When dining in Orlando restaurants, the standard tipping etiquette for good service is to leave a gratuity of 18% to 22% of the pre-tax bill. As a UK resident, you should budget for this amount, ensuring you allocate an extra $18 to $22 for every $100 spent on full-service dining.

The US vs. UK Tipping Culture: Understanding the Difference

Understanding Orlando’s tipping culture can be a daunting aspect for many U.K. visitors. This system differs greatly from the U.K. For U.K. customers, a tip is a bonus for truly exceptional service. In Orlando, and across America, tipping often functions as a mandatory part of a service worker’s wage

Why are we Paying Part of the Server’s Wage?

Tipping isn’t obligatory; you won’t be arrested for not leaving one. However, U.K. visitors must understand this: U.S. employment laws are vastly different from those in the U.K.

Those differences allow employers to pay their workers a much lower ”tipped minimum wage”. In simple terms, this allows the employer to pay a member of staff a reduced basic wage, assuming that gratuities will make up the rest of it.

I’ve visited the USA over 50 times and still struggle to fully understand tipping. Why am I, as a customer, responsible for providing part of the server’s income? That’s just the reality in the USA

How Much to Tip? The Orlando Restaurant Formula

The place where you eat greatly affects how much you should tip. Here are just some examples of the different eating experiences and their associated gratuity rates.

• Standard Table Service: State the expectation: 18% to 22% for good service (15% for simply acceptable/average).
• Buffets: A lower percentage, e.g., 10%, because the server is only handling drinks and plate clearing.
• Bartenders: A flat rate, e.g., $1 to $2 per drink (more for complex cocktails).

Don’t worry if working out percentages causes you concern, almost all of eateries and bars in my experience include this information on their receipts, saving you the time and effort.

Alternatively, if you pay you bill on a debit or credit card, then most card machines clearly show the percentage options. You simply press for your preferred tip amount ahead of completing payment.

One thing to be aware of is that many restaurants add an automatic gratuity/service charge for parties of six or more. In such an event, you do not have to add any further gratuity to your bill, and if you disagree with the amount added, you can raise the matter with the manager.

Who Gets the Tip?

Typically your server does not get to keep 100% of the cash or credit card tip you leave them. Instead, the tips they receive are generally subject to a practice called tip pooling or tipping out, which the USA employment laws again link to.

Here is an example of how tip pooling or tipping out works.

• The pool is shared among staff who customarily and regularly receive tips and help with the service. This usually includes:
• Bussers (The Busser’s main responsibility is to clear, clean, and reset tables, ensuring the dining area is ready for the next customer. They focus on maintaining the physical space of the restaurant).
• Runners (The Runner’s main responsibility is to expedite the food from the kitchen to the customer’s table quickly and accurately. They act as the link between the kitchen and the dining room).
• Service Bartenders (who prepare drinks for the dining area)
• Hosts/Hostesses (depending on their duties)

The following staff are strictly prohibited from keeping any portion of the tip pool.

• Restaurant Managers
• Restaurant Supervisors
• Restaurant Owners

It is also worth pointing out that if you pay your gratuity by credit card, the employer can legally deduct the credit card processing fee (usually around 2-3%) from the total tip before passing it on to the employee. This is something to be aware of, as you may prefer to leave a cash tip instead.

When NOT to Tip (and the “Gray Areas”)

In order to try and provide some clarity t U.K visitors around the confusion of when to tip in Orlando. Here are some scenarios that do not warrant tipping, although the option is there if you feel it appropriate.

• Fast-food counters, most quick-service restaurants (where you order and pick up your own food)
• Coffee shops (though a tip jar may be present)
• The Disney/Universal Rule: Cast Members/Team Members in non-restaurant roles (ride attendants, store clerks) generally cannot accept tips.
• Retail Staff, places such as supermarkets or petrol stations do not require any tips to be paid to staff.

What to Do When Service is Subpar (The Diplomatic Exit)

Okay so let us deal with the elephant in the room, when service is below par or worse, what are your options. They key here is remaining calm and objective throughout. here are my suggestions based on my experiences of having had very or extremely poor service.

1. Do not simply leave a low tip without saying anything; it is often interpreted as being cheap or ignorant. Have you say, explain why you have come to this decision by providing clear examples of poor service. It is often best to bring any issues to the attention of your server as they occur, that way you are making them aware of the likelihood of a reduced tip.

• Politely ask to speak to the manager before you pay. Explain the issue, and then mention that you have adjusted your gratuity accordingly. I have found this to be the best option.

Remember: If your service was good but the food was below the standard you reasonably expected, then address this with the manager, but still give the server a reduced tip (e.g., 10%) for their effort.

Tipping In Orlando

To provide you with a broader overview of the services which warrants consideration of a gratuity whilst in Orlando, I have prepared a list of some of the other popular services which you may experience during your holiday.

• Hotel Housekeeping $3 to $5 USD per day per room. Leave cash in a visible spot (like on the pillow) with a note saying “Thank You Housekeeping,” as the staff often changes daily.
• Hotel Bellhop/Porters $2 to $3 USD per bag. Tip when they deliver the bags to your room, or when they assist you with checking luggage.
• Taxi/Uber/Lyft 15% to 20% of the total fare. The in-app tip options on ride-share apps are the easiest way to manage this.
• Delivery Drivers (e.g., Pizza/Takeaway) $5 USD minimum or 20% of the order, whichever is higher. Essential, as drivers use their own petrol and vehicle maintenance is their responsibility