How can I pre-pay friend's meal?

[dizneekim]

Our dear friends are going to the World in Jan. for the first time in a long time(10 yrs?)and I'd like to pre-pay their lunch at the castle for them. Any idea if and how I can do that? We'll be there in Dec. if I can do anything in person. Has anyone done this? Thanks!

 

[mtdevine615]

I don't think there really is any way to do this. I'm not sure when it starts but CRT will be raising there prices and will be requiring a CC in advance to book it. The only thing I can think of is to get the new cash card that's available in the park or give them some Disney Dollars. This way they could at least have option of paying for their dinner. Hope this helps a little, I'm sure it's not what you wanted to hear. Maine

 

[LiteBrite]

WDW is now selling dining and merchandise gift cards - maybe you could buy one of those in the amount their lunch will cost, and leave it for them with the front desk of their resort so that they'd get it when they check in. If that doesn't work, you could definitely buy the gift card and just give it to them yourselves, tucked into a nice greeting card with a note saying "lunch at the castle is on us".

 

[dizneekim]

Thank you both! I think I will do the gift card with a note. Where do I buy the gift card?

 

[LiteBrite]

I believe I saw them on sale by the registers at the POR food court last month. I imagine you could find them in shops at WDW, too, but I'm not sure. You could try online at disneyworld.com, or just ask Guest Services at your resort when you get there in December.

 

[QT Pooh]

I did this at Victoria and Albert's once. I didn't want the man I was with to offer to pay so I called the restaurant directly and gave them my credit card number along with the reservation number. I also had them tack on the gratuity as well. There was no problem at all and there was no awkward feeling. This was about 7 years ago though - don't know if they still allow it to happen.

 

[oogieboogie]

You can order a giftcard ahead of time too and give it to your friends. You can order them in any denomination from $5-$1000 and they are refillable.

Here's the number from another thread: The number to call is (407)363-6200. There is a $6.95 shipping fee, but if you want FedEx delivery it is more.

The WDW giftcard is a really nice thing to have, you can fill it up with some extra cash and your friends can use it for snacks too from the snack carts. That would be a very nice gift. The giftcards are sold pretty much everywhere around Disney - at the parks, resorts gift shops, resorts food courts, DTD.

 

[antmaril]

I called last week inquiring about the Disney Gift Card and was told that these cards can be used just like cash at WDW, including purchasing theme park tickets. I think it's the perfect way to give the gift of Disney to family members or a friend.

 

[dizneekim]

Thank you, everyone! I so want this to be a memorable trip for them. They have a dd10, and I don't know if they'll splurge on many park meals w/o some assistance in planning, and maybe some $$$. It bugs me to death when others have gone and just didn't get it. They tried to cram "Disney" (meaning MK to them) into one day, eat/sleep off property, and didn't take the time to soak it all in. Then they come home and tell everyone, "I don't see what the big deal is-overpriced, blah, blah, blah." But that's been covered on other threads. My hope here is to add a little magic.

 

[melomouse]

First of All, Kim, I just want to tell you how touched I am by your kindness in thinking of your friends. The world needs more people like you in it!!!]

While gift cards are terrific, there is nothing like the element of surprise. Can you make a PS - ADR for lunch in person when you are there in Dec., pay for it, and have CRT issue the date, time and amount on an announcement??

Don't know if this is possible - ? While I love gift cards, there's just something more "special" about finding someone else has taken care of everything. Also, I'm one of those old-fashioned people who likes the look of the "old" gift certificates that look like an important announcement instead of the gift cards that look like credit cards!
You are one special lady and your friends are lucky to have you!!!

melomouse