Tipping on Magical Express?

[Disneymoon]

Should we have cash ready to tip our driver on the Magical Express?

We have never used it before.

Thanks!

 

[sharonmickey]

I just returned from Disney and used ME on the return trip to the airport. ME picked me up in a van instead of the usual bus. There was a sign in the front of the van saying that gratuities were appreciated.

 

[OKW Lover]

Opinions on tipping vary greatly. IMHO, if the driver does more than just drive the bus then he deserves a tip. If they help you with your luggage (putting it under the bus) a tip of $1-2 per bag is usually considered appropriate. If you only have a small carry-on (because you put the yellow tags on your checked bag) and just bring it on the bus with you, then you shouldn't feel obligated to tip.

 

[mommylo]

We offered our drivers both ways $5 since we had 4 medium size bag that the driver had to handle for us. For the most part, the drivers were quit nice and tried to tell jokes, so why not?

 

[a1tinkfans]

YES! Use your discretion, what YOU feel is right.
I just don't like the "required tips" some people think are appropriate. (for the record my DH says I always tip too much, I feel good about it and people work hard and deserve it)

 

[maraki527]

We always do when we use it. Just being nice.

 

[Safari Queen]

We don't tip unless they handle our baggage or provide a service other than driving the bus to the right hotel. If they have to deal with bages, we tip $2 each suitcase.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

We only have carry-ons with us, but we do have them stored under the bus so we tip $5. The drivers are always very appreciative.

 

[cdrn1]

If they handle bags, for sure. If they don't, it depends on their demeanor. Nice ones yeah, grumpy ones no.

 

[kileybeth]

so if I am taking ME from airport into Disney and only have carry on luggage. .minimum or no tipping is enough???

is there actually room on board (not underneath) coach for a rolling carry on?

we will all have a backpacks (myself, DS15,DD12, DS4, nothing for DD2~she shares my backpack) we carry ourselves except DH who will have small rolling carry on size suitcase (which he would prefer to carry himself I think as it has laptop, camera, our stuff to get us through the day w/o checked luggage) ). oh my! and 2 umbrella type strollers?

do strollers go on coach or underneath?

both DH and I tend to overtip, especially for good service but just trying to figure out what is appropriate? I had $10 tucked away for this in one of my "magic envelopes" Is this enough you think or to much or. .
I was assuming this trip into resort would be just a people moving type of thing w/o much service attached?

any insight greatly appreciated.

 

[LGH1946]

i love your dog!!!!

 

[LGH1946]

The message "I love your dog" goes to Safari Queen.

Sorry!

 

[Lewisc]

The "normal" tip for a shuttle bus driver is $1-$2 per bag. DME buses don't have large bins for roller bags, the overhead rack is big enough for a briefcase, coat etc. Larger carry on bags either go on your lap or under the bus.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

We used ME - four people - and tipped $4 each way. We put two carry on bags below the bus on the way to the hotel but didn't need the driver to assist with any bags on the way to the airport.

 

[kileybeth]

thanks Lewisc, so rolling carry on should go under coach in storage. I will prepare DH for this probability ahead of time or possibly rethink packing a bit to fit his stuff into a smaller briefcase-plus type bag. . .

any insight as to strollers? they are the super lightweight ones that we (me, my older kids or DH will fold ourselves (preferred actually) so do I just hand it to the guy folded up and ask for it to go underneath? how clean are the compartments? should I store them in their gatecheck bags? stroller storage makes me a bit crazy as I rely heavily on them at Disney and can not imagine being w/o them for the week or having to replace them with a cheapy (these babies ar the $150 macs, hear the huge sigh?) one.

thanks again for any insight.