On layoffs, very bad attendance, and Iger's legacy being one of disgrace

[YorkshireT]

Service is terrible in Europe, but when you only have one waiter for twenty tables it’s expected. Good news is you don’t have to tip.

Europe is a big place with lots of very different countries.

20 years ago the US used to have better service than the UK generally in restaurants.

Nowadays no difference - not sure whether it’s because UK is better or US worse, I think possibly a bit of both.

I travel extensively usually but this year have had my wings clipped and only been to Paris, Spain a few times, Tenerife, Dublin and USA and I honestly could not separate any of them out on service in restaurants- none stood above another.

I can however say that USA tipping culture is abnormal- it’s not really done anywhere else the same (I’d say UK is closest but it’s still optional and not expected unless a big party in some restaurants, a lot don’t tip, if they do they leave often a few £s or 10%) including Middle East, Far East, Europe, Eastern Europe, Africa, or Australia. Only the US and Canada.

 

[Lilofan]

I don’t tip much in Europe. It would be nice if European followed our cultural norms.

Biggest frustrations of Orlando waiters is that some of the UK tourist that eat in Central Florida tip little or not tip at all. Gratuity reminders are written in most checks.

 

[marni1971]

Biggest frustrations of Orlando waiters is that some of the UK tourist that eat in Central Florida tip little or not tip at all. Gratuity reminders are written in most checks.

In Europe it’s customary to tip if the service deserves it, not to make up for shoddy pay rates. That’s the difference and the issue.

 

[Mr Ferret 75]

Biggest frustrations of Orlando waiters is that some of the UK tourist that eat in Central Florida tip little or not tip at all. Gratuity reminders are written in most checks.

Biggest frustration of European (and British ) travellers is having a tip suggestion. We have always tipped on the service not the amount spent. If the server keeps mentioning tips or points it out on the cheque then I will tip minimum.

 

[marni1971]

There are two trains of thought - as a visitor on US soil do you follow US custom, or do you do what you think what’s right and not make up for someone else’s wage problem. Unless of course the service deserves it.

But please don’t penalise me for having a largerr party and automatically increasing my bill even with shoddy service.

Or is there a middle ground?

Or is this off topic?

 

[MaximumEd]

There are two trains of thought - as a visitor on US soil do you follow US custom, or do you do what you think what’s right and not make up for someone else’s wage problem. Unless of course the service deserves it.

But please don’t penalise me for having a largerr party and automatically increasing my bill even with shoddy service.

Or is there a middle ground?

Or is this off topic?

Yes.

 

[Heppenheimer]

I would be happy if we didn't associate "good service" to equal coming by my table every 10 minutes to ask "Is everything OK? Can I get you anything?"

Personally, I like the European habit of the customer signaling to the server when they are ready or need something. Allows you to enjoy the meal at your own pace.

And of course, including both the service and tax in the listed price is something I wish we would adopt.

 

[Apple Core]

Whose Martin?

marni1971

 

[DisneyDebRob]

There are two trains of thought - as a visitor on US soil do you follow US custom, or do you do what you think what’s right and not make up for someone else’s wage problem. Unless of course the service deserves it.

But please don’t penalise me for having a largerr party and automatically increasing my bill even with shoddy service.

Or is there a middle ground?

Or is this off topic?

Off topic but welcome to the thread! Everything else seems to be also.

 

[Lilofan]

Governor DeSantis of FL is encouraging residents to have staycations. FL needs them to spend their discretionary income in-state to help revive the much needed FL tourism economy.

 

[marni1971]

Governor DeSantis of FL is encouraging residents to have staycations. FL needs them to spend their discretionary income in-state to help revive the much needed FL tourism economy.

So is Boris Johnson. But I’d rather be over there. Normally.

 

[John park hopper]

I would be happy if we didn't associate "good service" to equal coming by my table every 10 minutes to ask "Is everything OK? Can I get you anything?"

Personally, I like the European habit of the customer signaling to the server when they are ready or need something. Allows you to enjoy the meal at your own pace.

And of course, including both the service and tax in the listed price is something I wish we would adopt.

Disney is all about get you in and out as fast as possible, the longer you sit there the less $$$ they are making. Tipping should be a personal thing not automatically added to the bill. I've had horrible service and have left a penny and great service I've tipped 30% of the bill. my 2 cents

 

[Heppenheimer]

Disney is all about get you in and out as fast as possible, the longer you sit there the less $$$ they are making. Tipping should be a personal thing not automatically added to the bill. I've had horrible service and have left a penny and great service I've tipped 30% of the bill. my 2 cents

The "get 'em in and out" as fast as possible definitely is a US (and Canadian) thing, but you are correct in that Disney is one of the worst offenders in trying to rotate people in and out as fast as possible. However, I don't mind it as much at Disney, because most of the time, the restaurants can be packed at meal times and there's plenty of other stuff to do to occupy my time.

 

[Castmbr]

Disney is all about get you in and out as fast as possible, the longer you sit there the less $$$ they are making. Tipping should be a personal thing not automatically added to the bill. I've had horrible service and have left a penny and great service I've tipped 30% of the bill. my 2 cents

Agreed. My experience with European table service has been horrible because they know they are getting the same amount if they are good servers vs crappy servers. Most were inattentive and flagging down servers while they roll their eyes at you in not an enjoyable experience. I tip 20% most of the time but mediocre to bad service will get at least 15% but I will probably not return.

 

[lazyboy97o]

There are two trains of thought - as a visitor on US soil do you follow US custom, or do you do what you think what’s right and not make up for someone else’s wage problem. Unless of course the service deserves it.

But please don’t penalise me for having a largerr party and automatically increasing my bill even with shoddy service.

Or is there a middle ground?

Or is this off topic?

If a server receives $0 in tips their employer is legally required to pay at least minimum wage. The lower rate only applies if tips can make up the difference. There have been a number of places that have tried to do away with the tipping model and the result is generally that the wait staff don’t like it because they were earning more on tips than the service charge.

I heard from my third cousin twice removed’s brother in-law’s girlfriend’s aunt that Bob Iger is a lousy tipper.

 

[Parker in NYC]

Disney is all about get you in and out as fast as possible, the longer you sit there the less $$$ they are making. Tipping should be a personal thing not automatically added to the bill. I've had horrible service and have left a penny and great service I've tipped 30% of the bill. my 2 cents

I'd rather leave nothing than leave a penny. Sends the message well enough without the drama.

 

[marni1971]

If a server receives $0 in tips their employer is legally required to pay at least minimum wage. The lower rate only applies if tips can make up the difference..

There in lies the difference and the problem. Tips shouldn’t make up the difference. They should be an award on top of the wage for good service.

 

[Lilofan]

If a server receives $0 in tips their employer is legally required to pay at least minimum wage. The lower rate only applies if tips can make up the difference. There have been a number of places that have tried to do away with the tipping model and the result is generally that the wait staff don’t like it because they were earning more on tips than the service charge.

I heard from my third cousin twice removed’s brother in-law’s girlfriend’s aunt that Bob Iger is a lousy tipper.

Him being a CEO his vacation or visit at Disney is probably all comped. He should at least take care of his waiters.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

There are two trains of thought - as a visitor on US soil do you follow US custom, or do you do what you think what’s right and not make up for someone else’s wage problem. Unless of course the service deserves it.

But please don’t penalise me for having a largerr party and automatically increasing my bill even with shoddy service.

Or is there a middle ground?

Or is this off topic?

Gratuities are unfortunately required to maintain the social fabric of America...

Tipped positions unfortunately put a large portion of our work force in a constant vulnerable position. It sucks.

You know where tips are really not reflective of service and market?
...Take a guess

 

[PhotoDave219]

Shall we set a place for @pheneix and @PhotoDave219?

I'll take some french onion soup from Chef's De France and a baguette while i wait...