To Tip or Not To Tip (long)

[eliza61]

For me it is very simple. Tipping is not automatic or an obligation to me. I tip when I feel serve warrants it. I understand that food servers are badly paid, maybe it's time to change that because I feel no obligation to tip simply becasue some one is in a low paying job.

Sit down restaurants Generally I start at 15% and go up and down. Basic service, taking my order, bringing food in a timely manner, checking on us through out the meal will get 15-17% depending on the number of people.

If I have to hunt you down for refills or ketchup or if the service is ridiculously slow, I've been know to drop it down to 5%. ill mannered servers get nothing and a request to speak with the manager.

Mousekeeping: Normal mousekeeping will get 4 or 5 bucks a day from me. Once again this is if I have fresh towels, bed made etc. If I have to call and ask for clean towels, tip is slowly disappearing.

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

It bugs me to see servers getting 20% on $100 checks when the meals lasts an hour- and then to know they have at least 4 or 5 tables. I don't think waitressing warrants that sort of pay when actual skilled workers are making less than that. There is some skill that can come from experience serving, but the average server- most are not skilled at all but fell into the job.

Just an FYI... most servers make WAY below minimum wage. Servers in Indiana are paid $2.13 an hour. Tips are the only means of survival (and MANY bills barely break $50, let alone $100). They generally don't even get a paycheck, if they do, it's maybe $50.

The best of the best servers are highly skilled at what they do and there is a heck of a lot more involved than being a go-fer. (in other words, servers do more than take your order and fetch things for you)

A lot of people choose to work that type of job for the flexibility while they finish school or work a second job... it's not a dead-end job like many believe. You have to know what you are doing to survive in serving, not everyone can do it.

Housekeepers are paid fairly decent to do what they do, and I like OP don't believe in tipping them. Whenever we're on vacation, we keep the room fairly clean, we don't have our sheets changed daily. At most, we may need a couple extra towels. I don't think it's necessary to tip for that, especially $5/day($1 pp).

 

[rotlex]

I don't understand many of the controversial subjects on this site. THIS is one of them.

Tip if you want.

Don't tip if you don't want.

END OF DISCUSSION.

This.

There are certain topics here that should simply carry an insta-lock mechanism.

Seriously. Besides having been discussed FAR too many times, along with refillable mugs, pool hopping, and numerous other annoying, argument inducing topics that you could EASILY search on and get 10K plus results, this topic is a matter of personal opinion, and frankly, the answer given above should just be a sticky somewhere!

 

[beautyqueen]

I normally start out a servers tip with 20% and sometimes for excellent service they get more and sometimes they get less but I never just stiff them without any tip at all.

We have never been to Disney but at other beach vacation spots we have always left housekeeping between $5-10/day.

I tip almost everyone, cab drivers, bus drivers, the valet, coffee house workers, bell man, guy who shows you your seats at live productions (like Disney on Ice, or Elmo Live), bartenders, girls who bring you free drinks in Vegas while playing, neighbor kids who come and shovel my sidewalk for me, paperboy (for holidays), mailman (for holidays)

 

[kaytieeldr]

The Magic Express drivers have a sign posted above them that says tipping is appropriate for great service. If Disney allows them to advertise this, I would expect that Disney also assumes they will be receiving tips to supplement their wage.

By the same token, the tip jar at the ice cream shop or the tip mug at the coffee shop indicates that management/ownership allows those employees to advertise that they may accept tips - and so, that it's acceptable for customers to provide tips.

Here's who I tip:

Restaurant servers
Taxi drivers
Hotel housekeepers
Any service person who handles my luggage in my range of vision (redcap, bell services, magical express driver, shuttle driver...)
Valets
Sonic carhop
Dunkin Donuts clerk who 'knows' my order
Magical Express driver who took just me (no luggage) to the airport and provided me with directions and information
Room service delivery personnel
Food delivery persons, outside

 

[kaytieeldr]

During our last trip, DH and I tipped 2 of the 6 nights we stayed. Both of those times, nothing special was done with our room. In fact we had to call for more towels since they didn't leave enough.

One morning before any tips were ever left, we received cute towel characters on our bed.

These experiences just left me confused.

You're probably confused because you're operating under the unfortunately all-too-common misconceptiont that tip = towel animals.

If doesn't. If you got one or more towel animals one morning, it's likely because the housekeeper assigned to your room THAT day had either the time or the ability or both to make towel animals - while the person who cleaned your room most other days, did not.

 

[Tricia1972]

This.

There are certain topics here that should simply carry an insta-lock mechanism.

Seriously. Besides having been discussed FAR too many times, along with refillable mugs, pool hopping, and numerous other annoying, argument inducing topics that you could EASILY search on and get 10K plus results, this topic is a matter of personal opinion, and frankly, the answer given above should just be a sticky somewhere!

It is on the restaurant board

 

[RadioFanatic]

I know this has been discussed before, but I wanted to start a fresh discussion and share my thoughts. Our family is taking a trip in June, and I just want to feel prepared and do what is right.

Let me preface this discussion by saying that I've held several jobs in my lifetime where I depended on tips to pay my bills. I've waitressed and spent 7 years in young adulthood working in a casino as a card and dice dealer. In each of those jobs the company paid me minimum wage with a pitiful yearly raise even with stellar employee reviews. Were it not for my tips, I simply could not have made a living.

Having said that, when I believe service warrents it, I am a very good tipper. However, I also believe that there are now some folks who either think they deserve tips, or even ask for them (tip jar at the register) who shouldn't necessarily receive them.

A good example is in an ice cream store where the employee scoops my ice cream. How does that warrent a tip? How are they providing me with beyond the call of duty, excellent service. Frankly I find tip jars to be extremely offensive. This is true in a coffee shop as well. Why am I tipping somebody who pours me a cup of coffee? If you disagree with me on this one, I'm interested to hear the argument. I might be missing something.

Now..my list for Disney World employees:

Tip Worthy

-The bus driver who loads and unloads my luggage for the Magic Express ride. He/She is doing extra work so that I can relax. And it is common knowledge that this is a tipping job. Some of those drivers go out of their way to make our first Disney experience extremely pleasant. 1 dollar a bag? or more?

-Cocktails at an bar/pool lounge etc. This is a no brainer. Bartenders work for tips. I generally tip .50-1.00 per drink.

Waiters in a restaurant/AND buffet. This is also a no brainer. I'm not sure the buffet folks always get tipped. My husband and I always leave something on the table for the person who served our drinks and cleaned up.

-Cab Drivers. We don't really use this service, but if we did, we'd tip about 10 percent of the fare.

Bell Hops. This too, is a no brainer. They work for tips. I'm not certain of the proper tip, though. $1 per bag? or $2? Just not sure.


No Tip

(unless provided with exceptional service above and beyond the call of duty)

-Housekeeping. This is the one that I think may raise the most eyebrows. We don't generally tip and I'll tell you why. Housekeeping comes in, cleans my room and leaves. This is their job. They don't interact with me and generally my family is pretty clean and does not leave them any extra mess. I'd be curious to hear info about their hourly wage as this might change my mind on this issue. But if they are getting paid 7 to 10 dollars an hour as are most other non tipped cast members, I don't believe this should be a tipping position.

-Bus drivers that take folks from resorts to parks. I don't believe this is meant to be a tipping position. There is one example, however where my husband tipped one gentleman. We had arrived at MK and realized that we left our park entry tickets in our room. DH had to catch the next bus back and retrieve them. The nice fellow who picked him up actually waited for him at the bus stop while he ran to our room to get our tickets. DH tipped him 10 dollars and was very thankful for not having to wait for the next bus.

-Food court employees. Please correct me if I'm wrong on this one.

-Restroom attendents.

If anyone wants to add to either list, I'd be interested to hear what you have to say. Thanks for any input.

I completely agree with you on all of the above.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I should probably have specified that I am referring more to disney servers, not real world ones. If we go to Crystal Palace and get out 45 minutes later- I feel silly that I have to leave somebody $20 for it to be an average tip. Since we're talking only Walt Disney World: if your party consists of five or fewer people and you are not using at Tables in Wonderland discount, you don't HAVE to leave ANY specific amount or percent tip. There is just no reason in my mind that it makes sense for that server to be being left $80-100/hour just because they are waiting tables in a vacation spot. There is just no reason in MY mind that it makes any sense for me (or anyone not supported by that person) to know, need to know, or base any tipping decision on, how much money a server earns. I know, they might tip people out, I know that location might report a certain % to the IRS, but those issues are restaurant specific so you can't assume that every server is really only making min. wage when you know their tips there are CRAZY. Again, none of those issues are my, or any diner's, concern. I feel sorry for restaurant servers. Polite society doesn't concern itself with what others earn - except not only do we all know what servers earn, we take it upon ourselves to determine how much is 'enough' for them to earn. Heck, I think they deserve whatever they do get in tips, justto compensate for the invasion of privacy!

Regardless of where, % doesn't seem like a good system for judging what your server was worth to you.

.

 

[Bete]

hearing a few years ago that a Crystal Palace (buffet) waitress made over $80,000 in a year. This person worked more than a 40 hour week to do it, but who doesn't work more than 40 hours a week making $80,000/yr.

Most of us believe Disney TS restaurants over charge based on what you get; you are being held captive to a certain degree. Now, the DP does make it more reasonable. Sometimes, I feel we should tip based on the DP cost, not the meal. I don't do it this way, but it is what you are paying for a meal. I've almost never had outstanding service at a Disney TS place. It's been okay, just not outstanding. I will say I've had sub standard service a few times there. While on vacation, I tend to be a soft touch for tips.

As far as mousekeeping, I think it just depends. If you eat in your room (more mess) or have diapers to dispose of, etc. then I feel a tip is more appropriate. I do believe you get more towels and soap and toilet paper at Disney if you tip mousekeeping. Most of the time you will get minimum service if you don't tip this position.

Tipping is an individual choice. There is no way to judge this except for one self. I do feel getting a better wage for the job of waitressing and paying more for meals is a better way to go instead of a tip. If the server doesn't do there job as a whole then you let them go; so, service should not be affected that much doing it this way. You could still tip some in this instance, as well.

Our hospital actually has a tipping jar at the register. The only person doing anything for you is the cafeteria server giving you your food that you order. You do your own cleanup, etc. I've never understood this one.

I will continue to tip, but I do wish it was done differently. I think the IRS wishes it was done differently, too.

 

[damren]

Our first trip to Disney was in 08. We would not have tipped mousekeeping had we not read the boards. We have never tipped at hotels before so the thought didn't cross our minds, infact my husband said huh? when I told him we had to tip $3 each day for mousekeeping
It's not alot of money and we do appreciate the service.
We just bring lots of dollar bills with us and tip when we are happy, and since we are in Disney we are pretty much always happy!

 

[ginnymack]

Ok - Since this thread had not been closed (yet) I do have a question about tipping for turndown service...

If you request turndown service what is an appropriate tip? Any extra if they have to do the day bed as well? Where do you leave the tip?

I was thinking $2 for both beds and day bed in an envelope on the bed or nightstand.

I "googled" it can could not find a very clear answer...

 

[shellybaxter]

Maybe you don't realize that server's only get paid $2.35 an hour..........I have been a server for 11yrs. and a darn good one. I try my hardest to make sure everyone that I serve has a WONDERFUL experence. There is no way I could take care of my family only making $2.35 an hour. I LIVE off of my tips. I truley belive that most people THINK that servers make minimum wage......WE DON'T!!!!!!!!!

Just an FYI... most servers make WAY below minimum wage. Servers in Indiana are paid $2.13 an hour. Tips are the only means of survival (and MANY bills barely break $50, let alone $100). They generally don't even get a paycheck, if they do, it's maybe $50.
]

In the spirit of full disclosure - servers make a sub minimum wage in SOME states. In California and Nevada minimum is required. Coming from California I used to feel that tipping should be done purely as a thank you - with no regard as to whether the server "deserved" the tip or not. However, knowing that society - and the government of the people of states like Florida - have decided that patrons should tip servers as part of their salary - I tip different. I always leave something - even for just basic service - because the tip is part of the compensation for basic service in these states

 

[Pooh Bear Hugs]

As a British person we sometimes get bad service as servers assume we are all bad tippers. When we get bad service we leave a bad tip, when we get good service we leave a good tip. Its funny sometimes when servers are shocked that Brits know how to tip.

 

[SuzySparkle]

This.

There are certain topics here that should simply carry an insta-lock mechanism.

Seriously. Besides having been discussed FAR too many times, along with refillable mugs, pool hopping, and numerous other annoying, argument inducing topics that you could EASILY search on and get 10K plus results, this topic is a matter of personal opinion, and frankly, the answer given above should just be a sticky somewhere!

Please believe me when I say I mean no insult, but this type of post is very frustrating to newbies like myself. I am a reasonably intelligent 40-year-old woman who came to these boards looking for information about Disney World. While I absolutely agree that posters should be respectful to one another, I cannot agree that certain topics regarding vacations at Disney should never be discussed again because they have been discussed previously.

As a new poster to the boards, I can and DO search for information in previous posts. However, if all members chose to not ask a question or make a comment based on the fact that it has been done before, the boards would hit each subject area once and then have nothing else Disney-related to discuss. I like getting fresh perspectives on old questions. Sometimes, the views are not always so fresh but then sometimes, they ARE.

Anyway, I waited tables for-EVAH years ago when I was young and spry, and I can tell you that it really does take a skilled person to do the job well. Skilled wait staff can multi-task like nobody's business! And, believe me, sometimes that isn't easy when you've got a table that wants to chat you up, with another one that is going through soda refills like there's no tomorrow, and another that wants to joke around with each other when it's there turn to order! Having been on "both sides" of the dinner table, I can tell you that I know a great server when I get one and I tip accordingly!!!

As to housekeeping services, I never used to believe it was a tipping position, because (1) I never interact with them and (2) they are paid a standard wage for their positions. HOWEVER, my husband travels for work and has informed me that he feels the staff earn that tip with exemplary service in what he considers a less-than-clean job. (Having cleaned a few dirty bathrooms myself, I would have to agree!!!)

Either way, it IS a personal decision, but it's interesting to me to hear other people's take on the subject.

 

[BuzzBiteyear]

As a British person we sometimes get bad service as servers assume we are all bad tippers. When we get bad service we leave a bad tip, when we get good service we leave a good tip. Its funny sometimes when servers are shocked that Brits know how to tip.

I asked my sister (a server) about this. She said that is a perception many servers have, that foreigners tip poorly. I know my wife and I have noticed, pretty much across the board, a decline in the service we've received since DS's came along. My sister said that's another one, people with young kids tip poorly.

 

[arielmomma]

Warning! I'm about to hijack this thread!

I've just always wondered why people (waitresses, servers, housekeepers, etc) don't just get paid a proper wage in the first place so that tipping isn't necessary.


For goodness sake,

When I was a gas station attendant making minimum wage, did I get a tip for giving you good service or helping you outside above and beyond my duty? - NO

When I was a foster care worker in college still making minimum wage and I definitely went above and beyond caring for my residents and acknowledging their accomplishments, but did I get tips? - No

When I worked as a nurse, did I get tipped for having a smile and giving a person their meds on time? - No

When I teach college courses, do I get a tip if you get an A? - No

I'm a lawyer, if I get you a great settlement do I get a tip? - No

Don't get me wrong, I tip, but I think its all ridiculous. If a person does his/her job properly, he/she should make a descent wage relevant to the task. If they don't, they should be fired.

That would resolve threads like this forever!

 

[kaytieeldr]

In the spirit of full disclosure - servers make a sub minimum wage in SOME states. In California and Nevada minimum is required.

In the interest of full full disclosure seven states. In the other 43, very sub-minimum wage. Legal minimum wage for servers, but generally about 1/3 of what minimum wage is.

 

[BuzzBiteyear]

In the interest of full full disclosure seven states. In the other 43, very sub-minimum wage. Legal minimum wage for servers, but generally about 1/3 of what minimum wage is.

Not certain if it is the same for every state, but I would guess that it is. If a server does not report enough tips to get his/her hourly rate up to minimum wage, the employer is required to make up the difference here in Michigan.

 

[Maniacmous]

If a particular subject comes up again and again, it would seem that people WANT to discuss it!

Personally I'm glad the OP brought this up! Our family has NEVER been on vacation before. I have been longing to ask what positions are normally tipped or not, and why, and how much.

For those of you who have nothing better to do than make snide comments - if the topic does not interest you, DON'T reply! Simple as that.

To everyone else - thanks for your view points! I loved reading this topic and it will certainly help me with our vacation plans.

I'll second this emotion - while I've been on vacations when I was younger (much), during those times, my parents took care of all those things and I never really noticed (mostly was enjoying, as a child should), now that I'm an adult - I understand tipping at restaurants and for above and beyond service, but general cues as to what to tip ME drivers and things (people whom I know should be tipped, but not what is appropriate) are beyond me, and threads like this really help me to define my own standards.

Basically, thanks OP (and everyone else for remaining civil).