who dose NOT tip MOUSEKEEPING?

[palmtreegirl]

BELEIVE me they earn thier 5.25 an hour,

Just to clear something up they don't make 5.25 an hour. The starting pay for housekeepers is more then that of attractions, food and beverage and even characters. They don't make a ton of money but it's more then a lot of cast members at WDW.

 

[mco-missy]

Not going to jump into this debate- but jusy FYI, Florida's minimum wage is $6.40 per hour.

 

[rbarkc]

OK... Let me get this straight. Some people are spending thousands of dollars on a Disney vacation. The amount you are spending on a vacation is more than a “Mousekeeper” could ever imagine spending on a trip and some people won’t give an extra couple of dollars a day to the "Mousekeeper"? A couple of bucks a day isn't asking too much. If me giving them a few bucks can put a smile on their face, allow them to go out to eat with their spouse, take their children to a movie, buy a new outfit for them or their family, save so their kids can go to college and not have to work for minimum wage then it is all worth it. They work hard and deserve a little extra. "PAY IT FORWARD"

 

[ead79]

I had never heard of tipping Mousekeeping until the DIS, but now I choose to tip them.

The way I see it, they are making my stay more enjoyable by cleaning my room so well. It's the least I can do to brighten their day. Plus, I always remember that you never know when someone might be a little short on cash and need a little boost.

 

[traviesojmt]

Let me start by saying that I am a big softie and tend to tip for everything. We did tip mousekeepers on our last trip. Having said that, I believe that tipping is out of control. I completely understand those who chose not to tip mousekeepers. Tipping was originally set up to say thank you for those who gave us service above what was expected. Now, tips are expected for doing what should be done all along. I tend to tip mousekeepers because they do a job that I really would not want to do. I would not want to clean up after other people all day. That is just for me. I do not think that it is required or should be expected. I have no problem with those who don't tip them. I think that tipping has become such an expected way here that service often no longer matches the percentages of tipping that has become expected of us. I did tip everyday, but I do think that I would prefer to tip at the end of the trip. I would prefer to base the tip on the service I did receive during the trip rather than leave the "suggested" tip before the service was even performed. Does anyone know if you can just ask your resort manager who was responsible for your room so that you can leave them something in particular at the end of the trip?

 

[Suzanne74]

I find it funny how many people never tipped until they felt guilted into doing it. That is where tipping is getting out of control - when someone is guilted into doing it. That is why there are tip jars everywhere these day - trying to get a few bucks here and there out of everyone. It is ridiculous. Guilt is what is feeding tips these days, not appreciation or thank yous.

And why is everyone assuming that these housekeepers are not making enough to bring up a family or pities them and their "horrible" job? That irritates me. They are all making at least 20K a year at absolute minimum and that doesn't include any under the table tips. No degree is needed, not even a high school diploma. Many don't even speak English and came from countries where they were making maybe $2/hr. You have no idea if they have kids to support or if their husbands make 50K a year. Just because you might not want their job doesn't mean they don't like it or even appreciate it. Disney is a very good company to work for and offers benefits that many companies do not. Maybe they left a job too difficult that offered 30K to do something that works around their schedule or lifestyle or has better benefits. I left a very high paying job to stay at home with my daughter and we had to cut a lot of corners where we normally did not. I find that many of my family and friends pity that I can't buy the luxuries I once could - but I am actually happier then I have ever been. When my daughter goes to school I am taking a much lower paying job that offers more flexibility and I know won't stress me out. People think I am crazy but I am fine with this.

I see many people say "oh we can't offord this, we can't afford that" but their annual salaries are in the 6 figures so it is all relative. Most Americans do not use, or should I say, save their money wisely - they "appear" to have a lot of money but are neck high in debt and probably make less after all bills are paid then most making only 20k a year. My husband owns a construction type company and I thought that most of the employees were making scraps. Non of them have any college education, many don't speak english and many grew up with nothing. When I first met him and saw some of the cars the employees drove (or cars they didn't even have - they would take the bus) or clothes they wore, I assumed he paid them minimum wage. He laughed when I told him he should probably pay them more - they make upwards of $46/hr on a lot jobs and no less then $21/hr. Some of his employees end up making more then him and we still are paying off his student loans!! But these guys don't go out and buy a brand new car or new houses - they save the money or use it wisely and they appreciate working hard for their money. None of them are poor by any means and many of their wives clean homes for the rich people in debt that really can't afford to have their homes cleaned Why do they work? Because they get paid $70-100 and can go right back home to their kids. One women takes turns taking care of any kids that are not in school while the rest go to work. They are all done by 1-2pm everyday. They don't need to work but they do - they have never NOT worked. I was amazed and embarrassed at what I assumed about my DH's employees. Funny thing is with no college education, they are smarter then us - at least with their money. Many that don't get paid a lot can still easily live off of what they make. Ironically, even though families are spending thousands of dollars on a Disney vacation doesn't mean they can actually afford it and doesn't mean they can afford to tip either.

So I don't understand why people assume things and tip because "other people on this board tip" or "I wouldn't want to do what their doing" or "I feel cheap because I found out other people do tip" or "They can't support a family." If it is something that you have always done and feel good about, that is wonderful. I would just hope that people are tipping because they can actually afford to do it and truly WANT to.... not because they "HAVE" to.

Whew sorry that was so long....

 

[IamCourtney]

I really didn't want to reply, because I thought I had given plenty to the conversation. Reading all the replies that followed mine also makes me kind of sad. Like others have said, whether you think they deserve or expect tips, it seems like there is very little compasion on this thread.

It is 100% the guests choice to tip, but don't believe that their job is easy.

The Custodial CMs in the parks do a very hard job, but they get breaks. They have different tasks throughout the day. There is not one person whose job is to go from bathroom to bathroom and clean up poop all day. They work with CDS and work in 15 minute intervals. They have sweeping tasks, trash tasks, bathroom tasks, etc. Plus, these CMs are guaranteed their breaks. They get a premium pay above what other roles may get.

Housekeepers DO NOT make $10...not starting, not within the first 5 years in their role. They are responsible for up to 18 rooms a day. That comes out to 36 beds, 18 toilets, 18 tubs, 18 sinks, 18 vacuumed floors, 18+ cleaned tables, 36+ cleaned chairs, 18 dusted rooms, and 54 cleaned mirrors and windows (plus balconies/patios for Premium properties). They are also responsible for calling in all the repairs needed. They are clocked in for 8.5 hours each day. If they have 16 check out rooms (which take a lot longer to clean) then they may not have time to take a break. Many Housekeepers don't take breaks at all, because they are afraid they won't get finished on time and their guests will complain that they haven't cleaned on time or well enough. Most of the housekeepers at WDW are outdoor CMs. The Value and Moderate resorts have outside corridors. This means they spend the day outside. The rooms are often hot, because they cannot change the temp the guest has the room set at...it is very often the warmest it can be set on. Plus, guest rooms often have a very foul smell. They go in and out of the room a number of times, so they by no means get to sit and relax in A/C all day. Many of them do not expect tips, but they really really appreciate it. They also appreciate notes or letters, and they do get rewarded for these by their managers. They love any sign of appreciation. And Housekeepers DO have to deal with people/guests throughout their day, more often than through a language barrier with guests that get upset when they are not understood.

I believe I was misunderstood before: I never meant that the housekeepers are tipped like a Valet or F&B H/H. They are different than them in that they do not have to claim their tips because they are not a "wage-dependant" tip. They are also different than other roels on property, because it is an "industry standard" for hotel guests to tip housekeepers. There are differences at WDW, but this is something that probably won't be changed. Any role other than Housekeeping gets scheduled breaks, gets to sit down when there aren't people looking at them, can get premiums for different areas they are trained in. This does not apply to Housekeeping.

You can create all the false payscales you would like, but clean 18 rooms everyday for a week, and you will see how those scales are grossly out of proportion. I think you will see that the number of people that tip--and tip as much as $5 a day--is small. Housekeepers aren't walking out the door with their pockets dripping with money. They don't leave a trail of $1 on their way to the car. It is a common occurence, but doesn't happen in every room like many of these pay rates seem to reflect.

I strongly believe that Custodial CM are the heartbeat of the parks, but won't you don't necessarily see is that the Housekeepers and Resort Custodial CMs are the ones doing this same job at the Resorts while you AREN'T looking. You just see the Park Custodial CMs more because you spend more of your daylight hours in the parks.

I am not trying to convince anyone to tip any role on property. That is certainly the Guest's choice. I only want to portray that they CAN accept tips. The Manager will not take their tips and allocate it in any other way. They do a very hard job. They do not make more than minimum wage--mostly. They do as hard or harder job than Park Custodial CMs.

Do with this what you want....and the offer is still open: want more info, just PM me.

 

[DisneyJen0504]

If we tip for a job well done, should we be expected to pay less for a poorly performed job? If I felt the coffee at Starbucks was lousey, could I just pay a dollar less? I ALREADY paid for the service, why should I pay more if its done right??????????????????

This is exactly how I feel. I think tipping is a personal choice. I choose not to tip mousekeeping. Like many posters have already said, I too feel I paid for this service already. The service I received from mousekeeping on all my trips to WDW has always been above average to great. FYI-I also don't expect towel animals though we get them every time!
Bottom line-I already paid for them to clean my room when I booked the resort.

 

[NCHeel23]

Anyone who will tidy up the room so I don't have to deserves a tip!!! My parents taught me early on that tipping housekeeping is appropriate. I will continue to do so for all of my hotel stays.

I'm not trying to sound rude but that is there job. I don't tip the housekeeping here at my job because they are already being paid to do that. I'v never tipped housekeeping before. Now with mousekeeping if they go out of their way to do something "special" like towel animals or something that is not in their job description then I may tip just for that. But if not, all I expect is basic cleaning, trash taken out and bed made up. Thats it! If someone wants to tip the housekeeping, thats fine but if not thats fine as well.

 

[IamCourtney]

Sorry that was so long, but I forgot some things:

Character performers get higher premiums than any other role on property, plus they only work 15 minutes out of every hour. They do have to wear warm clothes, but as soon as they go backstage, there are people waiting on them, giving them lots and lots of water, candy, etc. They get breaks for 45 minutes out of every hour they are there on the clock. Their breaks consist of them sitting in front of A/C vents or fans and with water. They get to have people dress them and follow them around. Their job is not cushy or necessarily fun, but they aren't the poor suffering souls some of you seem to be making them out to be.

If Housekeeping is so easy, and makes so much money, why aren't more people jumping at the job? Why are WDW and all Central Florida Housekeepers getting more time off? Did you know every Housekeeper at WDW is on MANDATORY 7 day work weeks because of the insane lack of staffing? And Central Florida has the lowest unemployment rate in all of America. There just aren't enough people to fill all the positions. If you really think they make so much starting out compared to a Merchandise H/H, go to Casting and apply for a Housekeeping role. Go to Gaylord Palms and apply there...see what you will find. This industry in this part of the country doesn't have the luxury to pay that much and still be able to take away their tips...

I would love to know what roles at WDW are so much harder than Housekeeping...and I bet Bob Iger would like to, too. If there are so many harder jobs, he would probably be embarassed that he took time out of his press trip a couple weeks ago to talk to Housekeepers and show his personal appreciation for being among the "hardest working CMs at WDW".

And these people do have families, just like you. They don't all have cars, many of them ride the city bus in to work every morning. They usually can't get other jobs, though most of them have masters degrees from their countries. Many of them work 2 or 3 jobs, and most of them have family members that are hourly CMs at WDW. These people are often not respected in the community as most of the WDW guests are. Unfortunately, that's just how the culture and community are.

 

[C.Darwin]

They usually can't get other jobs, though most of them have masters degrees from their countries. .

how do you know most housekeepers have masters degrees? i think you just made that one up.

 

[C.Darwin]

duplicate post

 

[properlywarnedyebe]

My family has always tipped Housekeeping in any and every hotel we have stayed at, in the US and abroad. Disney Hotels are no different. I am posting a link to an updated Standards for Tipping list. Housekeeping is considered a tipped position whether Disney or visitors think so or not.
Please check it out and tip Housekeeping!

http://Tip20.com/div/con/index.html

 

[Kathy C]

We don't tip either. We are DVC members and get mousekeeper service on day 4 and that's clean towels and the trash emptied. I make our beds every day (can't get into an unmade bed) and keep the place basically like I keep my house. We're leaving May 13 for a week at Saratoga Springs in a two bedroom - part of my son's (and friend) college graduation gift!

 

[tinkerbeth]

IamCourtney, thanks for the posts. I agree that a little compassion goes a long way. And I'm often on the receiving end of compassion from others, so the least I can do is my part.

I thought it was interesting that the Mousekeepers get rewarded by management for notes. I will start to leave them for a job well done along with a tip. THat's good to know.

I was somewhat disturbed by the post about how some housekeeping staff "don't even speak English"...I'm not sure how that makes them more or less worthy of a decent standard of living. Until you've moved your whole family away or worse yet, had to leave them behind to make money to feed them in hopes of a better life for your children to some country where they speak a foreign language, I don't think it's terribly nice to measure a person b/c they don't happen to speak Englsih. I bet some of those people speak 2 or 3 languages.

Beth

 

[ElizabethB]

DH insists that we tip the maid. We always stay in a one-bedroom villa (never on DVC points), and those are large with a lot to clean, including the kitchen area and the whirlpool tub. We usually leave $7 per day for the villa. We've always had good service.

He feels that the work is very demanding and exhausting and the amount we leave is so little in the context of a vacation costing several thousand dollars. I agree. We also tip for nightly turndown service.

And, now that I know housekeepers make the incredibly generous sum of $20,000 per year (courtesy of a previous poster), I guess we'll tip even more. I think $20,000 is low enough to put a family of four within the government poverty guidelines, but someone correct if that's wrong.

There is a part of me that feels tipping ultimately ends up helping the employer since it lets the employer get away with paying less. But, since we can only control our little square of the World and not the entire organization, we'll continue to tip.

 

[Disneyrsh]

I stopped tipping Mousekeeping when I came back to my room in the middle of the day to find two mousekeepers stretched out on my bed with MY cans of coke from our cooler watching a telenovella on tv.

That was it for me.

 

[sajetto]

I stopped tipping Mousekeeping when I came back to my room in the middle of the day to find two mousekeepers stretched out on my bed with MY cans of coke from our cooler watching a telenovella on tv.

That was it for me.

Good Lord! I think that would put me out too

 

[C.Darwin]

two mousekeepers stretched out on my bed with MY cans of coke from our cooler watching a telenovella on tv.

hey, since according to IamCourtney most of them hold masters degrees, maybe it was a show about rocket science or something.

 

[lark]

I really hate tipping. Not the cost. But just the entire process. The uncertainty of who and how much and when and where. Dropping off a car at valet or just picking up? The guy who brings your luggage to the front desk, or the guy who brings it to the room? Do x and y pool tips or do you tip them both. Do you tip housekeeping every day or at the end. How much is appropriate when you have the dining plan but add on. How much for room service if a gratuity is already added? It's also often just really tacky, and the constant fumbling for bills all day long stinks.

Please don't answer any of these questions (at least on my account). They are all rhetorical. I know many of them have clear answers, but I just hate the whole process, not to mention the contant battle to preserve one dollar bills.

I would so happily pay extra not to have to think about tipping -- even more than the tipping ultimatley would cost. Like they could just add a certain amount to the room for each night, and then I'd get a little sticker that I could wear or something that says I've already tipped. And everyone who helps me who is entitled to a tip can just quietly write down the number on my sticker and share in the pool of my extra dollars. Or disney could just keep the money and pay more to CMs. (I guess it would have to be 20 to 30 percent more, though, since the dirty little secret about tipping is that it's essentially a way for employers to pay less to their employees by putting them in position to obtain significant non-taxable income.)