Walt Disney World 101: How much should I tip during my stay?

[Grumpy]

http://www.examiner.com/x-1712-Walt-...during-my-stay

Do you know when it is customary to tip during your Walt Disney World vacation? If so, do you tip enough? If you do not know when and how much to tip, you are not alone. Many guests visiting Walt Disney World do not realize when it is appropriate to tip and/or how much to leave.

Below are some general tipping guidelines I have collected over the years.

Housekeeping

Not many people realize that they can tip their housekeeping cast member. It is not required to do so, but it is a nice gesture to leave a little something at the during your stay.

Some Disney housekeepers do more than just pick up your room and bring you fresh towels. Many times when we return from the parks all of our souvenirs are lined up in the window waiting for us. Or we have some interesting towel art on one of the beds. The kids cannot wait to see what is in the room for them when they return from a long day at the park.

A decent enough tip is $2-5 per night you are staying at the resort. It is best to leave it in an envelope labeled “For our Housekeeping Cast Member,” in an obvious space. This way they know it is for them. I generally leave it every morning for them, because you are not guaranteed to have the same housekeeper your entire stay.

Bell Services

All of the Disney resorts offer bell services cast members who are available to take your luggage to your room. The tip amount is based on how many bags you have. It is generally $1-2 per bag and a little bit more if you packed an extremely heavy bag.

Dining

When enjoying a wonderful meal it is customary to tip 15-20 percent of the final bill. Disney has set a standard tip (an amount they automatically put on the bill for large parties) of 18 percent. You can always tip more if your server went above and beyond during your meal.

Guests using the Disney Dining Plan need to keep in mind that tips are not included in the plan. You can either leave cash for your tip or you can use your Key to the World room card.

If just enjoying a drink at the bar you can use the same rule of 15-20 percent of the final bill, but many guests tend to tip an average of $1-2 per drink, depending upon the service and types of drinks.

Other areas to consider tipping

Valet parking: $1-2 when you pick up your car.
Room service: 15 percent of the bill
Concierge: $5-10 per visit
Disney’s Magical Express: $1-2 per person
Buffet Eating: 10-15 percent of the bill
Spa Treatment: 15-20 for full service; 10 percent for self-service
Main Street Barber: 15 percent of bill

Keep in mind tipping is also based on how you feel you were served. If a particular cast member went above and beyond I tend to leave a little bit more.

For more information about Walt Disney World visit www.disneyworld.com or call 407.WDW.INFO. For more information about Disney Dining or to make advanced dining reservations call 407.WDW.DINE.

[moneyhappy]

What about if you are staying at a DVC resort? The housekeeping normally only comes once during a week stay? I have heard different amounts from $0 - $20 for the week.

[Grumpy]

What about if you are staying at a DVC resort? The housekeeping normally only comes once during a week stay? I have heard different amounts from $0 - $20 for the week.

For stays of seven or fewer nights, Trash and Towel Service is provided on day four.
With this service, Housekeeping will
Empty the trash and put new liners in the wastebaskets
Provide fresh bathroom towels
Replace shampoo, facial soap and bath soap
Replenish facial tissues, paper towels, and toilet paper
Replenish coffee, sugar, and cream
Replenish dishwashing liquid, dishwasher detergent, sponges, and laundry detergent as applicable

For stays of eight or more nights, Full Cleaning Service is provided on day four and Trash and Towel Service is provided on day eight.
After that, the cycle begins again on day 12. With Full Cleaning Service, Housekeeping will provide everything included with the Trash and Towel Service, plus
Change the bed linens
Vacuum and dust
Clean the bathroom(s)
Clean the kitchen/ette and wash the dishes



*Daily housekeeping services are available, of course. Current rates for these services are as follows:

Studio/Inn Room - $25.00 per day requested
One-Bedroom - $30.00 per day requested
Two-Bedroom - $40.00 per day requested
Grand Villa - $60.00 per day requested
Trash & Towel - $10.00 per day requested.

[oakmanner]

I'd like more feedback on tipping for DVC stays. I've read where our annual dues pay for this service. Is this true? Are you double tipping if you leave a cash tip?

[Grumpy]

Here is what I usually do

Bell Hop
$2./bag when it is delivered to my room (usually because we have groceries that need to be in the fridge and the room is not ready)

Mousekeeping on the day of a full clean I will leave $10 in an envelope that says mousekeeping.