Mortified at DME driver

[Polydweller]

Drivers should expect more of this with the lack for carrying cash Disney has put in place. Maybe they should put scanners on me buses to tip drivers.

I felt bad I didn't have any small bills, and though I would have tipped him because I always do, he did nothing worthy of a tip. He did his job. Do we tip Disney bus drivers for tsking us to the park? Do people on scooters or wheelchairs tip Disney drivers?

As a pp pointed out, you keep mixing up two different sets of drivers. The ME drivers are with Mears which has been contracted to provide this service and are a tipped position, like most tour bus drivers. The drivers who take you to the Parks are Disney employees and they are more like municipal bus drivers and not a tipped position. The comparison doesn't work.

Really, your last impression wasn't of Disney it was of Mears.

 

[sam_gordon]

Really, your last impression wasn't of Disney it was of Mears.

I'll stick up for the OP here. IMO, it doesn't matter who signs the employees paycheck. The customer arranges the service through Disney, it's branded Disney, and if you did nothing to find out the facts, you'd be hard pressed to find 'Mears' anywhere.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Doesn't Mears handle the Disney bus system as well as ME?

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

On a cruise we took a shuttle to Cocoa Beach and I only had a twenty. I asked the driver he he could break a twenty and gave him a $5.00. He helped us enter and stowed the stroller.
Better to break the $20 then perhaps receive nothing.

 

[maxiesmom]

You are responsible for paying the full fare. But for tips, if worst comes to worst, the provider has to provide the change. In the Magical Express tip case, the guest should at least have asked about change. This way the driver won't think, "these people ust spent thousands ..."

Even so, there is no way someone should under pay for a service. You either over pay, or you find a way to get change. I would have given the driver the $20 and thought nothing of it, outside of oops I need some smaller bills on me.

And yes, if the ME driver stows your stroller for you, they should be tipped. On vacation you should always keep a few small bills on you for just those sorts of occasions.

 

[gmeh1]

I'll stick up for the OP here. IMO, it doesn't matter who signs the employees paycheck. The customer arranges the service through Disney, it's branded Disney, and if you did nothing to find out the facts, you'd be hard pressed to find 'Mears' anywhere.

Except all the busses say Mears somewhere on them. I have seen people get off these busses without a thank you, a tip (even though they had bags that had to be retrieved), or as much as a glance in the driver's direction. Perhaps the thank you given by the OP was acknowledged by a very surprised and grateful driver, who is normally ignored by the pax. I obviously spent wayyyyy too much of my break times watching these busses.

 

[jmartinez1895]

I felt bad I didn't have any small bills, and though I would have tipped him because I always do, he did nothing worthy of a tip. He did his job. Do we tip Disney bus drivers for tsking us to the park? Do people on scooters or wheelchairs tip Disney drivers?

Yes, or at least we do and the others I know that use them do. When we have used ME I will tip the driver very well based on how they handle my child's wheelchair. One driver made a point of loading it last so that it would be the first thing off the bus.
When we use valet parking ( at Disney or other places) the attendant will often get the chair out of the trunk if they see it in time and they always have helped me put in in the trunk when returning to the car. I always tip them for helping.
The buses that run in the Disney parks are different. I would gladly tip the drivers for the help, but the yare not allowed to take the tips.

 

[gmeh1]

Drivers should expect more of this with the lack for carrying cash Disney has put in place. Maybe they should put scanners on me buses to tip drivers.

I really don't understand how you can possibly twist this to be partially Disney's fault. You are an adult and as such you are responsible for your finances. Thinking ahead would have prevented your scorn towards a bus driver that was probably thankful for a thank you. Scanners are not the answer, common sense and consideration are the answers.

 

[sam_gordon]

Except all the busses say Mears somewhere on them. I have seen people get off these busses without a thank you, a tip (even though they had bags that had to be retrieved), or as much as a glance in the driver's direction. Perhaps the thank you given by the OP was acknowledged by a very surprised and grateful driver, who is normally ignored by the pax. I obviously spent wayyyyy too much of my break times watching these busses.

Yeah, I think so.

I'll take your word they say 'Mears' on them. I just don't remember noticing it. I just think guests (rightfully so) associate the entire process with 'Disney.'

I feel the same way with RAC. Yes, BAGS is the one who 'does' everything. But it's promoted by Disney. Any complaints about RAC should, IMO, go to Disney. It's up to Disney to pass the concerns along to BAGS, or solve the problem themselves.

 

[mmackeymouse]

It sounds like you were both in the wrong. I bet you the guy gets back on the bus and he's thinking "these people just spent thousands on a Disney vacation and they couldn't pay a couple dollars for a tip".

I really don't think OP was in the wrong. First of all, tips are optional. Expected, maybe. Customary, sure. But, optional all the same. If something is optional, not participating in said action cannot be "wrong."

That said, OP's behavior was not intentional. It wasn't malicious. There is a lot to worry about the last couple of days before departure...packing, making sure you get checked in for flights, picking up last minute souvenirs, getting checked out, etc etc. I don't fault the OP or anyone, for not making sure they have small bills. I don't think that not making sure you have small bills makes someone "in the wrong" either.

Did you ask if he could make change? BTW - saying "Thank you sir. You're very kind." doesn't sound unprofessional to me.

Ummm...but if the OP didn't tip, what would be the reason for it. Thanks and you're very kind to ride my bus?

I wasn't there, but I can definitely see how that may have been said with a sarcastic or snarky tone...and yes, that is unprofessional. Dirty looks don't bother me so much. I am immune to the stink eye anymore...but when it is verbalized...I think that crosses a line.

 

[gmeh1]

Yeah, I think so.

I'll take your word they say 'Mears' on them. I just don't remember noticing it. I just think guests (rightfully so) associate the entire process with 'Disney.'

I feel the same way with RAC. Yes, BAGS is the one who 'does' everything. But it's promoted by Disney. Any complaints about RAC should, IMO, go to Disney. It's up to Disney to pass the concerns along to BAGS, or solve the problem themselves.

The company name is on the right hand side of the bus, on the first cargo bay door. The DOT requires at least the number, but, Mears likes to advertise who they are. The verbage is : Mears Destination Services, Inc. Orlando Fl with the DOT number below.http://themillergirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Disney_Magical_Express.jpg Not sure either Mears or Bags/RAC are promoted by Disney, but, rather, contracted by Disney. I do agree, if there is a problem, you would go to Disney first. Let them follow the chain.

 

[goofy4tink]

I didn't stiff him. He did nothing deserving of a tip.

So, if you had a stroller, yes, he did in fact do something for you. He stowed and then removed that stroller. He is paid to drive the bus...period. He is not paid to be a baggage handler. So, yeah, you kind of did 'stiff him'.

When using DME, all tips are taken care of...unless you have something that has to be stowed beneath the bus. That can be a stroller, a car seat, a largish carryon bag..whatever. As soon as a driver 'touches' a bag, he is going to feel entitled to a tip. Whether or not you tip is completely up to you.

I have tipped DME bus drivers even when I had nothing stowed beneath the bus!! That driver was incredibly friendly, was very informative on the drive to WDW. He was just a joy to be around..he got $5 from me.
On the other hand?? I had one driver that never welcomed me to the bus, didn't utter one single word, other than to announce each resort as we approached it and.....wait for it....then he would get up and announce that gratuities are always gratefully accepted. yep, he actually said that...with the signage right behind him that states the same thing. Now...I had a larger than usual carryon bag with me that trip. And it had been stowed for me. I had my $5 in my pocket to tip..I was ready. But, after the general attitude I got from the driver (from MCO to the resort) and the statement about gratuities? He got nothing..not a penny!!! I will NOT be asked for a tip. Oh, and he wouldn't let anyone off the bus until he had all the stowed items removed.

So, yes, the driver will expect to be tipped if he/she stows something for you. I think most people are prepared to tip before they get on the bus, if they are planning on tipping anyway. If you get on a bus with only a $20 bill then it is safe to assume you weren't planning on tipping. However, the driver's attitude probably wasn't the best either.

The resort to park bus drivers aren't considered a tipped position. DME drivers are. It's as simple as that. And yes, although they have Disney outfits on, and Mickey is on the buses, they are still Mears buses and drivers. They contract out to Disney. I 'believe' the Disney buses, onsite, are driven by Disney employees.

 

[molliewalks]

I'm so glad I saw this thread!! Most of us are driving down, but I am flying my in-laws down since it is a long drive and my MIL is handicapped. We will have all their luggage and I had NO IDEA that it was customary to tip them (I've always driven, never taken DME). I will make sure that I have a tip envelope made out for her to give to the driver.

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[rt2dz]

I really don't think OP was in the wrong. First of all, tips are optional. Expected, maybe. Customary, sure. But, optional all the same. If something is optional, not participating in said action cannot be "wrong."

That said, OP's behavior was not intentional. It wasn't malicious. There is a lot to worry about the last couple of days before departure...packing, making sure you get checked in for flights, picking up last minute souvenirs, getting checked out, etc etc. I don't fault the OP or anyone, for not making sure they have small bills. I don't think that not making sure you have small bills makes someone "in the wrong" either.

Ummm...but if the OP didn't tip, what would be the reason for it. Thanks and you're very kind to ride my bus?

I wasn't there, but I can definitely see how that may have been said with a sarcastic or snarky tone...and yes, that is unprofessional. Dirty looks don't bother me so much. I am immune to the stink eye anymore...but when it is verbalized...I think that crosses a line.

I'm going to agree with this. And, for the record for the one trip I used Magical Express, I did tip. Or tried to. One way, from MCO to our resort the bus driver refused it. I offered $2 for the one small & very light carry on. He said, "no, it was my pleasure," quite politely. The driver on the way to MCO thanked me and took it. I M only stating this because of what I'm going to say...

I just read a Frommers article (maybe travel & leisure) on tipping. The title was something like who you don't tip but should and who shouldn't tip (or over tip) and shouldn't. One of the shoulda was housekeeping (and daily). One shouldn't was those that touch your luggage. They did make a big distinction between bell services that take your luggage to your room (definite tip there) and everyone who simply touches your bag. Basically they said if someone takes your bag from curb to car or vice versa, skip the tip. The article basically was saying if people move around/carry your luggage, tip. If it is a handoff, like ME, no need. And, it's not like you have a choice to carry your bags on the bus.

I used to work for tips (server), and being snotty about a tip was a big no-no. You say *nothing*. You imply *nothing*. And it is fully the customers perception that mattered. For all those that under tipped, there was always someone who over tipped. I rarely got less than 20%, but when I waited on international guests, it happened.

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[gmeh1]

I'm going to agree with this. And, for the record for the one trip I used Magical Express, I did tip. Or tried to. One way, from MCO to our resort the bus driver refused it. I offered $2 for the one small & very light carry on. He said, "no, it was my pleasure," quite politely. The driver on the way to MCO thanked me and took it. I M only stating this because of what I'm going to say...

I just read a Frommers article (maybe travel & leisure) on tipping. The title was something like who you don't tip but should and who shouldn't tip (or over tip) and shouldn't. One of the shoulda was housekeeping (and daily). One shouldn't was those that touch your luggage. They did make a big distinction between bell services that take your luggage to your room (definite tip there) and everyone who simply touches your bag. Basically they said if someone takes your bag from curb to car or vice versa, skip the tip. The article basically was saying if people move around/carry your luggage, tip. If it is a handoff, like ME, no need. And, it's not like you have a choice to carry your bags on the bus.

I used to work for tips (server), and being snotty about a tip was a big no-no. You say *nothing*. You imply *nothing*. And it is fully the customers perception that mattered. For all those that under tipped, there was always someone who over tipped. I rarely got less than 20%, but when I waited on international guests, it happened.

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I do disagree with Frommers on this. IMHO, if a driver needs to enter that cargo hold and remove your luggage (or whatever) he/she should be tipped. As to your being in a tipped position, I have actually seen servers ask the customer what the problem with their service was. As to the perception being the only things that mattered, I totally disagree. The customer is not always right (especially now a days with the entitlement mentality being so pervasive) and what people perceive is not always the case. There is a reason a lot of restaurants add a tip to large parties and some even have the appropriate percentages written on the check. Your attitude is probably why you were a great server and mine is the reason I don't work with the public.

 

[dmunsil]

Not having small bills isn't a problem. Everyone who takes tips carries a lot of small bills. Just say, "Can you break a $20"? He will smile and say, "Sure." Say, "Give me back $15" and hand him the 20. He'll hand you 15 dollars, smile and say, "Thanks very much."

I don't know why people sweat tipping so much. These folks are happy to get the money. You don't have to have exact change. Figure out what you want to tip and ask them to give you the change back.

I do always start by saying, "Can you break a 20?" That way you don't get the happy look when they see the $20 bill and then the slightly sadder look when you ask them for change.

 

[MrsDoubtfire]

Not having small bills isn't a problem. Everyone who takes tips carries a lot of small bills. Just say, "Can you break a $20"? He will smile and say, "Sure." Say, "Give me back $15" and hand him the 20. He'll hand you 15 dollars, smile and say, "Thanks very much."

I don't know why people sweat tipping so much. These folks are happy to get the money. You don't have to have exact change. Figure out what you want to tip and ask them to give you the change back.

I do always start by saying, "Can you break a 20?" That way you don't get the happy look when they see the $20 bill and then the slightly sadder look when you ask them for change.

I am like you - and don't "sweat" tipping too much, however if anyone who ever touches my stroller or luggage thinks they are entitled to a $20 tip for it - I will be the sad one .

I also think that if a person works in any hospitality industry and feels the need to mention how "gratuities are welcome and appreciated" , that being said is a major turn-off for me. The "tip" jar at the get-your-own-froyo places perplex me. And the sign at the Del's frozen lemonade stand that reads, "GOD knows when YOU don't tip" - cracks me up. I never leave a tip at the froyo place, and never leave one at Del's simply due to the poor taste of the sign. A medium frozen lemonade is $2.25 - does the person pouring it expect 75 cents as the tip (assuming I paid with 3 dollar bills), or "20%" of the $2.25 - which is 45 cents ???

 

[DLgal]

These drivers always have wads of 1's. You should have asked if he could make change.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

I've started getting a strap of $1s at the bank every so often.

This comes in handy for:

Vending machines
Honor box as my favorite hiking spot
Tip money

One strap of $1s ($100) will last me several months. I can tip anyone, anywhere without even thinking about it. $5 to the taxi driver who schlepped my luggage. $2 to the maid who cleans my hotel room. $2 to the valet who parks my rental when I'm away on business. $1 to the girl at Sonic who delivers my diet cherry limeaide and hot dog with a smile.

I also can always grab a coke or a small snack just about anywhere without any wait.

I keep it easy for myself. I get the strap from the bank, then break it down into 5 clips of $20 each (yes, I know this is non-standard.) I put two clips in my purse. When I pull the second paperclip off, it's time to put in a new clip.

I never run out, I never over tip.

It would work pretty handily for MEARS as for anywhere else.

 

[gmeh1]

I am like you - and don't "sweat" tipping too much, however if anyone who ever touches my stroller or luggage thinks they are entitled to a $20 tip for it - I will be the sad one .

I also think that if a person works in any hospitality industry and feels the need to mention how "gratuities are welcome and appreciated" , that being said is a major turn-off for me. The "tip" jar at the get-your-own-froyo places perplex me. And the sign at the Del's frozen lemonade stand that reads, "GOD knows when YOU don't tip" - cracks me up. I never leave a tip at the froyo place, and never leave one at Del's simply due to the poor taste of the sign. A medium frozen lemonade is $2.25 - does the person pouring it expect 75 cents as the tip (assuming I paid with 3 dollar bills), or "20%" of the $2.25 - which is 45 cents ???

What is a "froyo" place? I am not enamored with the tip jars or signs, but, keep in mind, in Orlando with a lot of International visitors, tipping is not a thing that people from some countries are used to doing. At Del's you can bet they would not get more than a thank you with that type of sign. In fact, it would be amazing if they got my business at all.