Hi, Barbara!
Guests who dine at a Walt Disney World Resort restaurant in parties of 6 or more have gratuities automatically added onto their bill. (We've dined, paying out-of-pocket, with up to 24 people in our party, and have noticed that the gratuity had been added on every time.)
At
Be Our Guest Restaurant, one of the most popular dining locations throughout the parks right now, the same holds true. If you'd like to sample some of the offerings and the atmosphere of BOG, go for lunch. Far more budget-friendly, lunch at BOG is Quick Service, which eliminates gratuity. You'll get to enjoy the fantastic location as well as some of the best QS options on property. Plus, some of the desserts which are offered at lunch are the very same options you would have had at dinner anyway. Win-win...especially for your budget! Check out the menu; I think you'll be impressed.
Our experience at
The Garden Grill was fantastic. Having characters come to visit at your table is so convenient, too, saving you the trouble of waiting in line to meet them in the park. It's like an additional course of magic has been added to your meal! The cost of this experience ranges from $30 to $59.99 per adult, based on the season of your visit. Holidays, for example, will be the highest priced date. Call Disney Dining at (407) WDW-DINE and tell the Cast Member the exact dates of your stay for accurate pricing.
For additional character interactions, use Disney's
FASTPASS Service while at Magic Kingdom (especially if you decide to try BOG for lunch). At Town Square Theater, Guests can FASTPASS meetings with Mickey & Friends as well as Disney Princesses.
Send more questions as you think of them, Barbara; we love to help!