The Art of Tipping at Disney World

Last Updated on April 1, 2020

Tipping at Disney Parks and Resorts is not required, technically. However, quality service is customarily acknowledged by a Gratuity.

This has come up in many chat rooms and Facebook groups, especially those with a large international membership. Tipping is not common around the world and many international guests have caught themselves confused and/or unprepared for what is to be expected of them as guests in America.

Florida law allows certain positions to be categorized as tipped employees and can be paid $3 per hour less than the normal minimum wage.

Special Shows Exception Gratuity Included

Disney Dinner shows like the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, Mickey’s Backyard BBQ, and Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Show all include tax and gratuity. Likewise, the fixed-price to dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table includes tax and gratuity, as well as an imaging package.

You will receive a receipt and request for a tip if you do happen to purchase something off the set-menu, however. So keep that in mind as well.

Those Cast Members in positions that are not categorized by Walt Disney World as tipped are required to refuse tips from guests. If you receive exemplary service from a Cast Member in a position that is not tipped, your best option is to go to Guest Relations and ask for the Great Service Fanatic Card. This isn’t just a way to say thanks but is important in receiving official (internal) recognition and can even be a factor in promotions.

Cast Members who Cannot Typically Accept Tips

• Monorail Pilots
• Bus Drivers
• Boat Captains
• Servers at Counter Service Restaurants
• Servers at Quick-Service Restaurants
• Standard Theme Park Parking Attendants
• Concierge Desk attendants

Tipping with Cash

Luggage

For luggage handling, a tip of $1 or $2 per bag is normally expected. This tipping expense applies to any service person who handles your luggage. This includes individuals at the airport, on Disney’s Magical Express, and at the resort where you are staying. Tips for luggage handling should be in cash.

Dining

How much to tip, who to tip and even which restaurants accept tips are usually the greatest challenges facing those that are unaccustomed to the tipping culture in North America. While Quick service and Counter service employees are not expecting a gratuity, Table service and those being seated as a large party, however, do. Here’s the breakdown.

• Table Service – 18-20% tip
• Parties of 6 or more – An 18% gratuity is automatically added to your bill

How to tip on the Disney Dining Plan?

Just as you would when paying cash or credit, the waiter/waitress will have you sign for your Dining Plan credit or Room charge. This is when you will write an amount for a tip and hand them back their copy. This will be charged to your room account and can easily be reviewed later. Easy Peezy.

Disney World Transportation

• Magical Express Drivers.
• Limo or Town Car Drivers, 
• Taxis / Uber, 
• Minnie Vans.

15% Gratuity is typical.