Booked the VIP tour. Have a question.

[UKDEB]

Have booked a VIP tour of US on Friday, 23 May.

I assume we should tip the tour guide, but how much?

 

[BarryHom]

I don't think the tour guide accepts tips, but what's more powerful is a compliment letter. I wrote one for my tour guide and she got, among other things, an employee of the month parking space, and free tickets and a free dinner. It also goes into their files and is very useful during annual evaluations. It helps with raises and promotions too.

 

[pathubia]

We didnt tip. To be honest, I never thought about it. We did send a compliment letter. I hope our tour guide was rewarded.

Patty

 

[BarryHom]

I've been thinking...can you tip or not? Well, we expect tips for our wait staff in a restaurant or the housekeepers at a hotel. I don't think it's expected. After all, we don't see tip jars all around the park! If you want to tip, it'll be your own personal decision.

 

[the Dark Marauder]

Dont forget, wait staff in restaurants get paid like $2.13/hr, so they live on tips.

 

[kidsncatsndogs]

Our guide was so wonderful that we wanted to tip her, and did so. Can't recall how much. Maybe $10 per person? No one else on our tour did. I doubt the guides get paid that well, and she was extremely appreciative. I would say it depends on the service you get. I've been on a few of these types of tours. Some guides are particularly friendly and solicitous, answering questions in detail, looking out to be sure everyone is involved and having fun, teasing the kids, etc. Others just go through the motions. See how you feel at the end of the tour.

 

[kazzie]

Deb,

We did tip our tour guide,but noticed the other people on the tour didn't,I'm sure a tip is appreciated

 

[fredms]

I was wondering the same thing UKDEB as I just booked for the 24th figuring that the parks would be very crowded with it being Memorial Day Weekend.
So for those of you have done it - remind me again how great it'll be. I just feel like I shelled out a lot of $$$ for one day but since my MIL is coming and isn't so healthy this would be more enjoyable for her.

Thoughts?

 

[kazzie]

Fred,

Rest assured it *will* be worth the money

One of my children has special needs this is the main reason we did the VIP tour,and as your MIL needs TLC you will all get to do so,SO much more than you would if you visited on your own You are visiting at a very busy time so will gain the most from doing your VIP tour on a day like this.

 

[Robinrs]

We DID tip our tour guide. There were only two adults and 3 kids so both adults gave him $20 apiece. I honestly thought that wasn't enough!

These guys do an unbelievable job and even if the tip isn't "necessary" I think it should reflect the job they do. I never believe that people make enough and it's one way I know it goes to the person who really does the work.

 

[pixie dust gal!]

We tipped our tour guide as well. We insisted on taking her to lunch with us and then at the end of the tour we tipped her $25. She was wonderful with the kids (and adults) and added so much of her own personality to the park(s).

Deb