How much cash should we bring along?

[JBeli70618]

We're leaving for our trip on May 5th & driving from Wisconsin. We're staying May 7th - May 13th. Tickets, hotel & gas have been paid for. How much cash should I bring along. Should I put some in travelers checks?

Thanks

Tammy

 

[spiceycat]

$50 per person per day for meals

I like $15 per person per day for sourveniors (SP)

 

[gabbygrennell]

When we leave, we have very little cash on us... almost everywhere accepts credit/debit cards, and we use our debit card a lot!

I also take travelers checks with us. I usually take at least one 100$ trav ck for each day in a park... we buy something pretty small, under 5 or 10 dollars, and then we have cash for the day...

I am not good at giving you an idea of how much money to take, I suggest writing out a rough budget, for each day and that should help!
Use the menus on http://www.allearsnet.com/index.html to give you an idea of what you are going to pay for food....
only you know how much your family will eat, wether it will be sit down, or counter service, how many souvenirs etc...

But I would map out a rough idea... i always over budget, as I would rather get down there and have too much than not enough!

 

[cbrfan]

I like to keep a good number of $1 and $5 for tips for baggage service, mousekeeping, etc. Other than that we use credit cards and traveller's checks. I agree with gabbygrennell's method of taking a $100 TC along with them to the park each day.

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

I usually only travel w/ $$ for tips, and snacks. We hate carrying cash at home, or on vacation.

If you are staying on site, you can use your room key, as a charge at most places. A few snack carts are realy the only places that don't accept them, and a few spots in DD. You just leave a credit/deit card number when you chek in. Much easier that hauling around large sums of cash. You can check w/ the front desk from time to time to check the balance, and make sure you are not overspending.

As for amounts. I like to plan about $200/day, for our family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids), for meals, and soveniers. We usually do not spend that much, but a few days spend more, if we have a more expensive meal.

 

[prncess674]

I would stay away from carrying much cash at all. Make a detailed DAILY budget. the little items add up, especially for a family. here are some items to make sure you have considered.

Transportation

• Airfare
• Car Service
• Tip for Car Service Driver
• Rental Car
• Car Valet Tips @ Hotel
• Parking @ Parks
• Parking @ Hotel
• Gas

Lodging

• Hotel (don't forget tax)
• Bellman Tips
• Housekeeping Tips

Food & Drink (don't forget tax & tip)

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Snacks
• Groceries

Park Admission

• Disney
• Water Park
• Sea World
• USO/IOA

Souvenirs

• Disney
• Sea World
• USO/IOA

Miscellaneous

• Film & Development
• Water Craft Rentals
• Goofy Golf
• Ride Pictures