Disney Rewards..can u use it to pay a deposit onboard?

[tbuot]

Just wondering if anybody has ever used their rewards card as a deposit to re- book while onboard? Also if using the reward card should we leave a minimum amount on the card when using our reward dollars or can we use it all?

Thanks

 

[DancingBear]

I recently applied the full amount on our Rewards Card against our cruise balance. I don't see any reason why they shouldn't take it as a deposit on the re-booking.

I don't see any reason not to use the full amount on your card. The card is still good and can be reloaded.

 

[tbuot]

Thanks DancingBear! I have another question for you...did you book/pay through a travel agent or did you book/pay through DCL? I am now thinking that putting my rewards toward the balance is another good option. We have gone through a TA.

 

[mmouse37]

Most TA's only accept standard credit cards, not the Disney Reward card...you would have to check with your individual TA....if you book directly with DCL they would accept the reward card as payment.

MJ

 

[thegales]

Downloaded points for the deposit onto the Reward card before our trip. Then used it for the deposit for a booking on board. No problems at all. No reason to leave any points on the card after the deposit.

 

[DancingBear]

Thanks DancingBear! I have another question for you...did you book/pay through a travel agent or did you book/pay through DCL? I am now thinking that putting my rewards toward the balance is another good option. We have gone through a TA.

We used Dreams Unlimited and they handled it just fine. The Rewards Card appears to work just like a credit card for this purpose--it has 16 numbers on the front, and a security code on the back, just like a Visa card.

I couldn't use it through the DU website, as the payment option there only shows credit cards, but (1) I e-mailed the info to our agent (Merrie) and she took care of it, and (2) I probably would have been able to do it through the DU phone number, but it was the weekend and they were closed.

 

[tbuot]

Thanks DancingBear! We are using DU so that is great news for us!! I think we are going to apply it to our balance.

 

[wiggles]

Does anyone know if you can use your rewards card on the ship to buy things? I know you use your KTTW card to actually buy things but can you pay your tab at the end of your cruise with the rewards card?

Thanks

 

[logan1_2000]

My experience with the DU website was that monthly I would transfer Rewards Dollars to the Disney Card, then click over to the DU website and it was an accepted method of payment listed on the drop down list.

The Disney Card, as I understand it, is accepted by DCL directly so you could apply it to your account when you sign in at the terminal. They need a minimum of a $500 deposit toward your on-board charges, I think, when you check in, so if you had less than that on the Rewards card, you would need to also provide a credit card. That is how I plan to use my remaining Rewards when I check in for our next Eastern. On board the ship, KTTW only, except at guest services at the end to settle your bill if you would not be leaving the charges on the method of payment presented at check in.

 

[DancingBear]

My experience with the DU website was that monthly I would transfer Rewards Dollars to the Disney Card, then click over to the DU website and it was an accepted method of payment listed on the drop down list.

So the "Disney Rewards Card" is what DU's drop-down menu calls the "Disney Card"? I'll have to use that option next time.

 

[jgmklmhem]

Just something to remember that once you move the points over to a rewards card they will expire along with that card (which is normally at the end of the year you get the card)....if you leave them on your account they take 5 years to expire. My advice is that if you move them over to a rewards card....use them all so you don't lose them.

 

[becobscot]

We used our Rewards Card to pay our shipboard account. Please note that you might want to wait and see what your account totals before you ask them to apply the Rewards Card. I was told that if you apply more dollars to your shipboard account than you actually spend then the excess dollars cannot be put back on the Rewards Card and you lose them. I gave them my Visa card at check-in and then on the last night I had them apply the Rewards Card. Also, I called Disney to ask if the Disney Card was the same as the Rewards Card and was told that the Disney Card refers to the Disney Visa Credit Card. Hope this makes sense.

 

[DancingBear]

Also, I called Disney to ask if the Disney Card was the same as the Rewards Card and was told that the Disney Card refers to the Disney Visa Credit Card. Hope this makes sense.

Just want to note that on the DU site, on the page for making on-line payments, Disney Visa is a separate option from "Disney Card". Logan1, can you confirm that is the choice you used?

 

[logan1_2000]

This is not a flame at Becobscot, who was posting personal, genuine experiences. No doubt that is what Disney said when called. Classic example of this board having more knowledge than some of the well meaning CM's (see my Wonder Trip report when I talk about the CM at check in).

Your observations are correct--DU's site has among its options, Disney Visa, which means....Disney Visa (from Bank One, which is being absorbed into Citi, I believe). Disney Card, in DU's site, means the Disney Rewards Card, onto which you can transfer your reward dollars earned on the Disney Visa program.

The entire two card system reeks of corporate bureaucracy and different departments fighting turf battles instead of coming up with one efficient system. To get points from a Disney Visa to a point where I can use them, as advertised, to pay for a DCL cruise, I have to make two transfers, not one. I make them both online, minutes apart. They should have found a way to make it a one step process. And in the Mouse's defense, they were working with a vendor and probably most other large corporations don't have any less bureaucracy, just a little peeve.

Now enjoy those Disney Rewards Dollars at DU under the heading "Disney Card"!!

 

[mmouse37]

This may be no longer relevant but I thought I would throw it out anyway....Disney also had a Credit Card that was not a visa card but just a Disney Credit Card (purple) that could be used at any Disney venue like cruise, WDW, hotels, stores....not sure if it is still in existence...but when we booked things online and were given the option of the Disney Visa or Disney Card.....Disney card was meant as the Disney Credit Card, not the rewards card.

I know nothing about DU's policey with the cards...but just wanted to add to the confusion!!! LOL

MJ

 

[logan1_2000]

I am not/was not familiar with the "Disney Card" that pre-dated the existence of the Disney Visa. Am a Day 1 Charter Member of the Disney VIsa, however. Since my Rewards Cards are purple in color, might Disney have morphed its Disney Card into the Rewards Card after the Visa was introduced?

All Disney Financing/Credit historians welcomed if they have input!

 

[mmouse37]

I don't believe so....I also am a day one Charter member of Disney Visa and have had the Disney Credit Card for 10 years....and was still able to use my Disney Credit Card AND my Disney Visa...one didn't replace the other.

I do not believe the Disney Credit Card morphed into the Rewards Card either. I think the Disney Credit Card is still valid as it still shows as a method of payment at www.disneydirect.com. I just checked. I know it is no longer valid at the Disney Store chain as they are no longer owned by Disney, but by Hoop Retail (Children's Place). I have not had reason to use my Disney Credit Card recently as I prefer the Visa to earn points.

Basically Disney has three types of cards

Disney Credit Card
Disney Visa
Disney Rewards Card

MJ

 

[becobscot]

No wonder I'm confused. Disney really should make the names of all these cards a little more distinctive. I'll let them get away with it though because I love my Disney Reward Dollars!