• On May 15, 2020
    Sara from MO Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I want to gradually stock away money for souvenirs and tie it to completing chores so the kids feel they've earned the 'extras' during our trip to WDW this fall. Can I buy gift cards ahead of time that will work in stores and food vendors?

    Hi Sara!

    Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, and thank you so much for asking this great Walt Disney World Resort vacation planning question to us hEAR!

    This is not only a great question, this is a terrific souvenEAR spending strategy! I not only do this with my son, I actually ask for Disney Gift Cards from my own parents as birthday and holiday gifts. You'll be so happy to know that Disney Gift Cards can be used almost anywhere at Walt Disney World Resort, on everything from snacks to shirts to stuffed animals, to paying off the balance of your total vacation package. These cards are accepted in all four theme parks, both water parks, all Disney Resort Hotels and even in Disney Springs!

    I will say that the only places I've ever had an issue trying to redeem a Disney Gift Card were at the AMC Dine-In Movie Theatre in Disney Springs, and you might encounter a cart-style vendor who is cash-only. But, one super cool "hack" should you find a location that doesn't accept a Disney Gift Card and you're staying at a Disney Resort Hotel, you can actually charge that purchase to your MagicBand and then later pay off those charges with your Disney Gift Cards. (When paying with a credit or debit card, the purchase hits your account right away. But there is a small window of time between using your MagicBand and those charges officially hitting the card on file linked to your band. To pay off a MagicBand charge with a Disney Gift Card, stop by the front desk of your Disney Resort Hotel the same day the charge was made and they can make this swap for you. I usually do this at night after I get back from the parks but before I go to sleep.)

    Disney Gift Cards can be found at a wide variety of retailers in your hometown, like at grocery stores, drug stores, gas stations, big box stores and more. You might even be able to find a deal on Disney Gift Cards at warehouse club stores where these cards come loaded with slightly more value than what you end up paying. (My favorite location is Target because RedCard holders save 5%.) But there are also tons of super cute designs available on the Disney Gift Card website as well as ShopDisney.com.

    I hope this helped to plan your purchases a bit, Sara. And if you have any more Walt Disney World Resort vacation planning questions, We're All Ears!

    ~Kristen
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Meet the Panelist: Kristen, Texas

Hi, I'm Kristen! I'm a mom to the best ride buddy and a military spouse who loves keeping up with the latest Disney Parks news. Trips to Disneyland and Walt Disney World have always been fun, but now that I'm the parent AND the planner every moment is that much more treasured.  I am so honored and excited to be able to share tips I've picked up, pass on fun factoids I've learned, and help create magical moments for your vacation of a lifetime!  Learn More About Kristen

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