Hi Catherine!
Thank you for visiting us at the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I'm happy to help answer your questions about the
Disney Dining Plan.
To answer your first question, you will need to include your baby in your dining reservations, even though your little one is not on the Disney Dining Plan. This is for safety as well as to make sure you have the proper table size to accommodate your party. So, you'll need a table for six!
To answer your question about tipping, note that for most Table-Service locations, gratuity is not included. At the end of the meal, Guests will be given a check that details what the total amount would have been without the Disney Dining Plan. The bottom of the check will also indicate a suggested amount of 18% and 20% to make it easier for Guests to calculate the tip. Of course, Guests are free to tip whatever amount they feel is appropriate.
Note, however, that there are a few situations where 18% gratuity is automatically added. For example, certain venues such as
Cinderella's Royal Table and the Dinner Shows, as well as Private In-Room Dining, include gratuity. In addition, parties with
six or more Guests will have gratuity automatically added. In your situation, it is very possible that 18% gratuity will be automatically added because you have a party of six, but it is up to the discretion of the server and location.
I hope I've answered your questions, Catherine. Please stop back again if you have any additional questions about your upcoming visit to
Walt Disney World Resort. Wishing you many magical memories!
Erin