OMG, this is just taking the mick

[BarryandCaron]

I know Disney is a profitable business but I think this is too much:mad2:

Last Saturday I made an ADR for CRT breakfast costing the 4 of us $31.99 plus tax each. Yes, I know an extortionate price but worth it for DS2's enjoyment(and ours). When I checked our CC statement more closely today not only have they taken full payment and tax BUT the gratuity as well:nonono:

From what I can work out they have charged 12.5% gratuity. Now, I willingly give tips (in this country too) for good service but at a few Disney restaurants last time we had poor service from our waiting staff. This was due I think to our being from UK as other tables around us got much better service. DH and myself were only talking last night that if this were to happen again we would question the poor service.

If it wasn't for the fact that we really want to eat here I would cancel my ADR as not only have they added on the gratuity but Disney will raking in the whole of the interest for 6 months:mad2:

Sorry for the rant:blush:

Caron
Edited to change % gratuity I worked it out wrong still a cheek though

[FRANTIC_FROG]

That's not on in my opinion!!
What a cheek.
Trouble is, you can say you'll not tip on the day but then probably like me, you'll feel bad about it and tip again!!!
I really do think that is taking the "you know what?"

[kirlie91]

I agree Caron. I've just checked my CC Statement after reading this and they have done the same to me, but like you , we have got to eat there if it's just for our DD's sake. Otherwise my ear will get chewed off. The thing is that because the seating is like gold dust they assume no one will complain.

[MattF]

This is the one thing I hate about the US. I tip only for good service and I am happy to tip generously for it. I do not tip because you served me a drink or gave me a plate for a self service buffet!:angry: :mad2: The gratutity is for good service, and not guaranteed. In a local restaurant near us, they added a 10% service cahrge automatically when the service was awful. I requested it to be removed and they looked at me as though I was mad. I had to get the manager to remove it:mad2: !

Sorry - rant over! :(

[stevey]

I totally agree with all of the comments, and have been blasted for it in the past. Tip for good service, not because their wages are low. I am sorry if this upsets anyone, but, the trouble is, I like to tip the actual person who served me to a degree of what they deserve, and not the restaurant.
Ooo!, that feels better
Steve

[BarryandCaron]

That's not on in my opinion!!
What a cheek.
Trouble is, you can say you'll not tip on the day but then probably like me, you'll feel bad about it and tip again!!!
I really do think that is taking the "you know what?"

Yes Lin, we probably will tip again but only if the service is worth it. If it's not I may tell the server why if I can sum up the courage:blush: We have always tipped 15% even if the service was bad and 20% if service warrants it.

Please could I ask that this thread is not turned into a 'to tip or not' thread.

Caron

[Twink]

I know it's different when paying for an ADR but when you are in the restaurant and they charge service, if you do not think you have received good service ask to see the manager and request the service charge is taken off your bill, apparently you are quite within your rights to do this.

[TinkTatoo]

I know it's different when paying for an ADR but when you are in the restaurant and they charge service, if you do not think you have received good service ask to see the manager and request the service charge is taken off your bill, apparently you are quite within your rights to do this.

I was going to say this - if you get exceptional service you can leave an additional tip but if the service is poor ask to speak to the manager and explain the situation.

[Kazzie]

I've heard of restaurants taking payment for a meal to make sure they don't get 'no shows'.But I've never heard of a tip being taken in advance:angry:

How can it be a 'gratuity' then?The definition of gratuity is 'a gift or favour ususally in the form of money IN RETURN FOR SERVICE.'

How can you pay for service you haven't received?:nonono:

But I fully understand why you have to do it,I'd do the same if mine were younger,I just have to swallow my annoyance:spin:

[apollo163]

disney cruise line used to take all gratuities from british bookings but most people did not realise this and tipped us again (good for me)

[Amyrlin]

I think the 31.99 includes the gratutity, but the 12.5% sounds like the tax they add on as that does not include tax.

The DDP also includes all gratuitities when you buy that.

[BarryandCaron]

I think the 31.99 includes the gratutity, but the 12.5% sounds like the tax they add on as that does not include tax.

The DDP also includes all gratuitities when you buy that.

As far as I know Disney charge 6.5% tax. Our credit card bill shows a total of $152.83. This is made up of 4 @ $31.99 = $127.96, 6.5% tax = $8.32 and 12.5% gratuity = $15.99. Total of $152.27 give or take a few cents.

TBH, it is too much stress to ask to speak to the manager about bad service when on holiday (I do over here though). What I will do is tell the server that I haven't left anything extra because of poor service, just because we are British doesn't mean we don't know how to tip. If we get service that warrants it I will tip an extra $10.

Hopefully after all this we will get excellent service and have nothing to worry about.

Caron

[MrB]

Same thing happened to me when I booked CRT. I rang back to check and was somewhat miffed. However I suppose the WDW attitude is take it or leave it. I will not be leavinga tip when we go there - I consider that I have already paid the waiting staff. If poor service I will complain.

[SimonB]

Same thing happened to me when I booked CRT. I rang back to check and was somewhat miffed. However I suppose the WDW attitude is take it or leave it. I will not be leavinga tip when we go there - I consider that I have already paid the waiting staff. If poor service I will complain.

That's exactly what I would do.

At least you've paid for it up front so you can enjoy the experience knowing that everything is already paid for. If it is above expectations then leave a further tip.

[mart]

Just to let you know DDP includes 12.5% gratuity within its costings for the table service meals. It appears Disney are doing the same for CRT as well.

[traceyt]

whenever i've paid for a meal with gratuities included, such as the hoop - di - doo show at wildnerness lodge, i don't leave a tip on the night. the show is about $50 dollars a person, including tip, and while I don't mind paying this as it is a great night out, I then don't see any reason to leave a second tip, and from what i've seen neither does anyone sitting near me. Therefore, i really wouldn't leave a tip at the crt if you've already paid it as, unfortunately, when we ate there it really wasn't worth the cost as it was, but like everyone else, i did it for my kids.

[CruellaDeVilla]

I would never leave a second tip if my cc had already been charged now that is a blinkin cheek if the expect it. I am guessing they won't run out after you saying please Madam you have already left a tip....

The Corporation Disney....bless them!

[Catherine]

I can only echo what everyone has already said, what a cheek. We did this breakfast and to be honest we did not think that it was worth that anyway, however i must stress thats just my opinion.

[buttons]

I too have booked an ADR at CRT and remember the CM saying total cost included Tax and Tip - but never realised I would be charged the Tip straight away :angry:

When she said the Tip was included I did think, ah well at least it's ALL paid for - and I must be a bit of a tightwad because I never thought of leaving anymore :blush:

Now I'm wondering if I don't leave anymore or (if service is exceptional) I leave an extra $10 does the CM know I have already paid the tip upfront?

[coombsyl]

Total liberty - if you had booked a table for fifteen people you might understand but this is just 'avin a laugh!!!! :nonono:

[Stuart_D]

I'd agree with the general sentiment of the thread, I wouldn't be comfortable giving a tip before I got service however if I felt the service didn't warrant the service charge I would be the first to make a big deal of it and I would insist on it being returned to me and I'd advise everyone else to do the same. In general terms it doesn't take much for me to give a tip on holiday. I wouldn't tip for someone just giving me a plate at a self service buffet, but if the server was attentative, friendly, polite and kept my drinks and that of my kids topped up thats good enough for a 15% tip IMO.

To pick up on the tax thing though, thats unavoidable. It's not a Disney tax, its a Florida State Tax and its much the same as our VAT. We might not like paying it but at least in Florida its only 6.5% and not the 17.5% we get charged in the UK.

[jwalowls]

That is not good enough as is you would tip when you are there.

[Stuart_D]

Surely thats up to the individual Jwalols. I've seen recommended gratuities of 10% in one guide book and 25% in another and I've left tips varying in percentages depending on how happy I was with the entire meal and I've never been pulled up for it by a server - and nor would I expect to be.

[Amyrlin]

The included gratuity in the DDP and CRT is 18%, the reason that it looks less on thre CRT is that it is on the food only, and not on the portion that is allocated to pay for the photographs.

Generally for tips I have given 10% - 15% for a buffet and 15% - 20% for table service, obvously less if it was really bad. This dseems to be the norm from people I talk to, but everyone differs.

[Flo]

Help I'm lost, is $31.99 the total price per adult or are there additional costs on top of this.

[BarryandCaron]

Help I'm lost, is $31.99 the total price per adult or are there additional costs on top of this.

In addition to $31.99 there is tax and gratuity. For the 4 of us we've ended up paying $152.83:omg:

Caron

[cazza]

Hi! I too have been stung by the tip!

Rang yesterday to make ADT for CRT - 2 adults and 1 child (age 5)expected to be around $90 was actually $108!!!

$108 dollars for a poor choice of meal, which I have read several poor reports about!!

$108 dollars for a meal I know my dd wont eat

I feel as though I've been ripped off......I know its my own fault for booking it, but I love dd more than $108 worth and am paying it solely for her to meet the princesses.

It just feels they've got you by the *@!!&%+?'s because they know you've no choice but to pay this to meet them (am not doing EPCOT so PSB not an option and theres only cinders at GF) so what choice do we have.....am miffed......but still excited to be takin dd (I know I'm a hypercrite)

Look how much it costs to go to CP for what I believe is better food, certainly better choice!! So much difference for the sake of a different costume

Am putting my foot down though....there will be no tip left out of principle!!!

(until we get there and I soften a bit)

ps havent told DH how much it cost yet (oops)

[BarryandCaron]

I'll be very interested to hear what you think of CRT Cazza as you are going before us.

Caron

[cazza]

Will Post A Thread When I Return.

[paulac]

Not sure if you have read this Caron, but it seems that Cinderella no longer circulates round the tables, but meets guests in the lobby.


Cinderella's Royal Table meals at the Castle will be making changes starting on February 1, 2006

*It will now be considered 2 table service meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Cinderella will only be in the lobby for all 3 meals and NOT circulating upstairs.
*The meals now include a photo package
*Photos will be taken in the lobby and delivered at your table


Paula

[BarryandCaron]

Thanks Paula I hadn't seen that info. It doesn't say though that CRT dinner does not have any circulating characters at all, just a small show from the fairy God Mother and mice, ie no autograph opportunities.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see what we think of the breakfast ourselves.

Caron

[rusty30]

We have done CRT 3 times and its got worse each time. The last time we did it was Xmas day and the service was appalling. The waiter really didnt want to be there and did the bare minimum required. This was before the new rules so I had only paid a deposit, but, even though it was Xmas day and I had INTENDED to tip extra well, I only left 10%. I would have left nothing on an "ordinary" day.

I really think they have shot themselves in the foot with this. Im sure if the server came round with the cheque that said "Paid by Card on XXXX - gratuity NOT included - Thank you" or something similar, many people would be inclined to leave a decent amount - probably more than 12.5%??? It would also make sure the servers kept up their levels of service, so we all win.

Personally, we wont be back here again. You can meet the Princesses at Toon Town - we had Cinders, Sleeping Beauty and Snow white together last year and they all spent more time with the children than the Princesses at the breakfast did. You arent rushed here and get OPTIONAL photos plus you can take your own too. I think 1900 Park Fare is a much better meal and although its only Cinders, Prince Charming & Fairy Godmother (plus the mice) its very special.

[cazza]

Hi Caron! can't remember where I've seen it but i'm pretty sure i've read that cinders is in reception but that the other princesses go round the tables.

This is fine by us as cinders (whilst liked very much) isnt dds favourite princess.

Think we're all being very negative (especially me)...am very much in danger of going along and picking fault with everything instead of enjoying dds magical day-so must stop now!!

Will stop moaning about cost and value for money and go back to excited pre holiday mode!!! Yipee were going to see the Princesses (see...much better!)

[BarryandCaron]

Quite agree Cazza with what you have said. We are excited about CRT and take it as it comes. If we have a wonderful server I will tip extra, if not then zilch.

I'll PM you.

Caron

[kirlie91]

I've been reading all theses posts on CRT, we too have booked this for out darling DD's aged 2 and 5(the day before we fly out).
I also calculated it to be approx $117.00 but it turned out to be $148.00.
Like the general consensus, I don't mind paying tips/gratuities, but I don't like the decision taken away from me.
But, like Cazza has said, to see the look on our DD's faces is going to be priceless. Looks like we'll be in the Magical world around the same time too.

Roll on May 13th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MrB]

Hey. You have paid now so be positive. I dont know what to expect but well see and then put a post on here.

I am wondering if we should take the DDs princess costumes from here or buy new once there. Any suggestions? Like where to buy from and costs.

[cazza]

Dont know MrBuk have never shopped for a costume in Florida before

Think I might but dd an outfit over here a week or so before we go and tell her she cant wear it until the day of the ADR....build the excitement abit.
(plus it will also reduces the chances of not being able to get the outfit she wants in her size and causing major dissapointment)

Despite previous moaning, I am extremely pleased I have booked this and dd is really excited already so it already worthwhile.

[cazza]

Hi! Please see another thread.....Just booked my ADR at CRT! (sorry dont know how to put link into this message:confused2 )

This is a thread i started when i booked ADR (and before i realised about gratuity and started moaning:blush: )

There are some really good reviews including one from someone who has just retuned....and its really positive.:thumbs-up

Carolyn

[kirlie91]

I find the costumes are cheaper in this country, however, the quality is so much better in WDW. Like they say - you get what you pay for. Last year my DD had the Belle dress with shoes, tiara, jewellery and cape - I think it cost around $130.00 in total. Quite expensive but she looks a picture in it, and when she grows out of it, it will come in for our other DD.

[cazza]

Seeing what my dd does to her fancy dress outfits, I don't think I'll be spending $130..........besides, would give dh a heart attack LOL

[kirlie91]

Yeh, know what you mean, that's why I told my DH to go and get a drink whilst I paid for the items - hey - what he didn't know at the time couldn't hurt him. However, when he did find the receipt he nearly fainted - lol. I just made the excuse that our youngest DD would get use when DD aged 5 grows out of it. I thnk the dresses cost approx $65.00 - $80.00 depending on the size you buy. But they are Gorgeous!!!!!!!!!

[Flo]

Asda's have official Disney Cinderella and Snow White outfits from £12.

[kirlie91]

Asda's have official Disney Cinderella and Snow White outfits from £12.
Yeah Flo, have seen em. DD has got the Snow White one. However, there are official Disney dresses in Asda or OFFICIAL dresses in WDW. So much difference!!!!!! They are all lovely tho.

[cazza]

Will probably go to Disney shop....may sound sad, but it feels more authentic and dd will enjoy it too.....she loves the disney shop, in fact we could probably save ourselves a couple of grand and just take her there everyday for a fortnight!!

[kirlie91]

Will probably go to Disney shop....may sound sad, but it feels more authentic and dd will enjoy it too.....she loves the disney shop, in fact we could probably save ourselves a couple of grand and just take her there everyday for a fortnight!!
never thought of that cazza lol - then again - I'm the one who's most excited about this holiday, well apart from my mom who started packing when we told her, last july I think!!!

[cazza]

like your moms style.

i get so excited about going!! im just like a big kid

i also cry when i come home.....have every holiday since i was little girl!

[kirlie91]

Me too, only our 2nd visit but my mom's 1st. She never dreamed she would get to go anywhere like WDW. I'm so looking forward to the holiday, but I just can't wait to see my moms face when we board the ferry boat at MK and see the castle in the distance. I cried when I saw it last year ( very discreetly tho) and my DD's face - Something I will never forget.

11 WEEKS SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Me thinks I might have mentioned that before lol!!)