Once upon a time, I took Disney’s Magical Express to my Disney resort only to discover I had no cash for a tip. I hate that feeling, when I realize it’s time to tip and I have nothing! Can you tips Disney cast members? Although it is true that most Disney cast members do not accept tips, this is not true across the board. As a matter of fact, some positions at Walt Disney World pay less under an expectation that a portion of the cast members income will come from gratuities. Tipping Walt Disney cast members, therefore has some vague rules surrounding it that I can clarify for you here.
How much to tip at Disney World
First off, tipping Disney cast members is rarely mandatory. It may be expected by some cast members, but it is still voluntary.
The question of how much you should tip Disney cast members is determined by:
- a) how much is customary to tip
- b) how much you choose to tip
Whether or not you tip automatically, or you view the Disney cast members income as a factor, the best advice is to tip at your comfort level.
Carry a Variety of Small Bills
The best way to be comfortable about tipping is to always carry a variety of small bills. If you are ever in a position where you become aware a tip is expected, or at least encouraged, you don’t need to feel awkward about it. One good thing is that Disney cast members in tipped positions are often very gracious and honestly don’t expect it, even though they count on it.
Who to tip at Disney World
Some positions at Disney World allow for an hourly rate that is below the state minimum wage. These positions are called tipped positions and they have to do with jobs directly related to service, where tips are regularly received. The tips supplement the paycheck. Among the various tipped positions in Disney World are Motorcoach drivers, restaurant servers, and bag handlers.
Understand Customary Gratuity
Do you tip Disney Magical Express driver? The two people you want cash on hand for are the drivers and the bag handlers. Anyone that touches your bags should be tipped roughly $2-3 per bag. That goes for the people who work at the airport as well as the bellhops at the hotel. Servers at restaurants get between 15% and 20% generally. If you are in a large party an automatic 18% gratuity will be applied to the bill.
Who to Tip in the Disney Parks
Aside from table service dining, most Disney in park cast members do not accept tips. Even Disney tour guides are not tipped, although if you have a private tour group, they may require, or expect a tip. You should tip, in cash only, a haircut at the barber in Town Square. A 15% tip is customary at the barber. The only exception to the no tipping rule is makeover experiences like Bibbity Bobbity Boutique and the Pirates League. The boutique and the Pirates’ League are less expecting, but always appreciative.
Hope this clarifies which Disney cast member positions you should tip at your next trip!
I do try to tip when service is given but sometimes there you just don’t know. I thought only waiters and other restaurant staff were not paid as least the minimum wage and only if the place served liquor. Thank you for clarifying who to tip.
My pleasure!
This is great advice I always feel bad if I don’t have a tip on hand when it is expected this makes planning our trip easier