“Are tips included?”, is probably one of the most frequently asked questions regarding the Disney Dining Plan. In order to help with your Disney vacation budgeting, we have put together a list of common situations for tipping.
The Disney Dining Plan is a convenient add-on option that allows you to prepay for your meals prior to your Walt Disney World vacation. Tipping wait staff at buffets and table service restaurants is customary; however you are not expected to tip at snack locations and counter service restaurants.
- Tips are not included and the standard tipping rate per Disney’s literature is 18%-20%.
- For groups of 6 or more, an 18% gratuity is automatically added to your bill.
- A gratuity is included in the price of dinner shows and Cinderella’s Royal Table. You can enjoy these experiences without tipping!
- Guests using the Tables in Wonderland card, the Disney Dining discount card for Florida residents, Annual/Season Passholders, and Disney Vacation Club members will also have an 18% gratuity added to their bill.
- You can take care of your gratuities with your Key to The World card, cash, credit card, debit card, or a Disney Gift Card. When paying in cash, simply write “cash” on the gratuity line of your bill and leave the tip on your table. If you want to use a credit or debit card for the gratuity, communicate this with your server.
There are other cast members and staff that you will encounter during your stay that you may want to tip. Please note that tipping the following cast members and employees of transportation service organizations is not an obligation, but is greatly appreciated.
Transportation
- Disney’s Magical Express Drivers– You can tip your shuttle driver for getting your family safely to and from your resort, or for helping with your bags.
- Taxi Service– It is usual to tip a taxi driver; especially if the driver helps with loading/unloading bags. If you have booked a town car service, confirm if the gratuity is already included in the price.
At the Resort Hotels
- Bartenders/Lounge Staff– 18%-20% of the total bill or $1-$2 per drink is standard.
- In-Room Dining– An 18% gratuity and service charge are added to your dining bill. If the cast member goes above and beyond, you may wish to give them a few extra dollars.
- Luggage Handlers– Upon arrival to your resort hotel using the Magical Express service, your bags should be automatically delivered to your room. If you are handling your own bags and ask for the assistance of a cast member, they should be tipped about $1-$2 per bag for room delivery.
- Mousekeepers– These cast members help keep your resort room neat and tidy. Some Mousekeepers leave surprise creations that await your arrival back from the parks. If you have an exceptional experience with Mousekeeping, you can leave a tip. $1-$2 daily for each family member would be welcome. Just remember that the Mousekeeping staff changes, so you will want to tip daily instead of the end of the week. Some families have a lot of fun with Mousekeeping gratuities and make creative tip envelopes to leave for cast members.
- Valet Parking Attendants– The daily parking rate at the resort does not include a gratuity for the valets. Tipping a valet attendant a few dollars when they deliver your car is common.
Inside the Parks and Various Experiences
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and The Pirates League– The Fairy Godmother-in-training or Captain Jack’s crew member that styles your little one should receive a tip of 15%-20%.
- Children’s Activity Centers or In-Room Babysitting– You may want to consider a 10%-20% tip on top of the fee.
- Harmony Barber Shop– 15%-20% to the barber for a hair cut/styling.
- Recreational Activities– 15% for instructors and guides.
- Spas and Adult Hairstyling– 15%-20% for your specified service.
Cast members who work in shops, ride attendants and Guest Service associates in both the parks and resort hotels are not permitted to accept tips. Even though you cannot tip them, you can recognize these cast members with a “thank you”, note of appreciation, or you could tell a manager about your magical experience.
Do you plan out your tips before you travel to Walt Disney World? Could you suggest any other locations at WDW where a tip would be necessary?
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