Carrying cash? How much?

[Elevationist]

Today I was tweaking our budget planning, etc., and I had a thought that I figured I would consult you all about.

My girlfriend and I will be spending a 7-day/6-night magical journey in WDW. We're staying on-property and having a quite a few sit-down meals. We also plan on renting a ECV four days.

My question is: How much cash do you think I should bring along? I personally prefer to do everything with with Visa card, but I know that a certain amount of cash will be necessary. I've figured in for toll roads (we're driving down from Georgia) and Mousekeeping gratuities. Outside of those things, how much cash do you suggest that I bring with use on the trip, and why? Also, how much do you recommend that I tote with me to the parks each day?

All help appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[WillCAD]

I have been know to take my entire trip budget with me in cash, but I always leave most of it in the room safe (along with at least one credit card in case I lose my wallet). I don't like to carry more than $100 on me at any given time, partly as a precaution against losing it and partly to keep me from spending it.

Last year I tried a new strategy: I had allocated $60 per day as my spending money, so each day I would take $60 out and put it in my pocket. Anything left over from previous days would stay in my pocket. This prevented me from spending more than my $60 limit until the end of the week, when I took all the leftover money to Downtown Disney and bought my final souveniers.

 

[CarolA]

I rarely carry more than $100 cash. Those room safes are NOT that safe so I would NEVER carry my entire budget in cash. Disney has ATM cards that can access you funds in Canada.

The only things you can't put on the Visa are snacks from the cart vendors (water, Mickey bars etc.)

 

[dizcrazy]

We usually bring about $20 a day and end up with spare cash at the end of the day.

 

[Elevationist]

Cool, cool, that's what I was wondering. I figured that the vast majority of restaurants and shops would happily swipe away at my Visa card, but I also assumed there might be snack vendors or other random kiosks that wouldn't.

dizcrazy, do you mean $20 for per person, or for the group? What kind of things do you end up spending your cash on? Do you use a credit or debit card for everything else?

 

[disneysteve]

What kind of things do you end up spending your cash on? Do you use a credit or debit card for everything else?

Ice cream, Dole Whip, churros, popcorn, etc. And even most of those places take credit. For 2 people, $20-30/day is plenty.