Are Gratuities Included If I’m On the Disney Dining Plan?
If you’re planning a visit to Walt Disney World and have decided to make your package all-inclusive by opting for one of Disney’s Dining Plans, then you may have some questions about how the plan works! Disney’s Dining Plans are a fantastic way to avoid crazy meal expenses and pay for your dining over time along with the rest of your vacation balance. However, for those on a budget, it’s important to understand what additional restaurant expenses you may encounter even when on the plan. That’s where we come in. Here are the answers to some of your most common Dining Plan tipping questions:
If I purchased a dining plan do I need to budget for gratuities?
Yes! If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan or the Deluxe Dining Plan both of which include Table Service meals, it is customary to tip your server just as you would at any upscale eatery. The recommended tipping rate is 18-20%. At the end of your meal, your table will be brought a receipt show dining credits used and suggesting a tipping amount. You can leave the suggested amount or opt for your own amount.
Do I Have To Tip?
In most instances, it is up to your discretion. However, Disney prides itself on customer service and no doubt your server has worked hard so tipping is always recommended.
There are also instances where tipping is MANDATORY. This usually comes into play when travelling as a group of 6 or more at which point Disney will automatically add a gratuity at the standard 18% rate to your bill.
Are There Any Restaurants Where Gratuities Are Already Included?
There are a few. These are typically Dinner Shows, Room Service and Pizza Delivery and Speciality Dining. Some examples are as follows:
- Cinderella’s Royal Table – Magic Kingdom
- Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue – Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
- Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show – Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
- Room Service and pizza delivery – select Walt Disney World Resort.
If my meals are already paid for with the Dining Plan, how do I tip?
Tipping is the same as paying for snacks, souvenirs or other items during your Disney visit! You can pay gratuities using cash, credit cards, Disney Gift Cards or by charging to your MagicBand.
Quick Tip: I usually head to Sams, Target or Costco and stock up on discounted Disney gift cards. Not only do you save when buying the cards in bulk but they are great to have on hand to cover gratuities while on your trip!
If I’m paying for my meal using dining credits how do I know how much tip to leave?
Easy! Your server will still bring you a bill. It shows both the dining credits used and the cost of the meal were you to have paid out of pocket! You can use this total to calculate the appropriate tipping amount!
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Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to assist you with everything from finding your perfect package to helping you plan lots of special touches to make your visit truly magical. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook