Welcome to planDisney, Kate, and thanks for this great question.
Walt Disney World Resort vacations are a blast, but we must always pay the piper at the end. Let's look at how charging purchases to your Key to the World Card will work on your upcoming visit.
I remember the "old days" when a Key to the World card was the only show in town! Now, guests can use
MagicBands,
Disney MagicMobile Service, and the
My Disney Experience mobile app as their Disney Resort Hotel key, theme park ticket, and more. But those colorful cards are still a fun option and a magical keepsake.
I chatted with a friendly Cast Member who said that when you pick up your cards at your resort's front desk, you will link a credit card to your account if you haven't already done so during online check-in. The front desk will assign each party member a specific Key to the World Card and PIN, and all transactions should show up in your Room Charges folio just like they do for a linked MagicBand. Feel free to confirm how the charges will look at check-in because they will have the most current information.
Another option to consider would be to give your children
Disney Gift Cards to use for purchases. When my son was young, I'd give him a new gift card daily so he knew the amount he could spend. I was always surprised that he'd save a little each day for a special souvenir at the end of our trip. Using Disney Gift Cards made keeping track of his spending easier and taught him about budgeting. I wish he'd use those budgeting skills now that he's older!
Kate, I hope your upcoming visit is full of magical memories. Please
stop by planDisney anytime!
Magic awaits,
Elaine