Gift Cards and Onboard Spending for Kids

[placeela]

I was wondering if you can use a disney gift card to purchase things that cost extra onboard such as smoothies, popcorn, etc. I have read that you can use them in gift shops. Whenever we have gone to Disney I have given my kids each a gift card to use for the week for anything extra that they want. I know I can just add the gift card to my onboard account, but I don't really want to give my kids charging privileges and I may not be with them at all times. I am afraid if I just give them charging privileges, they may go over their limit pretty quickly Just curious with any recent experiences. Thanks!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I was wondering if you can use a disney gift card to purchase things that cost extra onboard such as smoothies, popcorn, etc. I have read that you can use them in gift shops. Whenever we have gone to Disney I have given my kids each a gift card to use for the week for anything extra that they want. I know I can just add the gift card to my onboard account, but I don't really want to give my kids charging privileges and I may not be with them at all times. I am afraid if I just give them charging privileges, they may go over their limit pretty quickly Just curious with any recent experiences. Thanks!

No, while gift cards can be used in the gift shops (at least in my experience) all other purchases (smoothies, snacks, alcoholic drinks, etc) are charged to your onboard account.

 

[placeela]

No, while gift cards can be used in the gift shops (at least in my experience) all other purchases (smoothies, snacks, alcoholic drinks, etc) are charged to your onboard account.

That's what I figured, but wanted to be sure. Thanks!

 

[ForMyBoys]

How old are your kids? For my 12 and 9 year old (they were actually 11 and 8 at last sailing) I talked to them before hand and we agreed on the amount they could spend on additional on-board stuff like smoothies, popcorn, candy. We agreed that anything over would come out of their allowance or bday money (whatever) but if they had left over I allowed them to add it to their allowance or to spend it at the gift shop on the last day. They both were actually super careful with what they spent money on and checked it on the TV as the week went on. It worked out well for us, they might surprise you.