How much cash would you take??

[tysmom]

Going to disney in less than a week...!! Wondering, how much cash do you really use?? You can use have your room key as a credit card, right?? Do all of the vendors (popcorn, soda/pop, mickey bars, etc.) take that type of payment?? What about Disney Dollars?? Can you buy disney dollars once you get to Disney?? Do the vendors accept Disney dollars...or do they only accept regular u.s. currency? We don't want to take more cash than necessary...we're credit card type people. Any info you can share would be appreciated! Thanks!!

 

[kimkarli]

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[Rella Bella]

You can use have your room key as a credit card, right??

Yes. The amount 'open to buy' varies by what resort you're at so be sure to ask at your hotel what the limit is. On our first trip to All Stars we thought it was the same no matter where you stayed. We had previously only stayed at Moderates where the limit was $1,000 and about jumped out of our skin when we hit our limit! But at Values the limit was $500. It was only a temporary problem as we just had to ask the resort to "run it through our credit card" and then a secon $500 was 'open to buy'. But it would have been good to know!

Do all of the vendors (popcorn, soda/pop, mickey bars, etc.) take that type of payment??

Most do

What about Disney Dollars?? Can you buy disney dollars once you get to Disney??

At Guest Services but there may be other places I don't know about.

Do the vendors accept Disney dollars...or do they only accept regular u.s. currency?

Disney $$ are just like regular currency anywhere at Disney.

When we have a key card, we usually bring $20 to $40 in cash with us, but rarely use it all. We find it is quicker to pay for an ice cream or soda by just handing in cash, but most of the vendors will take a card.

 

[DisneyDadof3]

We charged about everything and paid it off when we got the bill. We did take $500, but came home with between $200 and $300. We spent 7 days in Orlando, but basically only used the cash for vendors, a couple quick evening meals off site and some under $10.00 type purchases in the parks.

You can charge most everywhere - and we did!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mommiepoppins]

it all depends on how many people and days there . Do u have fee dining?

 

[tysmom]

No free dining...staying for 8 days...no reservations at restaurants. Planning to do mostly counter service...simple table service stuff. 2 adults...2 kids...(10 and 12).

Thanks for the responses thus far! It's good to get everyone's point of view. Having never been there...it's kind of hard to judge.

 

[juligrl]

We went in January -- 2 adults, one child under 3 -- 7 days -- no reservations.
We mostly use plastic anyhow and were happy to see they take plastic almost everywhere. DH had $250 and I had $50 just in case. He came back with over $150, and I came back with $40.

Hope this helps!

 

[flynnibus]

Credit cards are talking virtually everywhere as well.

However you do need to sign the receipt typically.. which isn't the fastest

 

[flynnibus]

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[JPN4265]

I would plan on budgeting $100.00 per day, per person.

 

[CapeCod53]

I bring cash for the following, already counted out in the appropriate small bills in separate envelopes: mousekeeping, skycaps at airport, luggage handling at the resort, valet parking, food at the airport & very small purchases, most of the small food vendor carts do not take plastic. I also bring 2-3 rolls of quarters for laundry & arcades. Otherwise we charge to the room & I do bring 1 regular credit card just in case. (Which you need to set up room charging privledges)

 

[madison66]

.

 

[MommySue]

Ok...how much would you spend on the credit cards for 6 days and 7 nights for extras if you are doing the disney dining plan?

 

[flynnibus]

most of the small food vendor carts do not take plastic

In the parks they do.. they all are driven off these PDA Point of Sale devices that can take credit. Also, almost every airport location (I've seen at least) take credit as well.

Bring cash for the things you mentioned (tipping, etc) but you shouldn't really need it for purchases. I used cash from time to time to keep it simple when only buying a bottle of water, but it wasn't necessary.

Don't forget the penny machines! In retrospect I would have been better prepared for those as my kids seemed to like them.

 

[yellowfish78]

Ok...how much would you spend on the credit cards for 6 days and 7 nights for extras if you are doing the disney dining plan?

Cash? What's cash? We are only planning on $200 for our 8 night trip while on the dining plan. (Besides money in envelopes for mousekeeping). The cash we are bringing will go towards souvieners and extra tips for our Table Service meals.
As for what goes on the credit card, really nothing ever goes onto a credit card while on the dining plan. We might use it for one large purchase at the World of Disney Store, but the last time we went we only spent $150 on souvieners...and that was with the cash we brought. I guess it'll depend on how much you spend!

 

[DeniseinMich]

In my own research on disney board sites and stuff. I documented this statement:

For meals in the park, estimate about $35 a day per person. Adult meals cost more, but kids need more snacks, so it all evens out. Drink prices are astronomical in the park, so it's not a bad idea to carry a refillable water bottle and toss a few juice boxes in your backpack.

This might be from a budget board for counter meals of course, but it's a ballpark figure.