Hi Hannah,
I love using the
Disney Dining Plan when traveling to Walt Disney World because it includes table service meals which are my absolute favorite. When dining at a table service meal it is customary to tip for the great service you receive. The tip should be calculated off of what the bill would have been if you dined and checked out like you would in any other restaurant. The only difference will be that instead of paying in cash or credit, your meals will be paid for with one of your allotted dining plan meals.
When you are finished eating, your server will present you with a receipt that shows your meal total and will have any items that aren't covered by your dining plan separated as extra so you can pay for those at that time. This will be things like additional drinks that were not included in your dining plan. If you do not have extra charges, you will be able to signify what dollar amount you would like to tip and it can be charged to your credit card, paid for in cash, or you can use a
MagicBand+.
If you are dining with more than 6 people, you will automatically be charged 18% of the dollar value of the entire check. If your children for not charged for a meal, then they will not count toward this amount. Keep in mind that if you are eating at
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue or
Cinderella's Royal Table, gratuities are included in the price so you will not be charged extra for them.
Since you will be traveling with little ones, I highly recommend checking out a
character dining experience. This is a great way for them to meet several of their favorite Disney friends without waiting in line. My kids loved these experiences when they were little and we still go back to them for the nostalgia.
Happy Planning,
Jenna