What to do? Don't have a credit card and not a fan of carrying lots of $$

J

jaceraden

Ringleader to 3 kids in a Disney loving family
Joined
Apr 19, 2010
I'm trying to decide what to do about spending money and money for paying OOP for meals. I have a 4 day trip coming up.

I no longer have a credit card and paid for my trip with my debit card at the TA. Am I right in ASSuming my debit card will not be convenient to use down there?

I'm not a fan of carrying a lot of USD for three reasons.
1. I have no idea how much I will need
2. I don't want it to get lost or stolen
3. I'm pretty absent minded sometimes so I'm worried about misplacing some or all (which is really the same as #2)

I was thinking about doing a preloaded CC or a gift card but I'm not sure about the fees.

I hear people talking about Disney GCs all the time but I have no idea where you get one. Also, what would I do with the $$ left over at the end since I have no use for a Disney GC when I'm at home???

Thanks in advance for your input!
 
I think your best option will be cash. I was able to use my Scotia Visa debit card on our trip a couple of weeks ago, but it was far from convienent and the bank charges were pretty high. I just used cash. I carried most of it in a cash belt while travelling down. Once I got to the resort I kept the bulk of it in the room safe and only took out enough for each day (great way to budget). The amount you need varies by the amount of people in your party. My wife and I budgeted for $150 day for food, drinks and souvenirs, and we always came back to the room at the end of the day with cash left.
 
My experience has been that my debit card (CIBC) works in most ATM's around Kissimmee and the general Disney area (works at gas station pumps, ATMs, etc.). I would bring some emergency US cash (just in case you have an issue with your card), and use the ATM's as required. Just realize, the exchange rate once your own bank gets involved, is not very good. Good luck!
 
Not sure which parks you're going to but can't you link a debit card to a magic band? Cash isn't always king these days but a small bI'll (say $20) can come in handy for those times it's something small.
 


If you're staying at a Disney resort you can give cash to the front desk and set your magic band up as a sort of debit card.
 
Tinkershelly said:
If you're staying at a Disney resort you can give cash to the front desk and set your magic band up as a sort of debit card.
Click to expand...
Well that sounds doable. Then I only need to hold a big wad of cash until I check in?!

I was also thinking about immediately buying a Disney GC once I'm onsite since I have no way of buying one ahead of time.

Thank you!
 
BMO has a Prepaid Travel Mastercard. You pay $6.95 a year to use it, and you load what ever amount you want on it, and can add additional funds when need be. You could also get travelers cheques from the bank.
 


I hadn't heard of the prepaid Mastercard before is it in Canadian or American funds? Note not all banks still carry Travellers cheques. I'm sure BMO does still. I know they did a year ago when some of the others had given up.
 
I like credit cards. I use one that gives me cash back and has no annual fee. It helps with the exchange rate as all credit cards charge extra for exchanging currency.

You could wear whichever card you choose on a lanyard if you are worried about loosing it.
 
Chickkypoo said:
The BMO prepaid Mastercard is in Canadian funds: http://www.bmo.com/main/personal/credit-cards/prepaid-credit-cards

The Royal Bank still carries Travelers Cheques as well: http://www.rbcroyalbank.com/service...Q&ProspectID=C7E9CF2B649A4371B09A184524D4B572
Click to expand...

Thought the prepaid card may have been in US $ which would be great for the OP.

Let me start this by saying Disney does know what to do with Travellers Cheques. But the last time I got Travellers Cheques we had some people question what they actually were and how to use them. They weren't ever refused they just usually had to call a Manager to deal with them.(the over 30 crowd had seen them before the others not so much) It was at this point that I broke down and got a US$ Credit card just because it was going to be easier to travel to the US in the future. So long as we spend a certain amount on it each year we don't get charged an annual fee.
 
I tired using my debit card at a couple of places on property and it seems they are not accepted anywhere. The Disney Gift cards can be purchased online but you need to pay for them with a credit card and there's a fee to buy them. I think the idea of putting the cash down at check in is likely the best bet.
 
Sounds like travellers cheques might be an option for you. They're still around and widely accepted.
 
I have used traveller's cheques at the Disneyland Resort for years. I only had one issue in White Water Snacks when the CM and the lead misunderstood what they were. I get around that now by visiting City Hall in the morning and cashing enough for the day (I think they will do up to $200? Not sure about that). It can take a few minutes, but they always know what to do with them.
 
lozzypop said:
I have used traveller's cheques at the Disneyland Resort for years. I only had one issue in White Water Snacks when the CM and the lead misunderstood what they were. I get around that now by visiting City Hall in the morning and cashing enough for the day (I think they will do up to $200? Not sure about that). It can take a few minutes, but they always know what to do with them.
Click to expand...

They will also cash them at the resort. Another option is to put either a lump sum of cash or traveler's cheques on your room account when you check in and use your Magic Bands to pay for purchases.
 
I'm not a fan of "prepaid credit cards". There's restrictions and I notice my fav gas stations don't accept them.

Love cash rebate cards... fav one right now is the Costco MasterCard.
 
LemonNeko said:
I tired using my debit card at a couple of places on property and it seems they are not accepted anywhere. The Disney Gift cards can be purchased online but you need to pay for them with a credit card and there's a fee to buy them. I think the idea of putting the cash down at check in is likely the best bet.
Click to expand...

Are you sure Disney allow you to put cash down at check in? I didn't think they accepted this.
 
Minniesgal said:
Are you sure Disney allow you to put cash down at check in? I didn't think they accepted this.
Click to expand...
I haven't done it so I can't be 100% sure. I would think they would have to accept cash. At the hotels they can likely accept travelers cheques as well. I thought it stinks they can't take a regular debit card as Target could take it is available some places in the US.
 
xlxo said:
I'm not a fan of "prepaid credit cards". There's restrictions and I notice my fav gas stations don't accept them.

Love cash rebate cards... fav one right now is the Costco MasterCard.
Click to expand...

Can you please explain the coles notes version of how this works. I'm so clueless. It's quite sad really.
 
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