onboard booking with Disney vacation savings account

[anricat]

Onboard booking is still a no-go with the Disney vacation savings account, right? I remember awhile back there was talk of a way of doing this and it seemed as if there wasn't a way to book onboard and pay the deposit with the account (even if you have the account number).

We're sailing in October and I booked Alaska Aug 2016 on opening day and the price has moved a couple of times, but it's still low enough that I'll save money if I rebook onboard. So I'm getting to the point where if I need to order a gift card from the money in my account, I should do it soon. But I don't want to do it if I can just use my savings account for the deposit on board. Anyone tried to do this lately?

If not, has anyone requested a gift card from your balance in your savings account? How long did it take?

Also, just so I'm clear, I take the cruise far, lop of 10% and then take 10% of that for my deposit amount, right? So if the fare is $6371.07, then with 10% off it's $5733.96, I need to take a gift card for $573, yah?

 

[clten]

Also, just so I'm clear, I take the cruise far, lop of 10% and then take 10% of that for my deposit amount, right? So if the fare is $6371.07, then with 10% off it's $5733.96, I need to take a gift card for $573, yah?

Can't answer about the Vacation Saving Account. But if you are looking for the exact discount, you cannot do it as you outlined. The total fare includes taxes, port fees and other non-discountable fees. So it doesn't come out to exactly 10% off the total fare. Closer somewhere to 8.5-9% off the total fare. Unless you get the exact, discountable fare from DCL, don't know if you are going to be able to calculate your deposit to exact dollars. I would add another $10-$20 to your deposit estimate if you want to be sure your Gift Card covers the whole amount.

 

[shburks]

Can't answer about the Vacation Saving Account. But if you are looking for the exact discount, you cannot do it as you outlined. The total fare includes taxes, port fees and other non-discountable fees. So it doesn't come out to exactly 10% off the total fare. Closer somewhere to 8.5-9% off the total fare. Unless you get the exact, discountable fare from DCL, don't know if you are going to be able to calculate your deposit to exact dollars. I would add another $10-$20 to your deposit estimate if you want to be sure your Gift Card covers the whole amount.

Good info there... look up the cruise you want and get the amount BEFORE taxes/fees. Take 10% of that amount (for discount). Then add taxes/fees to that total; take 10% of that for deposit amount. However, any change in price between now and when you book onboard could mess up your gift card plan unless you can pay the rest via credit card

 

[anricat]

Gotcha. I have quite a bit in my account so getting some extra isn't a big deal. It's still worth it...barely! It's not even $100. I get an onboard credit, though, too right?

I just wish I could do the initial deposit from my account directly. You'd think they could get that in sync.

 

[jtba]

yep, tried to use my DVA for OBB aboard the Wonder three days ago and they said no, need to use a credit card (they charged it to the one on file).

 

[anricat]

yep, tried to use my DVA for OBB aboard the Wonder three days ago and they said no, need to use a credit card (they charged it to the one on file).

I would like to assume a gift card is okay, though. I'm pretty sure I've heard of people using a gift card.

 

[jtba]

I would like to assume a gift card is okay, though. I'm pretty sure I've heard of people using a gift card.

not sure as i did not ask about that option.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I would like to assume a gift card is okay, though. I'm pretty sure I've heard of people using a gift card.

Yes indeed you can use gift card as I have always done this and did last week on the Magic. I also asked about the DV account and no go, yet.

Heather

 

[southerngirl528]

Great question, Anricat! And great answers by all, but …. WHY on earth can't we use our Disney Vacation Account for that??? I mean, the money is sitting there waiting to be spent on a Disney vacation. Seems kind of silly.

Has anyone tried using the method I've read a lot of folks do with Members Services to use the Dis Vac Acc't? Where you don't tell them specifically it's the DVA, but you give them a "gift card number"?? Of course I guess if you're sitting right in front of the DCL CM they would expect to SEE a card??