While there is a consensus in some parts of the world (and unfortunately in some places in the United States) that tipping is optional there are some situations you should be prepared for and budget for in your planning. First and foremost when dining. Most of the college age students are interns and while working in the World does pay small wages, like waitstaff throughout the country the pay is low here as well. I know not everyone is aware of this but because of tipping minimum wage laws don’t always apply to waitstaff which means that the waiters and waitresses you encounter may be counting on tips for their livelihood. Don’t skimp, especially on Disney Dining Plan.
While gratuity is included at some places on large bills or large groups ALWAYS CHECK YOUR CHECK! Make sure that even if you have a large party the gratuity was added and if you felt your service was exceptional add a bit more. 15%-20% is typical for a great sit down restaurant meal and should be added even if your family is on the Dining plan as tips have not been included in your plan price in a few years. Since I have never had anything but exceptional dining situation in Disney World I plan for roughly 20% on all meals to make sure we have enough money in our budget.
Also, don’t forget your mousekeeper! I was once talking to some Disney friends who asked how in the world my husband and I always end up getting approved for late checkout whether it be an hour or a half day and the question of tipping came up. We always leave about $2 per person in a cute decorated “Thank you, Mousekeeping!” envelope when we head out for the day, and on our first or last day we usually leave a couple dollars more. We always leave chock full of toiletries and having used fresh towels daily. I have always felt because we take care of our mousekeeper they are always taking extra special care of us. We appreciate them and since we often don’t cross paths we like to show it to them with a tip!
Don’t forget the tips in your planning as Disney does everything a cut above and the staff deserve that little extra to say “Thanks!”
Related articles
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- Disney World Quick Tips – Mousekeeping (chipandco.com)
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My aunt worked housekeeping when she was in her 50’s and what a tough job. I am another one of those people who make up Mousekeeping envelopes ahead of time and tip every day.
I have rarely had anything but the best service at the table service restaurants and always tip 20% or better. The only time I had crappy service was at Artist Point in the Wilderness Lodge, after all the recommendations, the meal and the service were awful. Yeah, I still tipped, just won’t go there again.
Nice try, but your mousekeeper would have zero part in deciding if you get a late check out.
It really annoyed me on our last trip that Disney counted my 2 year old as a guest for dining. Which brought our total to 6 people. Therefore, they added 20% to our bill. Service was absolutely horrible at 50’s prime. My 2 year old doesn’t count for tickets or food, why does he count as a person at the table??
Also, we were on the dining plan, and our meals were usually around $100 for dinner, and I always tipped $20. I figured the meal was free (thank you Disney), so $20 was a good deal
Having worked as both a waitress and chambermaid in my day, I ALWAYS tip. On our last stay at POP, there were 3 of us in the room, and I left 4 dollars each day. On our last day, our Mousekeeper knocked on our door, and told us to not forget to take our towel animals home with us, as they were here gift to us. You see, it pays to be nice