Tipping baggage handlers

[Teewan78]

$2/bag for me

 

[bocaj1431]

$1 to $3 per bag???!!! I've never heard that. Is that written somewhere? When we unload, we have about 10 to 15 smaller bags between the 6 of us. There's no way I'm giving them $45 or even $15 to unload my bags and put them on a cart.

We usually give $5 to unload them and another $5 to $10 to have them delivered. Because of the way Disney does the unloading/valet then transfer to Bellman process, you have to deal with two different people. So if it were one person doing all of the work, maybe it would be $10 to $15 for one person.

I don't know, I've just never heard of a set dollar amount per bag.

ETA... I don't know if they pool tips and then split it or not, I would imagine they do. So it's irrelevant who you give the money to I think. But I could be wrong. In your case, I would tip whoever you have "face" contact with. If you drop your bags off to only one person and then they show up in your room "magically", I would tip that one person.

Actually, in the Passporter's Walt Disney World travel guide they recommend tipping 1$ - 2$ per bag to bell services upon delivery and pick up. I know I have also seen this recommendation on another disney cite. In addition it is customary to tip the individuals taking your bags, when you drop them off for baggage check at the hotel to be delivered to the plane for departure.

This year I will tip 3$ - 5$ for baggage pick up and delivery at the hotel. Last year we went on our first vacation ever and it was to DW. I did not know they had bell services and I did not know they had carts at the airport to help with baggage. It is just my son and I traveling and he can not carry anything. I had to drag 3 huge suitcases, a carry on and a backpack through the airport, to the car, and then from the car to the hotel room in 90 degree weather. I was so exhausted! I will never ever do that again! But, it made me realize how difficult it is to lug those suitcases around and I am sure it is no picnic for the bell hop's either! I think they deserve at least the 1$-2$ per bag.

 

[Dean]

Actually, in the Passporter's Walt Disney World travel guide they recommend tipping 1$ - 2$ per bag to bell services upon delivery and pick up. I know I have also seen this recommendation on another disney cite.

This is why I recommended only looking at non Disney sites. Some of the Disney sites have done the same thing as many here on DIS do, try to micromanage the system and design their own guide usually taken from such discussions on DIS and elsewhere. Disney is not the only place that has a 2 step or more system to get the bags from the car to the room. To me it's just like the recommendations to tip valet only at pick up, it will even out. However, I can see breaking up the tips and giving each person their own directly rather than counting on the system to share or average out. What I don't see is tipping extra total just because they've made the system more difficult, more confusion and more disjointed.

In addition it is customary to tip the individuals taking your bags, when you drop them off for baggage check at the hotel to be delivered to the plane for departure.

This is essentially tipping at the destination of the bags since you won't be there to tip on the other end.

 

[JimC]

Agree with Dean that looking at non-Disney travel etiquette sites will give you a better sense of what is common. I tip as part of my "thank you" for the service. The non-Disney travel etiquette guidelines are a good reference, but I modify for a number of variables -- any special service provided (such as helping with a wheelchair), bag weight, bag size, weather (particularly during heavy rainfall for valet). I also remember that official "tipped" positions are paid a lower minimum wage. There was a move in Florida about a year ago to reduce it, but thankfully it died in committee.

 

[AmyB2006]

Actually, in the Passporter's Walt Disney World travel guide they recommend tipping 1$ - 2$ per bag to bell services upon delivery and pick up. I know I have also seen this recommendation on another disney cite.

Well so be it. I don't read any travel guides for Disney, we live in FL and are here often. So I don't find the need to check travel guides.

Personally, I think $5 to spend 30 to 60 seconds moving some backpacks and a few tote bags to the luggage cart is more than adequate. By the time the bags get to my room, I am paying $10 to $15 because I tip the bellhop bringing the bags to the room as well. Usually more, because imo, they're doing more work.

If people think that's cheap, oh well.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Well so be it. I don't read any travel guides for Disney, we live in FL and are here often. So I don't find the need to check travel guides.

Personally, I think $5 to spend 30 to 60 seconds moving some backpacks and a few tote bags to the luggage cart is more than adequate. By the time the bags get to my room, I am paying $10 to $15 because I tip the bellhop bringing the bags to the room as well. Usually more, because imo, they're doing more work.

If people think that's cheap, oh well.

I've never tipped the valet for loading the bags onto the cart. I know I'm punishing the wrong person, but I totally object to the way the process works, now. I'm sorry, but it's not my fault that Disney chose to keep bell services as organic labor while outsourcing the portico labor. I do typically tip the bellman about $15-$20 at the room because they're usually delivering two large suitcases, 3-4 small bags, and two 10,000 lb owner's lockers. If there's not a tip sharing arrangement between bell services and the valet, I'm very sorry that hasn't worked itself out. It might be mean spirited, but I don't view it as my problem.

When we switch resorts for a split stay, I'll give the same to the bellman picking up the bags at the first resort, and upon receipt of them in the room at the second resort.

 

[dwelty]

I've never tipped the valet for loading the bags onto the cart. I know I'm punishing the wrong person, but I totally object to the way the process works, now. I'm sorry, but it's not my fault that Disney chose to keep bell services as organic labor while outsourcing the portico labor. I do typically tip the bellman about $15-$20 at the room because they're usually delivering two large suitcases, 3-4 small bags, and two 10,000 lb owner's lockers. If there's not a tip sharing arrangement between bell services and the valet, I'm very sorry that hasn't worked itself out. It might be mean spirited, but I don't view it as my problem.

When we switch resorts for a split stay, I'll give the same to the bellman picking up the bags at the first resort, and upon receipt of them in the room at the second resort.

Dave I completely agree with you. I travel all over the country every month for business and Disney is the only place I have ever been that has this strange system. I will tip a valet for bringing me my car, and I do baggage tipping on delivery.

 

[Dean]

Agree with Dean that looking at non-Disney travel etiquette sites will give you a better sense of what is common. I tip as part of my "thank you" for the service. The non-Disney travel etiquette guidelines are a good reference, but I modify for a number of variables -- any special service provided (such as helping with a wheelchair), bag weight, bag size, weather (particularly during heavy rainfall for valet). I also remember that official "tipped" positions are paid a lower minimum wage. There was a move in Florida about a year ago to reduce it, but thankfully it died in committee.

They actually increased the base amount quite a bit just a few years ago IIRC.

 

[Sammie]

I am sorry but for this much stuff I think the minimum tip is $20.

$5 to unload all of that is too cheap.

I agree, I never give them less than a twenty and we usually only have about 4 bags.

 

[bocaj1431]

Well so be it. I don't read any travel guides for Disney, we live in FL and are here often. So I don't find the need to check travel guides.

Personally, I think $5 to spend 30 to 60 seconds moving some backpacks and a few tote bags to the luggage cart is more than adequate. By the time the bags get to my room, I am paying $10 to $15 because I tip the bellhop bringing the bags to the room as well. Usually more, because imo, they're doing more work.

If people think that's cheap, oh well.

Sorry, I didn't mean to insinuate anything. I think tipping is a personal decision. I would not criticize anyone for that. I was just offering the info.

I personally just really appreciate the service. I also think Disney has the best customer service ever. I love how in addition to doing their job, they are so friendly to my son. He loves talking to them all. My son has HFA, and can talk non stop about computers, if you let him. They are always so understanding and that is not something he gets a lot of.

 

[Dean]

I also think Disney has the best customer service ever.

I think that's an unusual opinion especially where to timeshares are concerned.

 

[disneynutz]

I find in general that the service is good, not always great.

IMO tipping is out of control. By definition "TIP" is "to insure promptness" or to move you to the front of the line. I hate companies who design the system to take advantage of guests who feel pressured to tip or who feel that they have to to tip even for average service.

I also hate employees that suck up at tip time. How many restaurant servers are missing in action until the bring you the bill and act like they are your best friend. (where were they when I needed a drink refill)?

Bill

 

[Dean]

I find in general that the service is good, not always great.

IMO tipping is out of control. By definition "TIP" is "to insure promptness" or to move you to the front of the line. I hate companies who design the system to take advantage of guests who feel pressured to tip or who feel that they have to to tip even for average service.

I also hate employees that suck up at tip time. How many restaurant servers are missing in action until the bring you the bill and act like they are your best friend. (where were they when I needed a drink refill)?

Bill

I agree that tipping is out of control and I despise the system that transfers labor and other costs directly to the customer in addition to the direct costs as well as the creep in breadth and amount not to mention the inconsistencies. One minor clarification. While tips may functionally be used to ensure service, my understanding is that the origin of the word is NOT an acronym as you quoted.

 

[disneynutz]

I agree that tipping is out of control and I despise the system that transfers labor and other costs directly to the customer in addition to the direct costs as well as the creep in breadth and amount not to mention the inconsistencies. One minor clarification. While tips may functionally be used to ensure service, my understanding is that the origin of the word is NOT an acronym as you quoted.

I read it on the internet so it has to be true!

Bill

 

[Dean]

I read it on the internet so it has to be true!

Bill

LOL, they should make a commercial about that, Bonjour. Seriously but obscurely, I've researched it before and the best info I could find was that it was NOT an acronym for "To Insure Prompt" or anything similar and that this is an urban legend. I seem to recall it is likely related to a slang term in certain criminal circles from a couple of centuries ago.

 

[bocaj1431]

I think that's an unusual opinion especially where to timeshares are concerned.

Our DW vacation last year was filled with so many examples of great customer service. Many of which had nothing to do with a position in which tips were accepted. There are so many examples of CM's at DW going out of there way to provide you with a magical vacation. If there weren't, Disney would not be as successful as they are.

This will be our first year with DVC. Hopefully, your comment about the timeshare, inferring there is a lower level of customer service with DVC is not accurate. But, even if the service is not perfect, there are so many instances of CM's throughout the parks and waitstaff at the restaurants providing great service that we will still be going back each year!

I guess it's all how you choose to look at things!

 

[Dean]

Our DW vacation last year was filled with so many examples of great customer service. Many of which had nothing to do with a position in which tips were accepted. There are so many examples of CM's at DW going out of there way to provide you with a magical vacation. If there weren't, Disney would not be as successful as they are.

This will be our first year with DVC. Hopefully, your comment about the timeshare, inferring there is a lower level of customer service with DVC is not accurate. But, even if the service is not perfect, there are so many instances of CM's throughout the parks and waitstaff at the restaurants providing great service that we will still be going back each year!

I guess it's all how you choose to look at things!

I think there are several facets of your post that we could address. These include whether Disney itself has good or great customer service and whether it's gone downhill, the same question as it applies to DVC, the difference in service comparing DVC to non DVC where applicable and then comparing DVC to other timeshares (esp other top timeshares).

I believe Disney overall has good to very good service but not great or over the top. They often drop the ball but they are great at recovery. I do think that the service overall has dropped somewhat at resorts and the parks over the years and I think most long term visitors have had a similar opinion. Those here that chose to can add their opinions on these matters as these are my own.

I believe DVC by design has a lower level of service than do other Disney resort components, esp the deluxe ones. I believe that DVC slightly underperforms quite often in areas where they don't have to. And I do feel it has gone downhill modestly as well, esp the last few years. Those of us that have owned for some time have seen a lot of change. Some good and some bad but overall I feel it's been a decrease where service, responsiveness, friendliness and maintenance are concerned. Of course there are built in compromises like non housekeeping. How many reports have we seen here where a real problem was reported with the promise to take care of it only to have someone return from a park day and the issue had no been addressed, answer we've seen many posts along those lines and it seems more the last few years.

Lastly, while the DVC resorts are very nice, nobody does theming like Disney and the on property locations are hard to beat, I feel compared directly to other top timeshares DVC falls behind somewhat in a number of areas. Again, not that they're bad but they could be so much better by simply caring and putting in the effort. I realize some of the issues are related to the fact they have the parks close by (less activities) and the villas are small (real estate more expensive) but they also underperform in maint and responsiveness. Here's an example: How many times have you received a call back from DVC to make sure that a minor problems was handled, say a coffee maker was replaced? I can't think of a single time with DVC and can't think of a time off hand when it didn't happen with a non DVC timeshare in the last 5 years. That's not to say that it never happened with DVC or always with non DVC options but there is a clear difference and this is just one example of many areas where the difference stands out.

Here's another example that's been somewhat representative of our non DVC timeshare experiences. 3 or 4 years ago we were in HH staying at one of the OF Marriott's there and the stove top went out. They ended up replacing the entire top part of the stove because it was electrical. It had absolutely no impact on our vacation. We didn't need it during that time and we had another villa in the same building had we needed to use it. They were very responsive to the initial call, checked it out, kept us informed and had it completed within a few hours, I'm thinking 4-6. The technicians kept us informed and were over the top apologetic, the front desk kept calling to check on us and apologize (several calls) and the front desk manager called us separately at least once. I assured them all (at every turn) that it was fine, it was clear they were taking care of it and it had no real impact on us but they kept acting like it was a big deal. When it was all said and done they sent a wine basket which we tried to refuse but they insisted.

Again, I'm comfortable with DVC or I'd sell it and stay offsite, which we also enjoy doing, but at 7-10 stays/resorts a year and an average of about (guessing) 10-12 villas/yr or more I get a fair comparison I believe. DVC is my first love so if it were equal, I'd likely give them more slack in this area. I fear you're in for a rude awakening because of the height of your expectations, not because DVC or Disney are bad. I also wonder if your experience is less than say 7-10 years such that you wouldn't have as much before to compare to as some of us do.

 

[disneynutz]

I sometimes think that only my family has bad luck at Disney but our experience mirrors Dean's. I have also come to the conclusion that the more you go, the more you know and the more you go the greater chance of something being wrong.

We just concluded an 11 day stay at BWV and my only major issue was the WiFi. Signal strength was strong but too many users with some eating up bandwidth streaming video. We had a couple of table lamps where the lamp socket was lose from the switch, 2 burned out light bulbs, and a loose towel bar that was reported to maintenance but never fixed.

The rooms were clean with a little wear, scratched table tops and the usual bathroom grout problems but nothing major. Windows and balconies were dirty.

Our cleaning schedule as always was messed up because we changed rooms. Getting towels and supplies on day four was like pulling teeth and the Mousekeeper was obviously put out, never received fresh kitchen towels, dishwasher or laundry soap but we keep a backup in our Owners Locker. On day six we got a call from Mousekeeping advising us that they skipped our room because we had a DND sign on the door. Tried to explain that we received service two days prior but due to a language barrier, I don't think that they understood. On check out day the Mousekeeper was over the top friendly, maybe because she was happy that we were leaving early and she could get into the room or maybe because people tip on checkout.

Bill

 

[Dean]

I wanted to clarify one issue so as to be clear. I'm not unhappy with DVC and I'm generally satisfied without needing intervention and when we have issues they're generally taken care of, sometimes with effort on our part though. So please take my points above as comparative, honest and realistic, not unhappiness or complaining.

I must say it's been interesting on DIS over the years. Years ago it seems everyone drank the Kool-aid and we were the outlier on the negative side. Then came the book a week at a time (which cause a big uproar at the time), valet parking and reallocations issues and it seems were now an outlier more in the DVC/DVD apologist direction. I haven't changed my opinion before or after but we've seen a lot of jilted lovers the last few years. To me DVC is a very nice timeshare that happens to be in a location we love, there are other very nice non DVC timeshares (and systems) out there as well. My advice in general is get the facts, spend the time and effort investigating, eyes wide open, assume the worst and minimize risk as absolutely much as possible. Those thoughts apply to any timeshare and will almost always (basically always) lead one to resale.

 

[granmanh603]

I wanted to clarify one issue so as to be clear. I'm not unhappy with DVC and I'm generally satisfied without needing intervention and when we have issues they're generally taken care of, sometimes with effort on our part though. So please take my points above as comparative, honest and realistic, not unhappiness or complaining.

I must say it's been interesting on DIS over the years. Years ago it seems everyone drank the Kool-aid and we were the outlier on the negative side. Then came the book a week at a time (which cause a big uproar at the time), valet parking and reallocations issues and it seems were now an outlier more in the DVC/DVD apologist direction. I haven't changed my opinion before or after but we've seen a lot of jilted lovers the last few years. To me DVC is a very nice timeshare that happens to be in a location we love, there are other very nice non DVC timeshares (and systems) out there as well. My advice in general is get the facts, spend the time and effort investigating, eyes wide open, assume the worst and minimize risk as absolutely much as possible. Those thoughts apply to any timeshare and will almost always (basically always) lead one to resale.

Well I whole heartedly agree with you... it had been 13 years for us and maybe we just go too much and have more time to examine the short comings in the last few years( I have my own opinion why) and this March we did not book(we usually go 3 wks in Oct and March) Last trip in Oct on towel and clean day at SSR the basket was left outside our door for the worker and she never showed up, someone even came looking for her later in the day(worker friend) I had to take the stuff out of basket and do the work myself.. small thing but they tend to add up. Seems like again the last few years they has been alot of issues with the mousekeeping