Orlando Tipping! Drives me crazy

[mgmrach]

Its the worst part of a disney holiday I reckon

So many servers expecting 18 or even 20 percent tips for nothing more than a basic service. How much money can a server make in a day? Why do they expect so much?

I appreciate being a server is a low paid job and they rely on tips but expecting so much is crazy. We wont give a good tip if we havent received good service. We're always wondering how much to give and dont want to offend, it really does cause us stress yet our US friends just throw a few dollars on there and forget it. So is it only us visitors paying 20% for mediocre service?

Why not pay a decent wage in the first place? Your thoughts?

[Suebeattie]

I quite like the fact they have to "earn" their tips. So many times we go to restaurants here in the uk (like tgis or the outback steakhouse) and the servers have faces like thunder and don't give you a pleasant experience.
At least in the states they give you an experience! We tend to stick to a 10% tip or if it's been a brilliant service we will tip a bit more.

[Tink]

I'm sure those here who know me saw the title of this thread and shuddered. I LOATHE tipping!

Having said that:

All servers here are taxed on a presumed 10% so if they do not receive at least that, they actually lose money on the service. 15% is a fair, standard amount to tip (be sure not to include the tax when figuring the tip) and go up (or down) from there.

If you are tipping less than 10% you need to speak with a manager.

Servers are not paid a "fair wage" and are expected to make their wages through tips. How much can they make in one evening? Depends upon where they work and how good they are.

Keep a sharp eye on the tab. There are any number of places that automatically add the gratuity. Tipping on top of that will not be necessary.

[jessa]

we tend to use the following tips for tipping...

10% for much to be desired service (basically just plain ol' yucky service)
15% for okay service (not bad and but not good either)
18% for good service (nice demeanor, never having to ask for refills, etc.)
20% for outstanding service (and a written note of praise if the server has gone above and beyond)

[Keith]

Brill post thanks Jessa!

[BUTTERHEAD1]

Just a note. Waiters and bartenders are paid LOWER than the minimum wage here in the US. The tips are considered part of their wage therefore the employer is allowed to pay them under the minimum wage. If they were paid a decent salary the cost of dining out would be that more expensive.

[WDW Vet]

When we visited Coronado Springs food court, Pepper market automatically added 10% to the bill. There is no service factor at all.

[DisneyFreak]

When we visited Coronado Springs food court, Pepper market automatically added 10% to the bill. There is no service factor at all.

That's ridiculous!!

We tip very similar to the post Jessa made. We start out at 15% for standard service. We drop it to 10% if the service is below average and up to 20% if the service is above average. If the service is poor it goes below 10% and we speak to a manager. Outstanding service and we give 25%.

All Disney table service automatically bills at least 18% on parties of six or more but if you receive service you think is deserving less than this you can certainly speak to a manager and have it adjusted.

[Johnie]

With the Pepper Market, we have always been seated at a table, had a server get drinks and refill them, remove plates and generally be helpful. I think 10% is a fair amount for that. However, if you object to it, you can discuss with the manager and usually have it taken off.

Servers in the US are paid far below minimum wage and are expected to make up their wages in tips. I personally hate tipping and tend to overtip as a result.

[DisneyFreak]

With the Pepper Market, we have always been seated at a table, had a server get drinks and refill them, remove plates and generally be helpful. I think 10% is a fair amount for that.

When I saw WDW Vet mention food court with no service factor I just assumed a complete self service experience. If they do what you mention above then I'm okay with 10%.