[inluvwithdisney]

OK, so I know we discuss tipping all the time...but...I am not quite sure how to tip at a buffet as opposed to a full service dinner!! Since you do not order from your server and they do not bring you your meal do you tip differently?? I do not want to do this wrong!!

Anyone have suggestions!?

Thanks in advance!!!!!!!!

[dznylvr]

Like with a regular table service, I tip depending on the service, I just may tend to stay closer to 18%, instead of going higher, like I will for really good service at a full service restaurant. For example, if I am at a buffet restaurant, and my glass is never empty, I get extra napkins, the server is friendly etc, I will tip 18%, maybe a little over. If I am at a full service restaurant, and I have really good service-friendly service, extra bread, "would you like fresh ground pepper on your salad?"- then I may do more like 20-25%. Just keep in mind what has your server done for you, and tip accordingly.

[cinderbella]

I think at a buffet a dollar amount per person is appropriate. I would say 2-3 dollars per person..if service was excellent maybe 4.

[gingles]

Originally Posted by dznylvr

Like with a regular table service, I tip depending on the service, I just may tend to stay closer to 18%, instead of going higher, like I will for really good service at a full service restaurant. For example, if I am at a buffet restaurant, and my glass is never empty, I get extra napkins, the server is friendly etc, I will tip 18%, maybe a little over. If I am at a full service restaurant, and I have really good service-friendly service, extra bread, "would you like fresh ground pepper on your salad?"- then I may do more like 20-25%. Just keep in mind what has your server done for you, and tip accordingly.

Well said...

[timsha]

We tend to tip just as if we were at a regular sit down meal. As dznylvr said, if we get prompt service, plates are cleared quickly, water / beverage glasses are refilled......, then do not mind tipping the same.

[KingOMiami]

yes we have tipped the buffet using the same criteria as others have mentioned.

I appreciate getting 1st class service so I will tip for it most willingly

[BGHG2802]

As all have said a good rule of thumb is to tip according to level of service.

[lisalovesmickey]

Originally Posted by cinderbella

I think at a buffet a dollar amount per person is appropriate. I would say 2-3 dollars per person..if service was excellent maybe 4.

I agree with this. In my head I am tipping $2 per person. If we have horrible service that will go down to $1 per person (plates piled up, no drink refills etc). If we have fantastic service (Glass never empty, no excess plates on the table at any one time) it will go up to $4-$5 per person.

Now, I am adamant about tipping and tipping well but I just don't feel it is right to tip a high %age b/c they are not placing orders, serving the meal, recommending dishes etc. I don't tip the bus service in a restaurant so I don't feel buffet servers should get the same level of tip as full service servers.

Lisa

Side note: I DO tip bus service if my son has made a mess on the floor with cracker crumbs etc. and they have to put in an extra effort to clean the area.

[alilmagical32]

while I totally agree with everything you are all saying about tipping according to service, keep in mind your buffet server is still only making $3.62 an hour. I totally agree that they don't do nearly as much as a regular server, but they are still making almost nothing and still have to tip out bussers and bartenders.

[tinkerbelle24]

I tip according to like all said service.. I usually do about %20 per total amount of bill if all goes well

[Monique]

I tip based on service as well. I can't think of a time that I've ever gone below the 18% because service has always been up to par when we eat at the buffets.

[Dana]

I tip an average of $7-$10 depending on the service etc. You could go by how many people are at your table and give them $2 per person. They take away the empties, fill your drinks etc...you would tip that if you were in a bar and someone was refilling you and taking care of you, so the same should apply at a buffet.

[WishUponAStar]

When we eat at a buffet we generally leave $3. per person.

[ddoll]

We have always tipped according to the bill percentage for buffets at Disney. They do practically as much as a server at a sit down meal. It never occurred to me to tip less. If I was at say, Ponderosa, where they only come by once in a while to refill a glass, then it would be less, but not at a Disney buffet. They're very attentive.

[lovemysons]

Originally Posted by ddoll

We have always tipped according to the bill percentage for buffets at Disney. They do practically as much as a server at a sit down meal. It never occurred to me to tip less. If I was at say, Ponderosa, where they only come by once in a while to refill a glass, then it would be less, but not at a Disney buffet. They're very attentive.

Thats how we feel too. We have had excellent service, sometimes even better than at the sit downs, so we tip at least 20% of the bill.