Hey there, Nicole! Welcome back to planDisney! I'm so glad that you've stopped by with such a great vacation planning question. I love chatting Disney with my pals, pal!
Eek! In just days, you'll be arriving at The Most Magical Place on Earth, ready to begin your magical adventure. How exciting! Purchasing discounted
Disney Gift Cards from Sam's is one of my favorite ways to save money and stay on budget on our
Walt Disney World Resort vacations. I love feeling as if my vacation is pre-paid by using Disney Gift Cards so that I can simply enter the Disney bubble and not worry about a thing except making magical memories! You've come to the right place, Nicole, and I'm thrilled to help you use your magical money on your magical vacation to The Most Magical Place on Earth!
You are correct that at this time, you can only save credit or debit cards to your
My Disney Experience account. But Hakuna Matata! It means "no worries!" You will still be able to use your Disney Gift Cards for your MagicBand and My Disney Experience app purchases. When you check in to your Disney Resort Hotel, a credit or debit card will be required to remain on file for any charges that are made to your room using your MagicBand. I suggest providing a credit card to be placed on file, since at this time, debit cards will automatically be charged $100 upon check-in and charged again once that $100 is used (Be aware that this amount is subject to change). Of course, if that $100 is not used, it will be refunded, but since all of the charges will be going to your aunt, I would recommend that she use a credit card to make it easier and to allow you to pay using your Gift Cards. With a credit card linked to your room, the full balance of the Resort Guest folio will be charged every fifth day of your stay and upon checkout. So, just be sure to stop by the front desk before the fifth day of your trip and before checkout day to settle up and pay your balance using your Disney Gift Cards. Happy MagicBand tapping, my friend!
When you want to use your Disney Gift Cards to make My Disney Experience app purchases, such as
Mobile Food and Beverage Ordering,
Merchandise Mobile Checkout, and
Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane purchases, once you get to the payment screen, simply scroll down and tap "Use a Different Payment Method." Then, tap "Add a Card" under Payment Methods to enter your Disney Gift Card number. Just be aware that you have to re-enter the Gift Card number for every purchase, so, be sure to keep your Gift Card handy throughout the day. Now, you should be all set!
I hope this was helpful, Nicole, and I hope you and your family have the BEST. DAYS. EVER! Wishing you magical memories full of fun, pixie dust and awesome Gift Card purchases! Please stop by any time with any questions you may have. You've got a friend in me!
I hope to see ya real soon,
Mandy