Tips for the (Not)Free Dining Plan

[belledream]

I don't see why you couldn't use a GC for tips. When your meal is over you will still get a bill. If you got anything like alcohol or apps that aren't covered by the meal plan it will be on there. I think if its a group of 6 or more they automatically will add in an 18% tip. You can pay the bill with cash, room charge or credit card. I assume they could run a gift card through as well.

We did exactly this last year. Had a loaded Disney gift card and it covered all of our tips. Worked like a charm and didn't have to spend a single cent on food. Except for a lemonade slushie at Boardwalk. They don't take Disney gift cards!? Haha

 

[PARichards]

Well, bless you @GoofGoof and @belledream! That sounds great/problem solved! We will be a party of 8, so was wondering if we should be expecting *some* bill, since most dining establishments around here tend to calculate your tip for you, once the party size reaches a certain limit.

DH posted an interesting Q: what percentage would/do you tip at the oh-so-magical (read: pricey) buffet style character meals? I mean, they're clearly charging top dollar for the character interaction, not necessarily how well the waitstaff expedited your table service, since you end up eating/refilling your plates at your own pace... are the costumed CMs (y'know what I'm sayin', the ones in the Donald get up, or Cindy ball gown, etc., I know ALL CMs are in "costume") expecting share part of the tips, like bartenders, servers and bussers tend to share?

Just curious to hear what others are doing, and thanks again for answering all my other Qs, you guys are wonderful!

 

[belledream]

It's tricky you know? Theoretically, people tip slightly less at buffets since you 'do-it-yourself', but I always thought staff works harder at buffets because they're constantly picking up after your table. I'm not sure what to think! I don't know if/how they split up tips for character buffets, but I think a good rule of thumb is to tip based on the quality of the service, not the type of restaurant. But anywhos, I believe we (personally) tip the same at buffets and restaurants.

 

[slappy magoo]

Well, bless you @GoofGoof and @belledream! That sounds great/problem solved! We will be a party of 8, so was wondering if we should be expecting *some* bill, since most dining establishments around here tend to calculate your tip for you, once the party size reaches a certain limit.

DH posted an interesting Q: what percentage would/do you tip at the oh-so-magical (read: pricey) buffet style character meals? I mean, they're clearly charging top dollar for the character interaction, not necessarily how well the waitstaff expedited your table service, since you end up eating/refilling your plates at your own pace... are the costumed CMs (y'know what I'm sayin', the ones in the Donald get up, or Cindy ball gown, etc., I know ALL CMs are in "costume") expecting share part of the tips, like bartenders, servers and bussers tend to share?

Just curious to hear what others are doing, and thanks again for answering all my other Qs, you guys are wonderful!

At a regular table service meal (at regular restaurants, not necessarily WDW restaurants where we're on a dining plan), I almost always tip 20% plus a round-up to the nearest dollar. If service was supbar I might tip less.

At a buffet, I usually do 15% plus the round up to the nearest dollar, and tip MORE if the service was really good. Sometimes at a buffet like Boma, the servers will get more involved in letting you know what's in certain dishes, and what wines pair best with certain dishes. Sure, they're looking to pad the bill, but the presentation tends to be professional and their advice is often quite good. Or sometimes they'll just bring out a little something special for the kids, go beyond the call in a way you weren't expecting, and we figure like it ought to be appreciated.

 

[Mukta]

I tip the same at buffets (20%) as long as they clear my plates in a timely manner and my drink is never empty.

 

[PARichards]

These answers are so interesting! I was trying to think for myself, what do I tip when we go to buffets. Couldn't come up with a single instance in which I've taken the kids to a buffet out here in the real world, where I've been the responsible paying party. Turns out when we do buffets, DH is in charge and I am oblivious. When I take the girls out by myself, it's because I have nothing at home to cook and/or zero desire to cook and then clean up after everyone before wrestling people into bed. So I take them places where I will be sitting at a table and not lifting a finger until it's time to pay and leave. I'm definitely tipping 30% for putting up with the chilluns, particularly when our servers "get it" and have food on the table ASAP, aka bread and other tiny human wrangling foodstuffs or crayons and the like, and heed my warnings when I tell them to put in the kids' orders FIRST while I peruse the menu at my leisure, and that there is every possibility I will be finishing my meal at home- I do not mess around at restaurants once the girls are done and start getting squirrely on me (really the only way to dine when I'm solo with 4 kids).

Ok, last off-topic question, I promise! If we keep our BOG ADR, I do plan on the girls being distracted, at least initially, by just exploring the place while we wait during the food ordering/arrival portion of the meal. Does anyone else with small children order the kids' meals the second they are seated to lessen their wait time/keep the peace, or 1. is this frowned upon at BOG, or 2. nobody else does this, lady, you're a weirdo? I've just heard service is on the slow side, so wondering how others with wee ones have handled their meals.

 

[belledream]

I didn't find the service to be slow, though we were there for a really early dinner reservation that day and the restaurant wasn't at full capacity yet. We wandered after our meal. I can't see what difference it would make if you wander before your food is served as opposed to after. I just wouldn't loiter right next to somebody's table while they are trying to eat.

 

[mom2of2]

I'll answer a few questions for everyone:
Servers tip out bartenders and food runners/bussers based on their sales so your tip pays for that as well as the tax on your meal. Standard tip at WDW is 18% or 20%. 18% is added to your bill if you are a party of 6 or more. There is no distinction in the type of meal, buffet or a la carte, the tip amount is the same. Characters are paid an hourly wage so no, they don't get tipped out by the wait staff.
Gift cards can be used to pay tips on the DP. Simply let the server know that you intend to use one and they will charge the amount to the card.

 

[GoofGoof]

Well, bless you @GoofGoof and @belledream! That sounds great/problem solved! We will be a party of 8, so was wondering if we should be expecting *some* bill, since most dining establishments around here tend to calculate your tip for you, once the party size reaches a certain limit.

DH posted an interesting Q: what percentage would/do you tip at the oh-so-magical (read: pricey) buffet style character meals? I mean, they're clearly charging top dollar for the character interaction, not necessarily how well the waitstaff expedited your table service, since you end up eating/refilling your plates at your own pace... are the costumed CMs (y'know what I'm sayin', the ones in the Donald get up, or Cindy ball gown, etc., I know ALL CMs are in "costume") expecting share part of the tips, like bartenders, servers and bussers tend to share?

Just curious to hear what others are doing, and thanks again for answering all my other Qs, you guys are wonderful!

They will automatically add the 18% to your bill for gratuity even at a buffet for a party of 8. I believe you can cross out the amount and write in your own tip, but that might involve bringing out the manager.

 

[GoofGoof]

Ok, last off-topic question, I promise! If we keep our BOG ADR, I do plan on the girls being distracted, at least initially, by just exploring the place while we wait during the food ordering/arrival portion of the meal. Does anyone else with small children order the kids' meals the second they are seated to lessen their wait time/keep the peace, or 1. is this frowned upon at BOG, or 2. nobody else does this, lady, you're a weirdo? I've just heard service is on the slow side, so wondering how others with wee ones have handled their meals.

They will bring the kids meals out first if you ask. We did BOG in November and requested this. Only downside is the kids were almost done before we got our food. The upside was I managed to snag a few fries from my kids and the fries there were really good or maybe I was just hungry.

 

[LAKid53]

I don't see why you couldn't use a GC for tips. When your meal is over you will still get a bill. If you got anything like alcohol or apps that aren't covered by the meal plan it will be on there. I think if its a group of 6 or more they automatically will add in an 18% tip. You can pay the bill with cash, room charge or credit card. I assume they could run a gift card through as well.

I agree. Before we stopped using DP, anything not covered (alcohol, appetizers, etc.), was charged to my credit card of choice - I cannot see a GC used any differently. I've used the Rewards Points earned from my Disney Visa for the same.

 

[PARichards]

I can't see what difference it would make if you wander before your food is served as opposed to after. I just wouldn't loiter right next to somebody's table while they are trying to eat.

Lol, the visual! Thx for that much needed giggle!

Thanks @mom2of2!

They will automatically add the 18% to your bill for gratuity even at a buffet for a party of 8. I believe you can cross out the amount and write in your own tip, but that might involve bringing out the manager.

Meh, I'm ok with them doing the math for us. I'll just round up our estimates for calculating our "tips only" gift card, and if the kids are terrorists during any meal we can see about adding to our tip. I just don't feel right leaving any less than 25% with 4 kids in tow.

 

[LAKid53]

Well, bless you @GoofGoof and @belledream! That sounds great/problem solved! We will be a party of 8, so was wondering if we should be expecting *some* bill, since most dining establishments around here tend to calculate your tip for you, once the party size reaches a certain limit.

DH posted an interesting Q: what percentage would/do you tip at the oh-so-magical (read: pricey) buffet style character meals? I mean, they're clearly charging top dollar for the character interaction, not necessarily how well the waitstaff expedited your table service, since you end up eating/refilling your plates at your own pace... are the costumed CMs (y'know what I'm sayin', the ones in the Donald get up, or Cindy ball gown, etc., I know ALL CMs are in "costume") expecting share part of the tips, like bartenders, servers and bussers tend to share?

Just curious to hear what others are doing, and thanks again for answering all my other Qs, you guys are wonderful!

I always assume that like most wait staff, those at the Disney restaurants get paid very little. So unless the server is a complete jerk (and I never blame him/her for the food), I like to tip 20%. My mom waited tables in college and she said it was harder than raising kids (and she raised three of us hellions ).

 

[LAKid53]

These answers are so interesting! I was trying to think for myself, what do I tip when we go to buffets. Couldn't come up with a single instance in which I've taken the kids to a buffet out here in the real world, where I've been the responsible paying party. Turns out when we do buffets, DH is in charge and I am oblivious. When I take the girls out by myself, it's because I have nothing at home to cook and/or zero desire to cook and then clean up after everyone before wrestling people into bed. So I take them places where I will be sitting at a table and not lifting a finger until it's time to pay and leave. I'm definitely tipping 30% for putting up with the chilluns, particularly when our servers "get it" and have food on the table ASAP, aka bread and other tiny human wrangling foodstuffs or crayons and the like, and heed my warnings when I tell them to put in the kids' orders FIRST while I peruse the menu at my leisure, and that there is every possibility I will be finishing my meal at home- I do not mess around at restaurants once the girls are done and start getting squirrely on me (really the only way to dine when I'm solo with 4 kids).

Ok, last off-topic question, I promise! If we keep our BOG ADR, I do plan on the girls being distracted, at least initially, by just exploring the place while we wait during the food ordering/arrival portion of the meal. Does anyone else with small children order the kids' meals the second they are seated to lessen their wait time/keep the peace, or 1. is this frowned upon at BOG, or 2. nobody else does this, lady, you're a weirdo? I've just heard service is on the slow side, so wondering how others with wee ones have handled their meals.

We eat at BoG every trip and never have had a problem with the service. Last trip, our server even admitted that she didn't like the Grey Stuff - which I agreed with. But she was attentive, charming and got a BIG tip. And they always ask if you want your soup/salad, etc. before your entree, so I don't see an issue with getting the kids meals first.

 

[GoofGoof]

Lol, the visual! Thx for that much needed giggle!

Thanks @mom2of2!




Meh, I'm ok with them doing the math for us. I'll just round up our estimates for calculating our "tips only" gift card, and if the kids are terrorists during any meal we can see about adding to our tip. I just don't feel right leaving any less than 25% with 4 kids in tow.

We always added more to our tip than the 18% added even at the buffets. I felt like the service at Chef Mickeys was one of the best we had. We especially appreciated the little touches like the waitress whispered the kids drink choices to an adult instead of blurting them out to the kids. Nothing worse than convincing your kid to have milk with dinner and then having the waitress mention fruit punch and lemonade out loud. We never had an empty drink cup and she made sure all of the character visits happened.

 

[stevehousse]

At least everyone on here seems to be in agreement about tipping! Not everyone is usually...like I stated before, I always tip 20% at restaurants, however, I never tip mouse keeping! Lol

 

[LAKid53]

We had an unpleasant experience at Rain Forest our first time there. Two families with small kids didn't do the best parenting job of corralling there kids (the moms were too busy chatting and drinking their glasses of wine to pay attention) and the next thing I saw was the kid who wanted to take a picture of the fish in the fish tank our table was next to, leaning over my plate trying to get a shot - he was very fortunate I wasn't at the same time trying to stab my shrimp (I was tempted - oops, I'm sorry, your HAND got in the way of MY food). That and his younger brother who was about table height was staring at my food. I don't normally try to parent other parents' kids, but these needed it. So I appreciate any parent who makes sure their kids don't bother the other diners. As I did when mine was that age.

 

[GoofGoof]

At least everyone on here seems to be in agreement about tipping! Not everyone is usually...like I stated before, I always tip 20% at restaurants, however, I never tip mouse keeping! Lol

Not even your spare change? Everyone deserves a little change

 

[PARichards]

We eat at BoG every trip and never have had a problem with the service. Last trip, our server even admitted that she didn't like the Grey Stuff - which I agreed with. But she was attentive, charming and got a BIG tip. And they always ask if you want your soup/salad, etc. before your entree, so I don't see an issue with getting the kids meals first.

That's great to hear! I had a few friends tell us their service was sssllllooooooowwwwwww. However, none of our friends/acquaintances with BOG experiences to share included tales of dining there with kids. And when I went to that Knowitall Le Google, I couldn't find reviews from parties with more than 1 kid, if any. Love to hear everyone's stories.

We especially appreciated the little touches like the waitress whispered the kids drink choices to an adult instead of blurting them out to the kids. Nothing worse than convincing your kid to have milk with dinner and then having the waitress mention fruit punch and lemonade out loud. We never had an empty drink cup and she made sure all of the character visits happened.

That is so the WORST! We were just out and the girls heard someone whisper "lemonade" (GRRR!) so our server was kind enough to hear a crazy momma out and gave them all watered down lemonade. He definitely earned his tip!

 

[BigTxEars]

I budget $30 per meal as a tip, sometimes it might be more, some less but that seems to balance out for us.