Cash vs Traveller Cheques vs Credit card

[The SS Girls]

For the experienced traveller, I ask aw: aw: aw:

Walking around the parks, and water parks, what is the best way to have the ability to purchase items. (We have the Dining plan) Do they have the capacity to have things charged to your room, and then pay it off at the end, like a cruise ship?

I don't want to carry large amounts of cash - for obvious reasons
If the credit card gets lost or stolen, then I am in big trouble accessing money, unless everyplace will take a personal check.
Traveller cheques - what a hassle, but safe, although I have heard horror stories about American Express taking their sweet time getting replacements to you

So what do you think? Thanks so much

 

[middlepat]

If you stay at a WDW resort, its great, because, your room key, park pass and charge account are all on the same card. This makes it so easy to get around the parks and still have access to purchasing power.

Hope you have a great trip!

P.S. If you loose your park pass/room card, they can re-issue a new one.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Ditto what Middlepat said. Plus, at the end of your stay, you can pay off the room charges any way you'd like, debit card, credit card, traveler's checks, cash, etc.

Simple!

 

[The SS Girls]

Wow, its great having a place to come and get instant answers! What a life line this has been. I am so glad my TA from Small World directed me here.

I am glad to hear that we can charge everything to the room, although that could get a little dangerous, hehe . It is nice to know that there is one less thing to worry about.

 

[K & D Mickey]

Just to let people out there -- We are an all Cash Family.
Mainly due to a divorce/ bad credit. We go to Disney every year
and pay Cash for everything.
I split up daily amount allowed before we even go - with some as travelers Cheq. with big purchases like Hotel balance, character meals, World Of Disney shopping at Downtown Disney. I put it in our carry on... never leaving out of sight.. Usually have around $1000 with hotel balance in there.
We have never had anyproblem...

 

[leight]

I always use my AMEX since it is like paying in cash- it's paid off monthly and I earn points. When I stay onsite I have a waterproof case which fits the room key so everything can get charged to the room- but I am fanatical about carrying some cash- so I bring a small amount- I have to carry my inhaler and cell phone so I always have some kind of small bag.


But I love my AMEX because the points get redeemed for TRU gift cards in october when I start Xmas shopping.

 

[RichNKatHolly]

Just to let people out there -- We are an all Cash Family.
Mainly due to a divorce/ bad credit. We go to Disney every year
and pay Cash for everything.
I split up daily amount allowed before we even go - with some as travelers Cheq. with big purchases like Hotel balance, character meals, World Of Disney shopping at Downtown Disney. I put it in our carry on... never leaving out of sight.. Usually have around $1000 with hotel balance in there.
We have never had anyproblem...

You could also get a few of those prepaid Visa cards too. Commerce Bank and a few others don't charge a fee to purchase them. Just a little safer than cash, but we too have bought cash on every trip we've ever taken with no problems (yet).

 

[sjms71]

AAA and AMX also have a pre-paid card. You just load it up with how much cash you want. It's covered like a cc if it's lost or stolen. You can use it at an ATM and easily put back in your bank account what cash you don't use.(Like that would actually happen after a WDW trip).

 

[can'twait]

What are the details on the AAA card?

 

[isla bonita]

I like using a credit card. If I loose a receipt I have the amount on the statement. At the end I have an idea what I spent.

 

[Delilah Bleu]

Does AAA charge a fee for the pre-paid credit card?

 

[Callalily6]

Travelers checks turn into cash after you break it - so then you are carrying cash again. And some places have trouble breaking larger ones (like $50's). And since you are staying onsite and using the Disney dining plan, both those things (room and food) will be on your resort room key - so you have to carry that. I used all 3 methods and like the room key the best. You can also set a limit on the key for younger users. And any weird charges will show up ASAP and you will see them before you sign at check out. And if needed, you always have the credit card company to settle disputes if anyone does charge stuff. The main thing about preventing fraud, is if you lose your room key you need to notify a CM ASAP. They will disable the card and odds are someone will turn it in. I saw someone turn in a pass they found in the bathroom last time I was there. Anyway, my vote is for plastic - less is more and it is as safe as the travelers checks - minus the paper.

 

[Simba's Girl]

Well, this year we'll be using all 3 things. My personal least favorite is the cc room key charge because its *very* easy to get carried away with that one. Last year we used our debit card-again like cash, but I didn't like having to worry about loosing it all the time. This year we will take cash and travellers checks, which I feel I have more control over plus we are in a 2bdr with another family. So all are great, its just for me, I feel most in control when I have cash...

Heather

 

[cymomtx]

I saw a commercial yesterday, that American Express Travelers checks are now available in a credit card format.

 

[Callalily6]

I saw a commercial yesterday, that American Express Travelers checks are now available in a credit card format.

COOL! Where's the best place to get that? AAA? Bank?