Do you tip photopass CMs for the service?

[babar41]

You and I must have been posting at the same time. Look at my post right above yours (this one). It further explained my situation.

Disney folks are always so kind. I tip well, when appropriate. And yes, I do think about these things.

To make it even more interesting, I was not aware until I returned home that they were, in fact, Kodak people! I had a picture from MK's MVMCP missing and through a series of phone calls I found out that they were not Disney staff!

Looks like we were posting at the same time again!

Again, I'm sorry if I came across really strong. I can understand how you thought it was OK to ask a photographer, especially since others had offered. But I would like people to know that this really isn't the thing to do. If they offer, sure, go ahead! If they don't offer don't be upset, just ask someone esle.

I know I take pictures for strangers everytime we go to WDW.

 

[disneyaggie]

I guess it just seems odd to tip at WDW while you are in the parks, except if you are in a restaurant.

 

[LeesyUD]

I worked in Disney for a short time and I mentioned it on a post I made earlier, but we were told that we are NOT to accept any tips. If someone offers, politely refuse. Just a little info for people that do like to tip the CM's in Disney, if they get caught accepting they could be in big trouble. But on the flip side they should not be accepting so if they do it is partly their fault. However I know some people might feel bad refusing bc they don't want to be rude. My advice, give big thank you's but avoid putting the CM in an akward position. If a CM expects a tip, then they should not be working for Disney.

 

[TSR6]

Where did you get that info from, can I ask?

'Cause last I knew they were definately Kodak employees sub-contracted in some manner by Disney. There was an incident not long ago with a missing child and the question of if a Kodak employee (photopass people) had the same duties as a Disney CM.

In either case, tipping is either not allowed or murky - no need to do it.

N.E.D.

N.E.D. - I work for the mouse, and have friends who have had the Photopass position. In thier case, the Photopass position was an Advanced Internship with Walt Disney World, and at the end of their internship, they keep the camera.

Kodak also has photographers in the parks, but they are completely sepperate from the Disney photographers.

I think that if a Disney photographer is taking a picture with a Disney camera, they are trying to sell you pictures for profit and a tip isn't necessary and shouldn't be expected. However, how do you all feel about asking a Disney photographer or other CM to take a picture of you with your own camera and not the Disney camera where they make their profit? Would/should they expect a tip then?

A CM should never expect a tip from taking a picture for you on your own camera. It's considered part of their job to take a picture for you. Most CM's will even walk up to a family so that the whole family can join the picture instead of one person being left out to take a picture. Some CM's are shy though, but most will....

Tipping....

Hourly, non-tipped positions are not allowed to accept tips. There are guidlines in place should a guest insist they take the tip... Only tipped positions are allowed to accept tips. Those are your waiters/waitresses in the full service dining, or bartenders, valet to name a few.

 

[MrsToad]

Thanks, everyone, for your opinions to the question I tacked on. I did have a photographer ask me once, after he took the picture with his camera, if we wanted one with ours. It was very nice of him. Other than that instance, I had been hesitant to bother "regular" CMs to take pictures (other than restaurant servers, as I figured they had to come to our table anyway).

As for the new photopass service, I wonder if the photographers make a commission or receive bonuses based on number of photos actually purchased. I know we will be more likely to buy pictures now that we can view them online rather than taking the time to look at them and waiting for them to be printed at the parks...we disliked that routine and rarely let the photographers take our picture. It would be nice to know that those photographers who take pictures good enough that you just have to buy them receive a bonus based on sales.