Alternatives for carrying cash in the parks?

[KellyJ]

When we visit the mouse this time, my oldest daughter's friend will be going with us. Her dad has asked if there are alternatives to carrying cash in the parks as he's uncomfortable sending a large amount with her. I've done some searches here and am apparently not searching correctly since I'm not coming up with anything. Can you folks suggest some alternatives?

I know about travelers checks of course. And I've read about the prepaid debit cards that work kind of like travelers checks... can you get those at any bank? I thought I'd also read of a Disney gift card but the only ones I can find info about, which are the ones available at the Disney Store, are only good for use at a Disney store which won't help us. Is there a different kind of gift card that can be used in the World? And if so, where can it be purchased?

Thanks!
Kelly

 

[stinkerbelle]

And I've read about the prepaid debit cards that work kind of like travelers checks... can you get those at any bank? I thought I'd also read of a Disney gift card but the only ones I can find info about, which are the ones available at the Disney Store, are only good for use at a Disney store which won't help us. Is there a different kind of gift card that can be used in the World? And if so, where can it be purchased?

Thanks!
Kelly

hmmmm...good idea. I'm thinking there's something like a pre-paid VISA or AMEX card...which you used as a gift card...

here
http://www.visabuxx.com/

OR - and if you are ok way this - let the girl charge back to the room...on your CC..have her keep the reciepts, then settle up with the parents. (of course - then she has to keep all the receipts)

 

[klwdisney]

When she checks in, she can give the person at the front desk all her cash... they'll apply it to her room card. Then she won't have to walk around with all that cash... but she'll have access to it whenever she needs it with her room card/park pass.

We do this for every trip and it works well for us.

You (she) can stop at the front desk a few times during your stay to check the balance if it'll make you (her) feel better about how much she's spending/how much she has left.

 

[gramjulie3]

We were there in June for our first trip, with 8 of us in our group I was really worried about having enough food money. I went online and purchased an American Express TravelFunds Card, everywhere we went it was accepted and there was a phone number on the back so you could call and get your balance (which was kept up to date. Also had a guarantee of 24 hour replacement just like American Express Travellers Checks. I was very impressed with how well it worked and will definitely use it on more trips.

 

[thelionqueen]

I have the perfect idea for you and your friend's daughter. I would highly recommend getting Disney Dollars for the majority of the money she will need. Everything and anything Disney treats the bills exactly as cash (can even exchange for cash if necessary) and there is no cost to get them....i.e., $5 costs $5, no upcharge. The other thing I would suggest is the Disney gift card (both Disney $ and gift cards available at Disney Stores).

This way, the child could have less cash and the same benefits. Hope that helps. Our children are paid in Disney Dollars for doing chores and extra's around the house. We are not going until Oct, and already they have over $50.00 each. This helps with souvenir spending as well as teaching responsibility. I love the Disney $$!!

 

[londonpenguin]

I went online and purchased an American Express TravelFunds Card.

Were you already an American Express cardholder? Or can anyone get a TravelFunds card?

 

[Skylarr29]

I believe anyone can get it. It is exactly the same as purchasing travelors checks from your local bank.

 

[BCKatie02]

AAA offers Visa Travel Money...you buy the card with a certain amount of money on it. It's insured, so if it's lost or stolen you get the money back within 24 hours. You can get it at your local AAA office or online. Her parents can also authorize more $$ to be put on it by calling the 800 number if she runs out. It's around a $5 fee for a card.

 

[pjupton]

I would highly recommend getting Disney Dollars for the majority of the money she will need.

Maybe I'll understand as my kids get older, but I just don't see the point. If the dad is concerned about daughter carrying cash and losing it, what difference will having Disney Dollars make? If they are lost, they are gone, same as cash.

Room charge, gift card, prepaid credit card, traveler check card, etc can all be replaced if lost.

 

[tiggersthebest]

I would go with either the room card or some kind of bank issued traveller's card. The problem with Disney money is that if lost, it is not replacable. The others can be reported lost or stolen.

Hope that helps.

Christian wife and mother of two princesses 5 1

 

[cindyfan]

We are considering the Amex Travlers card for the next trip.
Can you put more on them after the initial purchase? Do they expire?

I was thinking to just give that for Christmas, then just keep adding to it for DD...... like for her B-Day and for special "chores" etc. Then by time we go again in June she'll have a good amount to use.
ps....she will be 15 by our next trip and the "Disney Dollar" reward thing has kinda gone by the way side.....
Besides..... if it gets lost.... it is insured, right?

Plus..... we might try Swan/Dolphin next trip and we can't charge to the room which is what we are used to.

Thanks,

 

[Stacy_C]

When she checks in, she can give the person at the front desk all her cash... they'll apply it to her room card. Then she won't have to walk around with all that cash... but she'll have access to it whenever she needs it with her room card/park pass.

We do this for every trip and it works well for us.

You (she) can stop at the front desk a few times during your stay to check the balance if it'll make you (her) feel better about how much she's spending/how much she has left.

Oooh....does that mean my kids can put their Disney spending money ($100 each) on their own individual room keys/cards? That would be so nice if I am understanding correctly.

 

[stinkerbelle]

Oooh....does that mean my kids can put their Disney spending money ($100 each) on their own individual room keys/cards? That would be so nice if I am understanding correctly.

I don't think that's possible. It's usually one card per reservation.

In other words - last time we had 2 rooms in our name...(back under the "old" way) DH's name was on everyone's card. Yes, he put a credit card down on the rooms for charging...however per the request of his father, he got his sister a 'non-charging' card. (as she is a happy spender. heheh)

so -what I'm saying - if your DD's friend is staying in a room with you - she'll be under YOUR reservation...and your "line of credit" with your credit card I believe.

I could be totally wrong though since the "new way" of doing things

 

[KellyJ]

Thanks everyone for the great ideas! I was under the impression that all room cards were attached to the same credit card/amount of cash for charging privileges. Though we are staying at the Dolphin for half of the time so that won't work there.

I like the prepaid cc type things myself but I've never purchased one so didn't know where to do so. Thanks to everyone for who suggested how to do that.

If someone could clarify the Disney gift cards for me... I checked the Disney Direct website (formerly the Disney Store site) and they make it sound as though the cards are only good at the stores, not in the parks. Is that true? Is there a different type of gift card that the Disney Store sells? There is a Disney Store about 5 minutes from their (the friend's family) house and this would probably be the easiest thing for them if she will indeed be able to use it in the park but I hate to send them over there if that's not the case. Anyone able to clear this up for me??

Kelly

 

[Disneyland_emily]

I assume WDWs are like DLRs cards- Its almost exactly like a gift card to Target that can be used most places (I know Outdoor Vending doesnt take them) I *think* restaraunts do though

They can be bought at most retail locations at WDW- One thing to do is to take the cash on the first day and get the card but leave about 10-20 a day out for ODV/etcs

-em

 

[Dopey Sharon]

Why don't you put her money in the room safe and give her a certain amount each day for snacks and souvenirs?

If she is young, why can't you just hold her money for her?

 

[daisax]

Take her money and dole out a certain amount for each day. If she wants a $30 souvenier, you can front her the money and take it out of her account back at the room (or out of your wallet).

I wouldn't get too stressed and creative, unless you're talking about an older teen with a LARGE budget. If she never leaves the room with more than $30, $30 is her maximum loss.

I also think that's a better way to teach budgeting than a mystery card that you present in return for "stuff."

 

[KellyJ]

I would be fine with holding her cash for her if necessary. She's 16 and a very responsible young lady. I think the issue was just that her dad didn't want her traveling with a lot of cash and wondered about alternatives. We've always used travelers checks and that's worked well for us. At least now I have several options to tell her parents about and then they can decide what they'd like to do!

Thanks so much everyone!

Kelly

 

[mickey58729]

I used the AAA Travel Money card last year and it worked great, plus if you have any money left over from the trip you can use it when you get home.

The card that you buy on-line at Disney Direct is only good at at the Disney Stores or online at Disney Direct and cannot be used in the parks (found this out when I was given one as a gift).

Disney has come out with a card that can be purchased at some of the parks or DTD stores that can be loaded for any amount and is usable at all the disney parks. I am not sure if you can purchase them ahead of time but I would call Disney and ask them. I am not sure of the number but if you search the boards you probably can locate it.

Hope this info helps

 

[NCmom2NandE]

What if you put cash on your room key and there is some left at end of the trip? Do you just get it back out check out?