Spending Money (Cash vs. Plastic)

[Kit Jackson]

I am going to a Disneyland with a friend. It's my first visit to that park. We are both adults, and there will be no children on this trip. I have my budget set. I was wondering what the ratio of cash to plastic should be? How much money should I have in cash? I want to avoid withdrawing money in the park ATM, because I don't want to have an out of network fee. I wasn't even a teenager the last time I went to Disney World, so planning a trip like this isn't something I have experience with. Thanks to anyone who can help.

 

[MissEllie]

I would keep about $10/ per day on hand as far as cash goes. Most of the vendors accept cards, and on the occasion they don't, there is sure to be a place that does no more than a few steps away.

I know balloon handlers can only take cash, and sometimes popcorn/cotton candy vendors have their readers go down (although it's rare).

You'll have a blast on your trip!

 

[tarheelalum]

I take a 20. Most places take cards but I few don't.

 

[figment_jii]

Personally, I would carry about $50 to $75 in cash with me at all times. I like to have enough cash to cover any one purchase (usually a meal) in case the credit card machines are down or there is an issue with my credit card.

As the PP said, most everything accepts credit cards these days. The balloon sellers are cash only, as are the penny press machines.

 

[Indiana Scott]

I never used anything except plastic during our last few trips.

 

[gottalovepluto]

In our last 4 day trip we used cash once because an ice cream vendor only took cash but that was it.

 

[DizMe]

Personally, I would carry about $50 to $75 in cash with me at all times. I like to have enough cash to cover any one purchase (usually a meal) in case the credit card machines are down or there is an issue with my credit card.

As the PP said, most everything accepts credit cards these days. The balloon sellers are cash only, as are the penny press machines.

This is what I do, too. I don't like not having enough cash to cover a meal or a purchase. Although I have and use gift cards, they are my least favorite form of payment--I don't like trying to keep track of them. I usually use my cc so I can earn points, but there are times when it just seems silly to do that. I hate using a card for something like a snack purchase or antenna ball, for instance. That's just my own personal quirk, I guess.

 

[SweetAlex]

I would plan cash for your food/snack purchases. It's just easier and faster IMO. We usually use plastic for any merchandise purchases.

Cash is also much easier to budget with.