Hi there, Michelle!
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! It sounds like you are busy getting ready for a fun-filled Disney Cruise Line vacation and hopefully the countdown to your adventure at sea is ticking away quickly!
Currently, Disney gift cards can be used in the
onboard gift shops, but not for any other purchases onboard. Therefore, your children will have the opportunity to spend their money at their own discretion. Recently my husband and I have started gifting our boys with gift cards prior to a Disney Cruise Line vacation for that very reason! I realized that I was constantly saying “no” to that 5th pirate telescope or the umpteenth stuffed animal and that was causing more of a headache than allowing my boys to make their own decision! Yes, it did take some restraint when they purchased a talking Buzz Lightyear complete with lasers and a tub full of Toy Story army men, but my boys were thrilled with their purchases! Unfortunately, not all those army men made it out of our stateroom at the end of our week, but he was still happy as can be with his purchase! So, I love the idea of giving children (really of any age) the ability and responsibility of making their own purchases.
If you do have gift card(s) that are not going to be spent in the onboard gift shops and you do want them applied to your stateroom account, please take them to Guest Services to have them apply the funds directly to your account. But I am certain that your kiddos will find a way to spend every last penny on that gift card…there are many great things to choose from in those shops!
Wishing you a magical adventure with Captain Mickey!
Happy Sailing!
Stephanie