Handing $$ at Disney

[Grand fan]

This is my 1st time going. We are on the dining plan but there may still be things the kids want. Do you just carry a charge card; some cash; -what is the best/easiest way to handle money while at the parks?

 

[CastleCreations]

If I'm staying onsite, I like to use my room key for larger purchases. But for just a pin or a bottle of water, I bring about 100 in cash. This way if I lost it, I wouldn't be out a whole lot. I also lock up all of my credit cards, car keys, bank cards, and extra cash in the hotel safe and only carry what is necessary. I know some folks say the room key is easier, but when you're waiting in line, to pay for something that costs 3.00, sometimes it's just easier to give them the money. I carry a lot of singles too, so I don't have to wait for change.

 

[arielsleepingbeauty]

I also use my room key to charge. I like to carry the least amount possible. I will bring $20.00 in cash just in case. I also bring my Disney Visa with us when we go to DTD. You can get a discount at World of Disney if you just show your card.

 

[Barb D]

Room key here, too. Even for small things like a soda. That way we have records of everything.

You do need to carry some cash, though. Once a soda cart's computer was down so we had to pay cash, and the hair wrapping place at MGM only took cash.

If your kids are old enough, you can give them charging privileges on their room keys, too. My teens really liked being able to charge a drink or a souvenir if they separated from us for a while. (They're responsible enough that I knew they wouldn't go hog-wild with it.)

 

[WantToGoNow]

I carried my room key which I used for most charges, my debit card which I rarely used, and about $50 in cash each day in case the machines weren't working or I couldn't use the cards. I took $200 in cash and it lasted the 17 hour drive there and back and the 9 days we were there.

 

[lillygator]

We use our room key for everything...most all the drink and snack vendors take it now.

 

[WAHMto5]

We also use our room key for just about everything plus bring some cash for little things.

 

[StoneMaps]

I stayed off-site the last time I visited. I took one credit card and some cash in a moneybelt to deter pick pockets.

 

[dlpcarden]

During our last trip we were on the dining plan ~ We took some cash with us for the small purchases. For the bigger purchases or when we didn't want to search for change we charged items to our room.

Just make sure if you charge to your room you keep a running total. That way you want be shocked when you get your final bill....

 

[mikamah]

I liked using my room key for big purchases, like sit down meals and souvenirs in the shops, but carried 50-100$ cash for little things, like counter service and mickey bars.

 

[Barbers2005]

Last time I took my debit card and bought everything on that (just like I do at home). This year I have a Disney Visa, so I'll probably use that instead (more points for WDW ). Sad to say, but if you need cash for something I'll usually skip it, b/c dh and I never carry cash and it's too much of a pain to find an atm.