Tipping performers at the Boardwalk?

[wildernesslodgelover]

Hello! We will be staying that the BWV for the first time in Oct! We plan on spending a lot of time at the actual Boardwalk, during the day and also at night. The last time I was there at night, my family really enjoyed the "street performers" (if that is what they are called.)

If they stop while you are eating outside or just hanging out, and perform for you, do you feel the need to tip? I do, and I kind of wish I didn't feel that way. Like, the whole time they are performing I am wondering if I have any cash on me, should I get my wallet out of my purse now...will my DH tip...that kind of stuff.


If you DO tip...how much? Do you tip every performer?

Thanks for the responses!

 

[mpbs]

I would be anxious too for this answer ,we will be staying at BWI the week of Aug. 7. I probably wouldn't have either thought about tipping!

 

[mitros]

That's an interesting subject. We all know for a fact that when you are in the theme parks that you certainly would not tip the "street performers", such as the comical characters that walk around and perform at Disney MGM studios, and the acrobats at China and the "statues" at Italy or the Mariachi band at Mexico. You have to assume that they are performers, and part of the overall shows that Disney puts on for their guests, and I don't believe that anyone tips performers at stage shows and the like at Disney or anywhere else. Having said that, I would be curious to know if anyone has a view on the subject of tipping performers.

 

[LoveWDW]

This is just opinion, but I think that street performers in a city are making their living from the contributions dropped in their "hat." At WDW, the performers are employees of WDW. So no tip.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I guess I was just thinking...at a theme park..you have paid to get in...and all entertainment is free. But at the Boardwalk, you could be just sitting there...not spending any money, and get a show. I would like to think WDW compensates the performers enough so they do not EXPECT a tip. But I would like to know what others do. Does ANYone tip the performers? Does EVERYone?

I just feel awkward saying "thank you" and having them walk away from us. I don't know...I am OVER conscious of tipping as a former waitress. I kinda get all wrapped up in the proper thing to do. I fear looking like a cheapskate! LOL

 

[hAm53]

I just feel awkward saying "thank you" and having them walk away from us. I don't know...I am OVER conscious of tipping as a former waitress. I kinda get all wrapped up in the proper thing to do. I fear looking like a cheapskate! LOL

then how about an autograph in your book or a photo. i once had the "medicine guy" stop me and my finace all by ourselfs and give us his act. i was like "do i tip the guy?" (being from outside NYC, i know that steet artists rely on that for their living). but i too thought, we'll they're employed by WDW, so they're probably not allowed to take tips (like bob jackson at POR), so i asked "hmm, this sound really interesting, can you please write your name and company in my book here so I can call you when i get back hom" (playing along with his act).
he broke character a moment and said that noone had asked for his autograph before and thanked us.
this got us past the tipping awkwardness, and gave a CM a bit of thier magic right back.

 

[DebbieB]

I've stayed at BWV, I've never noticed a "hat" for tips like you would see on a city street or seen someone attempt to tip them. I never thought of tipping them, I consider them like a performer at a park, part of the "show".

 

[Rhonda]

No, they are employed by Disney, and they don't accept tips.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

hAm-That is a good idea! I will have DD keep her autograph book handy!

Well, I hope ya'll are right. I am pretty darn sure that when we were at the Boardwalk a few years ago, my DH tipped the guy that balances that stuff on his chin, and the guy accepted.

 

[aengus]

Like Rhonda said. You dont have to feel guilty at all, they are not supposed to accept a tip even if you offered it.