To Tip or Not To Tip (long)

[HMGar]

I know this has been discussed before, but I wanted to start a fresh discussion and share my thoughts. Our family is taking a trip in June, and I just want to feel prepared and do what is right.

Let me preface this discussion by saying that I've held several jobs in my lifetime where I depended on tips to pay my bills. I've waitressed and spent 7 years in young adulthood working in a casino as a card and dice dealer. In each of those jobs the company paid me minimum wage with a pitiful yearly raise even with stellar employee reviews. Were it not for my tips, I simply could not have made a living.

Having said that, when I believe service warrents it, I am a very good tipper. However, I also believe that there are now some folks who either think they deserve tips, or even ask for them (tip jar at the register) who shouldn't necessarily receive them.

A good example is in an ice cream store where the employee scoops my ice cream. How does that warrent a tip? How are they providing me with beyond the call of duty, excellent service. Frankly I find tip jars to be extremely offensive. This is true in a coffee shop as well. Why am I tipping somebody who pours me a cup of coffee? If you disagree with me on this one, I'm interested to hear the argument. I might be missing something.

Now..my list for Disney World employees:

Tip Worthy

-The bus driver who loads and unloads my luggage for the Magic Express ride. He/She is doing extra work so that I can relax. And it is common knowledge that this is a tipping job. Some of those drivers go out of their way to make our first Disney experience extremely pleasant. 1 dollar a bag? or more?

-Cocktails at an bar/pool lounge etc. This is a no brainer. Bartenders work for tips. I generally tip .50-1.00 per drink.

Waiters in a restaurant/AND buffet. This is also a no brainer. I'm not sure the buffet folks always get tipped. My husband and I always leave something on the table for the person who served our drinks and cleaned up.

-Cab Drivers. We don't really use this service, but if we did, we'd tip about 10 percent of the fare.

Bell Hops. This too, is a no brainer. They work for tips. I'm not certain of the proper tip, though. $1 per bag? or $2? Just not sure.


No Tip

(unless provided with exceptional service above and beyond the call of duty)

-Housekeeping. This is the one that I think may raise the most eyebrows. We don't generally tip and I'll tell you why. Housekeeping comes in, cleans my room and leaves. This is their job. They don't interact with me and generally my family is pretty clean and does not leave them any extra mess. I'd be curious to hear info about their hourly wage as this might change my mind on this issue. But if they are getting paid 7 to 10 dollars an hour as are most other non tipped cast members, I don't believe this should be a tipping position.

-Bus drivers that take folks from resorts to parks. I don't believe this is meant to be a tipping position. There is one example, however where my husband tipped one gentleman. We had arrived at MK and realized that we left our park entry tickets in our room. DH had to catch the next bus back and retrieve them. The nice fellow who picked him up actually waited for him at the bus stop while he ran to our room to get our tickets. DH tipped him 10 dollars and was very thankful for not having to wait for the next bus.

-Food court employees. Please correct me if I'm wrong on this one.

-Restroom attendents.

If anyone wants to add to either list, I'd be interested to hear what you have to say. Thanks for any input.

 

[0hLovely]

You know i've never really looked at Mousekeeping as a no tip. We usually leave $1.00 pp and this time we have more people and it's adding up. you make good points and I have to completely agree. I ALWAYS clean up our room, keep things organized and don't leave messes everywhere. Although since i know everyone else is tipping i would feel like i won't get as good of service as the room next to me who tips, so i will most likely still leave a daily tip.

I do have to disagree about the coffee shop even if it's not about Disney! I was a barista for many many years and we had a LOT of specialty coffee/drinks that was more than just pouring a cup of coffee. I worked hard for my tips and I loved them!!

 

[tink713]

This is going to start nothing but arguments...

 

[FlightlessDuck]

I don't understand many of the controversial subjects on this site. THIS is one of them.

Tip if you want.

Don't tip if you don't want.

END OF DISCUSSION.

 

[mistysue]

It's interesting that you think the ME is common knowledge as a tipped position, but not the mousekeeping... the ME bus driver is also unloading bags because that is his job. I never heard of tipping them until this thread actually but I've always heard you are supposed to tip housekeeping at hotels.

I worked as a barista at a starbucks and I always thought it was stupid that we got tips... then again, I wouldn't be a waitress if I wanted to make more than minimum wage. It bugs me to see servers getting 20% on $100 checks when the meals lasts an hour- and then to know they have at least 4 or 5 tables. I don't think waitressing warrants that sort of pay when actual skilled workers are making less than that. There is some skill that can come from experience serving, but the average server- most are not skilled at all but fell into the job. A good coffee shop barista has to be able to do more for you than your server does.

 

[HMGar]

You know i've never really looked at Mousekeeping as a no tip. We usually leave $1.00 pp and this time we have more people and it's adding up. you make good points and I have to completely agree. I ALWAYS clean up our room, keep things organized and don't leave messes everywhere. Although since i know everyone else is tipping i would feel like i won't get as good of service as the room next to me who tips, so i will most likely still leave a daily tip.
I do have to disagree about the coffee shop even if it's not about Disney! I was a barista for many many years and we had a LOT of specialty coffee/drinks that was more than just pouring a cup of coffee. I worked hard for my tips and I loved them!!

You bring up a good point, and I've given this a lot of thought. Disney employees and anybody else, for that matter, are hired with the assumption that they will provide the guest with the best service they can regardless of whether or not they think they will receive a tip. In fact, I don't ever tip because I'm obligated. The size of my tip directly reflects how I've been treated. (A waitress in a restaurant years ago received a penny and a note because she ignored my party the whole time we were there).

Since I don't directly interact with Mousekeeping, I don't ever receive extrodinary service through interaction. Likewise, like I stated before, my family is tidy and we leave the room clean each day. Does anybody know what their hourly wage is?

To the post directly after the quoted post. I'm really not trying to start arguments. I'm just looking for information and any additional comments to my original post.

 

[dizneedoll]

This is going to start nothing but arguments...

yup.

 

[HMGar]

It's interesting that you think the ME is common knowledge as a tipped position, but not the mousekeeping... the ME bus driver is also unloading bags because that is his job. I never heard of tipping them until this thread actually but I've always heard you are supposed to tip housekeeping at hotels.

I worked as a barista at a starbucks and I always thought it was stupid that we got tips... then again, I wouldn't be a waitress if I wanted to make more than minimum wage. It bugs me to see servers getting 20% on $100 checks when the meals lasts an hour- and then to know they have at least 4 or 5 tables. I don't think waitressing warrants that sort of pay when actual skilled workers are making less than that. There is some skill that can come from experience serving, but the average server- most are not skilled at all but fell into the job. A good coffee shop barista has to be able to do more for you than your server does.

The Magic Express drivers have a sign posted above them that says tipping is appropriate for great service. If Disney allows them to advertise this, I would expect that Disney also assumes they will be receiving tips to supplement their wage.

Restaurant workers may be some of the MOST HARD WORKING folks ever. I've done it and I hated it. No, it did not require education, but it did require that I run my booty off for 8 hour with few and short breaks. Not to mention that the tips they receive are shared with the bussers, dishwashers, bartenders and cooks!

 

[hvivona]

 

[okeydokey]

I agree with all you non tipped positions except the mousekeeping staff. We always tip hotels cleaning staff. Honestly it would never occur to me to tip the regular bus drivers at Disney or the retail or front desk employees.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I agree with the OP except about Mousekeeping. I feel that since they are cleaning my personal mess, (though I don't really leave a mess,) I should tip them. Though I will admit to being in such a rush to get to the parks some mornings that I forget to leave it sometimes.

 

[NJRA]

It's interesting that you think the ME is common knowledge as a tipped position, but not the mousekeeping... the ME bus driver is also unloading bags because that is his job. I never heard of tipping them until this thread actually but I've always heard you are supposed to tip housekeeping at hotels.

I worked as a barista at a starbucks and I always thought it was stupid that we got tips... then again, I wouldn't be a waitress if I wanted to make more than minimum wage. It bugs me to see servers getting 20% on $100 checks when the meals lasts an hour- and then to know they have at least 4 or 5 tables. I don't think waitressing warrants that sort of pay when actual skilled workers are making less than that. There is some skill that can come from experience serving, but the average server- most are not skilled at all but fell into the job. A good coffee shop barista has to be able to do more for you than your server does.

Maybe you don't realize that server's only get paid $2.35 an hour..........I have been a server for 11yrs. and a darn good one. I try my hardest to make sure everyone that I serve has a WONDERFUL experence. There is no way I could take care of my family only making $2.35 an hour. I LIVE off of my tips. I truley belive that most people THINK that servers make minimum wage......WE DON'T!!!!!!!!!

 

[chimo2u]

I know this has been discussed before, but I wanted to start a fresh discussion and share my thoughts. Our family is taking a trip in June, and I just want to feel prepared and do what is right.

Let me preface this discussion by saying that I've held several jobs in my lifetime where I depended on tips to pay my bills. I've waitressed and spent 7 years in young adulthood working in a casino as a card and dice dealer. In each of those jobs the company paid me minimum wage with a pitiful yearly raise even with stellar employee reviews. Were it not for my tips, I simply could not have made a living.

Having said that, when I believe service warrents it, I am a very good tipper. However, I also believe that there are now some folks who either think they deserve tips, or even ask for them (tip jar at the register) who shouldn't necessarily receive them.

A good example is in an ice cream store where the employee scoops my ice cream. How does that warrent a tip? How are they providing me with beyond the call of duty, excellent service. Frankly I find tip jars to be extremely offensive. This is true in a coffee shop as well. Why am I tipping somebody who pours me a cup of coffee? If you disagree with me on this one, I'm interested to hear the argument. I might be missing something.

Now..my list for Disney World employees:

Tip Worthy

-The bus driver who loads and unloads my luggage for the Magic Express ride. He/She is doing extra work so that I can relax. And it is common knowledge that this is a tipping job. Some of those drivers go out of their way to make our first Disney experience extremely pleasant. 1 dollar a bag? or more?

-Cocktails at an bar/pool lounge etc. This is a no brainer. Bartenders work for tips. I generally tip .50-1.00 per drink.

Waiters in a restaurant/AND buffet. This is also a no brainer. I'm not sure the buffet folks always get tipped. My husband and I always leave something on the table for the person who served our drinks and cleaned up.

-Cab Drivers. We don't really use this service, but if we did, we'd tip about 10 percent of the fare.

Bell Hops. This too, is a no brainer. They work for tips. I'm not certain of the proper tip, though. $1 per bag? or $2? Just not sure.


No Tip

(unless provided with exceptional service above and beyond the call of duty)

-Housekeeping. This is the one that I think may raise the most eyebrows. We don't generally tip and I'll tell you why. Housekeeping comes in, cleans my room and leaves. This is their job. They don't interact with me and generally my family is pretty clean and does not leave them any extra mess. I'd be curious to hear info about their hourly wage as this might change my mind on this issue. But if they are getting paid 7 to 10 dollars an hour as are most other non tipped cast members, I don't believe this should be a tipping position.

-Bus drivers that take folks from resorts to parks. I don't believe this is meant to be a tipping position. There is one example, however where my husband tipped one gentleman. We had arrived at MK and realized that we left our park entry tickets in our room. DH had to catch the next bus back and retrieve them. The nice fellow who picked him up actually waited for him at the bus stop while he ran to our room to get our tickets. DH tipped him 10 dollars and was very thankful for not having to wait for the next bus.

-Food court employees. Please correct me if I'm wrong on this one.

-Retail employees.

-Resort front desk.

-Restroom attendents.

If anyone wants to add to either list, I'd be interested to hear what you have to say. Thanks for any input.

hmmmmmm (I've always wanted to use this emoticon! LOL).....I wonder how long this one will take to be shut down, since there is a thread dedicated to tipping and discussions regarding tipping outside of that dedicated thread are not allowed.... We shall see, I suppose

 

[disneyfav4ever]

hmmmmmm (I've always wanted to use this emoticon! LOL).....I wonder how long this one will take to be shut down, since there is a thread dedicated to tipping and discussions regarding tipping outside of that dedicated thread are not allowed.... We shall see, I suppose

I don't know, I thought that rule applied to tipping in restaurants, and not tipping in general. Not sure about that though.

 

[MHTeacher]

Can't wait to see the status of this thread in the morning..........

 

[FroggieK]

I definitely see Mousekeeping as tip deserving. I do leave a "clean" room before I leave, but we still spit in sink and not everything in the sink and shower gets washed down the drain. I appreciate that someone is willing to clean up after me.

It seems that bus drivers, unless they help with luggage or big packages, would not be a tipped position.

 

[Tink888]

I know this has been discussed before, but I wanted to start a fresh discussion and share my thoughts. Our family is taking a trip in June, and I just want to feel prepared and do what is right.

Now..my list for Disney World employees:

Tip Worthy

-The bus driver who loads and unloads my luggage for the Magic Express ride. He/She is doing extra work so that I can relax. And it is common knowledge that this is a tipping job. Some of those drivers go out of their way to make our first Disney experience extremely pleasant. 1 dollar a bag? or more?

-Cocktails at an bar/pool lounge etc. This is a no brainer. Bartenders work for tips. I generally tip .50-1.00 per drink.

Waiters in a restaurant/AND buffet. This is also a no brainer. I'm not sure the buffet folks always get tipped. My husband and I always leave something on the table for the person who served our drinks and cleaned up.

-Cab Drivers. We don't really use this service, but if we did, we'd tip about 10 percent of the fare.

Bell Hops. This too, is a no brainer. They work for tips. I'm not certain of the proper tip, though. $1 per bag? or $2? Just not sure.


No Tip

(unless provided with exceptional service above and beyond the call of duty)

-Housekeeping. This is the one that I think may raise the most eyebrows. We don't generally tip and I'll tell you why. Housekeeping comes in, cleans my room and leaves. This is their job. They don't interact with me and generally my family is pretty clean and does not leave them any extra mess. I'd be curious to hear info about their hourly wage as this might change my mind on this issue. But if they are getting paid 7 to 10 dollars an hour as are most other non tipped cast members, I don't believe this should be a tipping position.

-Bus drivers that take folks from resorts to parks. I don't believe this is meant to be a tipping position. There is one example, however where my husband tipped one gentleman. We had arrived at MK and realized that we left our park entry tickets in our room. DH had to catch the next bus back and retrieve them. The nice fellow who picked him up actually waited for him at the bus stop while he ran to our room to get our tickets. DH tipped him 10 dollars and was very thankful for not having to wait for the next bus.

-Food court employees. Please correct me if I'm wrong on this one.

-Retail employees.

-Resort front desk.

-Restroom attendents.

If anyone wants to add to either list, I'd be interested to hear what you have to say. Thanks for any input.

My thoughts on tipping are that I will tip for what is customary and for good service. What everyone else does isn't my concern.

The following isn't an argument for or against tipping housekeeping, just some info. I did this job (not at Disney) for a summer back when I was in college. I was paid minimum wage. I never expected tips, only received them probably about 30% of the time but I will tell you that they were most definitely appreciated. It's hard work for the wages paid and you wouldn't believe the way some people treat housekeeping staff.

Because of my experience doing that job, I do tip housekeeping (also strip the beds before I leave, tidy up, throw all the towels in the tub and crank up the air conditioner for them).

I'd guess the ME driver who handles your bags is probably making about the same wage, if not more, as the housekeeper, so if you've got a messy room, or just a super housekeeper that takes care of you, it's worth the consideration of a tip and is certainly appreciated.

 

[HMGar]

I agree with all you non tipped positions except the mousekeeping staff. We always tip hotels cleaning staff. Honestly it would never occur to me to tip the regular bus drivers at Disney or the retail or front desk employees.

yes, the retail and front desk folks probably shouldn't even have been mentioned. I'm going to edit the original post. Thanks.

 

[4luvofbearandmouse]

I tip for people who earn a tip (in my opinion) by going above and beyond the call of duty to see my needs are met. I also tip for those whom I know are making less because their employer expects that their paid income will be supplemented with tips.


Here's what we've experienced with MouseKeeping. We didn't tip them. We didn't get towel characters on our bed. One morning we did leave a tip (we left in a hurry and things weren't as picked up as I typically leave them and I felt badly). We returned to towel characters on our bed. During this same stay, our family got sick - SUPER sick. We spent time in Orlando's children hospital. It was awful. When we returned to the resort after our hospital stay, our mousekeepers got a run for their money bringing us extra towels, washcloths, and bedding and carrying away the umm well, the used ones. We tipped them - A LOT. They did more than was traditionally expected, did it quickly, did it multiple times without complaining, offered us other things to help make our stay more comfortable, and were extremely helpful to us. Our first night back, they ran to our room several times and we tipped whomever came each time. Eventually one of them actually said it wasn't necessary, but we tipped anyway and told them they were earning every penny since we would be at a great disadvantage if they weren't helping us out in such a timely, helpful fashion.

 

[twokids0204]

Can someone PLEASE pass the popcorn!