Tipping and cash needed on Disney World trips - PREP096 - WDW Prep School (2024)

By: Author Shannon Albert

Published: June 28, 2015 Updated: September 11, 2023

You’ve got most everything paid for on your Disney World trip, but who will you need to tip? And what things will you need to pay with cash?

I’ve got info on that today, plus lots of news and a quick tip of the day.

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In this article

UPDATE:

So much has changed since we first published this podcast.

Find the most up-to-date information in our When to Tip at Disney World blog post.

These are notes from this episode. There’s much more info included in the audio so be sure to listen to the episode for a better explanation.

Call in your quick tip of the day

To prepare for the 100th episode, I’d love to have you call in your own quick tip of the day at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo.

Things that require tipping or cash

Luggage
Almost anytime somebody handles your luggage, you should tip $1-2/bag for their help. That includes curbside check-in at the airport, Magical Express Cast Members who load your bags on and off the bus, and when bell services helps you at your resort.

If you do not pick up your own bags at the airport and allow Disney to deliver them to your resort, tipping isn’t required because you likely won’t see the people delivering your bags.

Dining
It’s customary to tip 18-20% at all Table Service restaurants (if you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, be sure to tip based on the amount you would’ve paid). For parties of 6 or more, an 18% gratuity will automatically be included. Gratuity is also included with the price at Cinderella’s Royal Table, Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue, Spirit of Aloha Luau, and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ.

Tipping can be paid with cash, credit card, or by charging to your MagicBand. That includes people on the Disney Dining Plan who can pay for their food with credits but use another payment method for handling tips.

Other services
You can also expect to tip for salon services, $1/person per day for Mousekeeping (use my cute envelopes if you’d like), valet ($2-5), and boat drivers. Most other Cast Members can’t accept tips, but you can feel free to give them thank-you notes and stop by guest relations to leave a compliment there.

I didn’t mention this in the podcast, but you can choose to tip at places that provide salon-style services such as Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Harmony Barber Shop, and Pirate’s League as well if you’d like.

News

  • 2016 packages were released and some changes were made to the offers. Check out this overview for a complete list of the changes. For people traveling in 2015, check out this list of everything that’s included.
  • 2016 Disney Dining Plan prices have changed. See the list of prices here.
  • Many restaurants aren’t shown as being on the list for 2016 Disney Dining Plan, but they should be added by the end of the year.
  • Mears has an app for calling taxis at Disney World (available for iOS and Android).
  • Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach refurbishments have been announced and are on the monthly dashboards.
  • Selfie sticks have been completely banned at both Disney World and Disneyland.
  • Military discounts have been extended through December.
  • Captain EO will return to Epcot on July 19.

Quick tip of the day

Disney now has a GIF app to allow you to include Disney GIFs in your messages.

Tipping and cash needed on Disney World trips - PREP096 - WDW Prep School (2)

Have a quick tip of your own? Call it in at https://www.speakpipe.com/WDWPrepToGo

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Shannon Albert

Shannon started this site in May of 2012 to help people plan Disney World trips. Since then, she's visited monthly and stayed in every resort several times. You can find her on social media as well as her weekly podcast, WDW Prep To Go. Email Shannon

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Tipping and cash needed on Disney World trips - PREP096 - WDW Prep School (2024)

FAQs

Tipping and cash needed on Disney World trips - PREP096 - WDW Prep School? ›

It's customary to tip 18-20% at all Table Service restaurants (if you're on the Disney Dining Plan, be sure to tip based on the amount you would've paid). For parties of 6 or more, an 18% gratuity will automatically be included.

How much do you tip a bellman at Disney World? ›

Luggage Handling: At the airport, at your hotel, and throughout your trip, you should tip anyone who handles your luggage for you in your presence. The rule of thumb is that you tip about 2-3 dollars per bag, or more if the bag is extra heavy.

Can you tip with cash at Disney? ›

You can use any acceptable form of payment at Disney World to pay your tip. Cash, credit card, debit card, room charge, and Disney gift cards all work well.

How much do you tip housekeeping at Disney World? ›

For housekeeping services, I like to leave $3 to $5 cash each day in my room clearly marked for them so they know it's theirs to take. I prefer to tip each day instead of at the end of my trip because different housekeeping Cast Members might be servicing my room every day.

Do you tip at Hoop Dee Doo Revue? ›

Gratuity will be included in the bill at some locations around Disney, so be sure to double check before you leave a tip. Gratuity is automatically included for parties of 6 or more at any table service dining location. Cinderella's Royal Table and Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue both include gratuity in their prices.

Should you tip housekeeping at Disney? ›

Tip daily rather than a combined amount at the end of your stay, as the person cleaning your room may change during your stay due to scheduling. A daily tip will ensure the specific team member working in your room receives it.

Do you tip Bell services before or after? ›

Tip $1-5 when your car is delivered. Tipping when your car is parked is optional. Tip $1-5 per bag when you are escorted to your room (especially if your luggage is heavy or they prepare your room or show you around). Tip the same if you request bell staff service checking out.

Does Disney automatically add gratuity? ›

An 18% gratuity will automatically be added to your bill for parties of 6 or more. An automatic gratuity charge may also be added to your bill for certain items you order that are not included in the Disney Dining Plan.

Should I tip if gratuity is added? ›

Tipping on top of a 20% automatic gratuity is not required. The automatic gratuity is intended to cover the customary tip. However, if you feel the service was exceptional, you are welcome to tip additionally.

What is Disney's cash on hand? ›

Cash on Hand as of December 2023 : $7.19 B

According to Walt Disney's latest financial reports the company has $7.19 B in cash and cash equivalents. A company's cash on hand also refered as cash/cash equivalents (CCE) and Short-term investments, is the amount of accessible money a business has.

Do you tip at Disney buffets? ›

Buffet restaurants at Walt Disney World fall into the Table Service category. While you walk up to the buffet line to select your own food, there is wait staff that will bring you drinks, clear your plates, and offer other assistance. These servers should be tipped as you would in any other Table Service situation.

What do you tip a Disney tour guide? ›

Using the VIP tour guide is such a great use of your time and enhancing the Disney experience in such a way, you will not question the investment. Please do not forget to tip your guide. It is not mandatory but appreciated. 20% is the customary tip for these guides.

Do you leave tips at Disney World? ›

Similarly, it is also customary to tip your server at any Table Service dining locations across Walt Disney World Resort. Currently, I've observed that a "Suggested Tip Percentage" is often added on towards the bottom of the bill that calculates the amount for both 18% or 20% of the total amount due.

Do you tip for trail rides? ›

A: It is customary for guests to provide gratuity to their guides/wranglers. On average, this is 20% of the total cost of your ride.

Does hoop Dee Doo price include gratuity? ›

Prices include tax and gratuity. Prices and show times are subject to change without notice. Choose from 3 different seating categories. Refer to the seating chart for seat locations in proximity to the stage.

How much do you tip at Hoop Dee Doo Revue? ›

When making a reservation for a Walt Disney World Resort dinner show, Guests are required to pay in full at the time of reservation. The amount charged per person for the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue includes the meal, tax, and a gratuity of 18%.

Do you tip bellman at Disney World? ›

You may tip Cast Members in the following roles: Bell Services at your Disney Resorts Collections hotel for luggage, grocery, and other package deliveries or additional services provided on site. Dining Teams, including servers and sommeliers at table service restaurants and attendants at Club Level lounges.

How much does a bellman get paid at Disney? ›

$25 (Median Total Pay)

The estimated total pay range for a Bellman at Walt Disney Company is $19–$33 per hour, which includes base salary and additional pay.

How much do you tip a bellman per bag? ›

Nels said he would “suggest $2 per bag or up to $5 per bag for hotel bellhop, subject to the size and weight of the bag.” He added that if the bellhop goes above and beyond in assisting you to get settled in your room after check-in (such as offering a short tour or bringing ice), you should consider tipping more.

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