Hi Deb!
Welcome to planDisney! I'm delighted you stopped by to see us before you visit Walt Disney World Resort!
Deb, like Ursula the Sea Witch, I've always been a girl with an eye for a bargain - especially when I'm planning my Disney vacations.
Disney Gift Cards are a great way to save for your trip, as you can purchase smaller amounts (sometimes even at discounted prices from local retailers!) in the weeks and months before your visit and then use them to pay for vacation essentials like park tickets, hotel reservations,
Lightning Lane passes, merchandise, and even food at many restaurants in the parks and at the resorts!
If you have a room-only reservation at a
Disney Resort hotel, your remaining balance is due at check-in, and there is not typically an option to pay online before your arrival. I would suggest
calling a Cast Member at Tickets and Hotel Reservations to discuss paying with your gift cards over the phone if you'd like to make your final payment before your vacation begins. You can also usually pay with your gift cards in person by completing check-in at the Front Desk once you arrive at your resort hotel.
Don't forget that as a Guest staying in the Disney Resorts Collection, you can take advantage of some
amazing benefits, including
complimentary resort transportation, earlier booking windows for Lightning Lane passes and
dining reservations, and, my personal favorite,
Early Theme Park Entry. My toddler doesn't quite understand the concept of sleeping in on vacation, so we frequently use those extra 30 minutes in the parks each morning to get a jump start on enjoying some of our favorite rides and attractions!
I hope this information has been helpful, Deb, and that you have a wonderful time at Walt Disney World! If you have any other questions, please stop by to see us again here at planDisney - we're all ears!
Cheers!
Kristi