Tipping in the US - Aulani, Hawaii

[Meemoo]

Hello

I was just remembering how confusing my family found tipping when we last visited Hawaii. We are not from the USA, so if someone could fill me in a little on tipping whilst on vacation it would be most appreciated. Whilst dining at the buffet & Ama Ama at Aulani, I noticed a sign on the table stating that good service is recognized via a tip of 18% - is this what most would pay, as I read that tipping should be around 10%?? Thank you

 

[Pakey]

We tip 20%. 18% would be minimum for a good tip.

 

[rsschneck]

We usually tip 18% (before taxes). I adjust for great and poor service. So usually 15-20% but for really BAD service I will go down to 10%.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Tables service is typically in the 15-20% range assuming you have received good service.

Buffets are typically less because you are doing a lot of the service for yourself.

 

[Dean]

Hello

I was just remembering how confusing my family found tipping when we last visited Hawaii. We are not from the USA, so if someone could fill me in a little on tipping whilst on vacation it would be most appreciated. Whilst dining at the buffet & Ama Ama at Aulani, I noticed a sign on the table stating that good service is recognized via a tip of 18% - is this what most would pay, as I read that tipping should be around 10%?? Thank you

http://www.emilypost.com/out-and-about/tipping/89-general-tipping-guidelines

I'd clarify that for bell services it's for the final destination of the bags not each step and for valet parking it's on delivery of the car, not drop off. Also, while the standard for buffet's is 10%, Disney's buffet's are usually a few steps above the normal buffet and likely a higher tip (maybe 15% but not 20%) is reasonable. They only other issue is that the one that is usually on the fence is housekeeping, what we normally do is find out if they're paid in a tipped position or not and react accordingly and in line with their service. Of course for timeshares they don't provide daily service normally.

 

[Meemoo]

Thanks for the useful link Dean, that will surely explain the most of it for us!

One last thing....when paying the tip in a dining situation, do we leave the money on the table, hand it to our server - or there is a section I noticed on the receipt that says 'tips' but I am assuming this is to tip the restaurant not the waiter?

 

[Dean]

Thanks for the useful link Dean, that will surely explain the most of it for us!

One last thing....when paying the tip in a dining situation, do we leave the money on the table, hand it to our server - or there is a section I noticed on the receipt that says 'tips' but I am assuming this is to tip the restaurant not the waiter?

That was simply one choice. I'd actually recommend you look at several to get the best feel, do a search for tipping etiquette and look at non Disney sites like USA today, huffington post, ask.com and the like, places that have some built in credibility. All of the methods you mentioned are appropriate. We usually leave it on the check. As a rule in the US the final bill after payment if paid with a credit or debit card will have a line to add tip. I'm not sure how they do it at Aulani but at WDW they actually tend to want you to add it in first when they bring the check because of the way they do the charges to the room. This always gets me. For cash we usually leave it on the table but we prefer to hand it directly to the server when we can simply because if you don't, they don't always get it, esp if they use busboys.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thanks for the useful link Dean, that will surely explain the most of it for us!

One last thing....when paying the tip in a dining situation, do we leave the money on the table, hand it to our server - or there is a section I noticed on the receipt that says 'tips' but I am assuming this is to tip the restaurant not the waiter?

Tips are for the servers - not the restaurants so if you see that (which you will at most locations) that is one place you can add the tip for the waiter.

Dean - I've never done anything different at WDW than any other restaurant and never been asked to do otherwise. So bill comes - review and then hand credit card to server - they come back with the credit card authorization slip to sign and add tip which we do and then total up, sign and leave. Same thing if we do a a room charge. Aulani was also the same.

 

[4under4]

15% if considered the low end of normal in the US. Anything less indicates that you were unhappy with something. I won't agree with the PP about buffets unless you're getting drinks yourself, and the dishes are piling up. If your server is clearing your table & refilling your drinks, they're working as hard, or harder, than a regular server that can leave the clean up to the busboy.

I was about to write a long note about the other people that you will likely run into that should also be tipped, but a quick google and I found this great article...

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/traveller-tips/top-10-tips-on-tipping-in-america-20090316-8za2.html

Having lived overseas for a number of years, I know this can be a shock for people not from the US, but for us it's normal. I wouldn't mind not having to tip, but in a way I feel like it gives me a bit of "pixie dust power"... I can sprinkle a little extra on those that deserve it, and hold back when it's not deserved.

One last note though. If your food is taking too long, or arrives improperly cooked that is USUALLY the fault of the kitchen staff, not your server. Don't be afraid to ask your server to make it right &/or ask for a manager. But don't stiff the server without giving them a chance to fix a problem. Not too long ago I ordered salmon at a higher end restaurant (not Disney). It came to the table still raw and actually cold in the middle. The server was horrified, and while I didn't make a fuss, I knew he kept apologizing out of fear that his tip was going to be affected. I would never short a server for something like this unless they didn't show any interest in correcting the problem.

 

[Dean]

Tips are for the servers - not the restaurants so if you see that (which you will at most locations) that is one place you can add the tip for the waiter.

Dean - I've never done anything different at WDW than any other restaurant and never been asked to do otherwise. So bill comes - review and then hand credit card to server - they come back with the credit card authorization slip to sign and add tip which we do and then total up, sign and leave. Same thing if we do a a room charge. Aulani was also the same.

It varies and it likely happens with the DP more than others but there's generally a place to add tip on the initial check and they've frequently closed the check with no where to add the tip later. I know I had one time recently where I had to decide on cash or just writing it in freehand with no blank on the check. It does happen that our last 3 trips we've had at least one room on the DP.

 

[Dean]

15% if considered the low end of normal in the US. Anything less indicates that you were unhappy with something. I won't agree with the PP about buffets unless you're getting drinks yourself, and the dishes are piling up. If your server is clearing your table & refilling your drinks, they're working as hard, or harder, than a regular server that can leave the clean up to the busboy.

I was about to write a long note about the other people that you will likely run into that should also be tipped, but a quick google and I found this great article...

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/traveller-tips/top-10-tips-on-tipping-in-america-20090316-8za2.html

Having lived overseas for a number of years, I know this can be a shock for people not from the US, but for us it's normal. I wouldn't mind not having to tip, but in a way I feel like it gives me a bit of "pixie dust power"... I can sprinkle a little extra on those that deserve it, and hold back when it's not deserved.

One last note though. If your food is taking too long, or arrives improperly cooked that is USUALLY the fault of the kitchen staff, not your server. Don't be afraid to ask your server to make it right &/or ask for a manager. But don't stiff the server without giving them a chance to fix a problem. Not too long ago I ordered salmon at a higher end restaurant (not Disney). It came to the table still raw and actually cold in the middle. The server was horrified, and while I didn't make a fuss, I knew he kept apologizing out of fear that his tip was going to be affected. I would never short a server for something like this unless they didn't show any interest in correcting the problem.

The standard for buffet's is 10%. It's not because they don't work as hard but because the amount they do comparatively for a given table is less than a full service restaurant. They also have have more tables and thus more opportunities for tips for the same reason. While I'd agree that they tend to be in between at Disney buffet's, not to the tune of 18-20%, I'd say 15% there would be very appropriate.

 

[4under4]

I might be willing to go 15%, but certainly no less.

Servers get 18% automatically when I use TIW (or eat with 6+) at a Disney buffet, and I don't begrudge them that amount. All the friends/family I've ever known that worked as servers at some time in their lives agree.... being a server for a buffet is harder/messier, and the base salary is the same (or even less) than someone working a traditional table service.

 

[Dean]

I might be willing to go 15%, but certainly no less.

Servers get 18% automatically when I use TIW (or eat with 6+) at a Disney buffet, and I don't begrudge them that amount. All the friends/family I've ever known that worked as servers at some time in their lives agree.... being a server for a buffet is harder/messier, and the base salary is the same (or even less) than someone working a traditional table service.

The base salary would likely be the same if they are in a tipped position. You point out one of the problems with the TIW and I do see it as a problem. As I pointed out earlier, wait staff at a buffet has more tables and more opportunities for tips. It sounds like we've met in the middle and I do think that 15% is the correct base amount for WDW buffet's.

 

[Mamiamjo]

I usually leave 20% for good table service and 10% for buffet.
Using increments of 10% is much easier on my feeble brain

 

[Meemoo]

Thanks for the info! Wow, it can sure add a lot to a bill at restaurants like Ama Ama, where the total will be $200 min for a family of 4, then add 20% tips! I get it though, and I do believe that service standards are much better in the US for this very reason, I never receive such good table service back home.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

It varies and it likely happens with the DP more than others but there's generally a place to add tip on the initial check and they've frequently closed the check with no where to add the tip later. I know I had one time recently where I had to decide on cash or just writing it in freehand with no blank on the check. It does happen that our last 3 trips we've had at least one room on the DP.

I missed where you were talking about the DP. The last time we did that tip was included. I have seen the spot for tip prior to the charge being done but I've never seen it disappear on the final slip.

 

[k3chantal]

We tip 20%. 18% would be minimum for a good tip.

I tip the same; good to great service deserves 20 percent. If I have so so service I may just do 10% but the service has to be really poor and in their control to change (as much as I can assess that).

To the OP, if you have a smart phone; there are great apps that can calculate and even split the tip cost per person. I can get the name of the one I like tomorrow; phone is down stairs and I am heading to bed now.

 

[lodge]

15% if considered the low end of normal in the US. Anything less indicates that you were unhappy with something. I won't agree with the PP about buffets unless you're getting drinks yourself, and the dishes are piling up. If your server is clearing your table & refilling your drinks, they're working as hard, or harder, than a regular server that can leave the clean up to the busboy.
Having lived overseas for a number of years, I know this can be a shock for people not from the US, but for us it's normal. I wouldn't mind not having to tip, but in a way I feel like it gives me a bit of "pixie dust power"... I can sprinkle a little extra on those that deserve it, and hold back when it's not deserved.
One last note though. If your food is taking too long, or arrives improperly cooked that is USUALLY the fault of the kitchen staff, not your server. Don't be afraid to ask your server to make it right &/or ask for a manager. But don't stiff the server without giving them a chance to fix a problem. Not too long ago I ordered salmon at a higher end restaurant (not Disney). It came to the table still raw and actually cold in the middle. The server was horrified, and while I didn't make a fuss, I knew he kept apologizing out of fear that his tip was going to be affected. I would never short a server for something like this unless they didn't show any interest in correcting the problem.

I agree completely.... smaller tip is due to the server's service (taking into consideration how busy their workload also). Poor food leads to a non-repeat visit or honest review on tripadvisor.com

I never thought I'd see the day, but had a server once that was just horrible (waited 30 minutes for drinks, never refilled, others ran her food out for her, and we could see her spacing out in the wings, literally just standing there in a daze). The other servers were running their behinds off, and the manager was absentee. This server received a two cent tip. She has always stood out as worst server ever. ANY amount of work would have gotten her 10% (taking our order doesn't count for much), but she wasn't even the one who brought our drinks. Still can't believe it.

 

[JimMIA]

One thing to always check on your bill is whether the tip has already been added.

It is commonplace in resort destinations for an 18-20% tip to be automatically added to ALL checks. The reason is they get visitors from all over the world, and tips are NOT customary in many, many places so guests don't know. Also, many US restaurants automatically add a tip for parties of certain sizes (typically 6 or more).

In those restaurants, there will usually be a line on the credit card voucher to add an additional tip, but it may not be shown as additional. In other words, they might add the tip to the check and then you could add a double tip if you're not checking the check/voucher carefully. That's especially easy to do if you only look at the credit card voucher, because it will usually only bring forward the total charge after tax and automatic tip (if any), so you won't even know you double-tipped.

In some restaurants, you will find that they did some handy math suggestions for you, showing the tip amounts for your check at the rates of 15%, 18%, and 20%.

 

[Dean]

I agree completely.... smaller tip is due to the server's service (taking into consideration how busy their workload also). Poor food leads to a non-repeat visit or honest review on tripadvisor.com

I never thought I'd see the day, but had a server once that was just horrible (waited 30 minutes for drinks, never refilled, others ran her food out for her, and we could see her spacing out in the wings, literally just standing there in a daze). The other servers were running their behinds off, and the manager was absentee. This server received a two cent tip. She has always stood out as worst server ever. ANY amount of work would have gotten her 10% (taking our order doesn't count for much), but she wasn't even the one who brought our drinks. Still can't believe it.

First, I despise the tipping system because it's variable, chaotic and transfers costs of a business directly to the customer in an end run way. That being said, I am also a rule follower. Lastly I realize they have to make one choice even if they are on the fence (housekeeping is an example of this situation). So the way I approach tipping is to find out what the standards are the best I can then I consider other variables. As I rule I tip those in a tipped position and don't those who aren't and if I'm unclear, I put the effort in to find out. I tip pre tax and before any discounts. After that I evaluate the situation, service, food, did we share, small check, alcohol (15% is the correct amount) and the like and adjust accordingly.


If you do as I did and look through a bunch (30-40 at least) of general tipping guidelines; you'll see that the standard for buffet's is 10%. I only found 3 that were different and some had no guideline listed. One said 15%, one said $1-2 if they carry your tray and one said $2-3. I do believe Disney buffet's are a little different and that an adjustment is in order but I do not believe it is reasonable to look at an expectation of anything above 15%. Of course everyone can do as they want. I'm always amazed at how people try to make Disney it's own little world where the laws or nature don't apply like the valet/bell services issue. Even Passporter says 10-15% for Disney buffet's.