Is eating at Disney World going to look any different with Florida’s new bill on gratuity?
A lawmaker proposed to crack down on automatic gratuity and service charges at Florida restaurants, according to WKMG. This proposition is now part of a bill going through the State House. Let’s take a look at its effect on Disney Dining.
Bill HB 535 is a bill meant to make it easier for restaurants to remove guests who are not paying their bills. However, an amendment was included in this bill by the committee, which would ban automatic gratuity and service charges at restaurants, cafes, and other food services.
That ban on automatic gratuity only applies to parties fewer than six. It would still apply for parties of more than six people, with one exception: if someone in the party complains to a manager about the quality of service. There is a debate on whether gratuity should be included in the bill, or if it should be a decision on the guests’ behalf.
Information about the automatic charge must be clearly marked on the menus and receipts at any food establishments that require it. The notice must explain who is receiving the gratuity or service charge and how much of it they are getting.
State Rep. Demi Busatta, R-Coral Gables proposed this amendment to the bill after receiving the check at a restaurant in Miami recently that included both a service fee and pre-set gratuity.
As of right now, it looks like this new bill won’t have an impact when it comes to dining at Disney World. However, if the bill is passed, it could impact dining with large groups, particularly the exception to remove it if someone in the party complains about the service.
Right now, Disney restaurants don’t have automatic gratuity for parties of fewer than six. If you have a party of six or more, you will be charged an 18% gratuity.
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What are your thoughts on the bill? Let us know in the comments.
So all somebody in a party of six or more has to do is complain to management to cancel the automatic gratuity? I see this being abused and the waitstaff that were complained about will not only be out a gratuity but will also have a strike against them for a possibly non-existent or frivolous problem.
Tipping should not be mandatory, period, and it should be up to the guests. No establishment should tell people how to spend their hard earned money. Tipping is for if you enjoyed the service. Tipping culture is out of control, and establishments need to start paying their employees better, and not make it fall on their patrons.
I am curious how this bill might effect Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue as tax and tip are included in the price regardless of party size. I loved the ease of having everything prepaid.
Friends were at a Disney world location having munchies and cocktails on a mug released day. The server counted their six month old son in the stroller that made their party’s total 6 . Automatic charging 18% for bites drinks and the new mugs they were to pick up upon leaving and showing receipt. But 18% mandatory especially on $85 tiki mugs. Upon complaining to management it was NOT removed. What a stretch counting a 6 month old.
The keyword here is proposed. A service fee in addition to an autograt is ridiculous. That’s just my opinion
I think that will really punish servers. Many international travelers don’t tip, and getting rid if the tip if one person complains is going to become ridiculous! Everyone will be complaining just to get out of the automatic gratuity.
We often come with six or more guests. The service is always top notch. However I have asked our servers if they receive the full 18% gratuity and have been told they do not. If that is indeed true why does Disney charge the fee? I really do not mind at all the cost. But it should go to the server in its entirety. Thanks