How soon can I use Disney Vacation account after I open it?

[Tigger1]

I leave for Disney in a few days and would like to enter gift cards in DVA then order Memory Maker and dining plan online. Can I use my DVA instantly?

 

[Sur]

Memory maker has a cut off for ordering. As far as the vacation account you may use it immediately.

 

[Tigger1]

Memory maker has a cut off for ordering. As far as the vacation account you may use it immediately.

How do you enter gift cards? I did not see a choice for Disney giftcards.

 

[Sur]

I had the same problem- you must open the account first with a one time (or recurring, if you wish) contribution from a credit card or debit card. Once open, go to "my account" then "make a one time contribution" and you can add gift cards, one at a time by redoing the steps.

 

[edk35]

How exactly does this DVA work? Why not just use your gift cards when you are at Disney?

 

[supersnoop]

Memory Maker has a cut off for the discounted prepay option, but you should be able to add it at full price any time.

To open a DVA without actually making a deposit, set up a recurring deposit but date it to start in the future. After adding one gift card, you can cancel the recurring deposit before it starts.

DVA is designed for prepaid expenses; room reservations, park tickets and meal plans. You can't use it after you arrive, so you might still need to take gift cards to use while you're there.

 

[Tigger1]

I made a $10 deposit and was able to then add gift cards as Sur mentioned. I then went to memory maker and paid for my Memory maker. Trip is Friday so I was just in time to get discount. This was so much easier and faster than calling Disney and telling the cast member each card number.
Next question, How do I add dining plan with this? DVC site did not offer disney card or DVA account for payment. Can I call DVC and give them my DVA number?

Thanks everyone for the replies.
Have a Disney Day.

 

[erionm]

Next question, How do I add dining plan with this? DVC site did not offer disney card or DVA account for payment. Can I call DVC and give them my DVA number?

Only Credit Cards can be used on-line, so you have to call MS.

 

[supersnoop]

I just got an email with a change in terms for the DVA. It seems there will be a 7 day waiting period before you can use funds deposited into an account.