Adding money to on board account prior to sailing?

[mommytotwoprincesses]

Hello all,
we are going on our second cruise Sept 2012 on the Fantasy! One thing I would like to do differently if possible is add money to our on board account. Last time we listed a credit card, we no longer use credit cards so I was wondering if it's possible to add cash prior to sailing? If so, do we just call Disney and do it over the phone or can I do it by logging into my account? Any info on this would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

Hi! You will need to call DCL directly. I did this when putting money on my DSIL's account last year. Good luck!

 

[mommytotwoprincesses]

Do you know how far in advance we can start doing this? And if we have money left over after the cruise, how do we get it back? Thanks!

 

[kcashner]

If you have placed cash on your account, you can get it back in cash at the end of the cruise (go to GS on the last day, but be prepared for the line!)

You can add money to your account at any time. Call DCL or your travel agent. One thought though--there is no advantage to adding it to your account. Why not keep it in the bank earning whatever small interest till closer to your cruise? Or is it the "out of sight it doesn't exist and can't be spent" theory?

 

[mmouse37]

Hello all,
we are going on our second cruise Sept 2012 on the Fantasy! One thing I would like to do differently if possible is add money to our on board account. Last time we listed a credit card, we no longer use credit cards so I was wondering if it's possible to add cash prior to sailing? If so, do we just call Disney and do it over the phone or can I do it by logging into my account? Any info on this would be greatly appreciated!!

You could also just fill out this form and send it in with a check. There is a section for onboard credits on the lower right side.

http://dcl1.wdpromedia.com/media/dc...dAmenities/GiftOrderForm - Revised 2_2_11.pdf

Technically it is for giving a gift of OBC to someone but you can use it for yourself as well!!!


MJ

 

[MagicMe]

I've done this numerous times. I usually use my debit card. It's very easy. Now I've always done it after I've paid off the cruise. Last year after paying off my WBTA cruise (which was due alot sooner than the 75 day PIF dates); I started adding money to my account regularly. Usually I added something with each paycheck. By the time I was on the boat, I had most everything covered. I think I walked away owing just about $30 or so.

Just call the DCL number and tell them what you want to do. They will ask you for the confirmation number and maybe name, etc. They will also asl you what you want on the "card" for your stateroom as they leave a card showing the OBC. I just usually told them to say "from me to me"!! There will be a "card" for each payment you put on the account. Needless to say, I had several of them!!

I found that this was a great way to put money aside.

 

[MagicMe]

"out of sight it doesn't exist and can't be spent" theory?

that's me!!!

 

[tastefullyjenn]

that's me!!!

Me too! We have only had cash vacations since '06 and it is awesome to know everything's paid for when you get home (and frees you up to plan another one!)

Locally we have a grocery store that offers gas perks (up .20 off a gallon per every $50) on the purchase of gift cards. I added a Disney card almost every trip and then called DCL and added the card numbers on to our account. Theoretically, you can have any extra put back on the card if you bring them with you. Having done that I learned a few important things 1.) you'll probably spend more than you think if you drink ;o) 2.) Guest services line was never very long. I think I will just bring the cards on board with me and add them as needed and I'll bring double what I budgeted this time ;o)

If you don't have a gas program where you are, check for deals at sam's club. They have offered deals--I think buy $100 and get a $25 Disney STORE gift card free.

 

[ibouncetoo]

You could also just fill out this form and send it in with a check. There is a section for onboard credits on the lower right side.

http://dcl1.wdpromedia.com/media/dc...dAmenities/GiftOrderForm - Revised 2_2_11.pdf

Technically it is for giving a gift of OBC to someone but you can use it for yourself as well!!!


MJ

One year I printed out some of these and handed them to those friends and family that I exchange Christmas gifts with and said THIS was the gift I wanted that year! (I'd conviently filled in my confirmation number)

.

 

[MagicMe]

One year I printed out some of these and handed them to those friends and family that I exchange Christmas gifts with and said THIS was the gift I wanted that year! (I'd conviently filled in my confirmation number)

.

Excellent idea!!!! hmmm, mother's day is coming up!

 

[mommytotwoprincesses]

Thank you all for the replies!! My daughters school has a program where we actually earn money towards tuition from the giftcards we purchase!! I might just start buying giftcards and add them just before or when we actually board!! Thanks again for all the replies!!
Julie

 

[mug318ca]

Thank you all for the replies!! My daughters school has a program where we actually earn money towards tuition from the giftcards we purchase!! I might just start buying giftcards and add them just before or when we actually board!! Thanks again for all the replies!!
Julie

My grandkid's school receives a percentage from the purchase of gift cards. The percentage is determined by the card issuer. Disney Gift Cards return 3% to the school. They come in up to $1000 denominations. I use these to pay for the cruise and put them on my bill when we arrive on board.

 

[wdwwishes]

I've done this on each of our cruises and am in the process of doing it again for Alaska cruise. I add the cost of my shore excursions, spa services, etc. and put just a little under that on my account that way I don't have to worry about any refunds which I've heard take a while. What they do each time you put a payment on your account, they make out a "gift card" with that amount on it. When you board each of those will be in your room and you'll have to take them to guest services where they'll be consolidated into the one on board account.

 

[Mythicalbee]

@tastefullyjenn Genius!!! We shop Giant Eagle, and I'll definately start doing that ASAP -- we've already paid off our 10/2 trip on the Dream, so it's all gravy from here to embarkation thanks for the great idea!