Welcome back, Cathryn!
Cruising on the Wonder in mid-October is going to be very exciting for so many reasons! Besides all of the usual amazing activities and events and port stops, you'll also be in for a real treat! Characters will be dressed in their Halloween costumes and there will most likely be some spooky Halloween fun going on all over the ship! How exciting! Take a look at this
Disney Parks Blog post about the last year's spooky Halloween happenings on Disney Cruise Line!
Once you step onto the Wonder, you won't need anything in the way of money or credit cards except your Key to the World Card. Each guest is issued one at the port, including children. You can give charging privileges to whoever you'd like (including children - or not!), so that you can purchase anything on the ship or at Castaway Cay. No other payment forms are needed.
We do love to pre-purchase Disney Gift Cards throughout the year before we sail so that we spread out our costs. Then, once onboard, you can take those to Guest Services and have those added to your onboard account to pre-pay or settle any charges. It really couldn't be easier!
If you'd like to give a child a specific amount on a Disney gift card to spend, instead of charging privileges on their Key to the World Card, the stores onboard do accept those gift cards. But for the most part, we find it much easier to simply use the Key to the World card and settle up with the gift cards at Guest Services.
I hope that helps, Cathryn! As always, let me know if you come up with any further questions before you set sail! I'd love to help!