Budgeting for gratuities

[krause]

Any tips on budgeting for gratuities? I'll be going to Disney for the 7th time but first time staying on resort and so first time on the dining plan! We're doing deluxe plan so all table service restaurants and several 2 credits (California Grill, Tiffins, Le Cellier). Any advice would be great!

 

[sxeensweet]

Any tips on budgeting for gratuities? I'll be going to Disney for the 7th time but first time staying on resort and so first time on the dining plan! We're doing deluxe plan so all table service restaurants and several 2 credits (California Grill, Tiffins, Le Cellier). Any advice would be great!

It's simple. Look at the menus see what you might order for everyone apps, entrees, deserts, and non alcoholic drink for each person at each TS. Add it up then figure out 20%-25% of that total and plan for that much.

 

[DisneyPrincess5]

What we like to do when we have the dining plan is do what @sxeensweet said and put the estimate (plus more just in case) on a Disney gift card and designate that card for gratuity payments.

 

[Minthorne]

The sticker shock of figuring out the full amount paid in tips can be .... shocking.

If on your Disney reservation they have a cost breakdown for the DDDP - figure about 15% of that number will be a good estimate of the tips. It might be a bit higher with your plan as there is the potential to have many more table service than quick service but 15-18% of the plans cost should be a good ball park.

 

[Herdman]

We didn't use the dining plan on our recent trip, but we did something similar. Once we had made our ADR's for dinner I looked at the average prices on the menu to come up with a ball park figure for each restaurant and increased it by 20%. Also, don't forget bellhops, if you're having groceries delivered to your room, transpiration from the airport if you fly and don't use ME, etc. These can add up too.

 

[PrincessNelly_NJ]

We've gone as a couple often and have found our average tips were between

$15-$20 per table service
$30-$35 per signature restaurant.

 

[drwadadli]

It's simple. Look at the menus see what you might order for everyone apps, entrees, deserts, and non alcoholic drink for each person at each TS. Add it up then figure out 20%-25% of that total and plan for that much.

I think this is a GREAT estimate and at the same time, I think 15% as mentioned by Minthorne is too low when tipping since this is a resort and all.

 

[LRnascarfan]

What we like to do when we have the dining plan is do what @sxeensweet said and put the estimate (plus more just in case) on a Disney gift card and designate that card for gratuity payments.

This is what I was planning. I think I'm going to average about $125 per person for us. Then at the end if our gift card runs out I'll just pay cash.

 

[Ted Daggett]

If you enter the restaurants that you will be attending, the number of people in your party, and the dates you will be at WDW into the following website, it will tell you the tip amount (and whether or not the dining plan makes sense for you):

www.distripplanner.com

 

[LRnascarfan]

OMG!! That website is so convenient!! Thanks!!

 

[rob0519]

Any tips on budgeting for gratuities? I'll be going to Disney for the 7th time but first time staying on resort and so first time on the dining plan! We're doing deluxe plan so all table service restaurants and several 2 credits (California Grill, Tiffins, Le Cellier). Any advice would be great!

I would say, 18%-20% of the bill for table service before tax is appropriate. As another poster wrote, remember the tips you may encounter outside the restaurants. For us that includes:

• Skycaps at the airport and / or the resort: $2-$3 per bag
• Bellman Services (if used): $2-$3 per bag
• Valet Parking (if used): $2 each time your car is brought up
• Mousekeeping: $5 per day per room (2 adults in each)

 

[drwadadli]

I would say, 18%-20% of the bill for table service before tax is appropriate. As another poster wrote, remember the tips you may encounter outside the restaurants. For us that includes:

• Skycaps at the airport and / or the resort: $2-$3 per bag
• Bellman Services (if used): $2-$3 per bag
• Valet Parking (if used): $2 each time your car is brought up
• Mousekeeping: $5 per day per room (2 adults in each)

I like your thinking and completely agree

 

[AndrewsJ]

It's simple. Look at the menus see what you might order for everyone apps, entrees, deserts, and non alcoholic drink for each person at each TS. Add it up then figure out 20%-25% of that total and plan for that much.

Always good advice!

 

[Big Hair]

What's the rule for a service where the tips is included. The latest conundrum I experienced was at the Grand Floridian. We were watching the last game of the world series last year and ordered pizza. It really knocked us off our Disney plan but hey, the Cubs in game 7 of the world series, sometimes you have to deviate from the plan. Anyways, we ordered room service and pizza was delivered with deluxe place settings and accoutrements by a very professional well dressed waiter. I double checked with him to make sure the tip was included and still gave him a couple of dollars. I felt uncomfortable not knowing if I handled the tipping situation properly. Any help?

 

[danyoung56]

You'll never find a wait person who will be displeased at getting more money. But if the tip is included on the bill, then no further tip is necessary.

 

[Big Hair]

You'll never find a wait person who will be displeased at getting more money. But if the tip is included on the bill, then no further tip is necessary.

I shared these posts with my daughter who was there and she reminded me it was the deliveryman/waiter who made it seem uncomfortable. Thank you for the reassurance that I did more than what should be expected.

 

[LAKid53]

What's the rule for a service where the tips is included. The latest conundrum I experienced was at the Grand Floridian. We were watching the last game of the world series last year and ordered pizza. It really knocked us off our Disney plan but hey, the Cubs in game 7 of the world series, sometimes you have to deviate from the plan. Anyways, we ordered room service and pizza was delivered with deluxe place settings and accoutrements by a very professional well dressed waiter. I double checked with him to make sure the tip was included and still gave him a couple of dollars. I felt uncomfortable not knowing if I handled the tipping situation properly. Any help?

You did the proper thing. While a gratuity is added to your room service bill, I always like to give the CM who delivers the food something extra...because they will set up the food in your room for you, without you asking. And they just walked all that way to your room with delicious food....and didn't sneak any..

 

[LAKid53]

I don't know why some people have an issue with tips. Wait staff are paid crap, typically less than minimum wage, they're on their feet almost their entire shift, they get the crap when the kitchen screws up, etc. Unless the service was poor, I tip. And if we've gotten an amazing server, I tip big and let management know what an excellent server we had.