Being four young twenty somethings, my friends and I weren't sure what to tip at our last visit to the World. All of us had been a waiter/waitress at sometime during our highschool/college years, and we knew that 15 - 20% was standard...but we were like, "15-20% of what, exactly?"
So we decided to figure it out at the end of our trip. But then a FANTASTIC mousekeeper @ All Star Music started setting our things up in the room - we're all pretty sad. We have stuffed animals, blankies, etc. and she would arrange them in the window in little scenes. It was so cute.
What is customary? A dollar per person per night? Cuz we stayed 8 nights, so that would've been $32...and does OUR housekeeper get it all? Should we do it per day?
And on a side note (and I didn't highlight it because I didn't want to turn this into a big deal, but I still HAVE to say it), someone mentioned they dislike tipping for ordinary service. That bothers me tremendously.
First of all, I know many people think that if you're paying all this money for your food, then why should you have to tip? Well most waitstaff only gets paid $2.75 - $5.00 an hour. The restaurant calculates and decides on wages based on the age-old custom of tipping. This is what the waitstaff lives on. So instead of thinking, "Well that's the restaurant's problem, not ours," please don't go to a restaurant if you don't (or won't) tip...no one wants to wait on people who aren't grateful for their service.
IF YOU GET A BAD SERVER...don't just leave nothing and think, "Well, they know why they didn't get anything." They probably don't. Some servers are awful...I totally acknowledge that. So write them a note instead - you were a poor server. You didn't remember our drinks, you forgot coloring books for the kids, you were rude, you didn't check back with us...etc. Just leaving them nothing makes them feel vindicated, like, "They were SO cheap, and I did a great job."
One night I was SO super crabby, and this table with a forty dollar check left me four dollars and told me so on a note. I cried (cuz that's what I do), but in the end, they were right. I wasn't the greatest waitress and they were obviously good tippers who left 10% because I didn't do the best job. I was lucky I got 10%.
What is ordinary service...coming to the table, asking for drinks, coming back and asking for the order, bringing out the food, checking to make sure things are okay a couple of times, asking for dessert, bringing the bill, and checking someone out, then clearing their table. That is what I consider good service...unsure what ordinary means.
Some people like you to play with their kids, keep them entertained, talk to the family, etc. Others don't want to talk to you at all. How are waiters/waitresses supposed to know?
And families with little children - if your kids leave a mess, you tip 20% or more for sure. We babysit 3 year old triplets, and they leave a DISASTER anywhere we go. We pick up as much as we can on the table, then leave extra $$ for whoever has to pick up their smushed food and junk on the floor.
I figure it's the same with mousekeeping, yes? If you're slobs, you leave more? Yes? Let me know :~)
Sorry if my little rant scared anyone...I'm not super bitter, I swear!! I just needed to get it out.:wave:
