Try typing the title of my thread in Google and you get billions of 'tips'. :confused:

But what I want to know is who and how much money to tip folks at the Polynesian. I have a 6-night stay coming up mid-May. Thanks!

Hmmm. Either nobody here tips, or there isn't any tipping at Polynesian Resort.

I don't know about standards specific to the Poly but when I asked about tipping for a previous trip (am from the UK so didn't have a clue) I think this was the advice I got. I assume it applies everywhere.

Mousekeeping - $1 per person in the room per day.
Table Service - 18% seems to be the standard - (there will be debate between 15% and 20%). I tip 20% unless something awful happens, it's easier math than 18....
Baggage - $1 per bag (? I think?)

Hope you enjoy the Poly!

I concur with scooby, although there will always be some question as to whether it's really necessary to tip housekeeping. Also, if you use valet parking, you DON'T tip when dropping off your car. You tip a buck when you pick it up, giving it to the guy who actually brings your car around.

These suggestions are good for all hotels both in and out of Disney space.

I usually tip $5 per night for housekeeping. Tip the first five the first night and the room will be impeccable for subsequent nights. As for restaurant gratuities, 20% is appropriate unless the service is poor. If someone carries your bags up to your room $1-2 per bag is good. If someone else drives you in a golf cart to your room, $5 is about right. I think that covers everyone...

I'm a more generous tipper. I know some will come and flame me about overtipping and such, but I agree with the previous post--

1. $5 per night (even at Pop or POFQ for us!) for mousekeeping, always with a hand-written thank you on the envelope (with Disney stickers too)!

2. 20% tip for sit-down restaurants. (At home, I even tip $1-2 for carry out! Someone took the order and packed it up nicely!). I do adjust for poor service, though.

3. $2 per bag. It's the going rate at SkyCap, so I follow suit with bellpersons too.

4. $1 for the bellservices guy to call a taxi. It takes 30 seconds to get my taxi!!

5. $5 (total, not PP) for DME. Even if they don't touch my bag. It's NOT necessary--I just like to if they're nice. If they don't talk or are surly, I skip this.

6. I usually send thank you notes to the resort manager and to the food services manager if something great happens on our trip. People are so used to everyone complaining. It's so rare that someone compliments them! I figure, they're so nice to us, it's nice to return some of that Disney Magic! I even bring a little pack of DIsney-themed thank yous for this purpose.

7. I take little "Minnesota" pins and CM appreciation cards to give out to special CMs. It was one of the highlights of our trip.

Now, this isn't to say BY ANY MEANS that this is the norm. I know this is above and beyond. I just enjoy, enjoy, enjoy doing those things. OK, let the flames of sarcasm fly.....:fez:

Tip the first five the first night and the room will be impeccable for subsequent nights....

Tip ZERO to housekeeping and the room will be impeccable for subsequent nights. I'm just sayin' . . . .

Tip ZERO to housekeeping and the room will be impeccable for subsequent nights. I'm just sayin' . . . .

Dan, did I misunderstand previous advice? I thought the wages of housekeepers was arranged low on the assumption that they will receive tips as described for most rooms they clean, and that wait staff wages are also low due to the expected tips they will receive? This is a genuine question as we have very differnet tipping etiquette here in the UK. I am happy to oblige the norm, but don't want to be fleeced....

Well, this is a touchy subject. American WAIT STAFF (restaurants) are paid low, and tips are indeed a part of their pay structure. Housekeepers, on the other hand, are paid at least minimum wage, and usually a good bit better than that. Now, they're not getting rich on their wage, and many vacationers feel obligated to tip them. I do not. I usually get great cleaning service in my hotel rooms, for which they are compensated a fair market wage.

But I'd never tell another that they should not tip. Some folks find it necessary, and I would not dispute their generosity.

We don't generally tip at hotels, but at Disney we did if we requested something. One time our remote needed batteries so my husband left a note with a few dollars. He also did this if he left a note for extra towels, etc. I guess our idea is that if you are asking them to do something extra, give them a little something for their help.

Tina, I read somewhere on a post a while back that someone made awards for the CM's and gave one out each day. Sounds like a wonderful idea! Hats off to you for such a nice gesture!

OT--Yeah, it really is fun to spread some happy, warm fuzzies. This world is so filled with anxiety, entitlements, etc. It's nice to be NICE to each other. Seriously, the CM appreciation cards and pins were the HIGHLIGHT of our trip. We got giddy looking for people to give them away to. We were our own Dream Team!

Well, this is a touchy subject. American WAIT STAFF (restaurants) are paid low, and tips are indeed a part of their pay structure. Housekeepers, on the other hand, are paid at least minimum wage, and usually a good bit better than that. Now, they're not getting rich on their wage, and many vacationers feel obligated to tip them. I do not. I usually get great cleaning service in my hotel rooms, for which they are compensated a fair market wage.

But I'd never tell another that they should not tip. Some folks find it necessary, and I would not dispute their generosity.

Umm, is there a reason why you reposted my post without any further comment?

Umm, is there a reason why you reposted my post without any further comment?

Yes I think so - I'm guessing Clint wanted us all to follow his hyperlink, which has now been removed..... Do please correct me if I am wrong.

Ahhh, so there was a link there at one point? Currently I see nothing but my repeated comments, which is kinda strange.