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Florida Theme Parks Will No Longer Accept Cash

florida theme parks going cashless is walt disney world next seaworld orlando aquatic busch gardens tampa bay adventure island thrill rides water park magic kingdom disney park
Credit: Disney

There’s no question that the digital age, which seemed so futuristic to theme park designers like Walt Disney, is now our present-day reality. An average theme park guest has the world in the palm of their hand, able to interact with their resort, ride wait times, and vacation photos on one device. Following the trend of Disney Park Magic Bands, plastic park ticket cards, or just the efficiency of a visitor’s phone, some Florida theme parks are about to make another big change.

florida theme parks going cashless is walt disney world next seaworld orlando aquatic busch gardens tampa bay adventure island thrill rides water park magic kingdom disney park

Credit: Disney

Consider a cashless world! Many Florida amusement parks are already way ahead of you. My News 13 journalist Ashley Carter reports that “SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica are going cashless starting Aug. 30. The parks will only be accepting card and mobile payments at restaurants, shops, ticket windows, parking tolls, etc. Visitors with cash can convert it to a prepaid Visa card at Cash to Card kiosks at the parks.”

florida theme parks going cashless is walt disney world next seaworld orlando aquatic busch gardens tampa bay adventure island thrill rides water park magic kingdom disney park

Credit: Ashley Carter/ X, SeaWorld

These popular marine-themed parks feature various live shows, exhibits, and interactive attractions where visitors can learn about marine animals. SeaWorld Orlando is famous for its thrill rides, and the Aquatica water park, also owned by SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, offers numerous water-based fun, the best of which is a water slide that goes through a habitat of Commerson’s dolphins. Soon, you won’t have to worry about wet bills!

But these two aren’t the only ones…the cashless move also goes for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island starting on Aug. 30! These tandem Tampa parks are following suit. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is the traditional ride theme park, while Adventure Island is the adjacent water park. They will only be accepting card and mobile payments and offering the same Cash to Card kiosks.

florida theme parks going cashless is walt disney world next seaworld orlando aquatic busch gardens tampa bay adventure island thrill rides water park magic kingdom disney park

Credit: Ashley Carter/ X, Busch Gardens

While this seems like a no-brainer move for park efficiency and even cleanliness, some patrons are disappointed in the decision. Many find comfort in the tangibility of carrying cash and fear a world that exists solely online. But have they ever had change fall out of their pocket on a roller coaster?

How do you feel about the transition? While most Walt Disney World locations still accept cash, it is feasible that Magic Kingdom and its sister parks could be headed the same way.

About Lana Porter

Lana has never lost a Disney Trivia night. Maybe it’s the hundreds of times she’s been to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, her love for Disney’s ’90’s era hand-animated musicals, or the fact that she’s often likened to cartoon characters, but Disney and its magic have a special place in her heart. Her favorite Disney experiences include the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, eating Mickey Bars on the PeopleMover, and crying during the Magic Kingdom fireworks show. One day she hopes to be chosen as the rebel spy on Star Tours. When Lana isn’t Park Hopping, she’s at home reading books of all topics, watching her favs on Disney+, or snuggling her two cats, which she swears are not named after Disney characters. She loves surprising people with her knowledge of the Marvel Cinematic Universe but admits she is still catching up with Star Wars. She is happy to combine her excitement for writing with her love for Disney-style storytelling and share what she can with the world!

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