Hi Jo!
Welcome to planDisney.
It's always a pleasure to answer questions from my fellow UK guests, and I know that tipping can be so confusing. I take many solo trips, and this is what I do. (
Please note this is all my own opinion, as tipping is discretionary.)For my Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World transfer, if I use Mears Connect I always tip the driver on arrival at my Disney Resort hotel. My luggage is heavy, so for that reason alone I will give a tip. Also, if the driver has been entertaining, helpful, informative etc. I will give a little more. They provide a great service. The general rule of thumb is $1 per bag, but I round it up to $5 or $10 depending on how many bags they have to heave around for me.
If I use Lyft to take me to my hotel, I prepay the fee on the app, but there's a facility to add a tip after your journey. Again, I am grateful they've been lifting my luggage for me.
Once at my hotel, if I use
Bell Services to store my luggage or deliver it to my room, I will always tip them. All that heavy lifting and carrying is something that wouldn't be easy for me to do. I consider their services to be worth a minimum of $5.
If you hire a car, I will tip if I use
valet parking anywhere, at any Disney Resort hotel or at Disney Springs. Something around $5 seems reasonable.
When dining at table-service restaurants, a suggested gratuity will be shown on your bill. It is
suggested, and it is up to you to decide how much you want to pay. If you settle your bill using your Disney band or credit card, you can add your gratuity to that amount, or pay it separately in cash.
I always remember to bring some US Dollars in small denominations of cash - $1, $5, and $10 for this purpose.
If you receive particularly good service from our dedicated Cast Members, especially when tipping is not appropriate, you can leave a "Cast Compliment" on the
My Disney Experience app. Try to take note of their name and hometown, as shown on their nametag, which will ensure your compliment reaches them. I know they will appreciate this!
Please come back and visit us if you have any further questions, and you can
send me a direct question if you wish. We will be happy to help you plan your magical holiday at Walt Disney World!
Sue