Hiya, Justin David!
Oh boy, I am so excited that you are planning - and budgeting for - your upcoming trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. Having lived in the UK myself twice, I know that taxation in the United States is different than in the UK and Europe. So it can be a bit tricky to predict.
Taxing in the United States can vary from state to state - including what is taxed and what isn't - and from county to county. One thing to be aware of is the tax rates can also change from time to time. I referenced a
similar question from fellow planDisney Panelist and personal finance teacher, Jenna, which may help you as well.
But to answer your question, you should note that while most of Walt Disney World Resort is located in Orange County, Florida, where the tax rate is presently 6.5% (subject to change), a few Resort areas (including restaurants and merchandise locations) are actually in Osceola County, Florida, which charges a tax rate of 7.5% (subject to change.) So you may see two different rates depending on where you are staying, dining, and shopping.
Also, you should note that Walt Disney World Resorts are subject to an additional tourism tax of 6%. This is applied to all Orlando hotels so you will see this added on top of your county sales tax for your hotel stay.
Typically, this tax is on the subtotal of the entirety of your bill. You may see a "subtotal" amount (which is the pre-tax amount of your bill,) tax amount based on percentage, and then the total amount on a dining meal or merchandise check which combines all of the charges. But usually, this total does not include service gratuity unless it specifically says so on the bill.
Some restaurants may automatically include gratuity or a service fee at a set percentage (this isn't common but some restaurants do this to make it easier for Guests) and some add a particular percentage when your dining party is over a particular party size or if the bill reaches a specific amount. If your bill does not include gratuity, you can add it at your discretion, though the common practice for excellent sit-down meal service is between 18%-22% in the United States. Quick Service restaurants don't typically expect gratuity. Here is a helpful link on
what you can expect to pay for dining at Walt Disney World Resort.
If you are traveling with family or friends, you can ask the Cast Members to split the check at the
sit-down dining restaurants. When recently visiting Walt Disney World Resort with my friends, we did this and then it was easy to see the tax charge based on each of our respective checks' subtotals (so we didn't have to do the math ourselves.) We then each added gratuity on our own.
I hope this helps you, Justin David. If you have any further Disney planning questions, soar back here to see us and we will be so happy to help you.
Have fun making magical memories!
Keri