Has anyone else read this?/DDP Changes [Merged Threads]

[luvdiznee]

Tips not included in 2008 Disney Dining Plan. "Folks booking on the 2008 Dining Plan (for trips starting January 1) may find a nasty surprise: some reports claim that no longer will tips be included in the meal." I have read this a couple of times and am just more curious about it. If it turns out to be true, would the DP be worth it to you?

[SBETigg]

With or without tips included, we save money on the DP. The answer is yes, still worth it.

[Caroleh]

I'd have to say yes also. It still saves us money.

[LandFan]

Yeah - I love that I didn't have to budget for anything!! I would still do it in a heartbeat!

[Jen C.]

Yes, it would still be worth it to us. I don't know why, and I understand some would think it's a waste, but we almost always tip 15% above the included gratuity in the DDP anyway.

[wendy*darling]

Yes, this is very likely happening for 2008.
The rumored reason is because even though there is already a tip included in your "bill," your servers are not receiving that tip (or not all of it at least).
Removing the tip from the DDP wil ensure that your server will actually get whatever tip you feel is appropriate.

I have not heard if the price of the plan is changing in any way for 2008.

[Sunshine1010]

Perhaps the service will get better?....

(I've always had good service except for 1 time, but I've heard many other posts/threads saying that they've had bad service)

[droopy d.]

If they are not going to include tipping on the DDP anymore the plan with inflation should be about 13% less than last year. If it's not then your paying a lot more than last year.

[vamaggie]

I have seen rumors of this posted here but cannot seem to find anything official(on this site or the WDW one). Is there somewhere I can go to read about this? TIA

[ElenitaB]

Until I see this on the Disney site or hear it from one of Intercot's reliable sources, I'm not going to lose sleep over it. I probably would continue to get the DDP though, as I like the idea of that part of our trip being "prepaid."

[Mommy2boys]

I dont know too much about the dining plan but from what I know it would still be worth it.

[shan-ash]

While I am still in favor of the dining plan, I am concerned about having the correct amount of cash on hand for the proper tip. Would we be able to charge the tip?

[Mickey91]

If the price of the plan didn't change for the better, we may not purchase it. Think about a $200.00 meal. That would be $40.00 at 20percent. Hardly worth it. If we did do the dining plan without tip, since the employees are the ones who didn't want it, they will be the ones not to get it!

[Here we go again...]

We would still do it. We also give an additional tip for good service anyway.

Of course we do not carry too much cash, so they would have to find a way to let you charge it to the room. The way it is set up now you have to have cash to tip over because there is no way to add to the current charge after it is closed. I carry $10 or $20 but not $40 or $50!

I tried to book the dining plan for our February trip but was not allowed. They said the plan for 2008 has not been released.

[Hammer]

If the price of the plan didn't change for the better, we may not purchase it. Think about a $200.00 meal. That would be $40.00 at 20percent. Hardly worth it. If we did do the dining plan without tip, since the employees are the ones who didn't want it, they will be the ones not to get it!

We haven't any proof it was the employees who decided they did not want it, we only have a rumor. Don't be so quick to be angry at the employees. If the rumor is true, though, the workers at many of the restaurants weren't receiving 18%. Some places the server receives as little as $5 per person who ate there with the dining plan, which isn't even close to 18%. Hey, on my restaurant bills, that isn't even 10% which I would be embarrassed to leave at a restaurant! I'm angry at management for selling their employees so short!


All I know is I am dining at Wolfgang Puck's my first night and they only give there employees $5 "tip" per person on the dining plan. As I know we will spend more than $25 per person, I'll leave extra for my server so they will get 18-20% (it is my understanding if a person gives extra tip on the Dining Plan, the server does get that money).

[dbmarie]

All I know is I am dining at Wolfgang Puck's my first night and they only give there employees $5 "tip" per person on the dining plan

Is this accurate? Is this only at Wolfgang Puck's or do other restaurants also give a set tip instead of the 18%?

[Figment!]

I have seen rumors of this posted here but cannot seem to find anything official(on this site or the WDW one). Is there somewhere I can go to read about this? TIA

Nope, cause it is not (yet at least) official.

A few UK Travel Agencies have started to report that the 2008 Dining Plan will contain some changes; however, it is not clear how reputable the information is at this point-in-time.

[Hammer]

Is this accurate? Is this only at Wolfgang Puck's or do other restaurants also give a set tip instead of the 18%?

Well, it was reported by Natazu (Jym) so it is possible he has inaccurate information, but Jym is pretty much on the money when it comes to Dining at WDW. Here is the link to the thread discussing it.

[TBY2225]

I also heard this rumour on a WDW podcast. I also heard of some other changes and additions such as a dining plan with a bottle of wine per day and also a different primium package that included 3 meals a day, 2 snacks and a resort mug. Once again these are rumours, but interesting all the same.

[KevGuy]

Not including the tip is stupid IMO. The servers will get even less now I bet, not to mention all the confusion that will happen as people will not realize the tip is not included and still think it is the old way and not have any moey for it. Plus at Disney prices for food people will start leaving less than 18%, and perhaps a lot less if the service isn't outstanding! If this happens I'm thinking the DME will be the way to go instead...