Hiya Lauren,
Welcome to planDisney! I’m so excited for you that you will be visiting the Most Magical Place on Earth so soon! The weather is supposed to be beautiful, which is perfect for exploring
EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella, a poncho, and extra socks! Florida is infamous for sunny days with a midday shower, so I always like to be prepared.
Now let’s chat about your question, Lauren. While I always like to bring my credit card with me just in case, I can understand your question. I just recently returned from a visit myself, and I checked in to Pop Century Resort using the
Online Check-In service on the
My Disney Experience mobile app. I love doing this because I can head straight to the theme parks and wait for the text that my room is ready. During the online check-in process, you are asked to provide your credit/debit card details for incidentals just as you would if you did a standard check-in at the desk. During my last trip, I completed the online check-in and then went to the front desk to see if an earlier room was available. The Cast Member did not ask to see my credit card again because I had completed Online Check-In, and they already had my card on file from that! I would still recommend bringing your credit card with you in case of emergencies, but if you have done Online Check-In, you should not need to show the card again at the front desk.
I hope this was helpful, Lauren. Before I let you go, can I share one last tip? Bring a
Disney Gift Card with you. While I do bring my credit or debit card for “just in case,” my primary payment method is always Disney Gift Cards. Before my trips, I estimate how much money I will need and load a Disney Gift Card with that amount (you can combine up to $1,000 on one Gift Card). I then use that Gift Card for dining, merchandise, and anything else I need at Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Gift Cards are accepted pretty much everywhere at the theme parks and resort hotels, so it is perfect! It helps me not overspend, and my favorite part is that if I misplace my Disney Gift Card, as long as it is registered online, I can just transfer its balance to a new one! If you need anything else, please come back and see us. We would be happy to help!
Happy Planning,
Ashley F.