We’ve spent some time in the reopened Disney World parks and we’re working hard to try to get answers to all of your big questions.
Plexiglass at Cash Registers
With contactless pay and Mobile Order being SO encouraged in a reopened Disney World, we’ve been getting a lot of questions about whether your cash will do you any good. These touchless methods are a big part of the measures to limit person-to-person contact, but CAN we still pay with cash if we NEED to or WANT to?
In short, the answer is yes. If you end up without a method of payment other than your dolla dolla billz, you’ll be a-ok. Disney is definitely still accepting cash, but that doesn’t change the fact that contactless payment is heavily encouraged.
Contactless Pay
For instance, we’ve checked out a TON of quick-service restaurants in the reopened parks and most of these HEAVILY encourage Mobile Order — to the point that you may get the feeling that you won’t be able to dine there if all you have is cash. When you arrive at a quick-service spot, you’ll likely see plenty of signage encouraging Mobile Order and a Cast Member stationed outside who will only let guests into the restaurant once their order is ready.
Now, if you DO want to pay with cash, you can talk to that Cast Member. If you have a specific allergy, no smartphone, or need to pay with cash, you can go in and head up to the counter. The same applies to guests looking for just a cup of free ice water (those are still totally available, guys!). So, it’s still an option even if it is heavily discouraged. Just ask a Cast Member if you’d prefer to pay with cash and they will help you.
Docking Bay 7
In merchandise locations, things are a little less regulated. When you get up to the cash register, you’ll likely notice plexiglass barriers and signage encouraging the use of contactless pay. But you CAN still use cash. No one will give you any dirty looks if you pull out a $20 to pay for that Minnie keychain your little one just HAS to have.
Contactless Payment Sign
So, yes, cash is still very much a thing in Disney World. We’ve seen plenty of guests pay with cash and we still get asked if we’re paying with cash or card from time to time. Keep in mind that contactless options are encouraged to protect you, other guests, and the Cast Members, so if you can go contactless — Disney really wants you to. If you can’t, don’t worry! Your dollar is just as good in Disney as it’s always been.
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They’re encouraging this method of payment however you still can’t use your mobile order on the Starbucks app at any Disney park location. Why?!? One would think you could order through their app at this point.
I was curious if paying with your magic band, how do you tip in sit down restaurants?
Steve, it is because the Disney Parks Starbucks are not corporate Starbucks, they are owned by Disney and are considered Disney quick service establishments. They just SERVE Starbucks Coffee. Starbucks profits very little off these locations!
Sharon, you can write in a tip just as if you were using a credit or debit card.
Hi we are hoping to be visiting Orlando from the UK in September and we usually just bring cash. We are considering brining some cash and perhaps loading the remainder to a travel card. I believe the card will have a MasterCard logo. Do you know if this works just the same as if using a debit/credit card for stores and My Disney App for mobile orders and if it is accepted in Disney? Thanks in advance!
Megan, I wouldn’t be able to confirm the specific card you mention, but typically you can use a branded card the same as a debit/credit. You might try to phone the travel card company (if possible) to confirm.
Hi, we’re coming to disney world from the UK in May, we always take cash abroad as we get charged fees for using denit cards and most travel cards, can you confirm that cash is still accepted (albeit not encouraged) at all restaurants and shops? Or are there some that are completely cashless?
If so, can you buy a disney gift card with cash? We’ve been told these are accepted everywhere.
Hi Heather! Disney still accepts cash everywhere, you’ll just need to let the CM know that you will be paying in cash if they try to turn you away for not mobile ordering. You can also buy Disney Gift Cards with cash.