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Tipping
- Thread starter bcuinohio
- Start date
unkadug
Follower of "Saget"The Cult
I would say, no, not as much as full service. It also depends on the quality of service that you DO receive though. As a rule, I tip a couple of dollars per person at a buffet, but it can vary.
J_Krafty24
Active Member
$1-3 per person depending on the quality of the buffett (1 for ponderosa quality, 2-3 for really good and expensive) and the quailty of the server. More if they've earned it.
The only buffet I eat at regularly is Boma (we're Florida residents, AP holders so we go 6-7 times a year). The servers there are so attentive and so helpful and friendly that it never even ocurred to me to tip less. I got MUCH more attention from Boma servers than I ever got from, say, Chefs de France servers. I tip 20% at Boma every time. I can't imagine leaving $10 for a party of five there, when the bill is $165.
photoflight
Well-Known Member
I don't know if any real "buffets" do this at WDW, but the resort I stayed at last year had a buffet-style place that had different lines for different types of food, strictly a place where you walked around and picked out what you wanted. They automatically added a tip (er, "gratuity") to the bill at the register - I'll be looking pretty closely in future to see whether or not the individual places do that.
The reason that I am asking the question is that I plan on going to some of the character meals on my DDP. Since tipping is no longer included, I wasn't sure what to give at these locations. I personally think that a buffet does not warrant as large of a tip as a full service restaurant but I did not know the guidelines.
H20Babie
Well-Known Member
It's a good question. I never really thought about it until you asked
I've always just tipped the 15-20% for good service, 10% if less than stellar. But you have a point that I never considered ... that there is not as much serving at buffets. Maybe a tip to chef is more appropriate in some instances (great food but not so great service).
dflye
New Member
Tipping is no longer included in character meals for the DDP? The union flack for the dining staff should be flogged for such a lapse, it isn't like the dining staff are either overpaid or overtipped for the work they do.
I mean, seriously, if you get a coupon for "free character breakfast!!" you sure aren't going to tip anyone unless they hold a gun to your head or have some HUGE insert in the menu saying how the waitstaff aren't tipped for DDP meals. Why would anyone think the DDP would be treated differently than any other all-inclusive coupon?
While the DDP may let some folks game the dining system to their benefit, the only ones really paying a penalty are those at table service establishments that count on tips as part of their income and get stiffed when someone thinks the coupon covers the tip.
MattBoom
Active Member
The rule I've always read is 10% at buffets
From: http://www.findalink.net/tippingetiquette.php
"Self-service restaurant or buffet - Nothing unless there is some service. Tip 10% if the server delivers all or part of your meal or keeps your drinks refilled."
From: http://www.findalink.net/tippingetiquette.php
"Self-service restaurant or buffet - Nothing unless there is some service. Tip 10% if the server delivers all or part of your meal or keeps your drinks refilled."
mousebymarriage
Active Member
Well, we just came back last week and I can tell you that if you are on the dining plan the waitress figures it out for you. When she brings the bill to you and you give her the dining plan card the waitress then disappears to adjust the bill. When she returns she gives you a receipt for the dining plan that let's you know how many credits you used but, then she gives you another receipt and says this is the balance for the gratuity. The gratuity is figured out and circled on the receipt and that is what you are "expected" to pay. It happened at ALL the table service restaurants we ate at which were:
The Garden Grill (family style)
O'Hanas (family style)
Cape May Cafe (buffet)
Whispering Canyon Cafe (family style)
Chef Mickey's (buffet)
Crystal Palace (buffet)
Believe me , they make sure you know that the tip is not included and when they hand you the receipt with the "tip balance", they say this is your balance I'll be back in a moment!
dreamfinder
Well-Known Member
It is up to you. Tipping is still suggested unless your waitstaff never stops by, you need to get another waitstaff to bring drinks, etc. In that case I wouldn't tip my waitstaff. However, if they bring drinks over in a timely fashion, tell you about the restaurant, by all means, tip away. I always appreciate having my glass being full and the empty plates being cleared away when I get up for more, and tip accordingly. Usually about 15%. Yes they may not be bringing out your food, but I know that personally they end up making about twice as many trips to the table at a buffet. Also, I don't know if its true at Disney, but many buffets I have been to give the staff more tables to help compensate for the lower tip amount/amount of service needed.
coltow
Well-Known Member
Unless I was with a large group, this would make me very angry, that someone tells me how much to tip. We almost always do 20% (15% for buffets) unless the service is bad, then it will be a little less or if service is amazing then it would be a little more. I just find it rude for a waitstaff person to tell you how much to tip. Tipping is based on level of service.
photoflight
Well-Known Member
Along those lines, a follow up to my earlier post. At Coronado Springs' "Pepper Market" you are handed a card that the various food line people stamp as you choose and pick up your food in the buffet line. On the card it says "A 10% service charge and sales tax will be added".
I can't honestly say whether they're charging a flat 10% charge and then split the sales tax and "service charge" out - or whether they add a 10% "service charge" and tax separately. I just can't remember... I do know that I had no choice about paying the "service charge" when I was there in December and there was absolutely zero service. The first time we were there the service (such as it is) was ok and I'd probably leave roughly 10% anyway - but I'd sure like the option.
If the "Pepper Market" is using the service-charge tactic I would be very careful at the other locations.
So did you actually have to pay the expected tip (was it automatically charged to your room or something?) or did you have the option of not paying it?
mousebymarriage
Active Member
It wasn't charged to our room or anything. My DH just paid it in cash each time, that's just how he is.
Thanks, mousebymarriage...glad to hear it wasn't automatically charged to your room or credit card. I'm thinking maybe we'll do the cash tips this time, since we're using DDP for most meals instead of credit card. I agree that tipping should reflect the level of service, and it's up to the client as to what that should be. That said, we are generally very good tippers-at the 20% level--unless the serving is absolutely attrocious with no apologies. When the waitperson apologizes for delays and gives reasonable explanation for why (such as understaffed/covering double stations/new on the job, etc.) we usually cut them a lot of slack & tip well anyway. We've all had days at work where we're covering for everyone else!
Wondering if service was good or bad when the waitperson served up the slip with the expected tip on it already? I guess I'd have a hard time keeping my mouth shut if service was very poor and someone handed me a "bill" for the top level of tip.
As for the comment about the party of 6 running up the $600 bill, and does the waiter really expect $100? Well, really, if that was 3 couples at 3 different tables, each couple running a $200 bill--the 20% tip for the 3 separate tables would total $120. So just because they're sitting at one table they shouldn't get less--they're still waiting on 6 people. The people I know in the waitering business all say they have a set number of seats/tables they're assigned--whether they're separated into two's or put together for a party of 6 or more. If the party of 6 stiffs them, they're out. That's why so many restaurants add a gratuity automatically onto parties of 5 or more.
Wondering if service was good or bad when the waitperson served up the slip with the expected tip on it already? I guess I'd have a hard time keeping my mouth shut if service was very poor and someone handed me a "bill" for the top level of tip.
As for the comment about the party of 6 running up the $600 bill, and does the waiter really expect $100? Well, really, if that was 3 couples at 3 different tables, each couple running a $200 bill--the 20% tip for the 3 separate tables would total $120. So just because they're sitting at one table they shouldn't get less--they're still waiting on 6 people. The people I know in the waitering business all say they have a set number of seats/tables they're assigned--whether they're separated into two's or put together for a party of 6 or more. If the party of 6 stiffs them, they're out. That's why so many restaurants add a gratuity automatically onto parties of 5 or more.