Visa Gift Card for Disney Budget?

[ali2083]

Hello! I'm hoping I can run this idea by some savvy people here. I'm going to WDW in December with my extended family for 9 days. I don't have children or a spouse so I only need to budget for myself. I don't have or use credit cards - only a debit card.

We're also on the dining plan with 2 meals and 3(?) snacks per day. I only need to budget for one meal a day (breakfast is always the cheapest!) and any snacks that aren't covered or a few margaritas in Epcot.

In the past I've found when I use my debit card for souvenirs I go WAY over budget. I also don't want to carry a lot of cash, it makes me nervous. I was considering this time only taking enough cash for $15 per day, and then putting the rest of my budget on a regular Visa gift card. This way if I don't spend all of it I can still use it at home.

Has anyone else done this, and if so what was your experience? If you haven't done this what are your thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[TravelMommy]

I often over budget for WDW and I usually buy WDW gift cards, we go frequently, however I was just thinking about taking half WDW gift cards and half Amex or Visa gift cards. I think at AAA you can get the Amex ones for no fee, if you are a member, hopefully someone can correct that if not current. Ps, I think the DDP is currently one snack for QS and regular plan and 2 snacks for DDxDP. I wasn't sure which one you have, I am thinking QS, as you didn't mention having to budget for tips? (you may want to consider Wolfgang Puck Express in Downtown Disney and budgeting for a tip there, it is the best QS on WDW property, imho! and they bring you your meal, like a TS)
Have a great trip!

 

[ali2083]

One snack is right! I think last time I barely used them because I was so stuffed from the meals, I had a ton left over at the end and used them to get rice krispie treats to take home.

I'm certain a lot of people will cringe at this, but we do very few if any TS, so no need for a tip budget. My family is very plain/home cooking oriented.

Thank you for the suggestions! I'll have to check out the AAA discount.