Orlando school trip

My son is off to Orlando next month for a school trip from the UK. I was thinking of just letting him take a revolute card, as I dont see the point in changing up cash that he probably won't use.

Do you think he'd get by without cash? Breakfast is included every day, so it's just lunch and dinner, which i imagine will be fast food. They have a few trips to the mall, Disney, science museum and Kennedy space centre. Would cash be useful for any of these as I assume most places are almost cashless?

Before anyone asks, why don't you ask the school? They don't seem to have any answers as it's up to us how much money we give them.

Thanks for any help.

For a school trip to Orlando, using a Revolut card should generally work well, especially since most attractions, malls, and restaurants in Orlando accept card payments. Many fast-food outlets, theme parks, and museums are largely cashless, and contactless or card payments are widely accepted, which makes carrying large amounts of cash unnecessary.

Here are some points to consider:

  • Breakfast is included, so the main expenses will be lunch, dinner, and possibly snacks or souvenirs.
  • Theme parks such as Disney and Kennedy Space Center have cashless payment options at food stands, gift shops, and ticket counters. However, smaller vendors or outdoor stalls may occasionally prefer cash.
  • Malls are entirely cashless-friendly; most stores accept debit/credit cards or mobile payments.
  • Some transportation options, like local buses or small rideshare tips, may still require cash, but this is relatively minor if he mainly uses card payments or rideshare apps.

Tips to ensure a smooth experience:

  • Load a small backup amount of cash for emergencies or places that may not accept cards, such as tips, small vendors, or street performers.
  • Check if the Revolut card works internationally for small transactions without high fees. Most UK Revolut cards function well in the US.
  • Ensure your son knows how to use contactless payments and keep the card secure in a wallet or money belt.
  • Encourage him to keep track of spending to avoid accidentally overspending with card payments.

Overall, a Revolut card should be sufficient for this trip. Having a small amount of cash (around $20–$40) for emergencies is a good safety net, but it is unlikely to be essential for daily expenses in Orlando.


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