*** The Official August 2019 thread ***

[luvmy2babies]

Great plans. Tragical Express

LOL oh yeah! It's the "Tragical Express" when you leave. I can't remember where I first heard it coined that way; but I remember thinking...that's perfect.

Although I am super super grateful for how they run that. Getting to check the bags in at the resort on departure day is a nice service and I'm sure makes it easier on the DME drivers too. I'm a solo parent and we started going to Disney when my children were 7 and 10 months. That service is part of the reason we stay onsite.

 

[luvmy2babies]

Anyone flying in on or around August 14th: Have your Magical Express tags arrived? I kind of feel like we had ours by this point before our other trips. Not worried because of past experience I know they can get them out quickly after a phone call. Just wondering at what point I should consider making a call.

 

[22Tink]

Anyone flying in on or around August 14th: Have your Magical Express tags arrived? I kind of feel like we had ours by this point before our other trips. Not worried because of past experience I know they can get them out quickly after a phone call. Just wondering at what point I should consider making a call.

I'm flying in August 9th and still haven't received them. I think it was around the 3 week mark on my last couple of trips so I'll call if I don't receive them by early next week.

 

[The13thLetter]

Anyone flying in on or around August 14th: Have your Magical Express tags arrived? I kind of feel like we had ours by this point before our other trips. Not worried because of past experience I know they can get them out quickly after a phone call. Just wondering at what point I should consider making a call.

We are flying the 16th and just got them on Monday so my guess is you will get them soon. However if you are the kind of person who will get nervous about it you may as well just call anyway to make sure if it will make you feel better. I know sometimes these little last loose ends can be stressful, at least for me anyway.

 

[luvmy2babies]

Thank you @The13thLetter and @22Tink . Not nervous yet; but I do wish we could still book DME online instead of calling. I like being able to see it in my reservation details.

One year though I had to switch resorts 3 weeks before our trip. We already had our tags and the lady who helped me change the reservation told me the barcode they scan would have the information and it would show the new resort when they scanned it so I could just change it with a sharpie; but within a week they actually sent us new tags with the new resort name. So I know they can get them out fast when they have to.

Just love getting Mickey Mail too though. I guess that is less time to misplace them. I imagine our magic bands will be on the way shortly as well. We're at 4 weeks. Next week I hope to finish shopping and pick up gift cards for spending money.

 

[eeyore29]

Anyone flying in on or around August 14th: Have your Magical Express tags arrived? I kind of feel like we had ours by this point before our other trips. Not worried because of past experience I know they can get them out quickly after a phone call. Just wondering at what point I should consider making a call.

We arrive 8/14 and we got our yellow tags this past weekend. I thought it was funny because we hadn’t paid in full yet (did that on Monday).

 

[dnllmz]

We arrive 8/22 and haven't received our yellow tags yet but that's a good thing since I've had to update the flight/resort info twice this week.

I didn't tell DH about the resort change. I think I might keep it as a surprise and wait till we get to Magical Express desk for everyone to find out.

 

[winnieofpooh]

Anyone flying in on or around August 14th: Have your Magical Express tags arrived? I kind of feel like we had ours by this point before our other trips. Not worried because of past experience I know they can get them out quickly after a phone call. Just wondering at what point I should consider making a call.

We're flying in on August 15th and got ours a couple days ago.

 

[22Tink]

Thank you @The13thLetter and @22Tink . Not nervous yet; but I do wish we could still book DME online instead of calling. I like being able to see it in my reservation details.

One year though I had to switch resorts 3 weeks before our trip. We already had our tags and the lady who helped me change the reservation told me the barcode they scan would have the information and it would show the new resort when they scanned it so I could just change it with a sharpie; but within a week they actually sent us new tags with the new resort name. So I know they can get them out fast when they have to.

Just love getting Mickey Mail too though. I guess that is less time to misplace them. I imagine our magic bands will be on the way shortly as well. We're at 4 weeks. Next week I hope to finish shopping and pick up gift cards for spending money.

I booked mine online. I selected DME when I originally booked my room even though I didn’t have my flight details yet. After I booked my flights I was able to go back in and add those details. When I go in to view my resort info it shows MDE under resort arrival.

 

[HeiHei2018]

Last order of Disney clothes scheduled for delivery today. (The truck just drove by without stopping!) I thought I was all set with purchases, but our 97 cent ponchos failed us miserably at a local part yesterday. The neck hole was huge on DD, so her shirt was soaked. I was also uncomfortably wet under the poncho. Now debating between better ponchos (cover backpack) and proper rain jackets (less awkward).

 

[luvmy2babies]

I booked mine online. I selected DME when I originally booked my room even though I didn’t have my flight details yet. After I booked my flights I was able to go back in and add those details. When I go in to view my resort info it shows MDE under resort arrival.

Hmmm...that's interesting because for the last couple of years I haven't been able to book it online even after doing a search. I have had to call. Hasn't been an issue but if I don't see the tags by Monday I think I'm going to go ahead and call.

 

[Tomh]

I am curious, does everyone go by the 20% tip standard at Disney? I ask because I work in food service, and 15 - 20 is pretty typical around here, but with the prices in Disney for table service being so inflated, I go back and forth as far as weather I feel that 20% is really warranted in Disney.

 

[Sanda Thorne]

I am curious, does everyone go by the 20% tip standard at Disney? I ask because I work in food service, and 15 - 20 is pretty typical around here, but with the prices in Disney for table service being so inflated, I go back and forth as far as weather I feel that 20% is really warranted in Disney.

In my personal opinion, I tip 20% for the table service restaurants that aren't buffet and 15% for buffet. If there is something exceptional I will tip more, of course but these are my starting points.

 

[Newsies]

I am curious, does everyone go by the 20% tip standard at Disney? I ask because I work in food service, and 15 - 20 is pretty typical around here, but with the prices in Disney for table service being so inflated, I go back and forth as far as weather I feel that 20% is really warranted in Disney.

My family tips 20% in Disney, but we also use the DDP.

 

[Bama Mom]

I am curious, does everyone go by the 20% tip standard at Disney? I ask because I work in food service, and 15 - 20 is pretty typical around here, but with the prices in Disney for table service being so inflated, I go back and forth as far as weather I feel that 20% is really warranted in Disney.

Honestly, it's been so long since I've been to Disney I don't remember what we tipped the last time we were there. Here at home we usually tip at least 18% though (unless it was just down right terrible service) so I can't imagine us tipping less than we normally do.

 

[dnllmz]

I am curious, does everyone go by the 20% tip standard at Disney? I ask because I work in food service, and 15 - 20 is pretty typical around here, but with the prices in Disney for table service being so inflated, I go back and forth as far as weather I feel that 20% is really warranted in Disney.

I tip the 20% but I do see your point about the inflated pricing. I never really thought about it that way.

 

[luvmy2babies]

I am curious, does everyone go by the 20% tip standard at Disney? I ask because I work in food service, and 15 - 20 is pretty typical around here, but with the prices in Disney for table service being so inflated, I go back and forth as far as weather I feel that 20% is really warranted in Disney.

Although I have heard that Disney servers are paid significantly more than servers at other restaurants we may frequent, I don't known how true it is. I do stay within that 15 - 20% range. Like someone else said, I may do less at a buffet depending on the service but I don't go below 15%.

I have done 25% 3 times. Once at Garden Grill where the server was just wonderful. She was so attentive and seemed so happy to be there serving us. The place was full and she was super busy. Another was at Crystal Palace. His name was Victor and he was just special...really added to the experience and we love that place already. Another was at Hollywood and Vine. She was serious, hardly smiled; but so efficient and she noticed when families on the other side of the restaurant were hogging the characters (literally 3 or 4 tables kept calling them back and for some reason they stayed) and did something about it.

 

[The13thLetter]

I still do 20% but as like a PP said i did not even think about the pricing being inflated. i will still do 20% but it is an interesting thought.

 

[BillFromCT]

Anyone flying in on or around August 14th: Have your Magical Express tags arrived? I kind of feel like we had ours by this point before our other trips. Not worried because of past experience I know they can get them out quickly after a phone call. Just wondering at what point I should consider making a call.

Another 14th flyer. We received our tags on Saturday. Though I called on Sunday to get some additional tags because they now only send one per person. 2 bags for free on Southwest? I’m bringing 2 bags! I’ve found a midday change of clothes is an August necessity.

 

[DISNEY1975]

I am curious, does everyone go by the 20% tip standard at Disney? I ask because I work in food service, and 15 - 20 is pretty typical around here, but with the prices in Disney for table service being so inflated, I go back and forth as far as weather I feel that 20% is really warranted in Disney.

In my personal opinion, I tip 20% for the table service restaurants that aren't buffet and 15% for buffet. If there is something exceptional I will tip more, of course but these are my starting points.

Buffet - 15%
Poor to mediocre service - 15%
Good service - 20%
Great service - 20% + $20 - $40 extra dollars

Granted, Im usually with a party of 5 minimum, 6 - 8 is more usual (My boys girlfriends, my mother etc.. with my 5), 1 - 2 bottles of wine, couple beers, dessert!! I never leave a restaurant paying under $300, more times than not its around $500 - $600. Nice restaurant, $1000. Sadly, its the nice restaurants that I get the best service!!

I like the Disney receipts as they show you the 18% tip amount I cant calculate 18% in my head after wine (who am I kidding, I cant calculate that in my head after having water!!)