Got an email from Disney I'm not sure I understand

[Moliphino]

To the UK person talking about credit card fees for foreign transactions, don’t they have credit cards in the UK without foreign transaction fees? I got a Capital One Venture card just to use overseas when I went to UK. I would think that going to a foreign country happens way more often in the UK than here in the US since the foreign countries are closer.

I just got a Barclaycard for this reason, too (US). No foreign transaction fees and the exchange rate they used seems on par with the published rate (I compared some receipts when filling out my expense report for work). That's why I was really annoyed at needing to use an ATM to take out cash in Germany - my bank charges conversion fees on top of the exchange rate.

 

[Minnie1156]

A test only at AKL

thank you

 

[skyblue17]

I admit I used cash a bit during F&W because it helped me to budget a little better, as in "when you run out of cash, STOP EATING." But even there, not all F&W kiosks had tills so it wasn't a foolproof plan, heh.

 

[AngiTN]

I will say this, right out in public and in writing, Disney can roll this concept out property wide when they have a flawless and foolproof IT dept. And since it will be a cold day in h-e double hockey sticks before that happens, I think we all know the odds of this going property wide.

The one thing they should do, keep and roll out from this test, taking cash down towards room charges at the front desk. Though if you ask me, that seems like MORE work on the CM at the front desk, not less. That's more cash to take in and keep up with.

And funny, while I really never have cash voluntarily, for our New Years trip, I did. My employer gave our Christmas bonus in cash. My bank is one of the online banks and I didn't have a chance to get it transferred over in to a method I could deposit in that bank or buy a gift card before we left so I squirreled it away deep in my bags and paid on the room with it. We resort hopped and I had no problems paying with the cash at POFQ after midnight but when I went by the desk at Boardwalk to do it after midnight they couldn't take cash then. They could only take gift cards after midnight. CR took the cash but I went by there before midnight so no idea if they had a problem after midnight or not. So the resorts front desks will need to take cash at all hours

 

[Action City]

I will say this, right out in public and in writing, Disney can roll this concept out property wide when they have a flawless and foolproof IT dept. And since it will be a cold day in h-e double hockey sticks before that happens, I think we all know the odds of this going property wide.

Any bets on them trying it, though?

 

[WDW_Ding]

So I asked DH what he thought of no cash at wdw and he said they are probably doing it as an anti-terrorism measure.

That is ludicrous.

What???? How the heck does that explain it?

Cash is not traceable. Law enforcement uses credit cards to find/flag people all the time.

So, you think that law enforcement went to WDW and said "Hey guys, can you stop using cash so we can trace random people? Ok, thanks!" and then WDW said "Sure guys, sounds fine!"

Come on.

The move away from cash is happening outside of WDW too. It is faster and more secure.

All of the likely reasons for a cash-less WDW have been noted in this thread.

They started the finger prints and bag searches shortly after 9/11. Disney is very concerned about terrorism. They just took away their do not disturb signs.

Please note that "terrorism" relates to the use of violence to achieve a political end. Terrorism doesn't apply to random mass shootings or whatever.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

Of course you can pay cash without an ID. I'm not sure where you are stuck on the whole terrorist angle.
And they do not take your print when you enter the park. Not in the sense of what you are thinking. Not in a law enforcement can use it for ID sort of way.

That is ludicrous.





So, you think that law enforcement went to WDW and said "Hey guys, can you stop using cash so we can trace random people? Ok, thanks!" and then WDW said "Sure guys, sounds fine!"

Come on.

The move away from cash is happening outside of WDW too. It is faster and more secure.

All of the likely reasons for a cash-less WDW have been noted in this thread.



Please note that "terrorism" relates to the use of violence to achieve a political end. Terrorism doesn't apply to random mass shootings or whatever.

I think that disney would like to go completely cashless for a variety of reasons, the main one being that it is easier for them. Yes, I do think terrorism is one reason why they would go cashless. It is just a lot easier to track people. I am not concerned about terrorism in the parks because Disney does a great job with security, but there is no doubt that Disney is a terror target. Disney definitely collects a lot of data on people, and there is no way to really know what they do with it or will do with it. I am not that concerned about it. It is just an unfortunate part of our lives today and necessary for security. I know they use it for marketing too. That doesn't really bother me either. I do, however, like to pay with cash sometimes! Oh well, I'm just old school.

 

[WDW_Ding]

Yes, I do think terrorism is one reason why they would go cashless. It is just a lot easier to track people.

Do you think that WDW has some kind of "terrorist list", complete with names and credit card numbers? Do you think they have some sort of program in place that takes this "terrorist list" and then cross-checks it against every credit card transaction that takes place at WDW? Do you think that Visa, Mastercard, and Discover would allow WDW to use their customer's information in this way?

Disney definitely collects a lot of data on people, and there is no way to really know what they do with it or will do with it.

https://privacy.thewaltdisneycompany.com/en/current-privacy-policy/

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/help/privacy-legal/

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/faq/my-disney-experience/my-magic-plus-privacy/

 

[amylevan]

It is faster and more secure.

While it may be faster, it’s not necessarily more secure. Just ask any one who’s been a victim of identity theft. Or heck has had a Target card.

More secure for WDW? Yes. More secure for me? Debatable.

 

[WDW_Ding]

While it may be faster, it’s not necessarily more secure. Just ask any one who’s been a victim of identity theft. Or heck has had a Target card.

More secure for WDW? Yes. More secure for me? Debatable.

Firstly, cash isn't secure. You can lose it. If you are known to carry a lot of it, you can be targeted for theft.

Secondly, identity theft is not the same as having your CC number stolen.

Thirdly, if your CC number is stolen, you are not liable for any charges.

 

[DLgal]

They started the finger prints and bag searches shortly after 9/11. Disney is very concerned about terrorism. They just took away their do not disturb signs.

They are concerned about terrorism, yes. They are not concerned that there are terrorists funneling large amounts of cash into Disney's pockets.

The DND sign thing is a direct response to Las Vegas, due to copy cat criminals. That situation was not deemed terrorism.

 

[maalca23]

I purchase a Disney Gift Card at target (get 5% off). If I have to purchase more then one gift card I do then go online to combine them into 1 card. This helps me spend like cash and stay in budget. While I have a CC on my hotel account when I check in, I bill nothing to my room. We have the dining Plan for our upcoming (38 days) visit, so that with a gift card we are all set. I only bring a little cash with me.

 

[Dashzap]

Most everyone is carrying a smartphone around WDW with them (MDX is so useful). Why don't more people use Android Pay?

I am a regular user of Android Pay, and use it wherever it is taken, be it a small purchase like a gallon of milk at Aldi's or a new games console at Gamestop.

• Each time you use Android Pay, the store gets a one-time id number, NOT your credit card number. Staff can't steal your credit card number.
• No cash to lose or spend without tracking (cash seems to melt away when I have it....no idea where it goes)
• No currency tied up in a gift card with limited spending options, like Disney Gift Card
• I carry my phone everywhere already

I wish MDX would use phones as MB. Not as a total replacement, since not everyone at WDW will have a current smartphone, but as an option. Let me scan my phone to get into the park, into the FP entrance, etc.

 

[Dashzap]

I purchase a Disney Gift Card at target (get 5% off). If I have to purchase more then one gift card I do then go online to combine them into 1 card. This helps me spend like cash and stay in budget. While I have a CC on my hotel account when I check in, I bill nothing to my room. We have the dining Plan for our upcoming (38 days) visit, so that with a gift card we are all set. I only bring a little cash with me.

My concern with Disney Gift Cards is that you can only use them to buy things with Disney. If an emergency comes up and you need to cancel your trip, your funds are trapped with Disney. Even if you've paid for your package reservation in advance with Disney Gift Cards, then have to cancel, any refund is going back on Disney Gift Cards.

Guess I am a commitmentphobe when it comes to money.

 

[maalca23]

My concern with Disney Gift Cards is that you can only use them to buy things with Disney. If an emergency comes up and you need to cancel your trip, your funds are trapped with Disney. Even if you've paid for your package reservation in advance with Disney Gift Cards, then have to cancel, any refund is going back on Disney Gift Cards.

Guess I am a commitmentphobe when it comes to money.

I used my Gift card to pay for meals, drinks, wine, souvenirs, just about anything with no problem. I plan on $100 a day and frankly had a blast a spent if all. This was for a 7 day trip and it was perfect with the Dining plan.

 

[AngiTN]

Most everyone is carrying a smartphone around WDW with them (MDX is so useful). Why don't more people use Android Pay?

I am a regular user of Android Pay, and use it wherever it is taken, be it a small purchase like a gallon of milk at Aldi's or a new games console at Gamestop.

• Each time you use Android Pay, the store gets a one-time id number, NOT your credit card number. Staff can't steal your credit card number.
• No cash to lose or spend without tracking (cash seems to melt away when I have it....no idea where it goes)
• No currency tied up in a gift card with limited spending options, like Disney Gift Card
• I carry my phone everywhere already

I wish MDX would use phones as MB. Not as a total replacement, since not everyone at WDW will have a current smartphone, but as an option. Let me scan my phone to get into the park, into the FP entrance, etc.

Maybe because they have Apple phones?
That said, I do use Apply pay quite often. Not at Disney though, I use my MB instead.

 

[nkereina]

I will say this, right out in public and in writing, Disney can roll this concept out property wide when they have a flawless and foolproof IT dept. And since it will be a cold day in h-e double hockey sticks before that happens, I think we all know the odds of this going property wide.

The one thing they should do, keep and roll out from this test, taking cash down towards room charges at the front desk. Though if you ask me, that seems like MORE work on the CM at the front desk, not less. That's more cash to take in and keep up with.

I don't know of any corporation that has a flawless and foolproof IT department. Not even Tech companies. I don't think it's as far-fetched that Disney will roll this out property-wide at some point though. In addition to the tracking benefits mentioned up-thread, it's also more secure from their perspective. They'll be streamlining anything cash-related at the front desk which is probably more secure with more control measures than having it all throughout the resort. We took a cruise on Royal Caribbean last year and anything bought on board had to be charged back to your room. You could attach a credit card to your room or leave a cash deposit, but it was the same concept. No cash allowed.

 

[AngiTN]

I don't know of any corporation that has a flawless and foolproof IT department. Not even Tech companies. I don't think it's as far-fetched that Disney will roll this out property-wide at some point though. In addition to the tracking benefits mentioned up-thread, it's also more secure from their perspective. They'll be streamlining anything cash-related at the front desk which is probably more secure with more control measures than having it all throughout the resort. We took a cruise on Royal Caribbean last year and anything bought on board had to be charged back to your room. You could attach a credit card to your room or leave a cash deposit, but it was the same concept. No cash allowed.

You clearly have more faith in their systems than I do.
You may not know of any that is flawless but I don't know of any that have as many failures.
During our 5 day trip from 12/29 to 1/4 there were 2 days where FP system stopped totally (for short times but still) AND you were unable to make purchases with MB
Just how is THAT going to work without cash?

 

[nkereina]

You clearly have more faith in their systems than I do.
You may not know of any that is flawless but I don't know of any that have as many failures.
During our 5 day trip from 12/29 to 1/4 there were 2 days where FP system stopped totally (for short times but still) AND you were unable to make purchases with MB
Just how is THAT going to work without cash?

I agree with you that it seems like they have a lot of technical difficulties. I've experienced it as well. But I think all of us here are privy to the difficulties because we frequent the parks and these boards. For instance, I have no idea how good or bad AT&T is because I have Verizon. In reality, Disney's issues could be par for the course considering their size and the amount of technology they have out there. I've experienced issues at Universal too. These corporations rush to get out the latest and greatest but could probably benefit from a longer testing phase.

But to your point, a corporation like Disney will have business continuity plans in place for if/when the MB system goes down if they are using that as a single form of payment. They would not be able to go live with that property-wide without a redundancy plan.

 

[AngiTN]

I agree with you that it seems like they have a lot of technical difficulties. I've experienced it as well. But I think all of us here are privy to the difficulties because we frequent the parks and these boards. For instance, I have no idea how good or bad AT&T is because I have Verizon. In reality, Disney's issues could be par for the course considering their size and the amount of technology they have out there. I've experienced issues at Universal too. These corporations rush to get out the latest and greatest but could probably benefit from a longer testing phase.

But to your point, a corporation like Disney will have business continuity plans in place for if/when the MB system goes down if they are using that as a single form of payment. They would not be able to go live with that property-wide without a redundancy plan.

Ok, that made me spit my coke on my monitor.
Having been at Disney when 1st gen MDE rolled out back in 2012, I'll just say, that is wrong. The nightmares I had trying to check in to the resorts, ohvey! Disney and redundancy plans do not go in the same sentence. They have proven that many times. I'm not even sure I believe they do any live testing in a lab first.
Or even just think back to the fall. When they had a system update they tried to roll out to the reservation system. How long was it down totally, where you couldn't book anything online?