Gratuity included for parties of 6 -- does that include very young children?

[durangojim]

I have a number of reservations for 4 adults, one 4 year old, and one 1 year old. Will they charge us gratuity automatically?

 

[SnowWhiteMomma]

We went with 6 that had the dining plan and one that was one. They did bring us a bill for the gratuity, but it was only for those that had used a credit.

 

[mousefan1972]

I have a number of reservations for 4 adults, one 4 year old, and one 1 year old. Will they charge us gratuity automatically?

Yes. It doesn't matter how old the guests are at the table. If 6 warm bodies occupy the seats, even if one is an infant who isn't eating, you will be charged 18% gratuity automatically.

 

[DisLuver]

Yes. It doesn't matter how old the guests are at the table. If 6 warm bodies occupy the seats, even if one is an infant who isn't eating, you will be charged 18% gratuity automatically.

This is correct.

 

[tare]

there is no way anyone can force you to pay the gratuity--if you use the dining plan how can they????

 

[docnabox]

Is that policy for any group of 6 adults dining at a TS restaurant or is it just for patrons using the dining plan? It has been a few years since I have visited and I don't recall that having been the rule the last time we went.

 

[durangojim]

We never use the dining plan and the gratuity info comes from the online ADR site.

 

[Phonedave]

We never use the dining plan and the gratuity info comes from the online ADR site.

Yes, for parties of 6 and above, there will be an 18% tip added to your bill.

You do not HAVE to pay this. If you do not wish to pay the 18%, you can talk to the manager and have it reduced/removed

Likewise you also have the option of leaving more than 18% if the situation warrants.

-dave

 

[rkelly42]

Yes you have to pay it, and yes you can have it fixed by a manager, but whatever you do, do not take it out on the waitstaff. It is not their problem they do not make the rules, sometimes people love to blame the waitstaff for everything.

 

[tare]

i wouldnt take it out on the wait staff--but come on there is absolutely no way i will pay the 18%--i am on the dining plan and they can take the credits off and i will just leave the gratuity bill on the table and leave what i want--buffets are a definate no for gratuity--they dont do anything but clear your table anyway!!!!

 

[RozFan]

i wouldnt take it out on the wait staff--but come on there is absolutely no way i will pay the 18%--i am on the dining plan and they can take the credits off and i will just leave the gratuity bill on the table and leave what i want--buffets are a definate no for gratuity--they dont do anything but clear your table anyway!!!!

i beg to differ tare. i have worked in a buffet style restaurant as a server and i did a lot more than 'clear your table'. your welcome to leave whatever percentage you feel the service warranted, i have no issue with what people choose to tip. my gripe is do not assume what someones job is until you have walked in their shoes.

 

[rkelly42]

i wouldnt take it out on the wait staff--but come on there is absolutely no way i will pay the 18%--i am on the dining plan and they can take the credits off and i will just leave the gratuity bill on the table and leave what i want--buffets are a definate no for gratuity--they dont do anything but clear your table anyway!!!!

I hope that you leave at least 10% and the difference between 10 and 18% is not that much to warrant make a huge deal about it.

 

[unkadug]

there is no way anyone can force you to pay the gratuity--if you use the dining plan how can they????

They can bring you a bill.

i wouldnt take it out on the wait staff--but come on there is absolutely no way i will pay the 18%--i am on the dining plan and they can take the credits off and i will just leave the gratuity bill on the table and leave what i want--buffets are a definate no for gratuity--they dont do anything but clear your table anyway!!!!

You obviously have NEVER worked in the service industry. While I don't agree with the policy of paying less than minimum wage to waitstaff, it is legal because the management expects YOU to pitch in your percentage.

 

[rkelly42]

Not to mention, just about every restaurant adds gratuity to large parties. Sometimes people do not realize it and they tip on top of the gratuity being added so always check your bill at the end.

 

[mousefanwhat?]

I don't know about "making" you pay but everywhere we've gone it's printed on the menu both in and out of the restaurant. I think it should be left up to the individual...however, they make it very clear that they are going to add that to the bill. And yes...6 warm bodies no matter the age.

 

[Lynne M]

i wouldnt take it out on the wait staff--but come on there is absolutely no way i will pay the 18%--i am on the dining plan and they can take the credits off and i will just leave the gratuity bill on the table and leave what i want--buffets are a definate no for gratuity--they dont do anything but clear your table anyway!!!!

Absolutely, you would be taking it out on the waitstaff by not tipping or leaving a lousy tip. I'm assuming you live outside the country, but in the US, waitstaff are exempt from the minimum wage laws, and are paid very low wages because it's assumed that they'll be making a significant portion of their wages from tips, and that goes for servers at buffets, too. I believe the minimum wage for waitstaff is currently $2.98 an hour.

If you disagree with the mandatory tip policy for large parties at WDW restaurants, then don't eat there. Vote with your feet. Go off property to eat. Write a letter. But by not tipping, or trying to make a statement by leaving a low tip, the only person you're hurting is the server. Management won't care.

 

[rkelly42]

Absolutely, you would be taking it out on the waitstaff by not tipping or leaving a lousy tip. I'm assuming you live outside the country, but in the US, waitstaff are exempt from the minimum wage laws, and are paid very low wages because it's assumed that they'll be making a significant portion of their wages from tips, and that goes for servers at buffets, too. I believe the minimum wage for waitstaff is currently $2.98 an hour.

If you disagree with the mandatory tip policy for large parties at WDW restaurants, then don't eat there. Vote with your feet. Go off property to eat. Write a letter. But by not tipping, or trying to make a statement by leaving a low tip, the only person you're hurting is the server. Management won't care.

Even if you go off property there is a good chance gratuity will be added at most restaurants. A lot of times these servers only have so many table they wait on, so if you are a large group you are cutting down on their tables. That means if you are going to not tip them well then they are going to make nothing on you. I totally understand if they are not good servers to not want to tip them, but come on this is their job.