Hello Paula!
Welcome to planDisney! I love using Disney Gift Cards when visiting Walt Disney World Resort. It almost feels like "free money" and according to "girl math" this means I should shop more! I don't know if you agree with me but I understand the desire to get a Disney Gift Card.
However,
Disney Gift Cards have specific rules for purchasing in the UK. Unfortunately, they can only be
purchased from a UK Disney Store and redeemed in the Oxford Street Disney Store. According to the Disney Store, these gift cards are not valid in Disney Parks. Disney gift cards can be purchased when you arrive in the US and are available at your
Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, various merchandise locations in the Parks, and even outside the Parks. I sometimes buy Disney Gift Cards from my local grocery store or pharmacy. These US-purchased Disney Gift Cards can be refilled and used repeatedly. You can also
combine balances into one card up to $1000. Don't forget to mark the balances somewhere so you don't mix them up. I have heard of panelists who put a drawing of Mickey Mouse's head shape on the card to distinguish it as the one with the big balance.
Did you know that you can also use Disney Gift Cards for dining purchases? I find it very convenient to use it for
Mobile Food & Beverage Ordering via the My Disney Experience Mobile App. I copy the gift card numbers onto the Notes app on my phone and just copy and paste it into the payment screen when checking out. The best part of using gift cards for this purpose is that the checkout screen will let me know what my balance is on the card so I can keep track easily.
I hope this helps and that you have a lovely time.
Happy Planning!
-Nimmy