When do you tip at bell services?

[Mle8308]

I'm not sure if further discussion is in order as tipping threads usually get closed. But I wanted to mention that bell service tips are pooled. The person you tip does not get to keep it all.

Not true. Tips are not pooled. How do I know? Was a dispatcher for BS at WDW in another life many years ago and I'm still in touch with many of the bellmen I worked with. They may put aside a few dollars for the greeter if they assist with luggage (like tipping out a bar back), but they do not pool tips.

 

[Best Aunt]

Are you talking about the Valet Stand? The Valets pool their tips.

You know those people don't work for Disney, right?

If I arrive in a car, and an employee takes my luggage out of the trunk - is that person a Bell Services cast member or a valet parking person?

It seems to me that I was told that was a valet parking person -- but I might be thinking of a non-Disney hotel.

 

[sorcerormickey]

If I arrive in a car, and an employee takes my luggage out of the trunk - is that person a Bell Services cast member or a valet parking person?

Valet. Rarely might be a CM.

 

[wdw4rfam]

More important….how much do you tip? I always question how much. They help with unloading our car. It’s usually a full cart full. I tip this person. Then I tip the person who brings it to the room. But I am just curious what everyone else tips.

 

[DJFan88]

I’m also curious of a new situation for us.
We are checking out but not leaving area till later in the day.
I’m assuming we can leave our bags at bell services.
So, we would stop at bell services, leave bags and then tip at pick up? How much would you tip, it’ll be 2 mini rollers and 2 carryon bags.

 

[jo-jo]

More important….how much do you tip? I always question how much. They help with unloading our car. It’s usually a full cart full. I tip this person. Then I tip the person who brings it to the room. But I am just curious what everyone else tips.

I don't remember, but once at AK, valet/cm takes two bags out of trunk (car service) pulled up right in front. Puts on cart and moves it a foot to next person. I was annoyed tipping the first guy for 5 seconds of work.


But on the other hand, we had a CM turn down a double tip. Back with the airline check in days, Bell services would get the bags and would meet you downstairs. Since my DH walks so slow, the plan was I'd head down to the check in, DH would hand off the bags. I'd meet the person and wait until DH got down, then we'd check in.

So I'm downstairs , luggage shows up, I go to give the guy his tip and he waves it away, and tells me DH already took care of it. He could have easily taken it and been on his way. We would have been annoyed, but instead we are left with good feeling toward disney.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I’m also curious of a new situation for us.
We are checking out but not leaving area till later in the day.
I’m assuming we can leave our bags at bell services.
So, we would stop at bell services, leave bags and then tip at pick up? How much would you tip, it’ll be 2 mini rollers and 2 carryon bags.

This is where it’s your choice and yours alone. Look at the poll. Some will tip on drop off and on pick up. Others only on pick up. It’s $1-$2/bag in the US.

 

[take36]

I don't tip a lot in gray tipping areas but always tip something, don't want to be the guy that doesn't tip if most others are tipping.

I use to even tip the person checking me in but a few told me its not required and returned the money, though may be they thought I was trying to bribe them for an upgrade. On the other hand, I have some good luck with upgradesand/or early checkins, almost every cash trip!

 

[tidefan]

The only Disney Resort that we use Bell Services at is Aulani, and that is only for our initial Costco grocery haul as it is worth it to have them take it to the room.

As to bags, we always load/unload ourselves. I appreciate resorts that still let you use the luggage carts (looking at you WL and Kidani Village) without having to involve bell services. I was (and still am) a bit salty when they removed the carts from the units at SSR...

ETA: I voted tip when delivered to room. At Aulani, at least, it's usually been the same person that got it at the drop-off...

 

[Bibbidi Bobbidi]

I voted both. When I drop my bags off, I am paying to have my personal items treated with care. When the bags are brought to my room, I am paying for their safe delivery.