Hey there Victor,
Welcome to planDisney and thanks for this great question! I'm happy to hear you're considering becoming a Magic Key Holder.
As a California resident, you do have the option to make a $99 down payment for a
Magic Key Pass and pay the rest of it off over 12 months. When you do this online, you are able to use one
Disney Gift Card for the down payment, but must add a debit or credit card for the monthly payments.
My recommendation, if your situation allows for it, is to actually save your gift card for your visits! The reason came from my
planDisney pal, Amanda, a few years ago and her logic checks out. When you purchase your Magic Key, you also get
discounts on select merchandise and dining based on your pass type, which means that your Disney Gift Card dollars will go even further since you'll be able to use it to purchase those things at a discount on your visits.
I hope that helps, Victor! Thanks again for your question.
Have a Magical Day,
Greg