Tipping the ME driver if he is handling your bags

[localdriver]

I was told BY Disney that this service is tips included EXCEPT on the return trip with the bell service.
so that is what I am going by

One more lie from Disney. Now what a surprise!

 

[localdriver]

Actually, for bags to "magically appear" in the guests' resort rooms, it was absolutely essential for Disney to eliminate the need for guests to tip for inbound bell services. (Otherwise, guests would have to remain in their rooms waiting for their luggage, to tip bell services, who would not deliver to an empty room.) It was necessary for Disney to absorb the cost of inbound bell services gratruities to make the inbound service work. And that's exactly what Disney did. I give Disney high marks for this.

Guests can check in and then head out to have fun (and spend money), without having to wait some number of minutes (or hours) until their luggage is delivered.

Disney had to communicate that the bell services gratuity is included for inbound luggage delivery, which is one reason it's explained in the video on the ME motor coaches. (Is this part of the video the reason that there are so many reports of ME drivers not running the video?)

Disney could and should provide tipping guidelines for other parts of the service, including the ME drivers, outbound bell services, and Resort Airline Check-in (do we tip them the way we tip skycaps?).

I disagreee with the idea that Disney should say, "Bell services, at your discretion may be tipped directly, or added to your room charges." That's incorrect. The cost of luggage delivery to the room is absorbed by Disney, as described by Tyler.

Frankly, I think a bigger reason that ME motor coach drivers tend not be tipped is that the transportation service is free. Let's see... 20% of zero is... let me calculate that out... oh, yeah... it's zero!

Also, fewer and fewer people will have luggage on the ME motor coaches as the packets including tags are mailed properly, and especially if more airlines participate in Resort Airline check-in. So, more and more, the ME drivers will be seen as untipped transit drivers, not as tipped service employees who interact with guests to provide luggage handling services.

For someone who is looking for a steady stream of tips, being an ME driver is probably not a good job. It could get better if Disney provided better guidelines, but, even then, it's going to seem like an untipped position to the majority of ME passnegers.

Frankly, Horace, it is simple, if Disney wants to say Tips are included, then Disney needs to pay them. Pretty simple. They are not doing that. Why is that so hard to understand?

That is the issue. Disney needs to pay what they say, or leave it alone. But again, Disney, magically removes dollars from wallets/paychecks.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Disney is paying the tips... but only for the Disney bell service CMs. That really should be expanded to include the motorcoach service as well.

 

[Lewisc]

Frankly, Horace, it is simple, if Disney wants to say Tips are included, then Disney needs to pay them. Pretty simple. They are not doing that. Why is that so hard to understand?

That is the issue. Disney needs to pay what they say, or leave it alone. But again, Disney, magically removes dollars from wallets/paychecks.

WHEN ME works as advertised incoming luggage will be shipped to the resort via the luggage trucks and outgoing luggage will be checked in at the resort and will also be transported via truck or van.

WHEN ME works as advertised tips will not be necessary.

ME DRIVERs ARE OR WILL BE a non-tipped position. Very simple to understand, don't know why you're having problems.

I certainly agree those guests who are currently getting luggage assistance should kick in a few dollars.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Moderates and Deluxes both have Bell Services. DME luggage is done "GTY" which is the same as convention guest luggage. Instead of getting an hourly wage increase, it's a per bag guaranteed rate. From what I have heard (through the rumor mill) bellmen are always very eager to do GTY's.

Value Resorts use Luggage Assistance. CMs are regular hourly CMs, so DME luggage is processed just as usual.

Tyler,

Thank you for the explanation of how Disney covers the cost of inbound bell services gratuities for luggage delivery to ME guests' rooms.

Frankly, Horace, it is simple, if Disney wants to say Tips are included, then Disney needs to pay them. Pretty simple. They are not doing that. Why is that so hard to understand?

localdriver,

Disney says that Bell Service gratuities are included for luggage delivery to resort rooms, but for the inbound service only. So, yes, Disney is saying that inbound bell services tips are included.

Tyler did a good job explaining that Disney does, in fact, pay them.

I'm well aware that Disney doesn't pay tips to the Mears drivers who drive the Magical Express coaches. It also makes a lot of sense to me that Mears drivers are seeing fewer tips since the launch of the free Magical Express service than they did under the previous paid Mears service. As the amount of luggage on ME coaches goes down (especially when more airlines sign to participate in Remote Airline Check-in), there will be even fewer times when Mears drivers get tips. And I agree with lewisc that when "ME works as advertised, tips will not be necessary." Most guests will not perceive a driver on a free ground transportation service to be a tipped position, especially when their luggage takes a different path. That's the reality.

What is it that I'm not understanding?

Why are there so many reports that drivers aren't running the video? Are some drivers trying to hide Disney's message about bell services gratuities, in hopes getting more tips?

 

[localdriver]

WHEN ME works as advertised incoming luggage will be shipped to the resort via the luggage trucks and outgoing luggage will be checked in at the resort and will also be transported via truck or van.

WHEN ME works as advertised tips will not be necessary.

ME DRIVERs ARE OR WILL BE a non-tipped position. Very simple to understand, don't know why you're having problems.

I certainly agree those guests who are currently getting luggage assistance should kick in a few dollars.

The low cost carriers aren't coming, IMHO.

DIS pays grats for Disney Cruise, it is the same thing as DME, why not DME, you have got to be kidding me in your logic. I do this stuff! Both of them YOU DON'T. DCL and DME. And the luggage doesn't always work as planned. It is the same thing! And DIS wants service from DME, yeah, great approach.

DIS appears to be absolute idiots at this point.

I'm done with this discussion.

For the guests reading this, I, personnally, will always treat all of you professionally, and transport you safely to your destination. I really enjoy the interaction with all of the guests more than the money. Yes, I like extra $, but not enough to get heartburn.

Money is not really "the" issue with me. But many have been affected, and DIS is at fault. If they say "all is included" then they need to pay the drivers, but they are not. That is wrong.

My issue is with Disney and their lies, not the guests, the fine folks coming here for a great vacation! I have a great time with everyone who rides with me. Please, ALL of you, enjoy your stay, and have a great time. This all will find its way to a resolution.

 

[localdriver]

Tyler,

Thank you for the explanation of how Disney covers the cost of inbound bell services gratuities for luggage delivery to ME guests' rooms.



localdriver,

Disney says that Bell Service gratuities are included for luggage delivery to resort rooms, but for the inbound service only. So, yes, Disney is saying that inbound bell services tips are included.

Tyler did a good job explaining that Disney does, in fact, pay them.

I'm well aware that Disney doesn't pay tips to the Mears drivers who drive the Magical Express coaches. It also makes a lot of sense to me that Mears drivers are seeing fewer tips since the launch of the free Magical Express service than they did under the previous paid Mears service. As the amount of luggage on ME coaches goes down (especially when more airlines sign to participate in Remote Airline Check-in), there will be even fewer times when Mears drivers get tips. And I agree with lewisc that when "ME works as advertised, tips will not be necessary." Most guests will not perceive a driver on a free ground transportation service to be a tipped position, especially when their luggage takes a different path. That's the reality.

What is it that I'm not understanding?

Why are there so many reports that drivers aren't running the video? Are some drivers trying to hide Disney's message about bell services gratuities, in hopes getting more tips?

All the videos have been replaced, not at our efforts, but apparently the union representing bell services.

BTW, I have played the video everytime. I can't tell you what others do.

So that is not where you need to go with me, so don't!!

But I will tell you this, loading and unloading 2000LB of luggage without a dime is unacceptable!! JUST because Uncle Mickey says it's free doesn't cut it unless Mickey wants to pay.

 

[kathylovesdisneyworl]

But I will tell you this, loading and unloading 2000LB of luggage without a dime is unacceptable!! JUST because Uncle Mickey says it's free doesn't cut it unless Mickey wants to pay.[/QUOTE]

I have to agree with this. It did not occur to me right away that the Mears drivers who handled the luggage was not being tipped from DIS. I did not get any of the information before my daughter left so maybe if I had it would have explained it. Until reading this thread I didn't realize that outgoing bellhops weren't tipped either. I am so glad I have the DIS boards to keep me informed.

 

[kathylovesdisneyworl]

A simple solution to me would be for the information packet and ads to include a statement saying "Tips are not included for ME bus drivers handling luggage" or something like that. Again, only referring to drivers handling luggage.

 

[Lewisc]

The low cost carriers aren't coming, IMHO.

Jet Blue has already signed on with BAGS, Inc. They should be added to ME soon. Song and Ted already participate. They are negotiating with SW. Remember BAGS, Inc. is selling their resort check in system to convention centers, cruise ships and even business hotels. I agree the smaller discount airlines like Spirit may not get added any time soon.

I'll tip if the driver helps me with my luggage but the reality is the driver's are going to be getting a reducing number of tips. Local_Driver I may be off base but if I don't have any luggage I wouldn't tip you any more than I'd have tipped Tyler if he took me from a theme park to my hotel.

Sounds like the drivers's are getting a reducing number of tips without Mears or Disney providing any compensation to compensate.

 

[seashoreCM]

Somehow I do not consider it a tipped operation when the driver is the only person permitted to stick his arms inside the baggage compartment to place or retrieve a suitecase and I do not consider it a tipped operation if the driver gets there first and grabs the suitcase before you can grab it yourself.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Somehow I do not consider it a tipped operation when the driver is the only person permitted to stick his arms inside the baggage compartment to place or retrieve a suitecase and I do not consider it a tipped operation if the driver gets there first and grabs the suitcase before you can grab it yourself.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

By that logic, Bell Services wouldn't be a tipped position either, since only the bellmen are allowed in the luggage room.

The motorcoach drivers are the only ones permitted to load and unload luggage from the bus for safety and efficiency reasons. The driver knows the proper way to store the bags to allow the most amount of bags in the compartments. He/she also knows the proper lifting and bending methods to avoid injuries, and to avoid hitting ones head on the compartment doors.

 

[Lewisc]

Name one restaurant where you're permitted to go into the kitchen and get your own food? How about a bar that lets you pour your own drink?

Somehow I do not consider it a tipped operation when the driver is the only person permitted to stick his arms inside the baggage compartment to place or retrieve a suitecase and I do not consider it a tipped operation if the driver gets there first and grabs the suitcase before you can grab it yourself.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[localdriver]

Somehow I do not consider it a tipped operation when the driver is the only person permitted to stick his arms inside the baggage compartment to place or retrieve a suitecase and I do not consider it a tipped operation if the driver gets there first and grabs the suitcase before you can grab it yourself.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

With all the above aside, Sir/Ma'am, have you ever driven a 45' 45000lb motorcoach with 55 passengers (human beings inside)? Just curious?

A simple Yes or No will do.

 

[bytheblood]

Name one restaurant where you're permitted to go into the kitchen and get your own food? How about a bar that lets you pour your own drink?

Could not have asked it better myself.

 

[Lewisc]

With all the above aside, Sir/Ma'am, have you ever driven a 45' 45000lb motorcoach with 55 passengers (human beings inside)? Just curious?

A simple Yes or No will do.

I've never flown a 737 with over 100 passengers inside. Never tipped a pilot. Should I be?

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

Luggage or no luggage, it seems like tipping the ME driver is appropriate given that most people will tip a cab driver when taking a trip without luggage. My only question is what is the appropriate amount to tip? I know more if luggage is involved. Without luggage, is $5 for a family of 4 appropriate? This would give the driver a tip of almost $70 per busload of 55 people (though I am sure there are those who will stiff on the tip or not realize that tipping is appropriate )