Port Orleans Riverside FAQ thread --- 2012, Part One --- NOW CLOSED

[nannye]

Here's an odd one... someone has just asked on my forums over at portorleans.org about tipping housekeeping, saying that they had heard on 'another board' that tips were no longer being accepted. Their kids wanted to do fun little tip envelopes with messages etc, so wanted to know if it was true.

Personally I've not heard anything about this, as far as I know housekeeping has always been considered a 'tipping optional' position by Disney, unlike some roles where the rules say that tips must be refused. Has anyone heard anything different recently?

Andre

I can't imagine ever not tipping, that said how much does one usually tip?

 

[Missytara]

Thanks! My thinking was that if I request a refurbished room I'm still not guaranteed it, whereas if I actually pay more for the Royal Guest room, they'd have to give me one.

I seem to be unable to make a decision!

The first building of the Royal Guest rooms is delayed in construction, the second building hasn't even been started yet.

The people booked in Royal Guest rooms in the first building for the end of February and first week in March have been located to other resorts. I would suspect the March bookings are completely full for the first set of buildings, since they were allowed to book several months ago.

The entire refurbishment isn't expected to be completed until this summer.

 

[Missytara]

I can't imagine ever not tipping, that said how much does one usually tip?

I pay $1.00 per person per day.

 

[andrewilley]

The campfires are run daily at both resorts, starting around dusk.

Andre

 

[MickeyMaz]

The campfires are run daily at both resorts, starting around dusk.

Andre

I just put 2 and 2 together and wanted to thank you for your site that I just used as a reference in my last post. Very cool site and very informative it's helped a lot getting ready for this trip.

Thanks again for all of your...I'm sure work is not the right word...interest in POR!

 

[Venomhatch]

I know I am still going to tip the mousekeeping!

You leave money for someone on purpose, I doubt in this economy they will not take it for a lil extra services rendered within reason.

 

[germ539]

We are planning on going the end of May. My question, when we make our reservations toward the end of Feb, should we request a refurbed room in the Mansions or do you think that we will get one without the request? We like the Mansions better than the AB.

TIA!

 

[Missytara]

I know I am still going to tip the mousekeeping!

You leave money for someone on purpose, I doubt in this economy they will not take it for a lil extra services rendered within reason.

I can say there are a few positions that cannot accept tipping.

My friend traveling with me a few years ago, and sadly, the second day we were there, her mom died. We just went up to the concierge desk to get a phone number for Southwest and they jumped into action. All along the way, everyone that helped out that day, the manager, the concierge desk, the head of mousekeeping, everyone would not accept a tip.

They did say their positions did not warrant tips.

I did make sure I tip my bartender and servers very well!!!!! Go Todd, John, and Holly at the POR lounge.

 

[Allison's Mommy]

Have been reading this thread in preparation for March trip. Thanks for all the good information. Just paid for trip today so doing Happy Dance!

 

[mskermit]

It amazes me how people keep saying things about they heard about the bus problems at POR but I have only once seen where someone complained.

People! It is the same at every resort. It is your timing not the bus. Who is in a hurry anyway. The only way to not ever wait is to stay at the smallest resort or take a cab $$$$$. Now when is that cab going to get here

i have read posts elsewhere about the bus service so I was kinda concerned. we always stay at FW cabins and the bus service is great there and we have the boat. I have a handicap daughter and its not always nice getting on a fuller bus with a wheelchair, people dont like to give up their seats where the chair needs to be put. i dont mind waiting for the bus, its the wheelchair issue that concerns me

 

[AussieSing]

I know I am still going to tip the mousekeeping!

You leave money for someone on purpose, I doubt in this economy they will not take it for a lil extra services rendered within reason.

Can someone explain who we are supposed to tip, living in Australiasia tipping is not done here for anything, so going to the States and tipping is new to us, so if someone could explain who and how much so that we aren't shown as being stingey that would be great.

First trip to WDW in 3 sleeps.

 

[andrewilley]

Can someone explain who we are supposed to tip...

There's a whole thread on the subject somewhere on the DIS which might help, but broadly: at table service restaurants (including buffets) tip the server approx 18%-20% of the pre-tax meal cost (Disney helpfully print guideline amounts on the bill, and this should also be done even if you are on the dining plan as it does not include gratuities). Also tip bar drinks servers.

Baggage porters about $1 per bag. Room housekeeping about $1 per person per night, left in the room for them to pick up (technically optional, but we always tip each day so the right person gets the tip).

The above is only a guideline, you can tip more (or less) based on the quality of the service you receive. If you receive really bad service, I personally would suggest you make a point to still tip a minimal amount, so they know you didn't just forget (e.g. we did this at the Sci-Fi Dine-In once, dreadful service and food so I tipped $1 for the meal).

You do not need to tip any other Disney staff (quick service food locations, Disney transportation drivers, desk staff, tour guides, etc) and they will most likely refuse any offered gratuities anyway.

Andre

 

[HiHoOffWeGo]

A tip on tipping Mousekeeping. Don't leave cash laying out as they will not take . Leave it in a small envelope marked housekeeping thank you. I agree with $1 per person per day. Remember, you do not have to tip, it is their job, but I feel I would want someone to tip me if I did a good job.

 

[HiHoOffWeGo]

To address someones bus w/wheelchair. They have special slots for wheelchairs and you are loaded first. I find no problem with special needs people. I am just happy they can join in.

 

[skater]

i have read posts elsewhere about the bus service so I was kinda concerned. we always stay at FW cabins and the bus service is great there and we have the boat. I have a handicap daughter and its not always nice getting on a fuller bus with a wheelchair, people dont like to give up their seats where the chair needs to be put. i dont mind waiting for the bus, its the wheelchair issue that concerns me

We were there with my Mom (who uses an ECV) last Sept. I suggest either getting to the bus stop early - at least an hour before park opening or going in "off" times if you're worried about it. Either way, it will work out fine - its just easier when its less crowded.

The buses at POR aren't as good as some other resorts IMO, but they seemed to be a little better this year than they had in the past - maybe they're working on it . They did have a CM at the main bus stop in the mornings, so at least there was someone who could offer help if you needed it or answer questions.

 

[vamassey1]

I got my Mickey Mail yesterday!

Only 24 more sleeps until we leave.

 

[hunmcbunny]

I got my Mickey Mail yesterday!

Only 24 more sleeps until we leave.

YAY!!!!!!!!!!

Out of curiosity what exactly is in the Mickey Mail??? There's that obessive disney planner (me) again

 

[hunmcbunny]

We wanna book another trip for next year in Feb. The website wont allow us to book for 2013. Is it possible to call directly?

 

[andrewilley]

We wanna book another trip for next year in Feb. The website wont allow us to book for 2013. Is it possible to call directly?

You can try, but prices for 2013 won't be released until around the middle of this year (normally, anyway) so they won't confirm a rate.

Andre

 

[Muddypaws]

We wanna book another trip for next year in Feb. The website wont allow us to book for 2013. Is it possible to call directly?

I just checked and I booked our February vacation (11 more days!!) on August 3 last year - the first day that the 2012 rates came out. I believe that date was a bit earlier than other years.