General Tipping Question

[c3h3a3r]

Hi, we are visiting wdw for 14 nights from the UK. We are staying off site. I have no idea about tipping. Do we need to tip maid service daily where we are staying? If so, how much is considered reasonable? What about restaurants? Do we tip for service or food quality? Again, how much? Do we only tip for table service? TIA

 

[wilma-bride]

Hi, I am not sure if you are aware but there is a board dedicated to UK visitors if you would like to post there.

However, as another UK resident and regular visitor to WDW, I can certainly give you my input. We do tip housekeeping (Mousekeeping), normally a couple of $$ per day (have read that some people leave $1 per person per day) as there are generally only two or three of us and we are really not messy - in fact, I generally make the beds int eh morning before I leave the room. We are DVC owners so, when we stay in DVC accommodation, we tip more for a full clean than trash/towel replacement. However, you do not have to tip for mousekeeping, as it is not considered a tipped position at Disney. That isn't to say that you can't tip if you wish.

As far as restaurants are concerned, you are technically tipping for service (the norm is 15-20% for table service; some people tip less at buffets). However, if the food is sub-par I would not have a word with my server (or a manager if the server couldn't help). Depending how the server dealt with any issues, I might adjust the tip, but I wouldn't generally stiff the server over food quality.

You only tip at table service, however Wolfgang Puck Express at Disney Springs is classed as Quick Service but they bring your food out to you and usually offer to get anything else you might need. We normally leave a few $$ there - the food is really good too.

 

[ravenclawtrekkie]

As far as restaurants, yes, you only tip at table service, and it's based on the quality of service. But, if the food really stinks, say something about it and your server should try and make it right. 18% is fairly standard for good service these days. WDW prints suggested amounts at the bottom of receipts, and a few off-site restaurants do too, but not all. Also, you tip on the amount of the bill before tax and before any discounts.

For hotel maid service, it's a matter of personal choice. A lot of people prefer to leave a daily tip of $1 per person in the room, but it's nowhere near as universal as tipping waitstaff.

Other common people to tip:
Bellhops, porters, skycaps, etc who handles your luggage - $1-2 per bag is common
Valets at parking - $2-5ish, and you usually give the tip when you get your car back, not when you drop it off
Taxi drivers (this is different if you use services like Uber/Lyft) - A similar percentage of the fare that you'd tip a waiter, plus a similar tip as a bellhop or porter if the driver handles your luggage.

 

[c3h3a3r]

Thank you both