How much cash is necessary?

[Rainforest_Elf]

So I've decided to leave my debit card at home during my trip simply because, if it gets stolen someone can do serious damage with that. With my credit card, no so much.

Now it's easy enough to get money out of an ATM. But I'm sure the fees are insane. So I'm curious... how much cash should I bring on my trip with me? Can most everything be charged? Or is it a good idea to have a wee bit of cash for food carts/souviners and such... I'm lost.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

chase is free fees becosue there chase bank. other wise idk if you have your cc id say most everything can be charged id say 20 or 40 a day in cash would be good?

 

[Zoemakes5]

You will need some cash, or at least I always do. The carts with snacks, drinks, ice creams, popcorn, etc, don't accept cards. And, it seems to me some place (and I'm sorry, I can't remember where) didn't allow a credit card unless you were charging a certain amount....maybe the crystal shop? Also, the games throughout DL and DCA require cash. However, you can purchase Disney Dollars instead of using the ATM to pull out cash and Disney Dollars are treated as cash throughout the resort.
How much you need with will depend a great deal on what you anticipate doing. For me, we typically will go through about $40 per day in cash. Though, we are five people. One "must do" for my kids is the ice cream carts, and at $4-5 each, that can be as much as $20. Also, there are times my DH and I are separate or we let the boys go off on their own. So, while we (or they) might not use the total amount, we need enough to be able to divide it up between us.
I then use the debit or credit card for everything else, such as meals, souvies, etc. I personally don't like walking around with much cash.

 

[Rainforest_Elf]

Well, i'm bringing about $20 in rolled quarters for the penny machines, but further than that I'm not really sure what I need cash for, aside from tips, I suppose. I guess I'll just be on the safe side and have about $50 a day in cash or something for odds n ends and a meal or two.

 

[CrazyDuck]

Here is a thought... Why not use your credit card to buy Disney Dollars! Since it is a purchase you won't pay the higher rate you would have with a cash advance! You can then use your Disney Dollars to buy stuff in the parks where you need cash (churros etc..), or you can exchange it back to real dollars if you need to! Then you can just pay off your credit card bill when you get home!

 

[amyamya]

Here is a thought... Why not use your credit card to buy Disney Dollars! Since it is a purchase you won't pay the higher rate you would have with a cash advance! You can then use your Disney Dollars to buy stuff in the parks where you meen cash (churros etc..), or you can exchange it back to real dollars if you need to! Then you can just pay off your credit card bill when you get home!

Great suggestion Sy. This is what I plan to do...

 

[wannagoback]

I took $500 for a 4-night trip with my DD. I used it to pay for everything, including a character breakfast for 4 people. Having cash in hand helped me avoid over spending ($20 for a keychain??? no thanks!) and I came home with $100 left over.

 

[Tasscrapper]

What happens when you use Disney dollars to buy something and it isn't exactly the amount? Do they just give change in regular money or are you out the extra?

 

[JzeroT1437]

It really depends on the amount of time you'll be there and who you'll be buying for.

I've gotten by on $120 for five days in Disneyworld for 2 people, but I've also spent as much as $800 in three days at the same resort. All depends on tastes and aims when you're traveling.

 

[Disney_Villain]

We've gotten by with cc in DL, DLP and WDW - using no cash. Works for us.

(Taking cash out of an ABM in another country isn't cheap. Credit card surcharges for currency conversion are actually cheaper for us.)

 

[CrazyDuck]

What happens when you use Disney dollars to buy something and it isn't exactly the amount? Do they just give change in regular money or are you out the extra?

You get real money change!

 

[disneegrl4eva]

So I've decided to leave my debit card at home during my trip simply because, if it gets stolen someone can do serious damage with that. With my credit card, no so much.

Now it's easy enough to get money out of an ATM. But I'm sure the fees are insane. So I'm curious... how much cash should I bring on my trip with me? Can most everything be charged? Or is it a good idea to have a wee bit of cash for food carts/souviners and such... I'm lost.

Sy's idea is excellent but just so you know, DL, DL hotels and DD atm's charge $2.00 for every cash withdrawel...its really not bad at all...I agree with the $40-$50 in cash per day...everything can be charged except for the odv carts in which you will need money...but again you can go buy some disney dollars and be done with that problem...one thing about withdrawing money...if you decide to bring your ATM and you do cash withdrawels I would suggest doing somewhat of a larger amount say $100-$200 at a time so you do not incur alot of the $2.00 fees...

 

[azdisneylover]

How about getting a Disney gift card for purchases in the stores and cash or Disney Dollars? I read somewhere on this board that you can write a check out for Disney Dollars, and you can cash in what you don't spend.
Have fun!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

dose any one know if disney gift cards can pay part the bill at bb or minnies? (might get disney gift cards at walmart ours sold them last i checked