Archive for October 31st, 2009

Around every corner, you’ll find a Disney Cast Member looking for ways to make your vacation more magical.  Here are some guidelines for acknowledging the many helping hands you’ll encounter during your stay:

Limousine Driver
20% of the total round-trip charge, or 10% each one-way segment if you wish to be certain to tip individual drivers

Airport Baggage Handler
$1.00 or more per bag

Airport Wheelchair
$3.00 – $5.00 or more, depending on services provided

Sky Cap
$2.00 for first bag; $1.00 for each additional bag

Full Service Restaurant
15% to 20% of pretax total; more if you feel the service was truly exemplary; if you have received a discount or complimentary items, your tip should be based upon what the full cost would have been.

Sommelier
15% to 20% of your total wine expenditures

Buffet Restaurants
5% – 10% of the bill, depending on level of service

Bartender
10% – 15% of the bar tab

Room Service
15% to 20% of pretax total.   Please note:  any additional service fees added to you bill are separate from the tip

Taxi
15% of fare; $1.00 to $2.00 additional for luggage handling

Housekeeping
$1.00 person per night; generally $2.00 to $3.00 per night minimum; because the staff changes from day to day, leave a tip each morning rather than once at the end of your stay

Bell Services
minimum of $1.00 per bag; additional for extra services such as explaining room features, filling ice bucket, etc.

Concierge
when staying at the Club Level, $5.00 to $10.00; more for special services; at the Disney Resorts, most Concierges will refuse a tip when offered but will then accept it gracefully if you insist

Valet Parking
$1.00 to $2.00 when your vehicle is returned to you; if you know must leave in a hurry, you can tip the attendant when dropping off your vehicle and request that it is parked in a location for quick retrieval

Massage Therapist
10% to 20% of the charge

Aesthetician
10% to 20% of the charge

Spa Attendant
At a resort spa, tip the spa attendants about 5% of your total bill at the front desk. If any particular attendant went above and beyond for you, you should tip that attendant individually

Many positions at the Disney Parks and Resorts are specifically prohibited from accepting tips.  Walt Disney had a particular philosophy about tipping, wanting everyone to feel they were receiving the same exemplary levels of service regardless of means, and wishing to avoid preferential treatment for those who could afford to offer financial incentives.  If a Cast Member has provided a special service to you but refuses a gratuity, a letter of commendation is a wonderful way to say, “Thank You!”  All letters go into the Cast Members’ permanent files and are a very meaningful way to express your appreciation.

You can send a letter to:

Guest Communications
Walt Disney World Co., Inc.
P. O. Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040

or email: wdw.guest.communications@disney.com