Tipping at a Buffet Restaurant

[ClassyCrab]

We are going on our 1st trip 30 days from today, yea! I have ADR's at Boma, Chef Mickey's and Biergarten. We have the DDP and I know we are required to pay for tips out of pocket but what about these buffet dinners? I am never sure how to tip at a buffet or is it even required?

 

[Mukta]

I still tip the standard 15-20% at buffets if my plates were cleared promptly and my drink is always full.

I tip for service. As long as the service is good, I tip accordingly. Just because they don't bring me one plate of food doesn't mean they aren't working hard.

 

[4disneylovers]

This is sure to start some heated discussion. I remember another thread about this. Bottom line definitely tip. I was always told buffets are 10% in general. Opinions on this will differ but you do need to tip.

 

[BuddyThomas]

Oh no. Not again........

 

[ClassyCrab]

Thanks for the input. Don't want to start any controversey. Having never been to these restaurants i was not sure what level of service to expect at these buffets. I am always appreciative of good service and will tip accordingly.

 

[bee]

I've always had really excellent service at the buffets: the CMs are prompt about clearing plates, refilling drinks, answering questions about the buffet items (DW and I are vegetarians and we needed to know if there was meat in a particular casserole), and are just generally friendly and good at what they do. I always tip 15-20% or more if the service is beyond excellent.

 

[Minthorne]

Usually I'm using my TiW discount so I go with the auto 18% tip.

 

[jlsHouston]

Usually I'm using my TiW discount so I go with the auto 18% tip.

Yah, TIW just does it automatically. If it's DP or cash no discount with AP or TIW, I tend to leave 15% on the buffets, but that is me. On the other hand for TS non buffet I usually do 20% unless they are awful, or again I use TIW so it does the automatic 18%.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

This one always gets heated as many have strong opinions. I will say this...if you're in a party of 6 or more, they will tack on the 18% auto-gratuity. So, Disney views all TS equally when it comes to their tipping mandates.

 

[Figgy1]

I still tip the standard 15-20% at buffets if my plates were cleared promptly and my drink is always full.

I tip for service. As long as the service is good, I tip accordingly. Just because they don't bring me one plate of food doesn't mean they aren't working hard.

^^^^ This

 

[MadameGaston]

I would recommend to always tip by the same guidelines no matter the restaurant or type of dining atmosphere. Servers do the same duties aside from the actual order taking at buffets and if they do a great job they deserve to be tipped accordingly. I think of it as extra drink refills and plate clearly in exchange for not writing down and submitting orders. You also average a longer dining time at a buffet so you are occupying a servers table for a longer period of time.