Disney Vacation Account

[goofy4wdw2]

I'm about to open a Disney Vacation Account and upload a bunch of gift cards for our upcoming AP purchase. I've read through the DVA website but it's a bit confusing (or maybe just because it's all new to me!) so I wanted to confirm a few things. If I contribute more money than we need for the APs, can we use the remaining funds for costs incurred during our May trip, i.e., purchases/souvenirs in the parks or dining charges (not the dining plan, we're using TIW)? It sounds like the only way to do this would be to convert money in the DVA back to a gift card but only up to $500...am I understanding that correctly? We usually use gift cards and Disney Visa rewards to pay for anything we charge to our room so just curious if it's worth contributing any of this into our new DVA. Also curious for a friend who is going in October who is not DVC and is booking through a travel agent, she was curious if a DVA was worthwhile for her as they are not planning to do the dining plan but would like to money from gift cards to pay for dining. Thanks!

 

[erionm]

If I contribute more money than we need for the APs, can we use the remaining funds for costs incurred during our May trip, i.e., purchases/souvenirs in the parks or dining charges (not the dining plan, we're using TIW)?

Nope. All though the DVA works like a Disney Gift Card when used on-line and by phone, you don't have a physical card that can be used on property.

It sounds like the only way to do this would be to convert money in the DVA back to a gift card but only up to $500...am I understanding that correctly?

Correct.

Also curious for a friend who is going in October who is not DVC and is booking through a travel agent, she was curious if a DVA was worthwhile for her as they are not planning to do the dining plan but would like to money from gift cards to pay for dining. Thanks!

As long as the TA books the room direct with Disney, she could call a special number to make payments from the DVA towards the reservation.

Can I use my Disney Vacation Account to make a payment on a reservation booked through my travel agent?
Yes, you can use your Disney Vacation Account to make a payment on a reservation booked directly with Disney through participating travel agents. Ask your travel agency whether your booking will be eligible to be paid for with Disney Vacation Account before making your reservation. However, only you may make a payment with your Disney Vacation Account (please refer to the following question for payment instructions).

How can I make a payment using my Disney Vacation Account on my reservation booked directly with Disney through my travel agent?
Once your travel agent has booked your reservations and you are ready to make a payment, your travel agent can provide you with your reservation number. Please call the telephone number specified below to make your payment using your DVA account. If you have any additional questions or requests about your reservation, please contact your travel agent. Participating Disney Destinations and Disney Vacation Account Payment numbers:

• Walt Disney World® in Florida: 407-939-7626
• Disneyland® Resort in California: 714-520-7032
• Disney Cruise Line®: 800-511-9333
• Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina Hawai'i: 714-520-7032
• Adventures By Disney®: 855-223-2231

 

[nalajms]

It sounds like the only way to do this would be to convert money in the DVA back to a gift card but only up to $500...am I understanding that correctly?

I think when you "cash out" to get the (up to) $500 GC it closes the account. You would not be past the 120 days to get the bonus.
I would put in enough into the DVA to buy the AP. Wait 120 days (June) then request the bonus and close out the account. Save the rest of your CG and Disney visa rewards to use during your May trip.

 

[goofy4wdw2]

Thanks to both of you for confirming!!!

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

DSA has worked well for me as far as saving for our next trip. I used it to save money for POR, ticket for our guest this trip, and the dining plan.

 

[ErinC]

I'm gathering GC's to purchase AP's. If I start the account tonight, will I be able to withdraw the money late this week to pay for the AP's? I get that I won't get the $20, but it would be convenient to be able to reference only one number for the purchase.

 

[ErinC]

Oh and one more question... Can you deposit money from paypal into your vacation account?