Do you tip the Magical Express driver?

[kaytieeldr]

I always have a carry on and always tip the driver. My then 15 year old son noticed that people had all their luggage with them and didn't even tip the driver.

Too bad he didn't 'notice' this aloud while it was[n't] happening. He could have said, "Look, mom - nobody else is tipping the driver for handling their luggage!"

 

[Disney Ron]

Here's my thought on tipping the DME driver. I always tip whether they have to handle luggage or not, or whether they are entertaining or not. My theory is that before DME we all had to pay for some kind of transportation, to and from, WDW from MCO whether it was for a towncar, limo, rental car, taxi, Mears or so on, therefore $5.00 is not going to kill me to tip a driver that provides a service that used to cost me much more.

 

[goofy4tink]

He could be fired for that as Mears doesn't allow it.

As localdriver has already stated, all the buses have these signs, so obviously not against any rules.
But......

Here's my thought on tipping the DME driver. I always tip whether they have to handle luggage or not, or whether they are entertaining or not. My theory is that before DME we all had to pay for some kind of transportation, to and from, WDW from MCO whether it was for a towncar, limo, rental car, taxi, Mears or so on, therefore $5.00 is not going to kill me to tip a driver that provides a service that used to cost me much more.

Here's where I will disagree. I see the signage as I board the bus, I see the signage as I sit in my seat, looking forward. I see it when I disembark from the bus....I get it, I truly do. But, once that driver opens his/her mouth and tells me that gratuities are gratefully accepted, I put my money back in my pocket. I will not be guilted into offering a gratuity. I have had my carryon bag stowed underneath the bus and tipped, I have had my bag stowed underneath and not tipped! I have had no bags whatsoever and still tipped! I had the most wonderful driver..he had us all laughing and thoroughly enjoying the ride to WDW...he got a nice $5 from me, just for the wonderful experience....no bags, he didn't 'ask' for a tip.

I don't automatically tip housekeeping...if it is warrented by really good service, then I leave a little something. Same with bus drivers....they are paid to drive me from MCO to my resort. If they do something to make that experience better, then they will get something from me. Same thing at a restaurant. I realize the servers are paid very little to begin with. But, if they want that 15-20% tip, then they had best do something to earn it...and I don't mean just bring me my food. They need to go the extra mile. I don't mean that in order to get a gratuity from me, someone has to stand on their head and spit nickels, but they do have to be personable, give good service and make whatever experience I'm having, a better one because of their service.

So...long story short..do I tip the DME driver? Sometimes, but it not a given for me.

 

[Lewisc]

I understand DCL drivers are paid (a little) extra money to compensate the driver for stowing luggage under the bus. DME drivers aren't paid for handling luggage. Industry standard suggests tipping a shuttle driver (even a free service) if they handle your luggage. Last time I took DME the verbiage on the approved sign didn't do a very good job conveying that fact to passengers who were lead to believe by Disney that gratuities were included. I wouldn't penalize a driver who doesn't go "over the edge" in mentioning gratuity. One driver told us his name and mentioned his name was shown in the "gratuity plaque" in the front of the bus.

As localdriver has already stated, all the buses have these signs, so obviously not against any rules.
But......


Here's where I will disagree. I see the signage as I board the bus, I see the signage as I sit in my seat, looking forward. I see it when I disembark from the bus....I get it, I truly do. But, once that driver opens his/her mouth and tells me that gratuities are gratefully accepted, I put my money back in my pocket. I will not be guilted into offering a gratuity. I have had my carryon bag stowed underneath the bus and tipped, I have had my bag stowed underneath and not tipped! I have had no bags whatsoever and still tipped! I had the most wonderful driver..he had us all laughing and thoroughly enjoying the ride to WDW...he got a nice $5 from me, just for the wonderful experience....no bags, he didn't 'ask' for a tip.

I don't automatically tip housekeeping...if it is warrented by really good service, then I leave a little something. Same with bus drivers....they are paid to drive me from MCO to my resort. If they do something to make that experience better, then they will get something from me. Same thing at a restaurant. I realize the servers are paid very little to begin with. But, if they want that 15-20% tip, then they had best do something to earn it...and I don't mean just bring me my food. They need to go the extra mile. I don't mean that in order to get a gratuity from me, someone has to stand on their head and spit nickels, but they do have to be personable, give good service and make whatever experience I'm having, a better one because of their service.

So...long story short..do I tip the DME driver? Sometimes, but it not a given for me.

 

[PatsMom]

I don't tip on the trip from the airport to my hotel - I use my yellow tags so no luggage is involved. I do tip on the trip back to the airport because with Southwest you can't check your bags at the hotel. So the driver has to load and unload the bags under the bus.

 

[Edd]

I am not against tips, but I firmly believe you have to do something to earn a tip. I have seen many drivers after no tip or little tip is given. It is appalling to me,how they act. Every visitor to Central Florida and its attractions deserves the best service we can possibly provide. To automatically believe or to follow a standard only encourages a driver to do nothing but drive knowing that he will get a reward at the end of the drive. It also encourages employers to pay the minimum wages, thereby forcing drivers to look for tips.

Drivers who aren't getting tipped a standard that is evolved tend to get more unhealthy attitudes toward the public. I see it happening every day. The way I look at it; a driver is a performer and the better he performs the higher on the ladder he will go. There are many stars out there and I will bet many of them don't sit around whining for an extra tip. Passengers prefer riding with those drivers and take care of them when the time comes.

One of the very best car service companies that I know of has a driver that is absolutely rediculous if he receives a tip that is less than he expects or someone doesn't tip him at all. I really hate to see that, because it spawns worse service.

 

[englishrose47]

Thre driver I had going back in Feb was awesome as I have already stated! He deserved a tip for his Disney quiz all the way to the airport, even his prizes were hilarious ! I had to dig for change to tip him as I was low on cash but he was worth it!!

 

[CarolA]

When you get on the bus, you'll see a big sign near the drivers head that tips are welcome and appreaciated. We tipped the driver $2 each way. He did not handle any luggage for us. I noticed hardly anyone else tipped him.

I find it so amusing that so many disers make such a big deal out of tipping housekeeping (not a tipped position), but stiff the DME driver(is a tipped position).

I don't think the DME drivers are a "tipped position" A "tipped postion" is one where the employee is making less then the going rate (or even minium wage) because the expectation is that they will make the difference in tips.

I am considered a "Scrooge" on here. I don't tip housekeeping, I don't tip fast food workers and I only tip the DME driver IF he/she deals with my luggage. If the driver just drives me to Disney no tip!

 

[Lewisc]

I don't think the DME drivers are a "tipped position" A "tipped postion" is one where the employee is making less then the going rate (or even minium wage) because the expectation is that they will make the difference in tips.

I am considered a "Scrooge" on here. I don't tip housekeeping, I don't tip fast food workers and I only tip the DME driver IF he/she deals with my luggage. If the driver just drives me to Disney no tip!

Agreed but many of the bags we carry on the plane wind up getting stowed under the bus. A DME driver isn't a "tipped employee" when he drive us but is considered working in a "tipped position" when he handles our luggage.

 

[tinkntraining]

I may be in the minority, but I don't think tips are automatic -- tips, in my opinion, are for those who "go beyond" -- be it a server, or a bellhop, or mousekeeping or a DME driver. I am not cheap by any means, but I don't think tips are a "given". And I refuse to be "guilted" into leaving a tip when I don't feel one is warranted. For example, we had a very boring, non-involved DME driver from the airport to our resort. Didn't say anything the whole trip except give us his name, and pointed to the gratuities plaque on the front. We didn't tip him (and didn't notice anyone else slip him a $5 or $10 either.)

But, on the way back to the airport, our DME driver was WONDERFUL! She was friendly and upbeat, and involved and we thoroughly enjoyed our return DME trip. When we exited the bus, my dh tipped her generously.

Don't get me wrong, I won't stiff a server for bad food, but I will lower their tip for bad service. THAT is within their control. And IMHO, if I had to choose either phenomenal food or phenomenal service, I'll pick the service everytime. Come to think of it, I don't think we left any server less than 18% during our May stay, but only a select few received over 20% (our server at Tony's comes to mind. The food was okay, but the service was spectacular, and our tip showed our appreciation.) Our mousekeeper was great, too-- she always left us extra towels, soaps, shampoos and lovely little towel critters. As a result, she received a tip everyday of our stay. We left our bellhop a nice tip, because he literally stood next to our luggage until it was our turn at online check-in.
So, it's just my opinion, but, while I don't ever remember NOT tipping a server, i reserve the right to, if the food/service/entire experience is terrible.

 

[CarolA]

Agreed but many of the bags we carry on the plane wind up getting stowed under the bus. A DME driver isn't a "tipped employee" when he drive us but is considered working in a "tipped position" when he handles our luggage.

Then I tip.

However, last time I took DME I had my briefcase and my purse. Both went on the bus with me. No tip.

The time before I had my rollerboard carryon that went under the bus. Driver got $5 for dealing with luggage on both ends.

 

[Lewisc]

Many first times users of DME might not realize the DME buses don't have overhead bins, like the airlines. DME buses don't have a luggage racks in the main body of the bus, like many shuttle buses.

The overhead racks on the DME buses aren't big enough to hold much more then a jacket or a small briefcase. Same with the room under the seat in front of you.

Passengers with "real" carry on bags will find those bags get stowed under the bus.

Passengers should have some singles or even a five dollar bill available so they have the ability to tip if it's appropriate.

I agree there really isn't any reason to tip if they only thing you have is a briefcase and pocketbook. I don't think I'd tip under those circumstances even if the driver has a good rap.

Then I tip.

However, last time I took DME I had my briefcase and my purse. Both went on the bus with me. No tip.

The time before I had my rollerboard carryon that went under the bus. Driver got $5 for dealing with luggage on both ends.

 

[TDC Nala]

All the buses I have been on have had signs that say "gratuity permitted for exceptional service" or something like that. I don't care about the signs. Helps people who don't know whether or not they are supposed to tip the driver. If the driver SAYS something about tipping, he or she doesn't get a tip from me.

If one kept me locked on a bus while hinting around about a tip, not only would they not get a tip, but they'd get a complaint made about them.

The drivers are always handling my carryon luggage, so they get a tip. Most of the time I am the only passenger at my stop or at the airport who tips the driver, although they're usually handling luggage for other passengers also.

 

[goofy4tink]

I understand DCL drivers are paid (a little) extra money to compensate the driver for stowing luggage under the bus. DME drivers aren't paid for handling luggage. Industry standard suggests tipping a shuttle driver (even a free service) if they handle your luggage. Last time I took DME the verbiage on the approved sign didn't do a very good job conveying that fact to passengers who were lead to believe by Disney that gratuities were included. I wouldn't penalize a driver who doesn't go "over the edge" in mentioning gratuity. One driver told us his name and mentioned his name was shown in the "gratuity plaque" in the front of the bus.

I'm sorry, but I just don't think 'mentioning' a tip is ever in good taste...ever. While I understand that the majority of travelers may not know what to do as far as tipping, they can read the signage.

I don't think the DME drivers are a "tipped position" A "tipped postion" is one where the employee is making less then the going rate (or even minium wage) because the expectation is that they will make the difference in tips.

I am considered a "Scrooge" on here. I don't tip housekeeping, I don't tip fast food workers and I only tip the DME driver IF he/she deals with my luggage. If the driver just drives me to Disney no tip!

You sound a lot like me. If someone goes above and beyond normal, expected service, then I will gladly tip.

Agreed but many of the bags we carry on the plane wind up getting stowed under the bus. A DME driver isn't a "tipped employee" when he drive us but is considered working in a "tipped position" when he handles our luggage.

Perhaps Mears needs to address this with Disney then. Most that use DME, especially those doing so for the first time, are laboring under the information that Disney has given them...no tips are involved when you use DME! But, you're right, they don't realize their carryon's may not fit on the bus with them. Same with those who choose to get their own luggage and then bring it to the bus. Now, the driver has to stow, and then unstow, a ton of luggage. I have stood there, on occasion and watched to see how many of those getting luggage taken out from underneath that bus, actually tip the driver. I was amazed at the vast majority of people not tipping...even for 5 bags!!

 

[Lewisc]

I'd agree with you if the signage was clear and accurate. The signage should say something like gratuity for luggage handling not included. Isn't the current wording something like gratuities accepted for exceptional service. I haven't the slightest idea what that means.

The union, Mears and Disney has to agree on the wording. I think it's wrong that Disney is able to imply tips are included, not pay the drivers for luggage handling and not allow accurate signage.

My guess is the union and Mears never anticipated the number of bags that would wind up getting stowed under the bus when DME was first being planned.

You're amazed at the number of guests who don't tip, even for 5 bags. I don't think the majority of guests are that cheap or rude. I think there is confusion regarding the circumstances under which tips are appropriate for DME drivers.

I'm sorry, but I just don't think 'mentioning' a tip is ever in good taste...ever. While I understand that the majority of travelers may not know what to do as far as tipping, they can read the signage.

......
Perhaps Mears needs to address this with Disney then. Most that use DME, especially those doing so for the first time, are laboring under the information that Disney has given them...no tips are involved when you use DME! But, you're right, they don't realize their carryon's may not fit on the bus with them. Same with those who choose to get their own luggage and then bring it to the bus. Now, the driver has to stow, and then unstow, a ton of luggage. I have stood there, on occasion and watched to see how many of those getting luggage taken out from underneath that bus, actually tip the driver. I was amazed at the vast majority of people not tipping...even for 5 bags!!

 

[Kathy C]

Here's my thought on tipping the DME driver. I always tip whether they have to handle luggage or not, or whether they are entertaining or not. My theory is that before DME we all had to pay for some kind of transportation, to and from, WDW from MCO whether it was for a towncar, limo, rental car, taxi, Mears or so on, therefore $5.00 is not going to kill me to tip a driver that provides a service that used to cost me much more.

I agree with you 100%!!

 

[Edd]

What union? There is no union involved. Just Disney and Mears.

 

[Lewisc]

What union? There is no union involved. Just Disney and Mears.

Based on posts in previous threads I am under the impresssion that Mears drivers are unionized. Those same threads indicated the union had to work with Mears to agree on signage that was acceptable to Disney.

I apologize if I'm posting bad information.

Ed--Please clarify, I don't want to provide incorrect information.

 

[scourtneyb]

I did have a weird experience once though. December '06 as we were leaving MCO the driver made a comment that alot of people thought Disney paid the tips, but he 'just wanted to inform us that was not true and tips would be appreciated'. OK, fine, a little pushy, but fine. The problem was when we got to the resort, he turned, kept the doors closed, and again reminded us that tips were not paid by Disney and would be appreciated, then he grinned at us. Everybody got really quiet. It was eery. The man across from me, looked at me, and whispered, "What's he going to do, keep us hostage here?". After a moment the driver then opened the doors and got down to get the luggage. There were quite a few people mumbling about his strange behavior and feeling like hostages. It was just weird, had never happened before, and hasn't happened since. By the way, other than telling us about the tip, that driver didn't say a word all the way from MCO to the resort. He was just plain strange!

I think we had the same driver last week! He stood at bottom of the steps of the bus as we stepped off as if he was waiting for tips from EVERYONE. Then before he would give my grandparents their luggage (they had picked up their own luggage) ...he stood there with HIS HAND OUT!!!!
I have never seen such a despicable display! We were planning on tipping him before he made his "spiel" ...but after he ASKED for a tip and nearly demanded it like he did...they handed it over rather grudgingly!

I was always taught that when someone handles your luggage (Drivers, bellmen, etc.) that you are to tip them...But I believe its unacceptable for them to ASK or ASSUME they will be tipped!

 

[Paging Tom Morrow]

I tip every time, $2.50 per bag plus $7 (10% of the value of the service for 4 adults to BCV).