Hi there Tracey, it's so great to have you here at planDisney!
As one of the world explorers among our group of planDisney Panelists who has lived and worked in Melbourne, I'm always so thrilled to be able to help our Australian friends who make the journey across the Pacific to visit
Disney Destinations around the world. I always think it's very considerate for any soon-to-be voyager to do their homework and ask about the local customs like you are, especially when it comes to things like American tipping culture which could definitely be tricky if it's not something you're used to. Here are a few of my best tips (pun intended) to help international guests avoid guessing about gratuities:
- We frequently stay at the Walt Disney World Resort Hotels each year, and I took the liberty to ask the Front Desk Cast Members at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to get the official word on the policy surrounding gratuities. They let me know that tipping is customary but not mandatory for Cast Members who are able to accept gratuities like Bell Services (who may receive a few dollars per item they transport or store for you) and the Housekeeping team (who folks may feel more comfortable tipping a few dollars per night with a marked envelope left in the room). The amount you ought to leave varies depending on whom you ask and the level of service you receive, but we always like to make sure we show our appreciation for any Cast Members who go above and beyond for us.
- Similarly, it is also customary to tip your server at any Table Service dining locations across Walt Disney World Resort. Currently, I've observed that a "Suggested Tip Percentage" is often added on towards the bottom of the bill that calculates the amount for both 18% or 20% of the total amount due. It never hurts to ask whether a gratuity charge has already been added to your final bill as it may vary between locations, especially if you're dining at a third-party operator or seated as a larger group.
You'll find that Cast Members will often be quite appreciative of any tip that they receive, so it's always a good rule of thumb to make sure that those who are really committed to providing a high level of service are rewarded for their efforts. Some folks and families like to send a
Cast Compliment through the My Disney Experience App, which currently allows their leadership team to provide them with one of a limited selection of preset phrases to let them know that an anonymous guest appreciated them in some way.
If you might want to provide more lasting recognition, I highly recommend taking down the Cast Member's name and hometown and writing a nice note or speaking with Guest Relations directly so that they can ensure that the Cast Member will receive it or even be reflected on their record. Thank you again for your question and I hope you have a fantastic upcoming visit; we
look forward to having you back here at planDisney, Tracey!
May all of the Cast Members you encounter go above and beyond on your next Disney adventure!
Prince