How to do money

[DisneyBum303]

Another cash-only customer!

For the last couple of years, credit cards for me are for gas and emergencies ONLY!!

My mom and I usually bring about $1,000.00 for the week. I know that sounds like a lot, but we L-O-V-E to eat on vacation. I'm not talking three squares a day, I mean CONSTANTLY!!!! We can go through $100.00-$150.00 a day on food alone.

The way I see it, I live frugally and (try) to eat healthy and exercise all year long . So for that one week a year, I'm blowing the roof off!!!

 

[Dismom55]

I have never had any trouble with using the room safe at Disney. I do not take the key with me, but feel I have a rather good hiding place, (my car). This way I do not have to worry about any key except the KTTW card, and that I wear in a plastic sleeve on a lanyard around my neck.

I guess I feel comfortable because of using travelers checks, if someone steals them or I lose them they can be replaced. I keep track of the ones I have cashed and where I cashed them. (I also keep this info in the car.)

The only trouble I have ever had with travelers checks was in GA, a couple of gas stations would not take them, insulted I simply drove to a station that would. (On principle)

Since then I am more choosey about where I stop, but also like to purchase gas gift cards from several different brands for fill-ups. This way I do not have to even enter the station if I choose not to.

I do not recall using a safe in other hotels, but think I would if needed.

 

[mdsd8700]

Although Travler's Check have become a pain nearly everwhere, I have never experienced it being a pain in Disney. In fact Disney is the only place I will still use them (just used them everyday in July). I will pay for a meal at any resturant or buy something at anystore without there ever being a problem or issue or question. Of course you can cash them each day before heading to the parks, but I prefer not to have too much cash.

Similar to other posters, I like to have a set amount for each day and it is separated into envelopes which I keep in the room safe. I also write down the check numbers for each day and kept that separate, just incase something is lost or stolen. Sometimes we spend less or sometimes we spend a bit more (using a debit card), but we are always close within our set amount. After all our previous trips we generally know how much we spend on a daily basis.

I can get the TCs free from our bank, so there is no additional cost.

We are also lucky enough to bank with Chase, so all ATM's withdrawls on property are free which is pretty nice when I want to get some extra cash for what ever reason.

I have also bought Disney gift cards before leaving home and used them on a daily basis (I actually prefer the Traveler's Check, though I am in the minority). I just don't like to carry cash, but don't want any expenses when I get home either so I don't like to charge everthing back to the room.

Good luck and I am sure you will find a method that works best for you.

 

[ZoZo]

I know it's old-fashioned, but travelers checks work best for me. I often share a room with a female friend, and it just gets too confusing for both of us to try to charge to the room. I like the convenience of travelers checks; I get them in large denominations ($50s) and use them as needed. Also helps me keep track of how much I'm spending (harder to do when charging to the room). All in all, travelers checks work best for me.

 

[Dismom55]

MDSD: Since you posted about the gift cards, I have a question. When I do my grocery shopping occasionally I like to purchase the Disney gift cards too. I also give them to the kids for Christmas, birthdays etc. The last time we were in WDW we had several times where the CM,s were having trouble getting the card to take, have you or anyone else experienced that? I have less trouble with travelers checks than the gift cards. Don't get me wrong, I like giving and getting the gift cards, just am curious if anyone has had a problem using them, also curious why are the CM's doing something that doesn't work with the cards or is it the cards?

 

[Tecbot]

I use travellers cheques and cash. Use a credit card for insurance on my rental car otherwise i would probably pay cash.

 

[jennyleettu]

I carried cash but I am NOT good about keeping up with how much I have spent if I can't see it and since I knew I would be wrapped up in everything I didn't want to take a chance on going over budget.

 

[Rantybaby]

I took my 1st trip in August 2007 for a gospel music convention. I carried my bankcard for purchases @ WalMart. I was on the dining plan which INCLUDED tip & gratuity. I used a Disney Gift card for Disney purchases and a bank gift card for convention purchases (sheet and recorded music).

 

[jshuff1]

rewards card

 

[CKnott]

I would agree with everyone, charging to your room is safe and really easy. I usually get the dining plan, but bring cash around to tip with.

 

[almburr]

we take about $1000 in cash. We some on our room (we stay on site) some in the wall safe, and carry a little with us (for tips,) some of it is in travelers cheques that is what we give when we check in to put with our card.