To tip, or not to tip? That is the awkward question many Disney World guests find themselves asking.
As a former Disney Photopass photographer and frequent park-goer, I understand the confusion! But not to worry, in this article, I’ll clear up everything you need to know about tipping at Walt Disney World.
As a general rule, you should not tip photographers at Walt Disney World. Photopass photographers are theme park Cast Members just like the ones who host rides or sell churros. The experience is free, and payment for the photos is optional.
In fact, Photopass photographers could be terminated from their job for accepting tips, so it’s best not to put them in an awkward situation.
I can’t tell you how many times a guest would attempt to tip me, and I had to tell them sadly “No, but thank you.” I wanted to express my gratitude, but it wasn’t worth my job.
Some theme park photography requires guests to pay for photos on the spot, so I can understand where guests are coming from, but thankfully, Disney World does not work that way.
Guests can choose whether or not to purchase their photos later on (or before their trip if they choose to include Memory Maker with their ticket). Still, the photoshoot experience is free, and hopefully a magical one!
Why Can’t Photopass Photographers Accept Tips?
Photopass photographers fall under the category of a non-tipped position, meaning they cannot accept monetary gifts of any kind. Disney has both tipped and non-tipped positions on property.
Even if a guest insists that a Cast Member accept their tip, or some other monetary offer such as a gift card, it must be given to their manager.
Should I Tip Capture Your Moment Photographers?
“Gratuity is not included or required” for these sessions according to the Walt Disney World website.
Capture Your Moment is an offering Disney rolled out in 2020 where guests can reserve a personalized 20-minute photo session with one of their photographers. The internet is slightly divided on if you should tip Capture Your Moment photographers or not, so attempt to do so at your discretion.
You Can Recognize Non-Tipped Cast Members Other Ways
There are many ways to honor Cast Members without trying to give them money! I understand the tension; Photopass photographers and other non-tipped Cast Members are incredible at their jobs, and it’s natural to want to recognize their efforts for all the magic they create. Here are a few non-monetary ways to do just that.
Cast Member Compliments
One of the fastest and easiest ways to recognize a Disney Cast Member is through the Mobile Cast Compliment feature in the My Disney Experience mobile app.
Here, you can compliment individual cast members, or you can recognize a group or location where the magic happened.
Make sure you enter their correct name and hometown, this way the Cast Member’s Leader, and the Cast Member themselves will be alerted of your compliment.
Social Media
Many Disney guests will choose to share a positive experience or photo on social media using the hashtag #CastCompliment.
Twitter is the most effective place to do this; mention the Cast Member’s name, and where you met them, and tag @WDWGuestService so your post is more likely to be passed on to the Cast Member.
Guest Relations
You can always head to Guest Relations to share your gratitude and compliments!
Guest Relations has at least one location at all 4 Walt Disney World theme parks, both water parks, Disney Springs, and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
When you go, make sure you know the name and hometown of the Cast Member you want to recognize.
Gifts
That’s right, non-tipped Cast Members can accept gifts! (Just not monetary gifts such as cash, gift cards, etc.) I still have some of the gifts I was given by guests including pins, keychains, and tsum tsums!
These little gestures can make a Cast Member feel so loved and valued without putting them at any risk, and it’s my favorite way to tell them thank you!
Which Roles Can You Tip at Disney World?
Disney World does have some tipped positions available. These roles include:
- Valet parking
- Minnie Van, Lyft, and Uber drivers
- Concierge services
- Bell Services for luggage, grocery, and other package deliveries
- Housekeeping*
- Room Service attendants
- Servers and sommeliers at table service restaurants and attendants at Club Level lounges**
- Bartenders at pool bars, restaurant bars, and lounges
- Pool Cabana attendants
- Spa attendants and those providing services at spas
- Styling teams at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Pirates League, and Harmony Barber Shop
- VIP Tour Guides***
- Hosts or boat captains for the Enchanting Extras Collection, such as a Specialty Fireworks Cruise or unique experience tour
* You may have different housekeepers each day, so if you want to tip someone specifically, it is best to leave their tip in a labeled envelope. You may also tip daily, instead of at the end of your stay, to ensure each Cast Member gets an individual tip.
** For all table service dining locations, parties of 6 or more will automatically have an 18% gratuity added to their total bill. You will have the option to increase that gratuity if you want to.
*** You should not tip in-park tour guides (Behind the Seeds, Keys to the Kingdom, Wild Africa Trek, etc.)
How Much Should I Tip at Walt Disney World?
These are the standard tipping rates in the United States according to a tipping guide from the American Hotel and Lodging Association.
Keep in mind these numbers were from 2014, so I’ve included a slight increase on the top end to adjust for inflation.
Valet & Parking Attendants
Tip $1 to $10 when your car is delivered. Tipping when your car is parked is optional.
Concierge
Tip $5 to $15 depending on the difficulty of their service.
Bell Services
Tip $1 to $5 per bag, depending on the weight of the bags and how far they need to go.
Housekeeping
Tip $1 to $10 per day. Remember to tip daily, and to make it clear that the money is a tip, and not just cash left behind.
Doorstaff
Tip $1 to $5 for getting a ride. If they load or unload your luggage, tip in proportion to the amount and weight of the bags.
Dining & Bartenders
Tip 15-20% of your total bill, 25% for exceptional service.
VIP Tour Guides
Tip 10% of the cost of the tour.
As one final piece of advice, bring some extra cash with you to Walt Disney World, and build tips into your budget so that you don’t find yourself with an un-magical price tag at the end of your stay.
To read more about photography in Walt Disney World, see my other articles!
As a general rule, you should not tip photographers at Walt Disney World. Photopass photographers are theme park Cast Members just like the ones who host rides or sell churros. The experience is free, and payment for the photos is optional.