This weekend the Disney Dining Experience office sent a follow-up email to members which clarified some of the confusion regarding the new mandatory tipping policy effective 1/1/2008.  However, the clarification still leaves one important item unresolved.

Following recent union negotiations, there was a rumor making the rounds that mandatory tips were on the way for certain parties at Walt Disney World restaurants.  Previously an 18% mandatory tip was added for all groups of 8 or more diners.  Rumors indicated that the 18% mandatory tip was being expanded to all guests utilizing the Disney Dining Experience card and groups of 6 or more.  If information recently published is accurate, the mandatory tips may go much further than that.

For years Disney has offered a dining discount program to Florida residents and (more recently) Annual Passholders dubbed the Disney Dining Experience.  However acquiring the DDE card has often been one of the more cumbersome parts of planning a Disney vacation.  That is about to change.

Table service restaurants at theme park and resort (including DVC) hotels have begun to offer free refills on child beverages.  Complimentary refills on sodas have long been offered to all guests.  Now those under age 9 will receive free refills on other beverages including juices, milk and bottled water.  Specialty drinks remain excluded from this perk.

Last week we discussed changes to the Magic Your Way Dining Plan for 2008 and in doing so mentioned a Deluxe plan that was rumored to be coming down the pipe.  This week the existence of the Deluxe plan was confirmed, along with the fact that it will be available to DVC members.