Welcome Aboard, Jason! Thanks for sailing on over to planDisney - so glad you found us. I see that you are already planning an adventure on the high seas with
Disney Cruise Line for 2027, and as an extreme advance planner myself, I salute you!
I'm happy to share that you most certainly can use a
Disney Gift Card when sailing with DCL. I purchase discounted gift cards throughout the year to put toward our next Disney vacation, and it's a great way to keep track of expenses and stick to a budget. If you add cards via the Disney Gift Card website, you can consolidate them on one card with a maximum of $1000.
My preferred method for my gift cards is to put them toward our shipboard account before departure. You can do this easily by logging into the DCL website and navigating to your reservation under the "Already Booked" option. Next, select "Onboard Gifts", then "Onboard Credit", and enter the card information there. You can also do this in person once you set sail - simply visit the Guest Services desk, and the always-friendly Cast Members can add the funds to your shipboard account. Hang onto the gift cards, as any money remaining at the end of the cruise will be refunded to your original form of payment.
Gift cards can also be used in the onboard shops for any must-have souvenirs that your crew desires. When our girls were younger, we always gave them each their own card to use however they liked - it's a great way to build some independence!
However, there are some exceptions. Gift cards cannot be used for payment for photo packages, spa services, Port Adventures, premium dining locations, or specially-priced food and drink options like those at
Cove Café. These will be charged to your Stateroom Folio.
Jason, I hope this information is helpful for your planning purposes. As your plans come together, please come back and see us again at planDisney anytime if we can help with additional questions to make this vacation smooth sailing!
Bon Voyage!
Susan