Tipping on Concierge Level

[MNSusan]

A couple of questions on concierge level tipping, as its our first time staying concierge at WDW. I've read that the concierge CMs cannot accept personal tips, but rather something that could be shared by the staff. Is that correct? and do you have any good ideas for something that would be appreciated?

I have printed the cute Mousekeeping envelopes for our daily tip. What about the turn-down service? They are different CMs who should be tipped separately, right? Should I leave envelopes at different times of the day? Or when we leave in the morning, could I leave both envelopes, one marked Mousekeeping and one marked Turn Down service? While I suspect we would be back to our room after housekeeping has been there and before turn down, I wouldn't want to slight the turn down staff if we don't make it back.

 

[ead79]

You are correct--concierge CMs are not allowed to accept cash gifts/tips. You could always get a food gift basket or chocolates or something similar that can be shared by all the staff.

 

[TammiMcMan]

Susan,

I saw this over in the Lizard Lounge, but thought it would be best to respond here.

I just sent a chocolate gift basket to the pre-planners over at the Yacht Club. They have been extremely helpful and have gone out of their way to plan a magical vacation for me. These aren't the same CM's you'll see in the lounge, so I wanted to make sure I thanked them in some way. Tipping concierge during your stay is not typical. If all your ps's have been made ahead of time and you're not in need of anything while at the resort, you may not even see the CM's other than at check-in. On the other hand, if a lounge CM is able to create some magic for you, then there are a couple of ways to thank them. On a website called Tagrel , they have Cast Member appreciation cards. You just download them to your computer and personalize them. They make great hand outs for any special CM's. As with any other business, recognition of this employee to his/her supervisor probably goes a long way during reviews and promotions.

Don't you just love the tip envelopes? I thought this was one of my best finds here on the DIS. I even make it a point to go by the bank and get enough $5's and $1's to fill the envelopes ahead of time. That's so much better than searching for the correct cash denominations as you're trying to get out the door and to the parks. I leave them in the room safe and take them out as needed. If we're going to be away for the entire day, I will leave out both envelopes. From experience, I leave the one for housekeeping in the bathroom on top of the towels and the turn down on the nightstand next to the bed. They are clearly marked for each service and I've never had a problem with doing this.

Tammi

 

[MNSusan]

THANK YOU Tammi!

That's just the info I was looking for. Yes, I found the Cast Member Appreciation cards, too, and plan to take some with us. They're so cute - I hope they're appreciated.

And thanks for the 411 on turn down service tipping. I just wasn't sure how it worked.

Would you mind telling me where you got the chocolate gift basket?

 

[TammiMcMan]

Susan, I used a company called Swiss Colony. I've been a customer of theirs for many years now and I know the quality of their product is very good. I've even purchased things like the spiral sliced ham and turkey breast from them for the holidays. Here's the direct link to the Chocolate gift box that I sent to girls at the YC IPO ~ Chocolate . It took about 10 days from the time I ordered it, to them receiving it.

Tammi

 

[MNSusan]

Oh, sure, Swiss Colony!! I love their sausage at Christmas time!

Thanks for the link - I'll check it out.

 

[steveanddonna]

That's just the info I was looking for. Yes, I found the Cast Member Appreciation cards, too, and plan to take some with us. They're so cute - I hope they're appreciated

In our experience they are very much appreciated. We have had a few (a very few) CMs just sort of shove them in their pocket without looking, but for the most part the CMs we have given the appreciation cards to seemed genuinely delighted. I left a decorated mini-pumpkin with a CM's husband, also a CM at the Poly, as it was her day off. The appreciation card was tied on with a piece of raffia, and David asked if we had given his wife a similar card before. We said we had, and he told us she showed it to him and told him about the nice guests she has. Poly IPO also has an area in their office where they post cards, letters and similar ephemera for all to see. It's such a pleasure to return a little kindness to the people who spend so much time making our trips magical.

 

[MNSusan]

It's such a pleasure to return a little kindness to the people who spend so much time making our trips magical.

Well said!!