This question comes from my reader Melody…
Do you or should you tip at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? Or tip the cartoon artists in the parks?
Ask the Readers: Do you tip at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique?
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My daughter has had it done every year for the past 6 years and we have always tipped and they accepted. I could never think of not giving something to someone who performs such a great service. It is expensive but its worth another 10-20 dollars for a tip
Yes! always tip anyone who does your hair anytime anywhere. Remember one day when your little princesses grow up and need to work you will hope somebody tips them. These girls work hard, be kind to them one day that could be your daughter.
I had the amazing opportunity to work at the BBB while with the Disney Wirld College Program and yes please tip. This is one of the few roles that actually recieve tips. Whenever we recieve a tip, or rosebud in FGIT lingo, it goes into a pot which is divided up weekly based on how many hours one worked. The prices do not include gratuity for us so sometimes those tips are the difference between gas and walking, especially during nonmoral seasons. Also, keep on mind that the BBB is open only during certain hours so out hours were dramatically shorter than those in merchandise or attractions so the additional tips really do make a difference for us.
I didn’t even think of tipping. Our appointment was the last day at the Magic Kingdom, I had called to check our reservation before we left, and had checked again earlier in the week while at Disney, arrived for our appointment, and they couldn’t “find” our reservation. I was in a panic, because it was the ONLY thing my daughter asked for the entire week. They finally found us a spot, but I was not a happy camper, especially since I had the confirmation number of our reservation with me and had called to check on it twice! Thankfully, they squeezed her in and she had a good time, but what if I hadn’t pushed and insisted that we did have a reservation?
Please keep in mind that the people who work at the boutique have absolutely NOTHING to do with reservations other than checking you in for yours, so any mistake that was made, was made by someone else.
My daughter had done BBB 3 times in the past 4 years and I have never tipped her Fairy Godmother. In my defense, the 1st year we tried to tip and the lovely Godmother said something cute and clever (although I can’t remember exactly what) – basically telling us that they aren’t allowed to accept tips. After that 1st time, I never tried to tip again – just assumed it was a Disney policy. Maybe it changed? Uh, guess I will offer the tip again next year and see what happens.
As cast members, most roles are required to refuse a tip 3 times. If a guest insist then we can accept. However at the boutique we can accept upon first offer.
Tipping wasn’t allowed at the BBB until Fall 2007. I don’t know if they disallowed tipping for a period of time after that, but from what I’ve seen, it’s been allowed since.
Thanks for posting this question and all the helpul answers. We are taking our 2nd trip to Walt Disneyworld next month and will be going to the Bibidi Bobidi Boutique for the 1st time. Our girls will be surprised. Last time we knew nothing when we went ( our AAA not helpful at all) and didn’t even know about the BBB. I hadn’t even thought of tipping and will make sure to have cash. Thanks again!
Yes. My 7 year old went to BBB in December, and the hairstylist is so charming and sweet. You know these workers are not making much money, so you should tip if they do a wonderful job – most often they do.
We tipped our FGI, we did top package, but she helped make it so magical. Totally wirth the money.
The 3 times we have been to BBB, we have tipped our FGM in training and she has always gratefully accepted. I think it’s the same difference as tipping your hairdresser or barber. They perform a similar service, but much more magical. ;)
Yep, we tip as well.
We most certainly tipped. My daughter had the entire package, hair, dress, shoes and a couple of add on things….it was amazing. Worth every dime and her Godmother was worth the tip….
I always tip for good service You tip your regular hairdresser, why not at Disney. If they do not accept tips, they will tell you.
We tried tipping at a hotel once and the cast member told us they were well paid and not supposed to accept tips except in extra ordinary situations. He also explained if you are unsure about tipping to just ask. Those cast members in potential tipping situations are well trained in how to respond to the tipping question.
i have done BBB twice and have never tipped. i do the castle package, and feel that the price must include a gratuity. plus, if disney wanted it done, they would put it on the receipt or you would be asked by the castmember if you wish to include a tip when you are paying. disney puts the tip amount on the receipt for meals, etc. we did tip at the barber shop, though.
The price doesn’t include a gratuity and the price you paid was for the merchandise you received. The first $50 of the cost is for the hair and makeup to be done, the hair accessories, sash and makeup to go home. Every other dollar you spent was the exact cost of the dress, crown, wand and photo package if you were to buy them anywhere else in all of Disney World.
Cast Members are not allowed to solicit for tips. At restaurants your server is paid a server’s rate so tips make up a huge portion of their take home pay. At the BBB, and similar services, it’s in addition to their pay which is normally minimum wage. (Keep in mind that about 20-30 hostesses at every boutique are in the college program, so they’re maybe making $7.50-$8/hr.)
No they can accept tips but it has to be cash
We tipped at bibbidi bobbidi boutique, they cannot put a tip on a credit card though (as of 2010). We didn’t have any cash at the time and had to find an ATM (and pay to get our own money) and went back to tip.
I have not had either of these experiences but as a general rule I always tip when I receive a service. I was raised that way. :D