Can anyone walk me through using bell services?

[branv]

Cross my heart, I tried the search function and got nada...all I could find was info on how to tip bell services, but I already know that (at least I know something ) So I apologize if this has been asked too often.

DH and I always forego bell services -- just never had enough bags to warrant using them. But this time around we think we'll have a need for them, so I would appreciate a little advising in the area. So when we drive up to WL, the plan is for DH to drop me off to check-in and for him to park the car. How does bell-services work if you a) aren't using valet and b) will be going straight to your room after check-in? Do they approach the car, you pop the trunk and they just load the bags and follow you in? Do they wait for you while you check-in and then follow you directly to your room, or will I still have to call them to bring my bags up? If it's the latter, how long do you normally have to wait (we want to get straight to the parks for an evening ADR after unpacking)?

Thanks for any help (isn't it amazing the questions you can come up with when you have waaaaaaaay too long to wait before your trip )

 

[brentalex]

The last time we went and did not use magical express, we drove to the resort in a town car. We got to the front, bell serices came up and took our bags and gave us a card with a number on it. Then we went in and checked in. Once we got our room number, we called bell services and gave them the number on the card and gave them our room number. Within a few minutes they were up at our room with the bags.

 

[disnut8]

When you pull up to the front, you hop out and go in for check in. Your husband will stay behind and there will be plenty of bell people to get the luggage. They will load it on a cart and take it inside. Your husband will then go park the car in the self parking lot. He'll come and join you in the lobby of the hotel and then you go to your room. You call down for your luggage and it'll be brought up right away.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Will be using bell services (WL) for the first time in May/June. How much do you normally tip?

 

[Disneylvr]

And when do you tip? When they take you luggage AND when they bring it to your room OR just when they bring it to your room? Sorry to sound so stupid but I really don't know the answer.

 

[branv]

Thanks for the info everyone! Just what I needed to know

Will be using bell services (WL) for the first time in May/June. How much do you normally tip?

The standard of tipping bellhops is $1-$2/bag, more if they are having to "do more" i.e. carrying a particularly heavy item, having to go a long distance, go outside during bad weather, etc..

And when do you tip? When they take you luggage AND when they bring it to your room OR just when they bring it to your room? Sorry to sound so stupid but I really don't know the answer.

Well you'll hear a wide variety of answers on that one...just like with valet. Some people tip on pick-up and drop-off. However, standard practice is to tip the person who brings you your items (luggage, car, etc). This especially makes more sense in a pooled tip situation, which some places do. Either way, trust me, sometimes they're the taker, sometimes they're the deliverer, and the tips get balanced out. I will be tipping on delivery, just like with the valet.

 

[ntsammy5]

However, standard practice is to tip the person who brings you your items

Yup, that's what we always do.