Sometimes, Disney World is not exactly the magical place you expected.
Mickey Mouse
Now, we’re not talking about things like rides going down (those are just minor inconveniences). We’re not even talking about those random Florida storms that roll through the parks almost daily. We’re not even thinking about those small transportation problems we occasionally encounter. No, we’re talking about what other people are doing in the parks that make us cringe.
So we’re not the judgmental types…usually…but there are three things that will make us reconsider that.
Not Tipping
We’ve seen people show up for an advance dining reservation at a Disney World table service restaurant, have a huge meal for the whole family, and walk away without leaving a tip. Now, we do understand that sometimes there is some misunderstanding about that. For example, if you’re using the Disney Dining Plan, you might not realize that tips are not included (and we’ll be reminding you of that when the Dining Plan officially returns in 2024).
Food at Shiki-Sai in EPCOT
We also understand that if you’re from a country outside of the U.S., you might not know that it’s standard to tip at U.S. restaurants, although we hope you do your research first.
Food at 50s Prime Time Cafe
Also, it’s not just restaurants where you need to tip. It’s also customary to leave a tip for housekeeping staff. Tips should be around $1 per person per day — leave it in an envelope specifically marked for that. Also, leave the tip out EVERY day, rather than waiting until the end of your trip — it won’t always be the same person cleaning your room, so it’s best to do this on a daily basis.
The Ultimate Guide to Tipping at Disney World
Yelling at Cast Members
As we mentioned, things sometimes happen in Disney World, but at no point, should you EVER yell at Cast Members. They are doing their best to keep you happy even when something goes wrong, and they are not responsible for the thing you’re probably yelling about anyway.
Never yell at Cast Members
Instead, we encourage you to go out of your way to thank Cast Members. Without them, Disney World would NOT be as magical as it is (we would argue that they ARE the magic). You’d be amazed at how a simple “thank you” could make a Cast Member’s day.
Disney World Cast Members
Even better, though. Use the My Disney Experience app to offer a compliment to Cast Members who you come across during your Disney World vacation.
How to send a compliment to a Cast Member
Don’t talk during the pre-show
Okay, we get it — you LOVE Haunted Mansion and you can’t help yourself when the dialogue begins. The urge is strong to shout it out. But here’s the thing: DON’T. Mouth the words to yourself, if you must, but don’t ruin it for other guests who may be enjoying it for the first time. All foolish mortals are welcome, after all.
Don’t talk through this
Likewise, just don’t talk during the pre-shows at all. Again, give those who haven’t had the experience of that ride the chance to enjoy ALL aspects of it. This also goes for while you’re ON rides. Don’t talk during rides that have dialogue — and if you must — do so quietly.
These Are the Most ANNOYING Disney World Guests
Remember, you’re not the only person enjoying Disney World when you’re there. Keep the magic alive for everyone and your trip will be that much more magical, too.
7 Places You Do NOT Want to Be in Disney World — Take Notes
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I am guilty of belting out Yo Ho Yo Ho A Pirate’s Life for ME, until I became a DFB reader. I now sing all my Disney songs while cleaning the house, not in the parks.
We make special tips for Mouse keeping and Restaurants, that’s our special magic and we love to spread it.
On dark rides
TAKING.
FLASH.
PICTURES.
STOP THIS!
How about not yelling at an individual trying to maneuver a wheelchair or scooter around a large group of people. You might get held up for a minute. CALM DOWN! Sorry their disability slowed you down for a second! Also, mother’s with strollers also have to move over for other mother’s with strollers, give them some slack.
Add cell phones to that list. One lady on Pirates of the Caribbean ride had her cell phone on the whole ride, why was she on the ride? Did she realize how bright the light was??
Not only flash pictures, but cell phone photos and filming!
On dark rides not just taking a flash picture but having the phone on at all, if you MUST be on your phone at least turn the brightness all the way down!
I was watching Impressions de France once, and there was a man behind me who kept talking (in his regular voice, not even whispering) telling the person beside him what they were seeing on the screen and getting it wrong every time. So at the scene where there’s a castle in the mountains, the guy says (still is his regular voice) “That’s Versailles” which of course it wasn’t. I turned around and told him that it was actually not Versailles, but if he stopped talking I would tell him when we got there. He didn’t say another word. And I won’t even go into the woman at The Hall of Presidents who found it necessary to recite the Gettysburg Address along with Abraham Lincoln.
I have a question. We are taking the magic kingdom five hour walking tour. We have paid in advance for the tour. My question is do we tip the tour guide at the end of tour? I would not want to tip if required and would 20% of price be okay. Thanks for your advice.
June, I took that tour several years ago and although we thanked the tour guide at the end, we did not tip and I don’t recall that anyone else on the tour did either. Actually, I’ve taken several of the behind-the-scenes tours at Disney World and we’ve never tipped. I also have not seen tour guides listed any of the times this or any of the other blogs post articles about tipping. I would definitely submit a cast member compliment for the tour guide, though.
June, great question. We too planning to do Keys of the Kingdom in Jan. Is it Ok to tip tour guide?
Thank you Tracy I appreciate your input.
Kayls, Thank you for mentioning the scooter & wheelchair folks. I am one of them and have been called a lazy b*%#h on every trip I take. One gentleman walked next to me to tell me why I shouldn’t be allowed into the parks. By the way, I have NEVER hit anyone, (in over 30 trips) but had my ankle injured by someone who thought it was a good idea to let a 4 year old run down Main Street with their stroller!
I think it’s absolutely appropriate to tip the guide. I’m a travel agent and I have a client taking a VIP tour and this is from the paperwork they sent me to give my client: “Gratuities for VIP Tour Guides are not included in the price of your tour. Gratuities are discretionary and should be based on the quality of service you receive.” Now, they are not the same as other tour guides, but I think it should apply to them.
Actually contacted Disney, they said yes, ok to tip tour giude, amount is at your disgression, however it is a big no no to tip fast food or cast members selling water and popcorn.
Chrystie, Thank you for your information on tipping much appreciated.