Tipping in WDW

[wilma-bride]

With DDP, the server will take away one of your KTTW cards (your room key which will also hold all the info on your dining credits). The server will deduct the correct number of adult and child table service credits from the card. The server will then return the KTTW card together with a receipt which will show the total amount, the number of dining credits deducted and there will be a line for the tip (often a suggested amount is already worked out).

If you want to charge the tip to your Fairfx card, which is perfectly fine, then you just write in the amount you wish to tip and the server will take that away. Usually, they will bring you the copy of the bill first so you can add in the tip amount (just write it at the bottom of the bill), then they can take your KTTW card and Fairfx card together. Another way to do it would be to charge the tip to your room (all done through your KTTW card then) and then settle your room charges using your Fairfx card.

Hope that makes sense, it's late and my head's not working that great

 

[iluvtot]

With DDP, the server will take away one of your KTTW cards (your room key which will also hold all the info on your dining credits)....... Another way to do it would be to charge the tip to your room (all done through your KTTW card then) and then settle your room charges using your Fairfx card.

Hope that makes sense, it's late and my head's not working that great

Thankyou so much that certainly seems the easier option. Must remember to take note of the amounts though!
One other question. We are a family of 5, 2 adults, 3 teens; ds17 and twin dd's 15. Will we each have a KTTWcard with our own dining credits, or will the whole family allocation be on one card?

Thanks again!
Jules x

 

[wilma-bride]

You will each have a KTTW but the credits will effectively be 'pooled' and any of the cards can be used to pay.

 

[iluvtot]

You will each have a KTTW but the credits will effectively be 'pooled' and any of the cards can be used to pay.

Ah! Will have to keep an eye on the snack credits then! Ds is planning on going off on his own sometimes. Have credits, will spend (lots!) methinks!!
Thanks so much for the info

Jules x

 

[UKDEB]

Just playing Devil's Advocate here (because Joh has offered some very valuable advice), but I'd be reluctant to wait until the CM has issued your KTTWs before enquiring about an upgrade, because they can't simply re-code the cards - they'd have to print new ones. I'd be tempted to broach the subject straight away. Flash your best smile as you approach the desk and tell the CM you're checking in. Once you've got the immediate pleasantries out of the way, I'd suggest saying something along the lines of, "We've booked a standard view. How much would it cost to upgrade to a savannah view?" The CM will then check the system. If there are upgrades available, the cost will appear on the screen. If it's free, or you've been pre-allocated an automatic upgrade, the CM will say so. There won't be any skulduggery, so you're not going to risk missing out or paying over the odds.

We always used to add our tips to the bill and pay the total by credit card, but for several years now we've been leaving the tip element in cash. That way, your server receives the tip immediately and in full, rather than having to wait for their pay check and then having tax deducted.

Personally, and this is purely me, I tip the following people:

Servers in table service/buffet restaurants (10% for buffets, 20-25% depending on service elsewhere)
Housekeeping - we normally leave $5 day for family of 5
Valet parking - a couple of $ per time, when we leave and when we collect
Bus drivers, if they handle bags for us - $1 per bag
Bartenders - $1 per drink, unless gratuity is automatically included
Room service - a couple of $$

Broadly speaking, we tip very similarly. At bars, though, we tip a percentage - normally 20%+. We do tend to spend time sitting at bars and chatting to bartenders, though, rather than just grabbing a drink to go. We tip taxi drivers around 20% (although 15% is probably adequate). Most hotels automatically add a service charge and a gratuity to room service bills. The service charge goes to the hotel, the tip to the staff member. If you use the bellhop, the going rate is $5, plus $1 per bag. They'll take your luggage to the room, show you how the air-con and TV works, tell you about resort facilities and answer any questions you may have.

But, what if the desk at the hotel give me my garden grocer order? What do i tip then?

Or what if they get me a room upgrade?

Only certain positions at WDW are permitted to accept tips. The front desk isn't one of them, so no worries there.

 

[higgy66]

Hi

How do you leave your tip for house keeping? Do you leave it in a envelope addressed to them or just leave $$ on the dresser?

 

[wickesy]

Hi

How do you leave your tip for house keeping? Do you leave it in a envelope addressed to them or just leave $$ on the dresser?

We leave it in an envelope addressed to House (Mouse) Keeping so they know it's for them. A lot of staff, understandably, won't take money that is just loose in the room.

 

[UKDEB]

I've never left it in an envelope and the only time it hasn't been taken (Disney or otherwise) was at the Ritz-Carlton, Grande Lakes when I left a $5 bill. As long as you leave $1 bills in an obvious place, such as on the table or dresser, they shouldn't have any problem realising it's for them.

 

[torsie24]

I tend to leave room tips on the unmade bed, and so far people have always taken them.

I'm excited to make super cute mousekeeping envelopes for this trip though!

 

[torsie24]

Once you've got the immediate pleasantries out of the way, I'd suggest saying something along the lines of, "We've booked a standard view. How much would it cost to upgrade to a savannah view?" The CM will then check the system. If there are upgrades available, the cost will appear on the screen. If it's free, or you've been pre-allocated an automatic upgrade, the CM will say so. There won't be any skulduggery, so you're not going to risk missing out or paying over the odds.

Wonderful! Thanks for the tip Deb!

Having only been to DLRP recently, just how pleasant are the WDW hote CMs? Like will they converse with me enough before check in that I can slip in there about our engagment?

 

[disney_princess_85]

Having only been to DLRP recently, just how pleasant are the WDW hote CMs? Like will they converse with me enough before check in that I can slip in there about our engagment?

Just wave your hand around a bit so they see your ring! In my experience they are very friendly and from what I've heard, they are more than willing to do something special for a recently (-ish, but they don't need to know that!) engaged couple. When I fax them my room request, I'm going to subtly drop it in that it's our anniversary...

 

[UKDEB]

just how pleasant are the WDW hote CMs? Like will they converse with me enough before check in that I can slip in there about our engagment?

Sadly, there's no "one size fits all" check-in CM. Some of them are full of the joys of spring, intelligent and engaging; others are miserable and struggle with even the most basic human interaction. Our check-in experience at SSR last November was bizarre in the extreme, with the CM barely acknowledging us during the entire transaction and using grunts and gestures to communicate.

 

[torsie24]

Sadly, there's no "one size fits all" check-in CM. Some of them are full of the joys of spring, intelligent and engaging; others are miserable and struggle with even the most basic human interaction. Our check-in experience at SSR last November was bizarre in the extreme, with the CM barely acknowledging us during the entire transaction and using grunts and gestures to communicate.

Here's hoping for the first type!!

 

[disney_princess_85]

Our check-in experience at SSR last November was bizarre in the extreme, with the CM barely acknowledging us during the entire transaction and using grunts and gestures to communicate.

Oh dear. I'll be so disappointed if I encounter such a CM!