Hi, Anna! Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel and thanks so much for bringing your question to us! I just spoke with a lovely Disney Dining Cast Member about automatic gratuities. When making your dining reservations, Walt Disney World Resort does ask that you include all members of your party in the headcount, even infants and toddlers. As such, all guests will be included in your count when determining aspects of the bill, such as
automatic gratuity. The Resort's Table-Service dining locations do include an 18% gratuity for parties of six or more. As with party size, this will include younger children.
One thing I want to note for you is that children age birth through two years are considered "free" at most dining locations, notably at ones with buffet service. You are welcome to have the child eat from your plate, but you may also order them a meal if you are dining at a location with a set menu instead of a buffet. If a meal is ordered for the child, then it will be included in your final bill. Once a child reaches three years old and through the age of nine, then they will be counted as a "Disney Kid" and their meal price will reflect such.
Anna, you are welcome to speak with the Cast Member serving you about the inclusion of your young child in the headcount for gratuity. In my experience, the manager at the dining location can sometimes make an exception to this, especially if you have an infant with you that is putting you at the "party of six" count. Also in my experience, however, I still tipped the Cast Member for the extra magical service they always provide!
Thanks again for stopping by and please let us know if you have any other questions!
Brandy