Welcome to planDisney, Johanna!
I am so happy that you have found your way to us. We are thrilled to help you create magical memories for your Disney loving family! As a fellow international Guest visiting from Brazil, I completely understand your concerns about currency exchange rates.
I highly recommend contacting a travel professional in South Africa to inquire about
Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages. Local travel agents may find special deals and offers available in your country, and depending on the terms and conditions, you may be able to select a method of payment that is more advantageous – many people in Brazil choose to make monthly payments on their credit card, for example. In addition, you will pay in your own currency and will not have to worry about exchange rate differences.
I suggest purchasing a package that includes a stay at a Disney Resort hotel and theme park tickets. By
staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you will be immersed in the magic during your visit and will be able to enjoy great benefits such as complimentary transportation to and from Orlando International Airport with
Disney’s Magical Express, and
complimentary transportation throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. Not having to worry about car rental fees, parking expenses and gas is a great way to save during your vacation. I recommend checking out
Disney’s Pop Century Resort in the value category. The Guest rooms have been recently renovated and the hotel is beautiful! One of my favorite features is transportation to EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios via the
Disney Skyliner. You would have to book two rooms due to your party size, but you can put in a request for connecting rooms. Connecting rooms are not guaranteed, but Cast Members will do their best to accommodate your request.
Johanna, I love purchasing electronic Disney Gift Cards during the months leading up to our Disney visits.
They are available in denominations starting at $25 up to $500, and are quickly delivered to any valid e-mail address. I think this is a great way to save for my vacation, as gift cards can be used throughout the Walt Disney World Resort to pay for food and merchandise at most dining and retail locations. You can redeem electronic Disney Gift Cards in person by presenting the code sent to your e-mail to a Cast Member at participating locations. Another fun thing to do is registering your cards at
DisneyGiftCard.com and stopping by any retail location once you arrive at the Walt Disney World Resort to purchase a physical Disney Gift Card. After registering the physical card to your account, you will be able to transfer the balances from your electronic cards and combine your total balance in your physical card.
It was a pleasure answering your first question! I hope this helps you while planning and that you stop by real soon for more tips and advice.
Best magical wishes,
Thiana