Tipping at resort hotels

[JSCTRico4]

The guidelines for tipping are so clear on the cruise ships. I like that! I have no idea if/how to tip at the resort hotels. We got the dining plan, and it says it includes gratuities. Please help with your advice/experience....

 

[Dicecatt]

A good rule of thumb is to tip $1 per person, per day. If you are super messy, tip more. If you are really neat, maybe tip a bit less. Tip each day, not at the end of your stay, because you may have different mousekeepers each day.

The gratuity included on the dining plan is for meals only, not for anything else. And if you have a server that goes above and beyond, you may want to slip them an extra few $$ on top of the included gratuity. You may not, but you can if you want.

I actually premake up my mousekeeping envelopes, because if you just leave cash somewhere they won't take it, it has to be clear to them that it is a tip.

 

[SFLTIGGER]

Hey Dicecatt,

Are your Mousekeeping envelopes just plain w/ Mousekeeping written on them or do you do something else special. I think it is a great idea

 

[zima-cheryl]

We always tip our housekeepers well -- especially the first day or two. Amazing how many extra towels, pillows, coffee/sugar packets and other things you get. I usually do $3 to $5 each day for the 2 of us. It really does pay off in the service you get!

For the dining plan, I would say toss in a few extra dollars. We were there earlier in August and I asked someone what exactly that meant. The waitress at Ragalan Road said they get $3.80 per person on the dining plan. When you add up the cost of appetizer, dinner, dessert & drink (assuming you don't have any extras) -- she is maybe getting a little over 10%. And often the waitress have to split tips w/the bussers &/or host/hostess. You may never see them again, but considering all the kids & rude tourist they put up w/each day they deserve it.

 

[JSCTRico4]

This is EXACTLY the info I needed! We usually tip when eating out based on the quality of service. I usually do 10 if it's horrible, 15 for average, and 20 or more if it's excellent. Knowing that the included tip is around 10 is helpful. I'm surprised it's that low if it's already factored in.

Does anyone ever tip the bus driver's, or how about for luggage handling? Because it "magically" appears, who would you tip?

 

[Minnie's Mate]

We always drive so I can't really advise on the Magical Express Service, or what ever it is called. But tipping the driver would be appropriate.

For the Bellperson, $1/bag is considered appropriate for delivery to the room. For the person who unloads the bags from the car, I give $2-$5 depending on the number of bags. However, this is optional. This would be appropriate for the baggage handler who unloads your bags from the bus, too. Also optional. Just remember, these people have provided a service and tipping is appropriate anytime a service is provided.

Housekeeping has been covered appropriately.

 

[JPN4265]

Tipping for mousekeeping is not expected because they are a salaried position. Tip only if you feel the need. But that is the case for all services provided to you. Tipping is a reward for OUTSTANDING SERVICE, and should never be expected by anyone.

 

[Lorix2]

This is EXACTLY the info I needed! We usually tip when eating out based on the quality of service. I usually do 10 if it's horrible, 15 for average, and 20 or more if it's excellent. Knowing that the included tip is around 10 is helpful. I'm surprised it's that low if it's already factored in.

Does anyone ever tip the bus driver's, or how about for luggage handling? Because it "magically" appears, who would you tip?

I think I have read that with Dining Plan, an 18% gratuity is automatically included for the server.

 

[shyjade]

I think I have read that with Dining Plan, an 18% gratuity is automatically included for the server.

Yes, the servers receive 18% on Disney's dining plan. The waitress who said "$3.20" may have been lying to receive more out of sympathy - who knows; maybe she was misinformed but I servers aren't normally misinformed on such info...that's their "wage"! The industry standard is a minimum of 15% (no longer 10% as it was many, many years ago yet so many still follow ).

 

[ReneeA]

Yes, the servers receive 18% on Disney's dining plan. The waitress who said "$3.20" may have been lying to receive more out of sympathy - who knows; maybe she was misinformed but I servers aren't normally misinformed on such info...that's their "wage"! The industry standard is a minimum of 15% (no longer 10% as it was many, many years ago yet so many still follow ).

From what I've read here, it depends on whether the restaurant is a Disney owned establishment or not. The non-disney owned places only get a set amount (something like $25 for the ENTIRE meal) from the DDP. The waitstaff is then given the tip based on THAT amount rather than the total amount that the customer actually orders. Based on that info, the $3.20 tip sounds about right, unfortunately.

Last year, we tipped $3-5 a day for mousekeeping, depending on how many dollars we had floating around that day. This year, I am making up envelopes and filling them ahead of time so that we know we have it in the mornings.

We added a tip at all TS but one last year. We had great service, and I like to reward for that. Also, when we were there last year, the tip was still only 15%. We NEVER tip that low, and I don't care if we ran up a $200 bill and the server got a large tip based on that...we still added enough to bring our tip up to the 20-25% range. It's what we would do while at home, I'm not going to change that because we are on vacation.

 

[chelliet]

Is the tip not included on the receipt when you're on the DDP? When we go out to dinner here, say with a large group of friends, the gratuity is included with the bill and clearly listed on the receipt. I always tip well, also, because I worked in the service industry for years and I know how hard it is, but it would be helpful to know exactly what the amount is that the server received so I could plan accordingly.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Does anyone ever tip the bus driver's, or how about for luggage handling? Because it "magically" appears, who would you tip?

I tip anyone I see who handles my luggage. But using DME as it was designed, DISNEY tips the luggage person who delivers your bags.

 

[Minnie's Mate]

Tipping for mousekeeping is not expected because they are a salaried position. Tip only if you feel the need. But that is the case for all services provided to you. Tipping is a reward for OUTSTANDING SERVICE, and should never be expected by anyone.

As you say, this is the case for all service positions. Wait staff are hourly paid wager earners. Their hourly wage is rediculously low because tips are expected by their employers and considered part of their compensation.

Housekeepers at all hotels are hourly or salaried positions but tips are still customary. Same with bellstaff and valet staff positions and bar tenders and hair stylist, and the list goes on. It is even considered customary to tip your mail carrier and they are quasi-government employees (but that is a different discussion).

 

[DisneyDad in PA]

Found this on the web:

Generally, parking valets should be tipped $1-2 when you leave your car and again $1-$2 when they get your car. Originally, tips were optional and given to reward exceptional service.

Nowadays, tips are more or less expected. Many service workers are paid minimum wage, and rely on tips to augment their earnings.

Here are some guidelines for tipping: Generally, salaried staff such as hotel managers or cruise captains are not tipped. Gratuities are given to service employees such as valets, waiters, housekeepers, taxicab drivers, airport porters, hairstylists, and tour guides.

Always carry smaller bills such as one-dollar bills (or two-dollar bills) when going out to dinner or traveling. Except for gratuities added to your credit card, or those left in the hotel room, or in a note as indicated below, it’s nice to fold the bill at least in half and say “thank you” while handing the gratuity to them.

The amount of the tip is up to you. But, the following are some general gratuity amounts:

AT THE RESTAURANT:

Maitre d': $20 or more, if a special service is performed such as getting you a table when you have no reservation and the restaurant is full.

Waiters: 15-20% of the bill, unless a gratuity is already added to the bill. In the United States normally a gratuity is not automatically added unless you have a party of 6 or more. In a buffet restaurant, add 10% to the bill for gratuity. Many foreign countries automatically add gratuities, so check your bill carefully. Overseas, even if the gratuity is already added, some people like to leave some small change on the table.

Sommelier (Wine Steward): 15% percent of the bottle price

Cocktail Waitress or Bar Waiter: 15% of bill or $1 minimum whichever is greater (i.e. if a drink costs $5, then 15% is 75 cents, but leave $1).

Bartender: if you are served at the bar, 15% of the bill, or $1 minimum, whichever is greater.

Coat Check: $1 per coat

Restroom Attendants: $0.50-$1

Musician in Lounge: $1-$5.

AT THE HOTEL:

Parking Valets: $1-2 when you leave your car and again when they get your car.

Bell Hop: $1 per bag plus a couple extra if he shows you the room.

Doorman: $1 for hailing a cab; if he helps with luggage, same as Bell Hop.

Concierge: nothing for simple questions. But, if they make restaurant reservations, obtain theater tickets for you, make travel arrangements, then $5-$10 per task performed. Put the gratuity in an envelope with a note of thanks and give to the concierge.

Room Service: 15% of the bill, unless a gratuity is already added, then no additional tip or $1.

Delivery to Room: if you requested something delivered such as a hairdryer: $1

Housekeepers (maids): $1-2 per day left at the end of your stay. (I leave around $1 per day per person and I leave it each day, makes more sense to take advantage of the goodwill while you are there)

Spa Services: 15-20%, if a service charge is not already included. Ask that the gratuity be divided among the providers.

Swimming Pool Attendant: No tip for handing out towels, only if special service performed, then $1-$2.

AT THE AIRPORT:

Porters and Skycaps: $1 per bag

Shoeshine Person: $3-$5

Cab Drivers: 15% of the bill.

ON A CRUISE SHIP:

Some cruise lines add the gratuity onto the payment for you, so check with the specific cruise ship on which you will be traveling. Otherwise, plan to include tipping as part of the cost of taking a cruise. Usually small envelopes are left in your cabin with suggestions for gratuity amounts such as:

Cabin Stewards and Waiters: $3-$4 each per guest per day.

Maitre d' and Busboy: $1.50-$2 each per guest per day. (Some suggest $10-$15 to Maitre d' for the week).

Hand out the gratuities in the envelopes to each person at the last evening’s meal, and to the cabin steward the day before the cruise ends. On a cruise ship, you don't need to tip your bartender, wine steward or bar waiter because a 15% surcharge has been added to every drink for gratuity. Some cruise lines may state “tipping not required”, but tips should still be given for good service. The link below gives tipping guidelines for different cruise lines.

OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED:

Tour Guide: $2-$5 for a 1-2 hour sightseeing tour.

Pizza Delivery: at $1 per pizza or 10% of the bill.

Furniture Delivery: $10 each person

Hair stylist: 15% of the bill, whichever is more.

Blackjack Dealer: $2-$10 or minimum bet at the table, after you're through playing (click on link below for more details)

Change Person at Slot Machine: 5-10% of your jackpot.

 

[Minnie's Mate]

Thanks Dad for the extensive, although not exhaustive, list and set of guidelines. Pretty much any one who does anything for you should be considered.

Originally, tips were given before the service to asure good service and tip is an acronym for "to insure prompt service". Or at least that is one theory of how they started.

 

[Dicecatt]

Hey Dicecatt,

Are your Mousekeeping envelopes just plain w/ Mousekeeping written on them or do you do something else special. I think it is a great idea

I'm kind of a dork, so I had fun with the mousekeeping envelopes. I looked on the web for cute Disney Clip Art, and pulled some of my favorites. I cut and pasted them, with "Thank you Mousekeeping" under the pictures, I cut them out and put them on colored envelopes. Then I went ahead and stuffed them, 6 weeks ahead, and they are all ready to go. I did it for the turn down mousekeepers too, but a little less money.

Right now I'm trying to find a Mickey on a Yacht, for our Grand 1 Captain and our Breathless Cruise captain! Told you I'm a dork.

 

[naz022292]

Someone asked if the tip was listed on the reciept. I know for sure that it was listed on Coral Reef, LeCellier, Hollywood & Vine, & Biergarten. We also ate at Planet Hollywood - but our table was dark - and we actually never really looked at reciept just signed - so I can't be sure that it was on there. The other 4 restaurants clearly stated tip amount, and it was always 18%, even at buffets.

Also, be careful if you order drinks or extra OOP. This comes on seperate receipt but they add the 18% onto that automatically.