We will be a party of 8 for all table service meals next visit. We don't mind the automatic 18% gratuity for meals we are actually waited on, but don't feel it's fair for buffets, like H & V for eg. Do we have to tip 18% on the total or just beverages?

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Answer 1

Hi David! Congratulations on your upcoming trip to Walt Disney World!

The automatic 18% gratuity is based upon the total for the entire meal, including the buffet table service dining options, at Walt Disney World.

On their behalf, I will say that the Cast Members who wait on us at the buffets have always been very attentive to our tables when we are together as a large group, and I have felt that they deserved the entire tip. In fact, we usually leave at least a 20% gratuity, to show our appreciation.

They do a great job of starting everything off with their great attitudes and often entertaining styles. And, they keep our glasses full, empty plates cleared, and grab the extras for us, such as napkins, ketchup, mustard, and new flatware since are children are always dropping things. And, if we have special requests, such as vegetarian and food allergy requirements, or a special event to celebrate, they do an outstanding job of seeing to it that all of our needs are met.

Overall, they work hard to ensure a great dining experience. I've never looked at the buffets at Disney as having to "get my own food". Rather, they are opportunities to choose from an outstanding array of options, and control my portions according to my own likes/dislikes. The cast members who wait on us facilitate the process and take the "work" out of the meal!

I hope you enjoy all of your dining experiences at Walt Disney World, and feel that you have received a tremendous value when it is all said and done!

We will be a party of 8 for all table service meals next visit. We don't mind the automatic 18% gratuity for meals we are actually waited on, but don't feel it's fair for buffets, like H & V for eg. Do we have to tip 18% on the total or just beverages?

Meet the Panelist: Teronya, Tennessee

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We will be a party of 8 for all table service meals next visit. We don't mind the automatic 18% gratuity for meals we are actually waited on, but don't feel it's fair for buffets, like H & V for eg. Do we have to tip 18% on the total or just beverages?”

Meet the Panelist: Teronya, Tennessee

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We will be a party of 8 for all table service meals next visit. We don't mind the automatic 18% gratuity for meals we are actually waited on, but don't feel it's fair for buffets, like H & V for eg. Do we have to tip 18% on the total or just beverages?