Cash or Visa

[boxboy]

I am on my way to Disney in May 2005 and have lots of questions. The one I am struggling with now is should I use Cash or Visa at the parks? If Cash is the answer how much would you suggest? We are going for 10 days - 2 adults and a 5 year old. Breakfast will be looked after as we are renting a vacation home, but lunch and supper will probably be at the parks. Thanks for the help.

 

[grover]

I would suggest travellers cheques...much safer than cash..visa is okay but I think they charge a higher exchange rate-plus it is always good to have some cash on hand.
We are a family of 3..our first trip in 2000 (ds was 7 then) we ate brekkie in our room each day--we spent about 100.00 usd per day on meals/souvinears/snacks. We also spent about that on our last trip in 2002. This time we are taking a bit more-but we are splurging as it will be our wedding
HTH
Grover in Winnipeg

 

[EEYORERULES]

DO THEY EVEN HAVE TRAVELLERS CHEQUES ANYMORE? I ALWAYS TAKE CASH WITH ME FOR THINGS LIKE LUNCH,WATER,SNACKS BUT USE MY VISA FOR BIG MEALS & LARGE PURCHASES. WITH VISA, THE EXCHANGE RATE THEY USE IS THE CHEQUE RATE WHICH IS USALLY A BIT BETTER THAN THE CASH RATE FROM THE BANK. I FIND WITH USING THE VISA, THERE IS LESS ACTUAL "MONEY" TO CARRY AROUND. BESIDES, IF YOU RUN OUT OF CASH, YOU CAN ALWAYS GET MORE AT THE ATM. I GUESS IT IS REALLY UP TO YOU IN THE END ....HAVE A GREAT TRIP.

 

[bunnyfoo]

I do a combination of traveler's cheques and credit card ... I'll use the credit card for bigger purchases like paying off the room and traveler's cheques for food.

 

[Mysteria]

I do the combination of all 3. I take a small amount of cash (for those early morning 2.50 water purchases etc.) Use traveler's cheques at the places where it is easy and convenient to do so (the change will give you that little amount of cash again for those quick purchases) and a credit card for large meals, hotel, car etc. I don't like keeping a lot of cash on me or in the hotel. It can't be replaced if lost or stolen.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Myst

 

[LisaSt]

Keep a small amount of cash with you but carry TC's much safer and far more conveniant.

 

[dsneygirl]

We usually put a credit car on as our room charge (like VISA) and use it for absolutely everything possible. Almost everywhere takes it on Disney property except small carts with popcorn or ice cream.

It also helps because when you check out you have a detailed list of the majority of expenses right in front of you.

You can also take cash out from the ATM in the park. Obviously there will be a service charge but you have peace of mind by not carrying huge amounts of cash.

 

[chico]

Welcome to the DIS Boxboy!!

Like Mysteria said, we too use traveller's cheques in the parks - once cashed you have a supply of cash for the day for snacks etc;

For most shopping we use cash from the TC's - when we did use the credit card the exchange wasn't that bad - or at least it wasn't last Dec when we last went. can't speak for next year.

DW and I usually each carry a TC and cash them as needed (I find that we spend less if I take half the TC's up front !!)

In Dec we (party of 3 - DS is 5) went for 8 days took 1500 in TC's for snacks, meals, souviners. This helps keep your budget in line too.

Good luck planning, and have a great trip!

 

[ChisJo]

I use mostly Visa. The exchange rate is actually better than the banks, so I generally put extra money on my card before I go, enough to have the rental car, the hotel and additional purchases paid for. I have never used TC, and I actually work at a place that no longer accepts them.
I always carry a small bit of cash with me, but never enough to worry about if it gets stollen.
But, that's just me...
Jo

 

[tmli]

I use cash and travellers cheques. I do not use a credit card when on vacation at all. For me it is too hard to keep track of what I am spending. I pay for everything I can before I leave home. This way I know exactly what I have and what I can freely spend, I think it makes me more aware of what I am spending.