Alternatives to using the KTTW when staying offsite?

[Dallas_Lady]

We really loved the convenience and security of not having to carry our credit cards or large amounts of money into the parks when staying onsite. This next trip we are staying at Windsor Hills and I'm really concerned about not having a KTTW. It's not like I lose my wallet all the time, but when you're in a new place and out of the normal routine, things are more likely to go missing.

Are there any good alternatives to carrying our credit cards? Do people still use traveler's checks these days?

 

[HayGan]

Are you a AAA member? They offer a free travel money card to members that is reloadable and replaceable if lost. It is just like a Visa debit card.

Here is a link from my local AAA that gives more info on it

https://www.aaa.myprepaidbalance.com/Docs/TravelCardFaq.pdf

 

[Brian Noble]

You could also get a Disney gift card, but that requires you put all the money up front, and it's hard to extract value if you don't spend it all while you are there.

Personally, though, I'd consider just carrying a credit card---especially if you happen to have two of them. I take one in the parks with me, and leave the others in my unit in an out-of-the-way place. As long as you report it promptly if it goes missing, it's quite secure, and you can use the others until you have a replacement. As long as you don't lose more than one each trip, this should work.

 

[Dallas_Lady]

I did some looking into the Disney gift cards and I think I'm going to go this route. If we lose the card, getting it replaced is pretty much the same as if you lose a KTTW card, you just go to the nearest store and they can get a new one made up for you. It will also help us stick to our spending budget because once the card is empty, that will be it. I used to always get a not-so-pleasant surprise at the end of each stay when using the KTTW card. I'm not too worried about money left on it, we shop at the Disney store all the time, so I can just use it there.

I guess I am also trying to do my best to re-create the onsite experience. It's all the little details that I love, and one of those details is not using real "money." I know it's silly, LOL.

 

[kreed]

Since you did some checking already, do you have to pay a fee for the gift card? If so how much. If there is no fee I think I will consider doing this with a number of smaller cards. Thanks for your help.
Kathleen

 

[Dallas_Lady]

Since you did some checking already, do you have to pay a fee for the gift card? If so how much. If there is no fee I think I will consider doing this with a number of smaller cards. Thanks for your help.
Kathleen

There is no fee. You can buy and use them at the Disney Store, Disneyshopping.com and anywhere at the parks that takes a credit card. If you lose them in the parks, you can go to the nearest store and they will cancel the old card and load your balance onto a new card. You have to show them the receipt you used to buy the gift card, so don't keep the receipt and the card in the same place! I'm planning to keep the receipts in our car, along with the receipts for our tickets (which we also plan to buy at the Disney Store). It will require someone to go back to the car if we lose a ticket or gift card, but I don't think that's unreasonable. Tickets purchased at the Disney store can be replaced the same way, just take the receipt to guest services and they will print you a new ticket (I know this first hand from our 2004 trip).

http://disney.go.com/disneygiftcard/faq.html

 

[Brian Noble]

I guess I am also trying to do my best to re-create the onsite experience.

I get this, but I'd also encourage you to be open to enjoying this trip for what it is---especially if you normally stay in "just a hotel room." You might find it surprisingly nice. Many do!

 

[POF]

I get this, but I'd also encourage you to be open to enjoying this trip for what it is---especially if you normally stay in "just a hotel room." You might find it surprisingly nice. Many do!

I agree with Brian completely. I've done both and I really like both. Here are some things to look forward to in a house or condo.

Space to spread out
Privacy - it's nice that DH and I have out own room it's also nice to have more than one bathroom
We rent a house with a pool and it's great to sit / watch the stars and unwind.

A kitchen with snacks / ice / beer
Quiet - I can't tell you how noisy the Poly was last time I stayed there with kids running and shouting down the halls.

We chose offsite this year - but next year we may do something different - Have fun with it.