Hiya Donna,
Welcome back to planDisney!
Disney Gift Cards are the perfect currency for a Walt Disney World Resort vacation. You can use them to purchase meals, merchandise, and, yes, even to pay for your resort stay. During every single one of my visits to the Most Magical Place I always bring one or two Disney Gift Cards pre-loaded for all of my expenses.
First, I recommend asking the Cast Member at the front desk what their policy is for billing charges. It is subject to change, but during my previous visit, my credit card was charged every other day rather than each time I made a purchase. The Cast Member can advise you on when it makes the most sense to pay your charges. Another option that one of my fellow panelists, Jackie H., suggested was to pre-pay for your charges. Cast Members can add funds from your Disney Gift Card to your account and then deduct your charges from that amount. The caveat is that if you do not spend the total amount you credited to your account, you cannot get that money refunded to your Disney Gift Card. For that reason, I would not recommend this option, but it can save you time if you prefer.
I hope this was helpful, Donna. I have one last tip for you; before your visit, combine your Disney Gift Cards. You can combine up to $1,000 on one Disney Gift Card, and it is much easier to manage one or two gift cards than several. Please come back and see us if you need anything.
Happy Planning,
Ashley F.