carry cash...or not

[blondie219]

The last time we were at Disney the MagicBands were just being introduced and not all food carts had capability of accepting them as form of payment. Can anyone tell me if this has changed or are there still food carts/kiosks that are cash only? I really am trying to avoid carrying anything other than my phone (for pictures ) if I can get by with it. But I dont want to not plan and end up needing cash for things and not having it with me.

Thanks a bunch.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

The only places, that I'm aware of, that only accept cash, at this point, are the games on the Boardwalk. That being said, I always carry $20 or so with me. There was a day last year when all of the computer systems went down in the parks and no one could use MB's or credit cards to pay for anything. Though, of course, this may be a rare occurrence, I don't want to chance it. I ended up buying a small wristlet cover/wallet for my phone. It's no bigger than a phone case, but has a cover with some slots where I put my Disney Visa and my $20 bill!

 

[brinkley07]

I always carry cash or a card just in case. We have had one night where our magic bands didn't work, and we had one day where the registers were acting up and after a 15 minute wait to buy a pin I just gave her cash.

 

[Mainemama]

Carry a bit of cash or be prepared to skip your purchase. It is rare, but it does happen. We encountered both a beer cart and the Pineapple Lanai at the Polynesian being offline.

 

[minnie mum]

Always carry some cash and some form of ID on you, no matter where you are. We had 2 occasions on our last trip where the computers crashed in the parks. We were able to pay with cash. And the ID? In case you get carded when buying an adult beverage.

 

[soniam]

Some of the carts may only take cash. We had a problem at Sunshine Seasons, first with our MBs, which we had used earlier in the day, then with my Visa rewards gift card, and then with a credit card. It was really ridiculous, and the CM kept blaming us somehow We eventually got something to work, but only as I was pulling the cash out. Also, if something were to happen where your credit card company blocks your card, then it's good to have some cash. I actually just had my ATM card blocked for a few weeks, just because I tried to use it in Germany, obviously a hotbed of ATM fraud I haven't been able to use it since. DH still can't use one of his credit cards at the camera shop. It gets denied every time but only there.

 

[Coconut8473]

I always carry a small amount of cash, a credit card, my ID and insurance card. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but we once were at a smaller amusement park (not Disney) and ended up at an ER outside of the park, so I'm super paranoid now about having the bare minimum ID/money on hand, just in case. I use a very small crossbody bag (can wear on every ride), and carry these things and my phone.

 

[HopperFan]

No way I'd head out without cash/credit card. You never know when there will be a glitch with the system or just your account. I wouldn't want to be trying to eat QS/Snack or be brought my bill at the restaurant only to have a glitch. Always have a backup. And no way I go without ID and Insurance Card. None of that takes much room.

If you really only want to carry your phone get one of those phone cases with a pocket on back for the cards, DH and DS have those.

 

[jon18uk]

Also don't forget that the ability to charge to your room account has nothing really to do with MagicBands, you could do it with the old key to the world cards. Therefore if you used to manage with just a KTTW card before then the system hasn't changed all that much.

Personally I think it is a good idea to carry another form of payment (cash or an alternative card) in case room charging isn't working and also good to carry ID for alcoholic beverages.

 

[rwdavis2]

How much room does a couple of 20's take up?

 

[Meriweather]

always some cash.
DD was there when the computers crashed also, and they only took cash
I also always carry my id......I've had several times when my magic band would not work right at the entry and they had to reset it and that took providing id

 

[BumbleB]

We take a couple hundred in cash for tips, small purchases, and just in case. Most purchases are made with credit card/gift card/reward card, though. And yes, take your ID. They ask for it sometimes at the gift shops when you are trying to charge a purchase (always in Japan!)

 

[Hopefully]

I agree with the others. I always carry a $20, my ID, & my insurance card. I know you are at Disney but Disney still is in the "real world" & stuff does happen.

 

[Tigger's ally]

I guess I am weird. I never carry cash anymore when I am at Disney. My wallet is in the safe in the room. Never had a problem. Twice though, while there I found cash that others have dropped/lost. Once I saw the lady drop it and ran to give it back to her. The other time I turned it into to lost and found and the person claimed it later that day.

 

[GillianP1301]

I've only ever come across one cart (it was ice cream in AK) that didn't take MB and that was over a year ago, so that may have changed by now. Even so, I always carry a $20 on me just in case and I also carry a CC as backup. I always think it's a good idea to have ID on you anyway (and I drive around WDW so I need my DL anyway). So I have a small credit card holder that has a $20 bill, one CC and my DL and I tuck it away in a zipped pocket of my backpack.

 

[LilyWDW]

I always carry ID, insurance information, $20, and an additional card with me because stuff happens. Would stink to be without it when you need it. Best to be prepared. It's a smart thing to do!

 

[HopperFan]

Also don't forget that the ability to charge to your room account has nothing really to do with MagicBands, you could do it with the old key to the world cards. Therefore if you used to manage with just a KTTW card before then the system hasn't changed all that much.

Personally I think it is a good idea to carry another form of payment (cash or an alternative card) in case room charging isn't working and also good to carry ID for alcoholic beverages.

This too. This happens more often at WDW than anywhere else, especially in the parks.

 

[MrPTato]

I never carry cash and like a PP, leave my wallet in the safe. I carry MB and a different CC that is not linked to the MB, along with our IDs.

 

[bumbershoot]

Always carry another form of payment.

Also ID and insurance card. If I want a drink and I'm carded, I'm prepared. If I get hurt and get to visit the ER, I'm prepared. (Personal and family experience, no matter what the law says, has shown me that having the insurance card gets you better and faster care, with much less hassle).

MB has done nothing for me. I still carry what I carried (don't forget the DVC card and the TIW card for discounts!) and I have a plastic bracelet to deal with.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

We always carry the band ,ID and 2 credit cards and some cash...........just in case the techos fails.

AKK