Disneyland prepares for a cashless future
Disneyland has begun preparing for a cashless future with snack carts selling Mickey Mouse-shaped ice cream bars, frozen lemonades and pre-packaged treats only offering credit card or mobile payments at select locations throughout the Anaheim theme parks.
The Disneyland resort began a cashless payment test in late April at approximately 25% of the outdoor vending carts in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, according to Disneyland officials.
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Cashless locations taking part in the test will have signs notifying customers they can only use credit cards, mobile payments or Disney gift cards to make purchases.
Many of the outdoor vending carts selling pre-packaged popcorn, frozen treats, ice cream and canned and bottled beverages are only accepting cashless payments during the test, according to Mickey Visit.
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Outdoor vending carts selling churros, pretzels, fresh popcorn and fruit will continue to take all forms of payment - including cash.
Disneyland continually tests and adjusts operations based on guest behavior, according to Disneyland officials.
Walt Disney World theme parks in Florida began transitioning outdoor vending carts to only cashless payments in October, according to Mickey Visit.
Most quick service and table service restaurants at Disney World's four theme parks and two water parks still accept cash and credit, according to Plan Disney.
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Some outdoor kitchens during Epcot food festivals only accept credit cards and mobile payments, according to Plan Disney.
Knott's Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain and other Six Flags parks have gone completely cashless in recent years. SeaWorld parks in San Diego, Orlando and San Antonio are also fully cashless.
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This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 10:32 AM.