Ahoy, Heather!
Welcome back to planDisney! And let me just say—this is not a silly question at all. In fact, it shows you have a heart as golden as Scrooge McDuck’s money bin and a real appreciation for the incredible
Port Adventure guides who help make Disney Cruise Line sailings so unforgettable!
When it comes to tipping your tour guides, here’s the scoop: With the exception of a few experiences on
Disney’s island destinations—Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay—most Port Adventures are operated by local, independent contractors. And just like in Zootopia, things can vary wildly from one stop to the next. Some tour guides may be as tech-savvy as Hiro Hamada and accept electronic tips via third-party apps—but in my experience, that’s about as rare as spotting Stitch behaving in public.
My crew and I have enjoyed quite a few Port Adventures over the years, and only once did we encounter a guide who could accept an electronic payment method for a tip. So, to avoid any hiccups, I highly recommend bringing cash for tipping. It's still the most common and widely accepted method—especially in
ports of call where internet or mobile access can be spotty (or completely non-existent, like the Cave of Wonders before Aladdin showed up).
Now, I totally understand not wanting to haul around a sack of doubloons like you’re settling a debt with Captain Jack Sparrow. What I like to do is plan out what I think I’ll need for each day’s adventure and only take a small amount ashore—just enough for tips and maybe a souvenir or two. I keep the rest of my cash locked safely in my stateroom safe.
The exact amount to tip is always up to you and your comfort level, but if your guide brought the magic and made your experience memorable, they’ll definitely appreciate the gesture—however it comes.
I hope this helps you prepare for a practically perfect Port Adventure! It sounds like your compass is already pointing toward kindness and generosity, which is just the kind of magic that makes a Disney cruise so special.
Sea ya real soon with a splash of April fun and a boatload of Disney magic,
Dustin