Hello Megan. Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
Tipping while at Walt Disney World restaurants is quite a topic.
When using one of Disney´s Dining Plans tipping is usually not included and is an additional cost for the guest to cover.
These are the dining experiences that include gratuity as part of Disney´s Dining Plans:
- Pizza delivery
- Private In-Room Dinning
- Dinner Shows
- Cinderella´s Royal Table
Review
Disney´s Dining Plan website to have a clear understanding of what is and is not included with each plan.
Usually waiters are our best friend while dining at restaurants. They are responsible of helping guest feel comfortable at their tables and acquainted with the menu and Chef´s specialties.
Tipping is the main source of income for waiters, so we - the guests, must be considerate.
The amount we tip depends on how we are served, not on the quality of the dishes served.
Personally, an 18 percent tip is for when guests are satisfied with what is served and how it is served.
If service is just ... you know ... good, but guests are satisfied with their meal, a 15 percent tip is luckily earned.
When a waiter does not try to help unsatisfied guest, that percent really goes down.
Still, most times Disney Cast Member will be more than able to take on these tasks.
My family always leaves a good tip, to cover all other Cast Members who attend but we do not get to see.
Tipping is part of dining cost, but it has to be earned.
Hope you can make the most of your Disney Dining Plan!
Miguel