Hi Harley!
I'm glad to hear that you are considering adding one of the
Disney dining plans to your upcoming Walt Disney World Resort vacation! It's so nice to enjoy fantastic dining experiences during your vacation without having to worry about the cost of each meal. I just got back from my own trip to visit Mickey where we enjoyed the
Disney Deluxe Dining Plan and I loved that the majority of my dining expenses were paid in advance of our trip!
The Disney dining plans do not include gratuities for table service meals. This means that you will pay that expense separately when you finish your meal. You have the option of paying your gratuity with cash, a credit card or using your MagicBand to charge your gratuity to your room account. Parties of six or more who are enjoying table service meals will automatically have 18% gratuity added to your bill, while smaller parties will have the option to add whatever gratuity amount they choose. However, regardless of the gratuity amount you choose to give or the size of your party, this gratuity cost is not included in your dining plan and you will have the same options to pay for it. Since it looks like your party will include five Guests, when you finish your meal your server will bring you a receipt to add your gratuity, rather than the automatic 18% gratuity added for larger parties, and then you will be able to specify your method of payment.
Harley, be sure to download the
My Disney Experience mobile app for your vacation because it's the easiest way to track all of your dining entitlements during your trip. Plus, it will also allow you to manage all of your vacation reservations right from your phone!
Let us know if we can answer additional questions for you as you continue planning. T-T-F-N, ta ta for now!
~Crystal