Ahoy Karen!
How excited you must be to have your cruise on the books and paid for! It's smooth sailing from this point on! (Pun completely intended...)
Pre-paid gratuities are based on the
Gratuities Chart on the official Disney Cruise Line website. Pre-paid tips include your Dining Room Server, Dining Room Assistant Server, Dining Room Head Server, and your Stateroom Host or Hostess. These invaluable cast members will provide you with amazing customized service throughout your cruise - you'll be so thankful for everything they do! If, during your sailing, your service is above and beyond what you expected, you can also add additional gratuities at your discretion.
On the last day of your cruise, you'll receive receipts and labeled envelopes for each of the previously mentioned crew members. Simply detach the perforated receipts and place them in the corresponding envelopes. We like to personally hand our envelopes to each cast member and thank them for their service. Some guests choose to add additional money, or even give little gifts such as microwave popcorn, candy or gift cards as a "thank you". You can also stop by the Guest Services desk at any time to make changes to the gratuity amounts.
On the gratuities chart, you'll see other services listed with gratuity at your discretion. The main one I want to mention is Room Service - a 24-Hour service that's included in the price of your cruise. Though the food is covered by your cruise fare, tips are not. We always make sure to keep some small bills in our stateroom safe to tip the Room Service staff. (Because of COURSE we will be ordering Mickey Ice Cream Bars before bed!)
I hope this helps with your planning! Please come back and visit with your questions as you prepare for your cruise in October. Have a magical day! - Diane W.