Can you pay while reserving character meals

[3princesses+aprince]

When you call to reserve character meals, do you leave a credit card number or something, and can you pay for it over the phone when you reserve it or do you have to wait until you get there. I was just thinking it would be great to have a couple of the meals already paid for.(staying off-site at a friend's timeshare-no dining plan)

 

[makinorlando]

When you call to reserve character meals, do you leave a credit card number or something, and can you pay for it over the phone when you reserve it or do you have to wait until you get there. I was just thinking it would be great to have a couple of the meals already paid for.(staying off-site at a friend's timeshare-no dining plan)

At this time the only character meal that I know of that is paid for in advance is Cinderella's Royal Table. I have done 8 in the past several months, and none of the others did they ask for a CC# to reserve.

I do not know if the policy is different on holidays - I know the other year we ate at H&V on New Year's Day and I had to reserve with a credit card that they would have charged a fee for each person did we not cancel 24 hrs prior or were no shows.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

When you call to reserve character meals, do you leave a credit card number or something, and can you pay for it over the phone when you reserve it or do you have to wait until you get there. I was just thinking it would be great to have a couple of the meals already paid for.(staying off-site at a friend's timeshare-no dining plan)

What I suggest if you want to pre pay for some meals, Go to the Disney store and buy disney dollars or the new Disney Giftcard, (I don't know much about that, but I know that it can be used all over WDW) this way you "Lock" your Disney designated dollars in and they can't be touched..

Now I know there are many many people on these boards who will disagree with this method of savings - they will want you to lock into a short term CD at 6.73% interest, compound that and then pay for your food but what I've found it that you use whatever works best for you. Personally I love this method - everytime I'm near a Disney store, I pop in, pick up about $50 Disney dollars and by trip time I have a "secret stash" that I surprise my family with for something special.

 

[aubriee]

What I suggest if you want to pre pay for some meals, Go to the Disney store and buy disney dollars or the new Disney Giftcard, (I don't know much about that, but I know that it can be used all over WDW) this way you "Lock" your Disney designated dollars in and they can't be touched..

Now I know there are many many people on these boards who will disagree with this method of savings - they will want you to lock into a short term CD at 6.73% interest, compound that and then pay for your food but what I've found it that you use whatever works best for you. Personally I love this method - everytime I'm near a Disney store, I pop in, pick up about $50 Disney dollars and by trip time I have a "secret stash" that I surprise my family with for something special.

I like your idea! I usually look at the menu on Deb's site, pick out what I'll probably order, figure tax, and tip. I do this for each meal, then add in a snack or two and put that much money in an envelope marked for that day's food. That way I always have the correct bills for the tips and usually have a little money left over. Anal I know, but I hate to charge anything (besides souvieneers). I want that trip paid off before I go (and that includes meals). I bought the dining plan for my May trip and have free dining for my Sept trip. I love knowing all I'll have to carry each day will be just a few bills to add to the 18% tip.

Off topic, but I also usually charge something to my VISA and make a point of not paying my bill on line like I usually do, just so I'll get a paper bill from them. Then a week or two before I leave I'll send in a couple hundred dollars extra, so I'll have a credit on my account while I'm down there. Anyone else do this? Again I'm a little (no alot) anal! I can't stand to have bills waitng for me when I get home.

 

[HERSEY]

Keep in mind the menus on Deb's site may have changed when you go. I found some differences when I went to WDW. I don't want to scare you get to be aware. Regarding your Visa card some cards only allow a small precentage to be paid ahead of your balance. Keep some cash on hand for the carts some do not take credit cards.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Off topic, but I also usually charge something to my VISA and make a point of not paying my bill on line like I usually do, just so I'll get a paper bill from them. Then a week or two before I leave I'll send in a couple hundred dollars extra, so I'll have a credit on my account while I'm down there. Anyone else do this? Again I'm a little (no alot) anal! I can't stand to have bills waitng for me when I get home.

and I like your idea!