Do you tip...

[poohteacher]

the driver of Magical Express? If you do, what is customary? My mother and sister would like to know so they are prepared for their upcoming trip. Thanks

 

[lylone]

If they help me with my bags in placing them under the bus then yes. If not, then no.

 

[rgf207]

If they help me with my bags in placing them under the bus then yes. If not, then no.

same

 

[Alesia]

If they help you with your bags, then $1 or $2 per bag is customary. A tip isn't necessary if they don't touch your bags.

 

[luvmy2babies]

We had a stroller that had to go under the bus, so I tipped $2.

 

[anonymousegirl]

I tip a buck or two if I put my bags under the bus. Otherwise a big smile and a thank you!

 

[gmeh1]

I tip if the driver is pleasant and does a good job and drives safely. If I have bags he/she has to handle, then I tip more.

 

[aubriee]

Normally a buck or two. The only time I didn't, was when a driver pissed me off. He didn't say a word the whole trip to the resort, but then when he stopped at the resort, he gave what I guess he thought was a funny, evil smirk, pointed to the sign over his head that said gratuity is accepted, then made some comment about holding us all hostage on the bus until he got his tip. He then closed the doors, keeping everyone trapped on the bus until he unloaded everyone's luggage. Everyone on the bus just sort of looked at each other and several made comments about he wasn't getting a tip from them with that attitude. After arranging everyone's luggage out on the sidewalk, he opened the door back up and stood there at the steps with his hand open, as he finally let us off. He was just creepy. He'd have made perfect CM for Haunted Mansion or Tower of Terror. lol Quite a few people walked by, didn't give him anything, and even made comments about his attitude and comments. Several of the people said they were going straight to guest services to complain about him. He was just really weird.

 

[MinnieLee]

We look as DME as a service (and it is "free") so just as I would tip cab/limo driver, mousekeeping, bartender, waitress etc. we do tip. The amount of the tip does depend on the service and the attitude. Our luggage is always sent to the resort so the driver does not have anything to put under the bus.

I agree with aubriee that you should not be held hostage and tips should not be expected because that just lowers the level of service. I will give the driver the benefit of the doubt that he unloaded all the luggage before allowing passengers to get off. That system may work best for him instead of having everyone crowd around him. But pointing to the sign is out of line.

Tipping is and always will be a sensitive subject snd matter of opinion. f you feel that you did not receive the service you expected then tip/no tip appropriately.

 

[goofy4tink]

I have used DME more times than I can actually remember. I have tipped when I've had bags stowed, I've tipped when I had no bags, but on the other hand, I have walked away, tip money still in my pocket, when I have had a bag stowed. Why??? There is a sign, right up front, above the windshield (pretty hard to miss!!), that states that gratuities are gratefully accepted for exceptional service. And that's fine. But, don't get up and announce, to a bus full of people, that gratuities are always accepted. Especially after there were no welcome greetings upon arrival at the bus, no 'have a nice day' or 'thanks for riding with DME' upon departure from the bus. Nothing...nothing other than 'gratuities are always accepted'. Yeah, you get nothing my friend!!!
On the other hand, I've had a hugely welcoming bus driver...he was so friendly and happy. He gave us tons of tidbits about the area as he very safely drove to WDW. He never asked for a tip...didn't mention it one time. He very clearly announced where we were headed to next, enabling the guests on his bus to fully understand whether or not it was their stop. Other drivers tend to mumble or don't speak clearly..so you can't be sure unless you are familier with the area. That bus driver got a $5 tip from me. He was incredibly grateful..and thrilled.

So, it's up to you. If a driver 'touches' a bag or other item for you, they will be expecting to be tipped. It's up to you to decide if their demeanor warrants tipping.

 

[Disney Ron]

I have used DME more times than I can actually remember. I have tipped when I've had bags stowed, I've tipped when I had no bags, but on the other hand, I have walked away, tip money still in my pocket, when I have had a bag stowed. Why??? There is a sign, right up front, above the windshield (pretty hard to miss!!), that states that gratuities are gratefully accepted for exceptional service. And that's fine. But, don't get up and announce, to a bus full of people, that gratuities are always accepted. Especially after there were no welcome greetings upon arrival at the bus, no 'have a nice day' or 'thanks for riding with DME' upon departure from the bus. Nothing...nothing other than 'gratuities are always accepted'. Yeah, you get nothing my friend!!!
On the other hand, I've had a hugely welcoming bus driver...he was so friendly and happy. He gave us tons of tidbits about the area as he very safely drove to WDW. He never asked for a tip...didn't mention it one time. He very clearly announced where we were headed to next, enabling the guests on his bus to fully understand whether or not it was their stop. Other drivers tend to mumble or don't speak clearly..so you can't be sure unless you are familier with the area. That bus driver got a $5 tip from me. He was incredibly grateful..and thrilled.

So, it's up to you. If a driver 'touches' a bag or other item for you, they will be expecting to be tipped. It's up to you to decide if their demeanor warrants tipping.

I couldn't agree with this post more.

 

[Disney Ron]

Normally a buck or two. The only time I didn't, was when a driver pissed me off. He didn't say a word the whole trip to the resort, but then when he stopped at the resort, he gave what I guess he thought was a funny, evil smirk, pointed to the sign over his head that said gratuity is accepted, then made some comment about holding us all hostage on the bus until he got his tip. He then closed the doors, keeping everyone trapped on the bus until he unloaded everyone's luggage. Everyone on the bus just sort of looked at each other and several made comments about he wasn't getting a tip from then with that attitude. After arranging everyone's luggage out on the sidewalk, he opened the door back up and stood there at the steps with his hand open. He was just creepy. He'd have made perfect CM for Haunted Mansion or Tower of Terror. lol Quite a few people walked by, didn't give him anything, and even made comments about his attitude and comments. Several of the people said they were going straight to guest services to complain about him. He was just really weird.

All I can say is WOW!!! I wouldn't have tipped the driver either.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I have used DME more times than I can actually remember

Twenty-nine times. When in doubt, 29 works for everything .