• On Jan 20, 2020
    Pranjal from CO Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    If someone is 18 can they use a debit card instead of a credit card to make a hotel reservation?

    Hi Pranjal!

    Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! How exciting that you're thinking of visiting Mickey and his pals so soon at Walt Disney World Resort! Be sure to keep up with the Disney Parks Blog to lEARn of any and all cool experiences, merchandise, themed-days and new snacks that you simply cannot miss during your stay.

    Guests over 18-years-old may absolutely reserve their Walt Disney World Resort Hotel room with a Credit, Debit or Disney Gift Card. Debit cards are accepted if said card can also act as a credit card, which most can, but some can only access their banks' ATMs. If you can use this card to make a purchase anywhere else (local restaurant, grocery store, etc) you should have no trouble using it for your vacation to the Most Magical Place on Earth.

    The first few vacations to Walt Disney World Resort my husband and I made together were completely funded on our debit cards. While you can use these cards for payment, you will encounter authorization holds, which is an extra amount of funding from your bank account that will not be used, but kind of set aside as a back-up just in case something were to happen. So when using a debit card you almost have to make sure that you have enough funds in your account to cover your budgeted expenditures plus almost the same amount as a reserve for those holds. This amount is usually held for up to seven (7) days and then "released" back into your account.

    Something that I like to do is purchase Disney Gift Cards in the time leading up to my Walt Disney World Resort vacation to get around even worrying about possibly having a debit card hold during my stay. I can call the Resort Hotel Reservation phone number (407) 939-1936 and use these cards to pay off part or all of my balance owed, which can be done as many times as I'd like leading up to my arrival. I'll even use them when paying for food and souvenEARs during my stay.

    Bonus Tip: Depending on the type of reservation you make, the amount owed at the time of the reservation will either be a deposit, which is currently $200* USD, or the equivalent of one-night's stay. (*Do note that prices are always subject to change without notice.) The former is for packages and certain special offers where you've bundled a room + tickets and possibly a Disney Dining Plan, while the later is for Room-Only reservations where you'll acquire your Disney Theme Park tickets elsewhere and link them to your My Disney Experience account. Packages require the full balance to be paid off 30-days before check-in while the balance for Room-Only reservations is due upon arrival but can be paid off prior to your first Disney Day.

    I hope this helped to clEAR things up and better plan your Disney Days, Pranjal! Thank you so much for stopping by and We'll See You Real Soon!

    ~Kristen
thumbnail image for Kristen

Meet the Panelist: Kristen, Texas

Hi, I'm Kristen! I'm a mom to the best ride buddy and a military spouse who loves keeping up with the latest Disney Parks news. Trips to Disneyland and Walt Disney World have always been fun, but now that I'm the parent AND the planner every moment is that much more treasured.  I am so honored and excited to be able to share tips I've picked up, pass on fun factoids I've learned, and help create magical moments for your vacation of a lifetime!  Learn More About Kristen

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