Hi Belinda,
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Thanks for coming to us with these great planning questions.
When on the Disney Dining Plan, I prefer to tip
using the credit card linked to my MagicBand. With a quick tap of Mickey to Mickey, we can add our tip and not worry about carrying cash around in the theme parks. If you want to use cash for budgeting reasons, you can do so in the restaurant, or you can use your MagicBand but then stop by your resort's front desk to pay your room charges with cash or Disney Gift Card.
How much cash to carry daily really depends on how many people are in your party and the restaurants you're visiting, as prices can vary and change. Since your trip is next year, prices could change, so my advice is to take a look at menus after you've made your dining reservations and then make an estimate based on that.
Mousekeeping certainly does accept cash tips. We usually tip a few dollars per person each night.
On my most recent visit, popcorn bucket refills were $2, but please be aware that prices are subject to change.
Since you'll have the Disney Dining Plan, I’m assuming you will be staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, which means that theme park parking is complimentary. There is a
nightly parking fee assigned at each resort; this is paid as part of your folio when you check out. I don't think this can be paid in advance, but you could contact Guest Services at (407) 939-5277 when you’re closer to your arrival date to see if this has changed, and ask the front desk Cast Members when you check in.
Belinda, have so much fun with your planning and Disney dreaming, and please come back and see us if we can answer any more questions!
Wishing you a magical vacation,
Robyn