Hey there, hi there, ho there David... you're as welcome as can be at planDisney! I love your question, because I'm a huge fan of using my Disney Rewards Visa for my family's Disney World vacations. You've got a great plan, and you've got a friend in me!
I've got some ideas for you, so let's dive in.
Sounds like you've been saving up those Disney Rewards points to use on your magical vacation. Well done, you! As you mentioned, shortly before you arrive I'd be sure you've transferred your reward points to a redemption card. If you are staying at a Disney Resort I agree the easiest thing to do is exactly as you've described: pay for all of your food and merchandise with your MagicBand, and those charges will go directly to your room account. Then swing by the front desk before check-out and have a Cast Member apply your redemption card as payment towards your balance. I'd recommend doing this the evening before, so you don't miss them closing out your portfolio balance.
Did you know you can see your ongoing balance in the
My Disney Experience app? This is a handy feature for keeping track of your purchases. To find your charged balance inside the app, from the home screen select the "≡" menu in the lower right, look for "Resort" and then a folder labeled "View Charges". You can also select or re-set a PIN to use with your MagicBand, which is needed when using it as a form of payment. Look for this option under "Account - MagicBands & Cards", then select the guest, and open the "PIN" tab.
David, I have just a couple more Disney Reward Visa tips before I go. Bring your physical credit card along with you and swing by the special, private
character meet-and-greet experiences at either EPCOT or Hollywood Studios! I especially love the location at EPCOT, and some of my favorite family Disney photos were taken here... with not one, but two classic characters. These spots are well worth visiting, plus you'll receive a free digital download of your photos!
And lastly... if you enter your Disney Reward Visa into your My Disney Experience app as your default form of payment, you'll automatically receive 10% off all purchases made in the app using
Merchandise Mobile Checkout. Yeeehaww!!
Sending pixie-dust your way for the best trip ever. Please feel free to
visit me again at planDisney if I can help with anything else.
To infinity and beyond!
Tami