Tipping Magical Express

[JodyLynC]

I'm sorry. I'm sure this is already posted somewhere, but I cannot find anything in my search.

We will be using Magical Express when we leave WDW. Are you expected to tip? If so, how much? I am assuming it is $1 per bag once we arrive at the airport.

I would appreciate any guidance.

Thank you,
Jody

 

[HatboxGhoul]

You don't have to, it is a complimentary service so technically you shouldn't have to. That being said if you feel like tipping few if any of the drivers will turn down a tip. Generally we'll tip $1 per bag we have. If on the return trip we have a heavy bag we'll $2 for it.

 

[Kaytie]

You don't have to, it is a complimentary service so technically you shouldn't have to.

It is customary, though, to tip anyone who handles your luggage*. Typically $1 per suitcase but not less than $2.

*Except inbound DME-tagged luggage delivered by truck and then Bell Services/Luggage Assistance.

 

[scrapquitler]

If the driver stows our luggage under the bus, we tip $1 per pag, if we don't have bags under the bus, we don't tip. The sign inside the bus says something to the effect that tipping is acceptable but not expected.

 

[ncc1701]

I store my carry on since there isn't much overhead space and it isn't comfortable to stay on my lap . So I tip $2.00 each way.

 

[goofy4tink]

If a driver handles your bag, a tip will be expected. But.....here's my experience.
I had a bus trip, from MCO to BWV, with one stowed piece of luggage, a carryon bag. The driver took my bag, never said a word. He got on the bus, after stowing all the bags, never said a word. All the way to POR, never said a word, other than to announce that we were arriving at POR. Then, he stood up, saying that gratuities were always welcome. Same thing at YC, BC, and then finally BW. That driver never said a word, other than his gratuities spiel. There's signage, right over his head as he stood there, stating the exact same thing. As I got off the bus, not a word was said, nothing. He got my bag for me, and I walked away. Now, I had had a few dollars in my hand to give him, but after after he asked for a tip? Nope, not happening.
However, there was another bus ride, completely different. I had no bag to be stowed, just a tote bag that I kept with me. The driver welcomed everyone to the bus. When he boarded the bus, he again welcomed everyone. Then, he chatted about things in the area, all while driving very safely! He was a hoot, giving a great start to my trip. The onboard movie wasn't working, so his chatting was great. As each person hopped off the bus, he thanked them for riding with him. Well.....as we approached my resort, I started digging in my bag for a tip. That driver got $5 from me that day...with no bag touched. He was thrilled and very appreciative.
I will not tip when asked for one. Tipping is never mandatory!! Ever. Yes, there are times when we are expected to tip, but a tip should never be asked for!!!

 

[OKW Lover]

Agree with @goofy4tink above (no surprise) tip only when the driver does something extra for you. And don't fall for the guilt trip technique that some of them use.

 

[Minnesota!]

Good driver = good tip. Lackluster driver = lackluster (or lacking!) tip.

Which reminds me - better get my tip money together! I am now close enough to do that!!!

 

[tjmw2727]

Good driver = good tip. Lackluster driver = lackluster (or lacking!) tip.

Which reminds me - better get my tip money together! I am now close enough to do that!!!

Me too LOL - squirreling away the one dollar bills in preparation of our trip mid August!

As far as tipping DME - I tip if/when the driver handles my bags but we have used the luggage delivery feature all but one trip. If the driver is good, courteous and on time I will tip even without luggage. If the driver asks/mentions tipping is accepted to excess maybe not.

 

[goofy4tink]

Agree with @goofy4tink above (no surprise) tip only when the driver does something extra for you. And don't fall for the guilt trip technique that some of them use.