Tipping and Magical Express

[eileenkeeney]

I thought that I had read somewhere (on this board) that the M.E. drivers did not expect to be tipped.
However, the bus had a sign that said
"Earned gratuities gladly accepted" (or something similar).

What exactly does this mean. Does this mean the the driver is earning a wage, where the company fully expects that the driver will make decent tips?

Does this mean that I should tip unless the driver delivers lower quality than I expect?
Or, does this mean that I should tip the driver if he goes beyond what I think is expected?

 

[jenndisney]

"Earned gratuities gladly accepted"

This means, if he/she does something to earn a gratuity, it is okay to tip. If they just sit there, drive, open door, and drive away....that is not extra in my books. But to me, an extra big smile, hello, welcome....all of those deserve a tip. And if they help with any bags, help me or my family to get on the bus....that is a definate tip task.

 

[bytheblood]

If you would tip a cab driver, tip the ME driver.

 

[Purrrrfecta]

I agree with by the blood

Now my question is how do you tip those who "Magically" deliver your bags to your room if you are not there to greet them? Aren't they to receive a tip as well?
Should you just leave it in the room for them to get in an envelope?

 

[dizagain]

From what I have read here, I am under the impression that the folks who "magically" deliver your bags to your room have built-in "tips" for that job and no tip from customers is needed. The bus drivers are not pre-tipped so it would be nice to do that if the service is deserving.

Someone, correct me if I'm wrong on this...will be using ME in TWO DAYS!!!

 

[Lewisc]

It is SOP to tip a shuttle driver who helps you with your luggage, either getting into the bus or in stowing it under the bus. A dollar or two a bag is normal.

Evidently Disney and Mears decided not to compensate the driver in lieu of tips. The ride is free, bring singles and fives so you can tip the driver, if appropriate.

 

[ducklite]

I've got some really mixed feelings on this, and having a sign basically asking for tips irritates me to no end.

I think it's much less tacky for your ME tickets/vouchers whatever they are called to state something to the effect of "Many of our guests have asked about driver gratuities. If you feel your driver has extended any services to make your trip more magical, please feel free to offer a gratuity to them at your discretion."

Anne

 

[clkelley]

Believe me, the cruising industry is much worse when it comes to requesting gratuities.

Every transfer, luggage person, shore excursion, etc., had some type of sign out requesting tips.

The most creative was a snorkeling cruise we went on. It went something like this: "Wind and surf may tip the boat, but only you can tip the crew".


Carol

 

[kathylovesdisneyworl]

I don't see anything wrong with a sign stating tips are accepted. Since the ad for ME was a little misleading and alot of people are under the impression that tips are included for the drivers who handle your bags, how else will they let people know they would appreciate a tip. I for one did not realize that the tips were only included in the incoming bell service at the hotel.

 

[Lewisc]

Anne-normally I'd agree with you but in this case Disney declined to provide the same extra compensation that is given to DCL drivers and the ME material imply that all the gratuities are included.

I don't blame the drivers for putting a sign up. I don't know how much extra he DCL drivers get but that's the best solution. The second best solution would be to follow your suggestion and let the guests know that the customary driver gratuities aren't included.

The drivers are getting a raw deal. Disney is implying the tips are included and evidently they're not.

I've got some really mixed feelings on this, and having a sign basically asking for tips irritates me to no end.

I think it's much less tacky for your ME tickets/vouchers whatever they are called to state something to the effect of "Many of our guests have asked about driver gratuities. If you feel your driver has extended any services to make your trip more magical, please feel free to offer a gratuity to them at your discretion."

Anne

 

[localdriver]

I've got some really mixed feelings on this, and having a sign basically asking for tips irritates me to no end.

Anne

You want to know what's irritating. 3 pickup stops, on time on all,
40+ people, 3 bays of luggage, to the airport in 1 hr in 15 min last stop at airport. 1 hr 15 min start to finish.

Not a dollar!!! How would you feel?? Hustle your can off and a TY is it, if that!!! NO NO that doesn't cut it. Luggage is Luggage, Regardless of the price of the ride.

You can tell, some people get there bags, no eye contact, no thank you, nothing, they know they are stiffing you, but then there are the wonderful sweet people that just think you, Disney and everything is all FREE. (until their MCard/VISA bill shows up).

But, Thank God, there remains a few who extend their appreciation for excellent service. Let's make this clear, if you don't get excellent service, THEN DON'T TIP. (Simple Concept)

THE PROBLEM IS DISNEY WANTS TO TELL YOU WHO, WHEN AND WHAT TO TIP.

DISNEY NEEDS TO GET OUT OF OUR POCKETS, AND THEIR OWN BELL SERVICES POCKETS IF THEY WANT ONGOING EXCELLENT SERVICE.

DISNEY WANTS ALL YOUR VACATION DOLLARS, EVEN THE TIPS!

THEY SIMPLY DON'T CARE ABOUT ANYTHING EXCEPT THE BOTTOM LINE.

I'M I UPSET?, YOU BET.

THEY WILL GET WHAT THEY PAY FOR IN THE LONG RUN.

jmho

 

[Lewisc]

SORRY, I don't think most guest think they're stiffing you. Look at the ME material. A reasonable guest would think that a tip is not required. We tip the skycap but not the checkin agent at the counter. We tip the bartender in the airport but not the flight attendent. Based on the material provided most guests think the driver has gone from one category to the other. Some guests may understand the signs and tip, others understand and don't tip but I suspect the vast majority look at the sign as a greedy driver and put it in the same category as the tip cup by the cashier at Starbucks.

Your real complaint is with your union and with Mears.

You want to know what's irritating. 3 pickup stops, on time on all,
40+ people, 3 bays of luggage, to the airport in 1 hr in 15 min last stop at airport. 1 hr 15 min start to finish.

Not a dollar!!! How would you feel?? Hustle your can off and a TY is it, if that!!! NO NO that doesn't cut it. Luggage is Luggage, Regardless of the price of the ride.

You can tell, some people get there bags, no eye contact, no thank you, nothing, they know they are stiffing you, but then there are the wonderful sweet people that just think you, Disney and everything is all FREE. (until their MCard/VISA bill shows up).

 

[Pedler]

SORRY, I don't think most guest think they're stiffing you. Look at the ME material. A reasonable guest would think that a tip is not required. We tip the skycap but not the checkin agent at the counter. We tip the bartender in the airport but not the flight attendent. Based on the material provided most guests think the driver has gone from one category to the other. Some guests may understand the signs and tip, others understand and don't tip but I suspect the vast majority look at the sign as a greedy driver and put it in the same category as the tip cup by the cashier at Starbucks.

Your real complaint is with your union and with Mears.

I have to agree with Lewisc here. The way Disney has presented this and most if not all of the new packages is that tips appear to be included. We are doing ME and MYW Dinning and if you read the info the average tourist, (non DIS board person) would think that everything is all take care of.

Now that I know drivers are getting a raw deal in this I will tip if the service warrants it. But Lewisc is right. Your anger should not be with the guests.

 

[bytheblood]

You want to know what's irritating. 3 pickup stops, on time on all,
40+ people, 3 bays of luggage, to the airport in 1 hr in 15 min last stop at airport. 1 hr 15 min start to finish.

Not a dollar!!! How would you feel?? Hustle your can off and a TY is it, if that!!! NO NO that doesn't cut it. Luggage is Luggage, Regardless of the price of the ride.

You can tell, some people get there bags, no eye contact, no thank you, nothing, they know they are stiffing you, but then there are the wonderful sweet people that just think you, Disney and everything is all FREE. (until their MCard/VISA bill shows up).

But, Thank God, there remains a few who extend their appreciation for excellent service. Let's make this clear, if you don't get excellent service, THEN DON'T TIP. (Simple Concept)

THE PROBLEM IS DISNEY WANTS TO TELL YOU WHO, WHEN AND WHAT TO TIP.

DISNEY NEEDS TO GET OUT OF OUR POCKETS, AND THEIR OWN BELL SERVICES POCKETS IF THEY WANT ONGOING EXCELLENT SERVICE.

DISNEY WANTS ALL YOUR VACATION DOLLARS, EVEN THE TIPS!

THEY SIMPLY DON'T CARE ABOUT ANYTHING EXCEPT THE BOTTOM LINE.

I'M I UPSET?, YOU BET.

THEY WILL GET WHAT THEY PAY FOR IN THE LONG RUN.

jmho

Respectfully, you should really look for another line of work or another company to work for. Being bitter is not good for you and can really cause health related issues.

 

[Pedler]

You want to know what's irritating. 3 pickup stops, on time on all,
40+ people, 3 bays of luggage, to the airport in 1 hr in 15 min last stop at airport. 1 hr 15 min start to finish.

Not a dollar!!! How would you feel?? Hustle your can off and a TY is it, if that!!! NO NO that doesn't cut it. Luggage is Luggage, Regardless of the price of the ride.

You can tell, some people get there bags, no eye contact, no thank you, nothing, they know they are stiffing you, but then there are the wonderful sweet people that just think you, Disney and everything is all FREE. (until their MCard/VISA bill shows up).

localdriver,

I understand your anger over this but as Lewisc said it should be with your employer and not the guests on the bus. One comment I would like to make is with regards to people getting thier own bags. I would not characterize these people as stiffing you. Not that it applies in the case of ME but there are some people that just want to pay for basic transportation and that is it. They want to get thier own bags, handle there own stuff and don't expect any service other than transportation. I don't see anything wrong with that and wouldn't call that stiffing the driver. If I take a airport shuttle and all I ask of the driver is to drive the bus with me handling my own bags then I dont' feel obligated to tip. Its my choice to do that.

Its the same way at hotels I generally don't use bell hops to bring up the luggage. I am perfectly capable of handling it myself and prefer to do it that way. I don't think I am stiffing the bell hops I am just choosing not to use thier services. Now if I did use them and didn't tip that is a whole other story and would be wrong.

I think the real problem here is that Disney has set the expectation that tips are included and in reality either Disney or Mears is not compensating the drivers acccordingly.

Like I said in a previous post. Now that I know I will tip based on service but it isn't the guests fault if they don't tip.

 

[mkjmom]

I used ME yesterday on the way home and our driver had written on a little piece of paper "grats accepted" and taped it to the front window under the name tag. I was a little annoyed at it only because the driver went on and on about getting too old for this job, etc. I'm all for tips when they are deserved, but to expect a tip after complaining about the job is annoying. Keep the complaints to yourself or talk to a supervisor, not the guests.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

If you would tip a cab driver, tip the ME driver.

That won't occur to most guests, and I can see why. People tip cab drivers 15-20%, but Magical Express is free -- and 15-20% of zero is zero.

Also, in the future, fewer and fewer guests are likely to have luggage on the ME motor coaches, except for carry-on items, as people receive luggage tags in time, and as the Remote Airline Check-in service is expanded. That will reduce the direct interaction that those guest have with the Magical Express motorcoach driver even further, as well as reducing the amount of luggage that the drivers handle.

Also, Disney is promoting that the ME service includes bell service gratuities for luggage delivery to the guests' resort rooms. Whether intentionally or not, Disney is sending the message that while you're on the Magical Express service, everything is COMPLIMENTARY.

I agree that localdriver has a legitmate issue. He's frustrated, and I'm sure his colleagues are too.

In the end, Disney and Mears have to work this out, or they'll be unable to hire and retain qualified, quality motorcoach drivers. Either Disney's Magical Express packet needs to communicate that tips for the drivers are appropriate ("because our guests have asked, we recommend..."), or Disney and Mears need to work out a different compensation plan for the drivers (in which case Disney can promote that the motorcoach transportation is completely complimentary, with no tips expected).

 

[bytheblood]

I used ME yesterday on the way home and our driver had written on a little piece of paper "grats accepted" and taped it to the front window under the name tag. I was a little annoyed at it only because the driver went on and on about getting too old for this job, etc.

If I saw that, I would not tip.

I'm all for tips when they are deserved, but to expect a tip after complaining about the job is annoying. Keep the complaints to yourself or talk to a supervisor, not the guests.

I could not agree more. Take it up with your manager/supervior, but don't take it out on the guests. If you don't like your job, find a new one.

 

[kathylovesdisneyworl]

I used ME yesterday on the way home and our driver had written on a little piece of paper "grats accepted" and taped it to the front window under the name tag. I was a little annoyed at it only because the driver went on and on about getting too old for this job, etc. I'm all for tips when they are deserved, but to expect a tip after complaining about the job is annoying. Keep the complaints to yourself or talk to a supervisor, not the guests.

I to probably would not tip a driver if all he did is complain about his job. But I don't think there is anything wrong with the ME drivers posting signs about tipping them when they handle luggage. Since Disney has decided not to cover some of the loses they are having due to the new service and the way if was advertised, then they have to take matters into there own hands.

 

[ducklite]

You want to know what's irritating. 3 pickup stops, on time on all,
40+ people, 3 bays of luggage, to the airport in 1 hr in 15 min last stop at airport. 1 hr 15 min start to finish.

Not a dollar!!! How would you feel?? Hustle your can off and a TY is it, if that!!! NO NO that doesn't cut it. Luggage is Luggage, Regardless of the price of the ride.

You can tell, some people get there bags, no eye contact, no thank you, nothing, they know they are stiffing you, but then there are the wonderful sweet people that just think you, Disney and everything is all FREE. (until their MCard/VISA bill shows up).

But, Thank God, there remains a few who extend their appreciation for excellent service. Let's make this clear, if you don't get excellent service, THEN DON'T TIP. (Simple Concept)

THE PROBLEM IS DISNEY WANTS TO TELL YOU WHO, WHEN AND WHAT TO TIP.

DISNEY NEEDS TO GET OUT OF OUR POCKETS, AND THEIR OWN BELL SERVICES POCKETS IF THEY WANT ONGOING EXCELLENT SERVICE.

DISNEY WANTS ALL YOUR VACATION DOLLARS, EVEN THE TIPS!

THEY SIMPLY DON'T CARE ABOUT ANYTHING EXCEPT THE BOTTOM LINE.

I'M I UPSET?, YOU BET.

THEY WILL GET WHAT THEY PAY FOR IN THE LONG RUN.

jmho

Dude, you need a new job.

Let's see...I ALWAYS tip the bellmen, valets, housekeeping, and they have never had a sign out asking for tips. I always tip the shuttle driver from the park and ride to the airport, again, they have no sign out asking for tips. And I seldom fly with more than a small tote bag for my laptop and a magazine, and my pocketbook, so they do'nt help with luggage.

My point is, I'm VERY VERY generous with tipping.

But it bothers me to no end that someone obviously as HOSTILE and MISERABLE as you are procatically DEMANDS a tip. Someone like you wouldn't get a DIME from me. I have a hard time believing that you come across any differently in "real life" than you do on these boards, although I hope you do.

I don't hear the housekeeping staff on here moaning and complaining about not getting tipped. In fact Disney's "Official" policy is that it's not a tipped position. And they work just as hard as you do, and I'd have to guess that they make less.

You're preaching to the wrong audience. WDW is promoting this service as "tips included". If you feel that you are being wronged, then either take it up with WDW, or GET A NEW JOB!

Anne