Credit Card on Check in

[dvcdisney]

Has anyone not provided a credit card at check in? We have always done so because it make it much easier for purchases. However, we have had a few problems with overcharging and mistakes on our account that I am considering not giving my credit card.

If you do not give your credit card, what do you do to handle your purchases? I'm assuming most use cash or credit card at each merchant, but does anyone do something different that they find easier.

Thanks for any suggestion.

 

[Muushka]

We have not used a credit card at check-in for several years now. We just use a CC the whole time, no problem. Last year we forgot and went ahead and gave it when they asked for it (not sure why we did this? ) and we had the DDP. When we got home we noticed that our last CS was charged to the room and not to the DDP. They fixed it with no problem, but it is another reason why we avoid CC on check-in.

They say you need it for express check-out, but we always just call the AM that we are leaving and confirm that we are clear and just leave without going to the desk. Easy!

 

[keishashadow]

I had a ton of Disney Reward Cards/Gift Cards that i had accumulated & used them all last trip.

Front desk CM @ WL didn't know how to process them & mgr had to be summoned (don't think they we're thrilled to manually punch in the numbers off of each card ); worked fine for us

Although we still did put down a CC jik we went over (which we did )

 

[Chuck S]

One thing to remember, if you are concerned about CC fraud, is that using your credit card for individual purchases vs. the room key, your CC# is in the hands are a lot more people. Every server and cashier has the possibility to scan the info from your CC, whereas with a room key only an artificial internal account number is used, then the total is billed to the card upon checkout. While I have on occasion had an incorrect charge show up on the check-out statement, the front desk has usually been able to correct it before we leave the resort.

 

[gmboy95]

i dont like to use a CC at check in because i need to be protected from myself...man is it easy to sling that room key around for anything....I am old school and bring travelers checks and try to spend cash for everything, that way i can stay within budget....sometimes this doesn't work, but most times it does!!!

 

[dvcdisney]

One thing to remember, if you are concerned about CC fraud, it that using your credit card for individua purchases vs. the room key, you CC# is in the hands are a lot more people. Every server and cashier has the possibility to scan the info from your CC, whereas with a room key only an artificial internal account number is used, then the total is billed to the card upon checkout. While I have on occasion had an inciorrect charge show up on the check-out statement, the front desk has usually been able to correct it before we leave the resort.

This is the exact reason why we like to charge on the room key. However, a few times on our last visit, we were incorrectly charged for something and although they would refund it, the problem there is that we are using a Canadian credit card. So the amount we were charged may be the same in US funds, however, when we get back we realized that when they fixed the account by refunding the amount, there was a discrepancy in the total between what was charged and what was refunded. What comes out on our card is the Canadian amount. So, not only will the exchange rate be different, but our card company (as they all do here) provides two different rates for purchases and refunds. (I hope that makes sense.) So even if there was an error and it was not on my part, I will be out money. Now if this my fault, ie. I purchased something and I returned it for some reason, I can understand that that is part of the process. But clearly, I didn't do anything wrong, yet I am out $$.

So, I was wondering ---Is there a way so that I can still charge it to my room key, but pay the account at the end with my credit card (without leaving them a card number)? I know this is probably not feasible. But I learn something here all the time.

On our previous trips, I have always left the card number and gone the night before our check out and paid it with travellers checks or cash or had them charge the credit card and give me a receipt. I haven't had a problem before, so this time, (although I regret it very much), I just waited until the morning and when I saw the charge, I went to clear it up and they just refunded it. Needless to say, I didn't think there would be a problem, but now I know I can't just do that.

 

[Chuck S]

Given the exchange rate changes, and the international processing fees, I think that getting a printout and checking the account the night before check-out is probably your best option.

 

[keishashadow]

just thought of this, know that DCL will accept cash from those who don't have a CC for their onboard charges, etc. when processing @ port

wonder if WDW/DVC does the same

 

[Chuck S]

just thought of this, know that DCL will accept cash from those who don't have a CC for their onboard charges, etc. when processing @ port

wonder if WDW/DVC does the same

Sure, you can pay your room charge account with cash or travelers checks.

 

[corpcomp]

We give the front desk the CC but from then on it stays in the safe. We use the room key for all purchases and then give our rewards card at the end. It just about covers everything we bought and ate. We never walk around with a CC at Disney. Too many stories about the waiters and scanners.

 

[Chuck S]

We give the front desk the CC but from then on it stays in the safe. We use the room key for all purchases and then give our rewards card at the end. It just about covers everything we bought and ate. We never walk around with a CC at Disney. Too many stories about the waiters and scanners.

It is always a good idea to carry a CC with you in the parks. Disney's room charging sysem has been known to go down from time to time.

 

[CarolA]

To charge to the room, get internet access etc you must have some type of 'payment' on file. It can be cash or a credit card.


I did check in at OKW one time without a credit card or cash. They gave me the room no problem but the "phone" is only partially on etc. I had just left the credit card in the car. I went back later when there was no line and changed it over...


(And of course if it's CSR, my suggestion is to check your room key. In spite of being told that they had put "charging" privlidges on my key and signing the little sheet, they didn't. And then they acted very put out when I showed up and asked them to fix it LOL, Lots of deep sighing LOL!)

 

[dvcdisney]

To charge to the room, get internet access etc you must have some type of 'payment' on file. It can be cash or a credit card.

I didn't know you can leave cash at check in. How does that work? Is there a certain amount you have to leave with them in order for you do have charging privileges?

If this is possible, I will definitely do this.

 

[keishashadow]

I didn't know you can leave cash at check in. How does that work? Is there a certain amount you have to leave with them in order for you do have charging privileges?

If this is possible, I will definitely do this.

there was a thread awhile back on resorts board, believe the CC hold is in the area of $1300-1500 for deluxe (DVC?) ranging to $300-500 for values ; not sure if the cash option would be equivalent or not

i'd call the resort directly & ask (let us know )

 

[dcamdad]

I didn't know you can leave cash at check in. How does that work? Is there a certain amount you have to leave with them in order for you do have charging privileges?

If this is possible, I will definitely do this.

Sure, years ago when the family was younger and money was stretched we made a trip entirely on cash leaving all cc at home. It forced us to stay within a certain budget range, we left $1500.00 at check-in and our room keys had charging privlages up to that amount only. Also this past December when we checked in cc I put limit on the room keys so my older kids knew they had limits and not free spending. I worked out well they actually were under their spending limits, of course they always seemed to find my DW and I around meal time.

 

[dvcdisney]

That's a great idea! However, I think I will put the limit on myself! My children are too young anyways.

So I can put any amount down and my charging privileges will only be to that amount? If that's the case, that's excellent budgeting strategy. I will definitely do this.

Thanks.

 

[Lady V]

question about putting cash down at check in--I love the idea!! If there is money left over do you just get it at check out?

 

[dcamdad]

That's a great idea! However, I think I will put the limit on myself! My children are too young anyways.

So I can put any amount down and my charging privileges will only be to that amount? If that's the case, that's excellent budgeting strategy. I will definitely do this.

Thanks.

I know what you mean. Our last trip was over Chritmas, my original plan was "This is your Christmas present", however after day 3 my wife felt my forehead and asked if I was OK. My reply " With them growing up how many more times will we all be together at WDW for Chrismas?" I dropped close to $10,000.00 just couldn't seem to remember the word "No" for some reason this past trip. But we have some wonderful memories and even my older kids were planning the next trip even before we returned home.

 

[dcamdad]

question about putting cash down at check in--I love the idea!! If there is money left over do you just get it at check out?

It has been at least 10 years since we did this, I think we were offered either the remaining balance in cash or a credit voucher to be used in the future.

 

[Chuck S]

there was a thread awhile back on resorts board, believe the CC hold is in the area of $1300-1500 for deluxe (DVC?) ranging to $300-500 for values ; not sure if the cash option would be equivalent or not

i'd call the resort directly & ask (let us know )

The normal charge limits:

Value Resort $500
Moderate: $1000
Deluxe/DVC: $1500

Once that limit is reached, your room charge privileges are halted. However, you can simply call the WDW Operator, she will run the charges on the CC and then your limit is renewed.

As Keishashadow suggests, I'd call the resort for the rules for leaving cash to see if the limit is set to the amount of the deposited cash, or how it works.