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Disney Dining Experience Discount Warning!

SGT623

SGT623

Member
Original Poster
I had come to terms with the fact that my Disney Dining Experience discount card is pretty much just a "free tip" card, with a small extra discount, after the changes made to the program this year. In fact, I actually appreciated the convenience of the math taken care of for me. The only part I didn't like was that the 18% is also added to buffet meals when using the card. I never tip as much for a buffet. (I know this has been discussed/"beaten to death" on these boards already.) Still, that didn't bother me as much as how this shows up on the receipt! I feel bad for the guest that may not be paying attention or know there is a change. If you notice on the left side of the picture below, if you are not looking closely you may miss that the tip has already been added in. Further confusion to those that just glance at the bill can be had with the "Optional Tip" line which states NOT INCLUDED WITH DINE PLAN. I knew the tip would be included and still this almost got me! Keep your wits about you because after you give your credit card, the new receipt (pictured on the right) that you'll get back to sign for doesn't mention anywhere that you have already included a tip or that any more would be an additional tip. You can actually end up leaving over 30% or more....for a buffet!! Some may think that if the guests don't pay attention to their bill they deserve the extra charge, but I find the entire setup very unDisney like. FYI- Stay alert when the bill comes!
Receipt.jpg
 
lscott933

lscott933

New Member
has anyone use the dining plan yet and how is the tip added to bill if your one of the dining plans. do they show you how much your total and the tip is there for you to pay or what. everyone is showing paying with a credit card or cash. please let us know how they are handling the dining plans.
 
shoppingnut

shoppingnut

Active Member
I find this new paperwork to be along the lines of fraud of the DDE member. My question is this, so what is you decide to pay cash for you meal and leave less of a tip at the buffet. What are they going to chase you out of the restaurant.
 
Matpez

Matpez

Well-Known Member
I did use my DDE recently and was surprised to see the waitress actually crossed out the "tip" line on the receipt, as to point out we didn't need to leave one.
 
sweetpee_1993

sweetpee_1993

Well-Known Member
Matpez said:
I did use my DDE recently and was surprised to see the waitress actually crossed out the "tip" line on the receipt, as to point out we didn't need to leave one.
Click to expand...

That's a good waitress. She's being helpful. I'd have left an additional tip in cash on the table for her just for her effort to keep me informed. It's cool to know that there are some out there keeping a watchful eye out for their guests.

Here's a question: If you tip your servers with cash is it money they don't have report? I know in a lot of restaurants (non-Disney) and from experience that tips added to credit card receipts have to be claimed for tax purposes and added to the paycheck whereas cash tips go into the pocket unreported. Is this the case for Disney servers as well? I always try to tip wherever I go in cash just to help out where I can. :)

Thanks!
 
shoppingnut

shoppingnut

Active Member
sweetpee_1993 said:
That's a good waitress. She's being helpful. I'd have left an additional tip in cash on the table for her just for her effort to keep me informed. It's cool to know that there are some out there keeping a watchful eye out for their guests.

Here's a question: If you tip your servers with cash is it money they don't have report? I know in a lot of restaurants (non-Disney) and from experience that tips added to credit card receipts have to be claimed for tax purposes and added to the paycheck whereas cash tips go into the pocket unreported. Is this the case for Disney servers as well? I always try to tip wherever I go in cash just to help out where I can. :)

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Totally agree, she was looking out for the guest and I would have left her a few extra for it.

ALL tips have to be reported, but I think we all know that some are not. I know the IRS if they audit you, will look at how many hours you worked and come up with an estimate of what you tips should be and thus how much you should have reported.
 
Brwneyedgirl72

Brwneyedgirl72

Active Member
We were at WDW last weekend and used our DDE card extensively. I was pleasantly surprised to have the server (on more than once occassion) point out that they gratuity was now added in with the bill. I know people are put off by the automatic tip, but I have no issue with it.
 
SGT623

SGT623

Member
Original Poster
If servers consistanly told guests of the inclusion that would help. I have not had this happen yet so it is definetly NOT consistant. I new setup on the receipt is what is really needed.
 
PineapplePrincess

PineapplePrincess

Well-Known Member
Am I correct in noticing that the tip was figured on the discounted price and not the regular price? Whenever we use a discount, we base the tip on the price before the discount was taken. I guess this means good news for us, but bad news for the servers.
 
Brian_WDW74

Brian_WDW74

Member
PineapplePrincess said:
Am I correct in noticing that the tip was figured on the discounted price and not the regular price? Whenever we use a discount, we base the tip on the price before the discount was taken. I guess this means good news for us, but bad news for the servers.
Click to expand...

In the example that's been posted here, no, it's not figured on the discounted price. It's figured on the pre-tax, pre-discount subtotal:

$42.34 x 18% = $7.62
 
Guillory Girl

Guillory Girl

New Member
Can someone explain the difference between the typical dining plan and the dining discount for 2008? We have used the dining plan before and will use it again in March. I know of the changes, but I'm getting confused about how the tip will be presented on the bill. I was just assuming I would present my card to take off the meals, and they would charge the tip to my room. Are some people being charged twice for tip?
 
wannabeBelle

wannabeBelle

Well-Known Member
Hi Guillory, The topic being discussed is a discount program NOT the Dining plan that you are referring to (I think). With the DDE discount program an 18% gratuity is automatically added onto our checks, with the Disney Dining plan ( meal plan purchase) you get to decide how much of a gratuity the servers get and it is NOT included in your bill or your purchase price of the plan. On Deciding how much of a tip you wish to leave you may pay this in cash, charge to room charge or on a regular credit card charge, whichever. Hope this helps. Belle
 

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