Disney & Universal VIP Tours - Tipping

Question

For anyone that has participated in either/both (WDW or Universal) VIP tour packages.

Did you tip your guide?

How much? Flat Fee? % based on total of your group cost?

Up front or end of day ?

Thanks

Answer

For Disney World (WDW) and Universal Orlando VIP tour packages, tipping your guide is customary, though not included in the tour price. Most guests follow general theme park VIP tipping etiquette, which is slightly higher than standard park interactions due to the personalized nature of the service.

Typical Tipping Guidelines

Amount: Many guests tip between $20–$50 per adult in the group, per day, depending on the quality of service and length of the tour. Some families opt for a flat total of $50–$100 for smaller groups.
Percentage Approach: Some people calculate 10–20% of the total tour cost, but this is less common than a flat tip per guest because tour costs are often very high, and a percentage could be excessive.
Up Front vs End of Day: Standard practice is to tip at the end of the tour, after the guide has completed their service, similar to a restaurant tip. This ensures your tip reflects the experience.

Additional Considerations

For multi-day VIP tours, tipping is typically done at the end of each day or at the end of the last day for the entire tour. Both approaches are acceptable.
If you have multiple guides (e.g., one for WDW and one for Universal), tip each guide separately according to the duration and quality of their service.
Cash is preferred for tips, but some tours may allow credit card tipping at the end—verify with the tour operator in advance.
While tipping is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged because guides provide personalized itineraries, priority access, and a highly flexible experience that significantly enhances your visit.

Summary Recommendation

Tip your VIP tour guide at the end of the tour. For a single-day tour with a small family group, $20–$50 per adult is typical. For larger groups or multiple days, consider adjusting proportionally, but cash is preferred and ensures the guide receives the full amount directly.