Walt Disney World is its world, and with that comes some unique rules. One of those rules is around tipping. The majority of Disney Cast Members aren’t able to accept tips from Guests. This might seem strange as many of us are used to the standard tipping expectation of 15-25% for those providing a service.
We have a quick list to help you know who you should tip when in Walt Disney World. This will help you budget and plan for tipping at Walt Disney World.
Food Servers
These Cast Members shouldn’t be a surprise when it comes to tipping. Throughout Walt Disney World, there are numerous table-service restaurants. These are restaurants where you are waited on throughout your meal, from providing drinks, delivering your food, and clearing away dishes.
Ensure you provide a tip for your servers before leaving the restaurant. Even if you enjoy a buffet such as Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, please tip appropriately. These Cast Members work hard to ensure you have the best dining experience possible.
Bell Service
Another group of Cast Members that most are used to tipping in other destinations are those that help with your baggage throughout the trip. As you start and end your Walt Disney World vacation, you will probably have various Cast Members helping with your luggage.
If you plan to drop your bags at Bell Service and head to the Parks when you arrive and then have Bell Service bring those bags to you when you are back in your Resort room, make sure you tip those Cast Members for their hard work.
The same goes for if you are having Bell Service pick up your bags at the end of your trip. Make sure that you tip them before heading out. Most suggest tipping between $1-$2 per bag. Since you are doing so in cash, make sure you plan so you have some with you.
Non-Disney Transportation
We continually advertise how excellent Disney’s complimentary transportation is, and that is the case. Disney transportation Cast Members aren’t allowed to accept tips. The only exception to this is if you take a Minnie Van. Since these are booked through the Lyft app, it is customary to tip 18-25% on excellent service. This is done directly through the app.
This is the same for any other public or private transportation you might take throughout your vacation. Take a town car, Uber, or Lyft, for example; you will want to tip accordingly.
Mousekeeping
At Walt Disney World, housekeeping that comes into your Disney Resort room is known as mouskeeping. These are the Cast Members that keep your room picked up and cleaned. They bring fresh towels and make sure all your products are restocked as needed.
Mousekeeping doesn’t come in daily anymore; however, you can always call for items you need. Consider leaving around $1-2 per person daily for these Cast Members. We like to leave them with little notes so they know they can take them. This is a fun way to pass along a little Disney magic.
Room Service
If you have room service throughout your stay at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, a few dollars or an 18-25% tip is appropriate. Some moderate and deluxe Disney Resorts can offer room service. Although not all are offering this option, when they do, tipping as you would in a restaurant is a nice gesture for their work.
When Cast Members bring you extra blankets, pillows, towels etc, this is when giving a few dollars to them as a thank you is an excellent offer.
Deliveries
No more than ever before, Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resorts have items delivered to them during their vacations. If this is a service you will take advantage of during your tip, make sure you are prepared to tip those providing the service for you.
One popular option is to have groceries delivered. Various companies, from Amazon Prime Now to Target and Walmart, are now delivering groceries. As you don’t often meet these delivery drivers, pay attention when ordering if there is a way to the tip. Also, make sure that you tip anyone that handles your items. This might be Bell Service which often temporarily stores your items for you when they are delivered.
If you are renting a stroller or scooter, make sure you tip these people for their service. Again, check when you place your order if there is a spot for tipping so you can be prepared ahead of time.
Other Areas
There are a few other miscellaneous areas throughout Walt Disney World where tipping is allowed. A few more popular areas would be Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique and Harmony Barber Shop. You will want to tip between 18-25% for both of these services.
This is similar if you take advantage of one of the fantastic spas throughout Walt Disney World. If you can sneak away for some relaxation, tip these Cast Members.
When booking exceptional experiences such as a tour, a fireworks cruise, or something similar, you will want to plan on tipping the Cast Member providing the service. Look at the overall cost of the experience and plan on 18-25% for tip.
No Tips Allowed
A lot of Cast Members are trained to refuse tips. This doesn’t mean you can’t recognize them for their fantastic service. In the My Disney Experience app, there is now a place where you can place Cast Compliments. Here you put in the Cast Member’s name, where they were working, and other important information that made the experience so magical. This is then shared with the Cast Members.
You can also provide Cast Compliments at Guest service at each of the Parks. Make sure you get their names,; if you can even remember their hometown, that is helpful.
Cast Members and service workers are the people that help make our vacations extra magical. Take time to tip accordingly to help let them know how much they are appreciated.
