"How much should I tip?" "Whom should I tip?" "When should I tip?"
These are questions that come up very frequently when it comes to planning any vacation. Many of the rules here apply to any US destination.
Restaurant Servers: These hard working folks are probably the first to come to mind when you think about tipping. The standard in most of the United States is 15%+ with many people tipping 20-25% for exceptional service. I recommend that you plan to tip this way for both sit down table service meals, and for buffets. You will likely find your buffet servers are just as hard at work clearing plates and refilling drinks, as they would be at a traditional restaurant.
Note: Tips are not included in the dining plan, so you must factor this into your vacation budget. Note that for parties of 6 or more, an 18% gratuity will be automatically included in the bill. If you want to add to it you certainly can, and if the service ends up being unfortunately poor, you may speak to a manager about lowering this amount. A similar rule applies to those using the Tables in Wonderland card for parties of any size.
"Mousekeeping": Daily housekeeping will clean your room, make the beds, replenish towels and supplies and pick up after you on a daily basis. A customary tip is $1-2 per person per night. Some people max this out at $5/night.
My recommendation is to leave this in a conspicuous place, such as on the vanity in an envelope or under the tent card which says who has cleaned your room. I also recommending tipping nightly instead of at the end since there is no guarantee that the same person will clean your room each time.
Be careful to NOT leave other money laying around on the top of dressers or nightstands. This could be mistaken for a tip. Crime is hardly rampant at WDW Resorts but it's always better to keep extra money and valuables in the in room safe anyway.
Magical Express, Bell Services, etc: Anyone who handles your bags should get $1-2 per bag. You may wish to tip the Magical Express driver extra for the ride, but minimally you should tip for bags.
Other: Sometimes you will be in need of special services, . Concierge may help you get a dining reservation or help solve a problem for you. Customary tip is $5 and up depending on the complexity of the request. If you take a taxi while onsite, a customary tip is 15-20%. If someone calls the taxi for you, you may give him or her $1-2.
Whom to not tip: Fairy Godmothers-in-training at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, group tour guides such as for the Keys to the Kingdom Tour, and many many Cast members you meet are not allowed to accept tips. Instead, you may acknowledge exceptional service by filling out a comment card at Guest Services.
Tipping is discretionary, but note that some positions, particularly restaurant servers, are paid a lower wage and depend on tips to make up the difference. We all expect Disney magic while we're on vacation, so we should expect to give some in return. From my many, many experiences at Walt Disney World, I find that the staff goes above and beyond and I am more than happy to tip them. You should always factor tips into your overall vacation budget.
Some ways to save on tips: Choose more quick service meals instead of sit down meals.
Carry your own bags to and from your room rather than enlisting bell services. Put the "do not disturb" sign on your door and refuse maid service. Although you can use any of these tip reduction strategies, I recommend using other savings strategies and letting the Disney cast members do what they do best - create magic for you and your family. Once you've experienced this magic, you'll definitely want to thank these wonderful pixie dusting cast members!
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