Credit Card or Travelers Checks?

[tecboy]

I want to take as little cash as possible for my 7 day trip to WDW...Do the Disney parks take American Express Credit card? I was debating on charging as much as I can or using travelers checks..Any pro/cons to either...I never carry any balances month to month on my credit cards..

 

[Serenity]

I use Amex for EVERYTHING. Just about everwhere in the parks accepts it - only a few drink/icecream/popcorn vendors require cash. But you can use it at all the counter service stops as well as all restaurants and shops. It sure beats Traveler's checks or cash.

I also never carry a balance from month to month. And it is not like this is extra spending. This is the same money that I would have either taken with me or converted into Traveler's Checks. Now it just sits in my checking account till the bill comes in and I pay it off.

 

[mic_key_mouse]

I take both. I go with $200.00/day (for 3 people) in traveler's checks- and try to pay for everything with them. If we decide to buy something not in the budget- I use my Disney Visa

Blessings,
mic_key_mouse

 

[Chicago526]

Why not just get a debit card with a major credit card logo from your bank? Why bother with cash or traveler's checks at all?

I just charge as much as possilbe to my hotel room since I'm on property. Then pay up at the end with my Master Card debit card, which takes the money right out of my checking account. The debit card also serves as my ATM card for cash for the small vendors that I can't charge to my room.

If I was staying off-site (never!) then I'd just use the debit card for every purchase I could, and hit the ATM up for cash when needed.

For either case (and you should do this anyway for any credit card you travel with) take the toll free number with you along with your account number so if it gets lost or stolen you can report it ASAP.

 

[doombuggy]

To be honest, I use a little bit of everything. Cash, traveler's checks, disney dollars and credit cards. I try not to charge things, as I do carry balances (unfortunately) and have several cards.

Gotta get back to packing.....

 

[mic_key_mouse]

The reason I use traveler's checks/cash instead of charging things is because I tend to be a lot more 'aware' of how much money I am spending when I have to count out bills rather than 'melt the plastic'

 

[acmy]

These may be helpful if you don't want to take your credit cards or use cash/travelers checks.

You can go to AAA and for $5 ($10 for non-members) get the "Visa Travel Money" card or the Visa Gift Card. You load them with as much money as you want ($250 minimum on the travel money card) and then they can be used just like credit cards. If they're lost or stolen you have the same protection you would have with any credit card, plus AAA will replace them immediately. The gift card has no minimum amount you can load, but the Travel Money card is better because you can get a PIN # to use at ATMs.

 

[Ilovestitch]

Originally posted by acmy
These may be helpful if you don't want to take your credit cards or use cash/travelers checks.

You can go to AAA and for $5 ($10 for non-members) get the "Visa Travel Money" card or the Visa Gift Card. You load them with as much money as you want ($250 minimum on the travel money card) and then they can be used just like credit cards. If they're lost or stolen you have the same protection you would have with any credit card, plus AAA will replace them immediately. The gift card has no minimum amount you can load, but the Travel Money card is better because you can get a PIN # to use at ATMs.

I work at AAA and I just started selling those a few weeks ago- they are pretty neat!

-Stephanie

 

[mhely]

I agree with Mic_key_mouse in the post above. While it may be a bit of a bother to get and keep track of travelers checks, it does help you stay on budget. With a credit card (or room charge) its way too easy to loose track of your spending. Each night you can count out your checks and see how you are doing. Actually, we frequently spend a little less at the start of the vacation so we can splurge towards the end.

I'd hate to budget for a trip and then get home and find out I spent way too much.

 

[gene751]

I used my AMEX and wanted to let you know a little something. When the White Glove Treatment was given, you didn't have to worry about thing. Now, when you hit $1000, and are using your room key, they place a hold on your account. The DW vendor calls the hotel counter who runs your card through and once it clears, you get another $1000. It's a pain in the butt, but I wanted to let you know.

 

[megrod74]

You can go to AAA and for $5 ($10 for non-members) get the "Visa Travel Money" card or the Visa Gift Card.

that sounds like a great idea - thanks! I'm going to look into that.

 

[sugermouse]

I use my amex of my Disney VISA in DW for everything. Might as well get the points. As for tracking expenses, we actually carry a palm pilot.

 

[sm4987]

I use both a debit card and travler's checks. I like having the security plus it does help me stay towards a budget.

 

[Carrie Ellis]

When you use the "Visa travel money" card at a ATM do you get a surcharge? If so, is it just at the ATM?

 

[Hollua]

If your Visa or MC or AMEX or whatever offers rewards and you always pay your balance, then use the card. I get great father's day and Xmas presents for DH from LLBean that way.

 

[seashoreCM]

Visa gift card, prepaid Master Card, tarjeta prepagada, you pay fees for those things, an additional fee every time you reload it with more money.

I still recommend using a credit card, and if you wish to, add up the charge slips each evening to find out how much you spent, and adjust your budget accordingly.

I don't like debit cards, either. If someone makes a mistake and too much money is taken out, your checks bounce and it takes time before the bank puts the money back.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[Jillpie]

In five years of taking trips to Disney, we have always taken travelers checks. I am the type that HAS to know how much is spent every day. I would go nuts not knowing with a credit card or debit. I put 200.00/day worth of checks in 7 or 8 envelopes and label them Monday, Tuesday, etc. When we spent the alloted amount each day, we are done. If we have more, it goes into the next day as a bonus. This way, we stay in full control of our spending. No guessing or calculations at the end of each day or adding up receipts. This way, there is 200.00 a day, right up to the very last day. Very easy. Then there are no surprises or bills coming in.

 

[Carrie Ellis]

I think I will do the travelers checks! Jillpie...perfect!

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by tecboy
I want to take as little cash as possible for my 7 day trip to WDW...Do the Disney parks take American Express Credit card? I was debating on charging as much as I can or using travelers checks..Any pro/cons to either...I never carry any balances month to month on my credit cards..

Yes they do. Are you staying at a Disney resort? If so you can have charging added to your room key and this way you would only have to carry a little cash $20 and then just your room key, passes and picture id. You do not have to actually take your credit card with you into the parks. We do this when we travel. Charge everything to the Disney Visa while there and then pay off the bill when it comes in. This way we earn reward dollars for our next trip also.