Hi Laura,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel and thanks for sending us your question. I completely understand wanting to use
Disney Gift Cards, being from Canada, we have international baking fees as well.
Disney Gift Cards are available for purchase at almost every retail store on property. The Gift Cards can be found up by the checkout area, and there are usually lots of options in terms of design. You will be able to load any amount you wish onto the card, up to $1000.00. I like to purchase several smaller cards, it make me nervous having all of my spending money on one card.
When using your MagicBand, you will need to provide the front desk with your credit card in order to add the option to make purchases with your MagicBand. What I like to do is go down to the front desk every few days and use my Disney Gift Cards to pay the balance and to keep an eye on what I have spent. There is also an amount (that differs for each Disney Resort Hotel) that when you reach they will automatically charge your card. I would recommend asking what the amount is when you arrive, just so that you don’t have that happen. Also, I would suggest settling your account the day prior to checkout. In the past my credit card has been charged prior to the day of our checkout, and I’ve found it easier to take care of the charges the night before and use the remainder of my gift cards on the day we checkout instead of using MagicBands. If by chance your card does get charged, the Cast Member will be able to reverse the charge, however the international fees and exchange rates will still apply.
I hope you have a magical time at Walt Disney World Resort, Laura. Please let us know if you have any other questions, we are always happy to help.
Stephanie