Hi Monica,
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel and thank you for asking us another question, my fellow Canadian!
I completely understand the quest to avoid currency conversion charges during a visit to an international destination. The answer to your question is… yes, but no. When you purchase a
Disney Gift Card at a Canadian retailer (including a Canadian Disney Store), you’re purchasing the Card in Canadian Dollars. That means that, when you redeem that Disney Gift Card at while
shopping at Walt Disney World Resort, you’re going to have to pay a currency conversion charge when you first use it.
The good news is that, once it has been done, your card’s value is “locked in” for that amount until its balance has been depleted. For example, say you purchased a $50 CAD Disney Gift Card and, when you first use it, that amount converts to $35 USD that day. Your remaining balance will then be $35 USD, minus whatever it was that you purchased with that Disney Gift Card at that moment. You won’t have to pay another currency conversion charge for any subsequent uses, unlike a credit card where you're typically charged a currency conversion rate every time you use it.
I hope my answer helps you plan (and budget) for your upcoming Disney Parks vacation. Please don’t hesitate to come back and see us if you have any other questions.
Have a Magical Day,
Lynne