The following is courtesy of Jennifer Watson, author of the Passporter TravelGuide:
Many Disney travelers feel unsure about how much to tip during their vacations. We find it helps to remember this adage: "only tip if you've been pleased with the service." Beyond that, there are no hard and fast rules -- only some general guidelines, which are outlined below:
GETTING THERE:
- Skycap (airport baggage handler): $1/bag ($2 for particularly heavy bags)
- Airport Parking Shuttle: $1/person
- Town Car/Limo Driver: Tip about 20% total. If your trip consists of two legs, tip 10% on the way there and 10% on the way back. Keep in mind that you may not have the same driver on your drive back. If your driver carries your luggage from baggage claim, consider adding $1/bag for the extra service.
- Taxi: 15% of fare, (you may want to add more if s/he helps you with your bags)
- Shuttle Van/Bus: $2/person
LODGING:
- Valet Parking: $1-2 when your car is delivered
- Bell Services (hotel baggage handler): $1/bag ($2 for particularly heavy bags).
If your luggage is going to be stored (either before or after check-in), consider tipping twice--once for the person who receives your bags, and again for the person who delivers them from storage.
- Housekeeping: $1/day/person (left in a marked envelope). For turndown service, or if you request an item be delivered to your room, such as a hairdryer or iron, tip $1/item. Tipping housekeeping is an age-old custom, but it is not expected at Disney. If you feel it's unnecessary, don't feel obligated.
- Room Service: 15% of food bill (unless a gratuity is automatically included)
- Concierge: $5-10/visit
DINING:
- Counter-Service Eatery and Food Courts: Nothing
- Buffet Eatery (not Food Courts): 10-15% of bill
- Full-Service Restaurant: 15-20% of bill
- Wine Steward: 15% of wine bill (if you used their services)
- Bartender/Lounge Server: 10-15% of bill (if you used their services)
Note: Walt Disney had strong feelings about tipping that are still reflected in official policy at Walt Disney World and
Disneyland. Walt did not want guests "bribing" employees to receive preferential treatment, such as getting a table by tipping a dining room host/hostess, a better room by tipping a desk clerk, or bypassing a line by tipping a ride attendant. He wanted all guests to have the same high level of service, regardless of financial means. As a result, most Disney employees are expressly prohibited from accepting tips, and can be terminated for doing so. You can certainly express your appreciation by offering a gratuity, but expect that your offer will be very politely declined. Express your appreciation by sending a written commendation to WDW Guest Communications. These letters can do more for a cast member's career than any tip you may have given. Here's the address: Guest Communications, Walt Disney World Co., Inc., PO Box 10040, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040, or e-mail:
wdw.guest.communications@disney.com
