12oz of Coke does his front side, Sally has a protein spill all over the tables, the Petersons want their checks split 5 different ways, Billy is allegric and needs to see a chef, its Grannies birthday, the Walters decided to not wait to be greeted, and just helped themselves to the buffet, and not demand drinks ASAP, Mike dropped his plate of food making a mess, and breaking the plate, Julie is 5 months old, and has a mother that lets her throw food everywhere within a 5 foot radius, etc, etc, ETC.
You can argue the definition of a tip, grat, service fee, etc but it basically comes down to the fact you are paying the server for their work. There is no question if buffet servers work as hard as menu servers. Disney clearly says they do, and thus the standard tipping of 15-20% goes to them as well.
