As the countdown to my family’s vacation ever so slowly creeps down, we are beginning to focus on our traditions for preparing for our trip. While some of our traditions are exciting, like movie nights and making T-shirts; some are simpler but equally as important to us. One of these simpler traditions is making special envelopes for the tips that we leave for the Mousekeepers at our resort.
Like many people, one of my favorite things about being on vacation is that I get a break from my normal cleaning responsibilities and I am very appreciative of the people who take are of these things for me while we at Disney World. While tipping the Mousekeepers is certainly not required, my family and I like to sprinkle a little bit of pixie dust on our Mousekeeper’s day. We leave one envelope each day instead of just one tip at the end of our stay since we may have a different Mousekeeper each day and we want to be sure that each person gets a thank you for their hard work.
We make preparing our envelopes a fun, family activity and our designs have changed over the years as my Disney Addicts have gotten older and craftier. Design possibilities are almost endless; really only limited by your creativity. Ranging from simple too much more crafty and elaborate, there are design choices for everyone to choose from. A quick Google search can easily get you started with ideas for your envelopes. We prepare one envelope for each day of our trip and usually choose images that relate to our activities for the day or our resort.
Two of the more popular ways to create Mousekeeping envelopes are:
- Stickers and crayons: One of the simplest ways to get younger Princes and Princesses involved with decorating your envelopes is with stickers or drawing a picture on the envelope. There are many adorable Disney themed stickers available for you to choose from for your family’s design. A simple thank you written by them is a thoughtful touch also.
- Word processing programs: There are many ways to use programs such as Microsoft Publisher and Microsoft Word among others to make very beautiful designs. I have also seen amazing envelopes made using a Cricut machine.
One of my favorite memories from a Disney World vacation happened when I arrived back at my room soaking wet and cold after spending all day at Epcot in the pouring rain. When I opened the door to my room, on the bed were extra blankets and towels waiting for me. The Mousekeeper had thoughtfully left them earlier in the day; knowing I would be cold and wet when I returned to my room. I don’t think I have ever been so appreciative of a thoughtful touch from a Mousekeeper!
Mousekeepers are often unseen and are a very important part of the wonderful service that Disney guests receive during their trip. I also admit, I think I get even more excited about the towel animals in our room than my children do!
Heather L is an avid Disney fan and has been visiting the Parks since she was 4. She is a homeschooling mom and is happiest with a Mickey balloon in one hand and a Mickey bar in the other.
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- Do you tip Mousekeeping while you are at Walt Disney World? (chipandco.com)
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Maybe it’s because we didn’t leave a Mousekeeping envelope that they didn’t clean our room much during the week we were there. It got so bad that I had to clean it myself a bit, especially the dusting so my family’s allergies wouldn’t kick in. And what are the towel animals? Are those done at all resorts? We’ve only stayed at the All-Star Sports resort, but have never seen anything like this. I read somewhere else that they put stuffed animals in the window sills too, but that has never happened either.
I really appreciate this post! I think mousekeepers are wonderful but definitely overlooked as they work while guests play 🙂 I think it’s such a great idea to have the whole family help to make envelopes, such a cute craft!!