Cash/Debit Card/Travelers checks???

[prestonsmomma]

Do the little hamburger joints and things inside of Disney accept debit cards?? How much actual cash would you suggest??? What about travelers checks??? As a recent victim of debit card theft I'm VERY leary of using my debit card anywhere so I'm seriously considering travelers checks.

 

[Beccabooey]

We were the same way, so before we left, I went to the bank and got a VISA gift card. It's used the same way as a debit card OR you can use it as a credit card. You pre-pay the amount and that way, you don't have to worry about spending too much. Also, we used it in all of the parks, even at the little stands -- no problem. If it's lost or stolen, you can get a replacement card by calling the bank. Just be sure to keep that information separate from your card. It worked out great for us -- we carried very little cash on us. Hope this helps!!

 

[maine_jennifer]

If you are a AAA member, they have the same thing. They also have TravelMoney cards which work much the same way, except you can go to an ATM to withdraw some of the funds if you need cash and come with some other features I can't remember right now. It's what I use when I go to Disney. Even when I'm planning as I can put on a large amount to start with, then use it to purchase airfare online and put on my hotel room when I get there.

Cheers!

 

[canwegosoon]

I carry cash(although I like the other idea to). I have several small Vera Bradley purses on a string. Which is basically a small bag, that I wear across my body. In it I carry all room keys, all annual passes, fastpasses, cash, DDE card, DVC card, comb, and camera. I never have to worry about where any thing is. With little kids the last thing you want to do is be looking for things.

 

[Disney Dee]

I like to use cash also. I keep it in the safe in my room, and carry what I need each day, also take my debut card for unexpected purchases.

 

[magicaldisney]

We also use cash, but remember that you can sign up to use your key card for your room at your resort as a way of charging things.
$500 for value resort
$1,000 for moderate resort
$1,500 for deluxe resort

 

[Mnchknbrat1982]

What I did last time I went is took cash, however don't carry a purse! Get a wallet that you can stick in your front pocket! And keep your cash in there. That way you know no one can get you card number and if its in your front pocket its not going to get picked pocketed.
-Brandie

 

[Adrienne]

i've used all three at DLR at with no problems, i like to use cash and trav.chec so that i know what i'm spending and then leave the cards for emergencies if i can.

Adrienne

 

[byoung]

Do it your way. Enjoy your vacation.

 

[laura001]

We use the traveler cheques, just pop one into our pouch in the morning and we are off. They give you the cash left on the cheque and we use that the rest of the day. If we make any large purchases etc. we charge it to the room and pay for it when we get back to the room with more traveler cheques.

 

[moniot]

We use travlers checks also. I cash one in the morning and that is our spending money for the day.

 

[mitushib]

I am new to USA too and a first time WDW tripper! Just a few questions

1. How much minimum amount you need for a TC?
2. Where r TC's cashed in the parks?
3 Do all small joints also accept credit/debit cards?

 

[Andrea]

we used cash and debit... i carried some cash hubby carried the rest and his debit card

 

[LordAthens]

We charge everything to the room. I honestly couldn't imagine any other way. The credit card stays hidden and locked in the room, so I don't need to worry about losing it in the park. Not that it's ever happened to me, but having a room\charge key reported lost and having it reissued is MUCH easier than having a lost debit card reissued on vacation. And I can't remember a single time that a kiosk or resturant didn't accept the room key charges.

Every few days I would have the bill printed out to make sure we were still within the limits that we (personally) set for ourselves.

Plus, at the end of the trip, I have a full "receipt" of purchases that I made throughout the entire trip, rather than hanging onto 100 little individual receipts. I used our charge list from 2003 to plan for this year, by going over what we spent on food, per person on our last trip.

I figure I already have to carry my room key either way, why risk carrying my credit card too?