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  • On Jul 27, 2025
    Janet from MN Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    I saw a question in April, 2025 about making a payment for room only reservation ahead of check-in and response was yes with a credit card or Disney gift card. I called and was told that I was not able to use a gift card until I was at the hotel. True?

    Hi Janet. Thanks for stopping by and visiting us here at planDisney. 

    Like Minnie and Daisy and Elsa and Anna, you and I think alike! I generally book room-only reservations, and I like to have my Resort hotel paid in full before I arrive. I'm happy to help you. 

    I am actually flying in for a visit this weekend, and just last week, I prepaid my Resort hotel reservation over the phone using both a Disney Visa Redemption Card and a credit card. Back in June, I prepaid for a different room-only reservation using a Disney Gift Card. So this is something I do often.  

    This morning, I put on my Great Mouse Detective ears and did a little research to make sure there hadn't been any changes in policy. I called and spoke with a lovely Cast Member, who confirmed that you can prepay your room-only reservation with a Disney Gift Card over the phone. I wanted to double-check, just to be on the safe side,  so I verified this with another helpful Cast Member via chat, and they confirmed the same information. I apologize for any confusion. I recommend calling again. Be sure to have your Resort hotel reservation number and Disney Gift Card ready. After you make your payment over the phone, you can check your remaining balance by logging into your My Disney Experience account. I hope this helps. 

    Disney Pro Tip: Make sure to keep your gift card until after your vacation. If you need a refund for any reason, it will be credited back to your gift card. So, hold on to it. 

    Janet, Disney Gift Cards are so convenient to use! I like to use mine to pay for my Lightning Lane passes on the My Disney Experience app. I also use them to purchase my favorite snack in all of Walt Disney World. If you haven't tried the Tropical Serenade DOLE Whip, be sure to stop by Aloha Isle and give it a try! It's creamy, it's coconut, it's tropical, and my oh my, it is refreshing on a hot day! (Can you tell where my first stop will be this weekend?) 

    Have the most wonderful vacation. Please let us know if we can assist you again. 

    Happy planning,
    Shonette 
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Meet the Panelist: Shonette, Ohio

Hi! I'm Shonette from Ohio, and I wear the ears of wife, mom, and proud Gigi to two preschool granddaughters. I love making magical memories with my family while snacking on a DOLE Whip or watching Tinker Bell fly during Happily Ever After. I'm more excited than Ariel, with a treasure chest of thingamabobs, to be a planDisney panelist. I can't wait to help you and your family discover your unique, magical moments!  Learn More About Shonette

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