tipping when your not around?

[KPtoys]

How do you go about tipping people when you aren't there? Like when we first get there and the rooms not ready and when it is our bags are in our room already etc. Is it necessary to tip or do we just forget about it?

 

[NeverlandPixie]

When I use DME, and the luggage isn't delivered until you get back from the parks or wherever you're going, I usually tip the DME driver, especially if they are stowing away some carry-on items underneath the bus (stroller, etc). Hopefully, someone else is tipping the driver who has my actuall luggage!

 

[Kimberle]

If you're talking about tiping for your ME bag delivery, there is no need. The tip in included. If you're talking about your maid, most people leave it in an envelope with some sort of "attn maid" greeting in the room.

 

[CleveRocks]

Just to expand on the Disney's Magical Express thing ....

Luggage is brought from the airport to the resort by delivery truck, not by bus. The CM who delivers your luggage to your room receives a guaranteed payment from Disney. In CM-speak, it's called a "GTY" and is reportedly highly prized ... they are guaranteed a tip and therefore can't be stiffed.

SO in other words, even if you are in your room when your DME luggage arrives, realize that the person delivering your bags has already been tipped by his/her employer (or rather, it will be extra $$ in their paycheck) and there is no need for you to give an additional tip. You might feel like a cheapskate, but the person making the delivery knows that he'she is already receiving a tip from Disney, and therefore NOT receiving an ADDITIONAL tip from the guest is the way things are supposed to be. How many people receive 2 tips for the exact same action???

This is the ONLY tip that is included, the in-bound bellman gratuity, and only if you use the automatic luggage delivery service. Any other tips (bus drivers, out-bound bellman, etc.) are NOT included.

 

[amcjeep4life]

OK, what about tipping for turndown service the first night? We are staying at AKL, concierge, and will be getting turndown. I'm assuming our room won't be ready when we check in around noon, and we are heading to Epcot immediately, with no plans to return until after the park closes. Will turndown be "stiffed" for that tip, since I obviously can't leave it in my room if it's not ready? Can I leave it with the concierge people to put in my room when it's ready? Do I leave it the next day, and hope it's the same person, or do I hunt them down and try to find them when we get back to the room that night? The other days it won't be a problem, since we are returning everyday for a break, but this day it just isn't feasible to return for a break.

Also, is it normal to tip the ME bus driver? I have read yes, but also many no's. Someone help me out! We are using the luggage delivery service, so will only have carry-ons. Is it normal to tip him if he doesn't do anything for us, other than drive? I don't have a problem, just trying to figure out what's right! We are new to travelling, and are not sure who gets what and when, and how much. This is so confusing, and I feel like such a goober-hick asking for help. But, I work hard for my money, and I know these people who work for tips deserve them, and I don't want to stiff anyone. TIA!

 

[CleveRocks]

Also, is it normal to tip the ME bus driver? I have read yes, but also many no's. Someone help me out! We are using the luggage delivery service, so will only have carry-ons. Is it normal to tip him if he doesn't do anything for us, other than drive?

I don't tip the DME bus driver if the driver didn't perform a personalized service for me, such as handling my luggage or carry-ons. If the driver did something like that, I tip the same as I'd tip a bellman or skycap, $1-$2 a bag rounded up to the nearest $5.

However, in my life I have tipped based on simply being entertained. This isn't a DME example (all my DME drivers have been nice, but ....). I live in a casino town, and when people come to visit us they like to go gamble and sometimes I go with them although I rarely play. I was with a friend who was playing craps. The stickman was a really really funny and personable guy, and he had the whole crowd at the table laughing and having a great time. When my friend was done playing, I flipped a gaming chip onto the table and thanked the stickman for such a good time. He and the boxman and the other dealers looked at me like I had an arm growing out of my forehead - I tipped but I didn't play. I explained that I wanted to thank the guy for such a good time.