FP+ and Disney Vacation Account

[LISmama810]

I know these seem like unrelated topics, but hear me out.

We have a trip planned for October. Of course, I just started reading about Disney Vacation Accounts today. In order to qualify for the $20 per $1,000 spent gift card, I'd need to have my account open for 120 days. 120 days from today is August 18. (I'd use the DVA to pay for our room and tickets.)

Our check-in date is October 16. 60 days before that (when I could make FP+ reservations) is August 17.

So...since I would use the DVA to pay for our tickets, there would be at least a one-day overlap.

Questions:

1) If I buy tickets online through Disney, can those be immediately linked to my MDE, or do I have to wait for something?

2) Is it worth waiting that extra day to make my FP+ reservations if it means getting $60 in gift cards?

 

[hiroMYhero]

Questions:

1) If I buy tickets online through Disney, can those be immediately linked to my MDE, or do I have to wait for something?

2) Is it worth waiting that extra day to make my FP+ reservations if it means getting $60 in gift cards?

1. If you purchase tickets through your MDE account, the tickets automatically link to your MDE at time of purchase.

2. If you have a Target credit or debit card, with their 5% discount on Disney gift card purchases, you'll save a greater amount on $3000 worth of gift cards ($150) as compared with your $60 through Disney.

If you choose not to use Target, then Disney would probably be your best way to save a little.

 

[LISmama810]

I don't have a Target card. I do have a Disney Visa, though, so I'll get 2% for putting the money into the account, then essentially 2% back in gift cards, so 4% total-ish.

 

[Bellabully]

Or you could do both. I bought Disney gift cards through Target and loaded them to my DVA to get all the savings I could. I think you can make your Fastpass reservations at the 60 days as long as you have an onsite room reservation, I don't believe it is ticket related, so you should be fine purchasing your tickets after the 60 day mark, so you can get the $60.00 in gift cards. I am sure someone will correct me if I am misinformed, the people on the DIS rock and are so helpful!! Have a magical trip!!

 

[ArielSRL]

this is the first I'm reading about 120 days. I was planning to do as PP and buy gift cards from Target and apply to DVA but my trip is in 1.5 months. So I guess I can't get the credits from DVA??

 

[hiroMYhero]

Or you could do both. I bought Disney gift cards through Target and loaded them to my DVA to get all the savings I could. I think you can make your Fastpass reservations at the 60 days as long as you have an onsite room reservation, I don't believe it is ticket related, so you should be fine purchasing your tickets after the 60 day mark, so you can get the $60.00 in gift cards. I am sure someone will correct me if I am misinformed, the people on the DIS rock and are so helpful!! Have a magical trip!!

Unfortunately, it is the combo of the onsite reservation plus tickets that allow FP booking at the 60-day window. OP will be at least a day late in booking but there will still be availability.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

this is the first I'm reading about 120 days. I was planning to do as PP and buy gift cards from Target and apply to DVA but my trip is in 1.5 months. So I guess I can't get the credits from DVA??

No, your account has to be open at least 120 days or withdrawals from the account will not qualify for the gift card bonus. Now, the money doesn't have to be in the account for 120 days. The account just has to have been established at least 120 days before you make the withdrawal.

I don't tend to buy my cards from Target. Instead, I purchase them from whichever grocery store is offering the best fuel point bonus at the time. I use either my Chase Freedom card when it's having the 5% cash back for groceries (this quarter's deal) or my Chase Disney Premiere card with the 2% back on grocery purchases.

 

[ArielSRL]

No, your account has to be open at least 120 days or withdrawals from the account will not qualify for the gift card bonus. Now, the money doesn't have to be in the account for 120 days. The account just has to have been established at least 120 days before you make the withdrawal.

I don't tend to buy my cards from Target. Instead, I purchase them from whichever grocery store is offering the best fuel point bonus at the time. I use either my Chase Freedom card when it's having the 5% cash back for groceries (this quarter's deal) or my Chase Disney Premiere card with the 2% back on grocery purchases.

Good to know! Thank you!

 

[Bellabully]

Thank you for the info. Good to know. I'll make sure I have my tickets before 60 day window.

 

[pepperandchips]

Just my two cents: if you are really looking to maximize your savings while respecting that 60 day mark make sure you check out third party authorized ticket sellers like Undercover Tourist or Maple Leaf Tickets (there are others and I am not sure if the Dis is partners with any) that can sometimes offer you a better deal than 4% off. Link them to MDE before your 60 day mark and good luck with Fastpass planning!

 

[LISmama810]

Just my two cents: if you are really looking to maximize your savings while respecting that 60 day mark make sure you check out third party authorized ticket sellers like Undercover Tourist or Maple Leaf Tickets (there are others and I am not sure if the Dis is partners with any) that can sometimes offer you a better deal than 4% off. Link them to MDE before your 60 day mark and good luck with Fastpass planning!

I've looked into it, and I'd only save about $3 per ticket with them. We're getting 4-day base tickets. The real savings seem to be with the longer ones.

 

[pepperandchips]

I've looked into it, and I'd only save about $3 per ticket with them. We're getting 4-day base tickets. The real savings seem to be with the longer ones.

Well shoot. There go all my genius tips. I hope it works out!!!