DDE Clarifies Tipping Changes...Somewhat

The new message reads as follows:

Many of you have expressed concern about the 18% gratuity that will be added to all Disney Dining Experience transactions. When using your Disney Dining Experience membership card the assessed gratuity will be added to all table service restaurant locations and lounges for all transactions regardless of party size. Gratuity will not be added to any counter service, food cart or quick service locations. In the past, gratuity was only implemented for larger parties of 8 or more for guests utilizing their Disney Dining Experience membership. This adjustment to the program has been implemented in order to align the Disney Dining Experience Program with other dining experiences where gratuities are included. Effective January 1, 2008, when utilizing your Disney Dining Experience discount 18% gratuity will be added.If you have any further questions or concerns we would ask that you send an e-mail to our Executive Offices at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..Thank you,

The Disney Dining Experience Team

The message did answer the question of which DDE-discounted meals would be subject to the mandatory 18% tip--it will apparently be meas at table service locations and lounges only. 

Unresolved is the question of whether the mandatory tip applies to all Walt Disney World guests, or just DDE participants.  At this point it appears unlikely that the 18% tip will be applied across-the-board since this message is again addressed exclusively to DDE participants.  

Yet one can't help but note the cryptic statement about how the move is designed "in order to align the Disney Dining Experience Program with other dining experiences where gratuities are included."  Anyone happen to know which dining experiences those might be?