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Mom And Daughter; Magic Kingdom; Cinderella's Castle; AA; Mickey Balloon
  • On May 24, 2013
    Kristen Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I am recently made dining reservations for a party of 11 by phone. I was assured that the 18% gratuity rule for parties over 6 did NOT apply as the group is paying via 3 separate dining plans. However, I am still nervous! True or not?

    Hi Kristen!

    Many of my Walt Disney World vacations have been traveling with groups of six or more, which isn't hard to do considering we are a family of 7.  When it comes to the question of automatic gratuity, this is what I have always been told and found to be true:
    • Dining Plan participants are automatically charged 18% gratuity
    • Groups of 6 or more are automatically charged 18% gratuity
    • The only time this will not apply to groups of 6 or more is if they are under a different reservation number and/or have a different server.  This essentially means that while you may eat at the same time, it will not be at the same table.
    The bill will indeed be divided up among different parties and they will only pay 18% based on their meal, but will indeed be paying the automatic gratuity.  In some cases if you received really poor services, you may be able to speak with a manager about reducing the amount of the tip.  I personally have always received stellar service and just learned to budget this into the cost of my trip.

    I doubled checked with a few cast members in group dining to see if this policy has changed, but was told that the automatic gratuity will be charged regardless of how the bill is split.  Things change frequently at Walt Disney World, I would make sure you check with a cast member about this policy when you arrive.

    I hope you have a magical vacation and let me know if I can answer anymore of your questions.

    Best Wishes!!
    Mandy
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Meet the Panelist: Mandy, South Carolina

My husband and I are the parents of five rambunctious Disney loving children.I  I'm passionate about helping families find the magic that is Disney , so let me show you all the magic and savings that awaits on your next Disney vacation! Learn More About Mandy

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