I understand that gratuities are no longer part of the DDP. Wondering whats the norm that should be left as a tip? Seems it used to be 18% that was taken before, but not sure. Don't want to short change those hard working college students.

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Answer 1

Hi Helen,

This has been a very common question that many guests have had since Walt Disney World made changes to the Dining Plan this year. I will mention quickly that there are a few selected dining experiences that do still include your gratuities if you are on the Dining Plan and please ask a cast member before sitting down to eat (i.e. Cinderella's Royal Table) so you do not double tip! Many people will probably tell you the correct percentage and the incorrect percentage that you should leave for your server, but there is nothing written in stone about gratuities, but rather what is acceptable and what really isn't. My philosophy is to tip based on service! Yes, theoretically you should probably estimate 18% as the norm, but there are many times that I have received the very best in service and tipped much more than that and at other times service has been so poor that I have tipped much less than that. I would much rather give someone double the tip if they go above and beyond as I feel they would deserve it way more than someone who just expects it regardless of how they treat you. So, this is my take on the "tipping" situation not only in WDW, but in general and I think you should give what feels right to you and not what someone expects!

Have a very magical vacation!
Brigitta

I understand that gratuities are no longer part of the DDP. Wondering whats the norm that should be left as a tip? Seems it used to be 18% that was taken before, but not sure. Don't want to short change those hard working college students.

Meet the Panelist: Brigitta, British Columbia

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I understand that gratuities are no longer part of the DDP. Wondering whats the norm that should be left as a tip? Seems it used to be 18% that was taken before, but not sure. Don't want to short change those hard working college students.”

Meet the Panelist: Brigitta, British Columbia

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I understand that gratuities are no longer part of the DDP. Wondering whats the norm that should be left as a tip? Seems it used to be 18% that was taken before, but not sure. Don't want to short change those hard working college students.