Please TIP, for goodness sake.

[Allison]

I think there are many people who don't travel very much and don't realize you tip someone who handles your bags.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I remember a thread on here where someone said you should tip a roadside assistance person. It never, ever would have occurred to me to do that.

Just expounding on what I said earlier in this thread. Some people simply don't know. Some people might be out of cash and embarrassed about it already. Some people may have just forgotten. It's ridiculous to call them all rude.

 

[Beer Me]

I always tip, drivers, bell hops, etc.

Unless I’m out of cash.

I really try to plan ahead and keep some bills for tipping but sometimes I’m caught short. What I’m saying is - don’t judge me for stuffing the shuttle driver. I didn’t mean to!

 

[Ellie Webbs]

I know the OP mentioned that the people on the ME were from other parts of the US so maybe this comment doesn't apply but I'll say it anyway. I always wonder if people from other parts of the World are aware just how much tipping is important in the US. We travel from the UK and before I went to the US for the first time I did my research (I'm a massive planner) but before that I had no idea the extent of tipping there. Tipping is not as much of a thing in the UK as it is in the US. The minimum wage here is not as low as it is in the US and tips at restaurants tend to be around 10%, that's if people tip at all (as I know some don't) so I always wonder if overseas visitors just aren't aware of the whole thing.

First time we had the dining plan included we didn't budget nearly enough for tips and tax, after 2 weeks the credit card bill was a huge sting! We know now lol.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

A mod should prolly move this out of the podcast thread. Also there is another thread talking about this already. I tip for alot of things. We useally use fltours for transport and I will tip 20$ each way. But when you tell people there rude for not tipping that's over the line.

The only place I would tell people to 100% tip is for waiters. They don't make min wage and live off tips. I'm sure these drivers get paid more than 3$ an hour, and that handling bags is part of the job description. The service you signed up for includes the handling of bags. I can see why many wouldn't even think of tipping.

But to feel bad.. for the driver for not getting tips? That's pretty far out there. The person has a job and is getting paid to do said job why feel bad they didn't get a few extra dollars?. Do you tip cashier's at grocery stores? baggers ? Your doctor's? Mechanic? See where I'm going with this?

Tip who you want I guess is the moral of the story here I suppose.

It’s your money do what you want with it, but don’t tell anyone what to do with theirs.

Waiters aren’t paid like others so that’s the only one I mandatory tip.

 

[ELLH]

I'm 37. As a child/teen I used to travel with my folks a decent bit thanks to my dad having a job with various work functions throughout the country a couple times a year. He was a stickler for curbside check-in and would routinely tip the luggage folks and the taxi drivers. Now, as an adult, I rarely travel with any form of transportation where I need help with luggage. But, thanks to me having seen my dad tip service, I know that it's proper etiquette to do so.



Now, the real questions that should be explored are: Do you tip when...
you go to Sonic or some other drive-in where they bring out your food?
you order take-out but go inside to the bar to pick it up?
you go to a fast food place that brings your meal to your table (Chick-Fil-A does this, as do some various places on Disney property)?
Edit: Now that stores like Wal-Mart, Target, etc offer pick-up from the parking lot, do you tip the person who brings your stuff out to you?

Where do you draw the line?
There's a lot of overlap in some of these. Would be interesting to see how people rationalize tipping for one but not the other...

Get ready internet, this is gonna get good...

 

[SaintsManiac]

I'm 37. As a child/teen I used to travel with my folks a decent bit thanks to my dad having a job with various work functions throughout the country a couple times a year. He was a stickler for curbside check-in and would routinely tip the luggage folks and the taxi drivers. Now, as an adult, I rarely travel with any form of transportation where I need help with luggage. But, thanks to me having seen my dad tip service, I know that it's proper etiquette to do so.



Now, the real questions that should be explored are: Do you tip when...
you go to Sonic or some other drive-in where they bring out your food?
you order take-out but go inside to the bar to pick it up?
you go to a fast food place that brings your meal to your table (Chick-Fil-A does this, as do some various places on Disney property)?

Where do you draw the line?


Get ready internet, this is gonna get good...

I don't go to Sonic.
I tip when I pick up takeout, but not 20%.
I always mobile order at CFA, but I would not tip someone there.

So I guess I draw a line there?

 

[ELLH]

I don't go to Sonic.

You've never been to a place where they bring out your food?

 

[SaintsManiac]

You've never been to a place where they bring out your food?

I don't go to drive ins for food. That was the question, no?

 

[ELLH]

I don't go to drive ins for food. That was the question, no?

You just said "sonic". There are others. But not many.


Check the edit, though. Now that the world is fancy, I had to include Target, Wal-Mart, etc on my list.

 

[SaintsManiac]

You just said "sonic". There are others. But not many.


Check the edit, though. Now that the world is fancy, I had to include Target, Wal-Mart, etc on my list.

No, I don't tip at grocery pickup. Walmart employees do not accept them and I have never done Target.

From Google:

Walmart store associates do not accept tips for Pickup or Delivery, but you can show your appreciation with a positive review on your customer survey after you receive your order.

 

[ELLH]

No, I don't tip at grocery pickup. Walmart employees do not accept them and I have never done Target.

From Google:

Walmart store associates do not accept tips for Pickup or Delivery, but you can show your appreciation with a positive review on your customer survey after you receive your order.

I gotta be honest, you took my post a little bit more literally than I expected. I was really being tongue-in-cheek with it. But thanks for playing along!

 

[SaintsManiac]

I gotta be honest, you took my post a little bit more literally than I expected. I was really being tongue-in-cheek with it. But thanks for playing along!

 

[DLgal]

Here is my issue with ME. I don't tip the driver. I do NOT get a choice if I have bags with me. They will not let ME handle them myself, which would be my preference.

In contrast, if I hand my bags over to bell services rather than drag them to my own room, I am CHOOSING to utilize that service and a tip is expected. If I choose the skycap over the counter at the airport, same deal. I am choosing convenience, therefore I tip.

The ME bus is different because I am not choosing to have the driver handle my bags. I am not allowed to handle them myself. So why should that deserve a tip? It's their rule.

It's like the shuttles at the airport economy parking lots. The drivers always try and grab my bags from me as I board and get off, even when I make it clear I will handle them. They are looking for a tip. I don't tip them when they literally snatch my bags out if my hands. I tip them when I decide to let them help me because I have other things to deal with (like children)o or I am in full on relax mode and don't want to lift a finger.

 

[Punkrockbebop]

Hey, just wanted to reiterate here, that I didn’t call anyone anything. It was a strong suggestion to show appreciation, take it or leave it.

a lot of good input in this thread. I respect everyone’s opinions.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

ME bus driver is also a full time employee with all the benefits associated. Again tip if you want, who cares, but I don’t need your judgement if I don’t want to.

 

[Farro]

Here is my issue with ME. I don't tip the driver. I do NOT get a choice if I have bags with me. They will not let ME handle them myself, which would be my preference.

In contrast, if I hand my bags over to bell services rather than drag them to my own room, I am CHOOSING to utilize that service and a tip is expected. If I choose the skycap over the counter at the airport, same deal. I am choosing convenience, therefore I tip.

The ME bus is different because I am not choosing to have the driver handle my bags. I am not allowed to handle them myself. So why should that deserve a tip? It's their rule.

It's like the shuttles at the airport economy parking lots. The drivers always try and grab my bags from me as I board and get off, even when I make it clear I will handle them. They are looking for a tip. I don't tip them when they literally snatch my bags out if my hands. I tip them when I decide to let them help me because I have other things to deal with (like children)o or I am in full on relax mode and don't want to lift a finger.

Are you talking about bags that are stored underneath the bus? You can't handle those bags yourself. First, you'd be touching other peoples stuff to get to yours, second I'm sure there are liability issues with you shoving yourself in the luggage compartment to get your bags!

You don't want them handling your luggage, don't bring the luggage to the shuttle - that's your choice. I don't think the bus would have room for everyone to bring on and handle their own luggage.

If you are talking about a backpack or small bag, I've never had problems holding them on my lap.

 

[ELLH]

ME bus driver is also a full time employee with all the benefits associated. Again tip if you want, who cares, but I don’t need your judgement if I don’t want to.

Are you telling me you don't tip the ME bus driver?!

 

[SorcererHeidi]

Okay, here’s the truth of it. I’ve delivered pizzas part time for 30+ years. People that receive good service and choose not to tip are simply ignorant or rude. Do I let it ruin my day? Generally no. But they are ignorant or rude nonetheless. There are various tactful ways I have found over the years to “modify” poor behavior. Folks that can’t afford to tip have options like doing a cheaper carry out option. Folks that continually demonstrate poor behavior to anyone in food service particularly are foolish to do it as these people are handling food you will eat. Now, there are situations where poor service does not justify a tip.

When I am out, I always look at my interactions with those performing a service as a one time opportunity to make their day. I have taken out a $20 and given it to a server for a $30 bill. I tip the bartender at the local watering hole to the point where I just wave a hand and my drink appears. I especially tip Mousekeeping and Magical Express. I’ve even gone out of my way to thank those cleaning a restroom in the parks.

If you can’t afford to tip the pizza delivery guy, you should be getting frozen pizza at the grocery store - your food dollar will go further. Likewise, if you can’t afford to tip at Disney, maybe you are staying in accomodations that are out of your budget. Being able to tip while on vacation should be part of your budgeting process. I would wager a guess that most of those folks that don’t tip while at Disney are once in a lifers that will actually not enjoy themselves much. They’ll complain about the cost and crowds. They will try to go open to close in the parks for 4 days straight to get the most for their money. They will never “get” the Magic. All they will have is frustration, exhaustion, and sore feet. Then, they’ll go home less than satisfied — but they’ll probably tell everyone how much fun they had even though secretly they had a terrible time but would never admit that to their peers after splurging on a vacation that broke their vacation budget for three years.

My .02 cents

Yes, yes, YES!!!! You sound like me! Besides tipping, and thanking those who "serve" me, I try to out of my way to look for those who probably never get thanked, or even noticed - like you mentioned the person cleaning the restroom, etc. I just did that during a trip to Atlantic City last week! Also thanked somebody emptying the ashtrays and garbage cans, and vacuuming the casino floor. The look of surprised gratefulness on their faces gave me SO much more than it gave them, and I'm sure it made their day.

One of my favorite WDW memories in connection with this is the day I was on a bus many year ago - it was a bus that went to the now-Disney Springs and Typhoon Lagoon, and to some resort (maybe CBR?) and then became their internal bus. I was having a wonderful conversation with the bus driver, and decided to stay on for a long time, just chatting. For the most part, I was the only person on the bus. Anyway - were on a road somewhere and I noticed a CM on his hands and knees, planting some flowers. I asked the bus driver if he'd stop, so I could briefly stop the bus, so I could hop off (back when I still COULD!!!) and thank the CM for the beautiful job she was doing. When I did, the older gentleman who was the gardener told me he didn't think anybody ever even NOTICED his work (this road was just a road somewhere "out in the middle of nowhere', not like a big, iconic planting that everybody sees or something), much less would ever THANK him for doing it. And, with tears in his eyes, he told me I'd made his day, and that he loved his job.

Heart melted all those years ago, and still does, every time I think about it. A memory like that is part of what's behind my first signature line below - you just never know when you can touch someone's else's life, and you should always want to. And that goes for just thanking somebody, and letting them know you "see" and appreciate them - does't have to involve monetary compensation. That's a personal call, although I almost always do, if I feel it's warranted - independent of the verbal affirmation. Which can be AS, if not MORE important.

 

[blistex]

Here is my issue with ME. I don't tip the driver. I do NOT get a choice if I have bags with me. They will not let ME handle them myself, which would be my preference.

In contrast, if I hand my bags over to bell services rather than drag them to my own room, I am CHOOSING to utilize that service and a tip is expected. If I choose the skycap over the counter at the airport, same deal. I am choosing convenience, therefore I tip.

The ME bus is different because I am not choosing to have the driver handle my bags. I am not allowed to handle them myself. So why should that deserve a tip? It's their rule.

It's like the shuttles at the airport economy parking lots. The drivers always try and grab my bags from me as I board and get off, even when I make it clear I will handle them. They are looking for a tip. I don't tip them when they literally snatch my bags out if my hands. I tip them when I decide to let them help me because I have other things to deal with (like children)o or I am in full on relax mode and don't want to lift a finger.

We had this issue at our recent stay - we arrived at our hotel at check-in time (3) but our room wasn't ready. We had a reservation in the parks at 5 which I'd thought was plenty of time but our room ended up not being ready until 5:30, so, we were forced to check our bags with bell services since we had no room. I didn't want to do that - in fact it put a serious damper on our arrival and the first part of our evening - and I wanted to bring up our own bags when we did have our room, but we weren't allowed to. Should we have tipped for that? Because I was already pretty mad about the whole ordeal it didn't seem like we should also have to pay extra for it.