Disney Dining Experience Program Changes

[Jared]

We just returned fromWDW on Friday. We did notice that at all the TS restaurants we ate that 18% was added to our DDP receipt and to our out of pocket receipt (drinks). It took us 2 meals to realize that the tip was already added in when we received our OOP bill because there was a place to add an additional tip. We did not see this at CS. We were only a party of 3 not the larger parties they said they would add this to. Just thought I would let people know our experiences. Will add our trip report in the next few days.

This thread is discussing future changes for the Disney Dining Experience card, not the Disney Dining Plan. This year, the plan included an automatic 18 percent gratuity at all table service meals. In 2008, though, the Disney Dining Plan will no longer include the tip, while all table service meals paid for with the Disney Dining Experience card will include an 18 percent tip.

[Sunshine1010]

Soooooo.....basically, the changes are:

2008 DDP
- tip not included, and we can choose the tip
- no appetizer
- dessert IS included
- $1.00 less

2008 DDE
- tip of 18% is billed to you at TS

??????.....do I have that correct?

[Scar]

Sounds right.

Also,

2008 Across the board all parties of 6 or more

- 18% gratuity billed at all TS locations.

[Jared]

Soooooo.....basically, the changes are:

2008 DDP
- tip not included, and we can choose the tip
- no appetizer
- dessert IS included
- $1.00 less

2008 DDE
- tip of 18% is billed to you at TS

??????.....do I have that correct?

Yep, I think you have it right!

[knhund]

When I read this, I was astonished and outraged! While I do understand large groups do take more work and understand that gratuities are almost always added to parties of six or more, I do not agree the 18% should be added to “all” transactions, regardless of party size.

Gratuity has always been given based on the service provided. Anyone with any decency or manners is aware of that fact. My husband and I have always left 15 to 20 percent, or more gratuities for good service. Normally we leave at least 15 percent even if the service was not great. It is however, a rare occasions we have ever had to leave less that our usual amount.

A good example would have been while vacationing at WDW in mid September of this year. We ate at Rose and Crown in Epcot. Our service was horrible. The entire dining experience at that night was deplorable and frustrating. While our server was adorable, I have no idea what happened to her memory because she constantly forgot to bring drinks, rolls, etc. Sad thing was, the restaurant was less than half-full when we arrived and it never did fill up. There was plenty of staff on hand. We did say something to the manager, but were basically blown off! A staff member later said we should write to the President of Epcot and tell him about our experience. I am sorry to say, I never did that due to my hectic work schedule.

My husband and I look forward to our annual vacation at WDW all year. This year was anything but a “magical” experience and we will not be going back in 2008. We normally spend ten days and there were so many mistakes during our vacation that it left us wishing we had not gone at all. Let alone for our usual ten days. It was horrible for us.

Disney has always been about SERVICE. Other companies model themselves after they way Disney does customer service. That said, I believe if WDW is adamant about initiating this new policy, service will suffer drastically. There will be nothing to motivate the servers because they know they will be getting their 18 percent no matter what. BIG MISTAKE WDW!!!

K Hund

[BriarRose]

I emailed Disney asking whether they are expecting a tip in addition to the 18% gratuity added onto the bill, since we usually tip a minimum of 20% and do tip more for exceptional service and this is the response I received:

Dear Ms. Smith,

Thank you for contacting us. Our Guests' impressions are very
important to us, and we appreciate the time you took to share your
thoughts.

Although we regret your disappointment with the adjustments made to the
Disney Dining Experience Membership Program beginning January 1, 2008,
we want to assure you that your remarks have been shared with the
appropriate individuals.

As is our current practice, the gratuity will be assessed on the full
bill, and then the 20% will be discounted. This applies to all food and
beverage locations excluding counter service, food court, or quick
service locations. If Guests' wish to leave an additional gratuity for
exceptional service, they are welcome to do so.

We hope this information is helpful, and we look forward to future
opportunities to entertain you.

Sincerely,

Executive Offices
Walt Disney World Resort

It seems to me that they are trying to discourage people from using the service. It reminds me of the Magic Kingdom Club. First, it was free, then they charged a membership fee, then they did away with it altoghether.

[DizneyRox]

It seems to me that they are trying to discourage people from using the service. It reminds me of the Magic Kingdom Club. First, it was free, then they charged a membership fee, then they did away with it altoghether.

I agree, it does seem that they want to make the program less attractive so weed out people, then when they cancel it, everyone will have such a bad taste in their mouth they won't care.

DDE is relatively new, and I think was in response to try to get more locals, etc into the parks (around 9/11). Now that it's not necessary, the program is not useful. If they can get people into the DDP or just pay straight cash, it's more money in the profit column.

I wouldn't be surprised to see an increase in price to participate in the program, then a complete removal of it.