Prepaid Disney Cards Worth It?

[Wiggle]

Can you use them at the food kiosks in the parks (for popcorn, ice cream, sodas, etc.)?

I'm guessing not, but thought I'd ask anyway. They always took cash only and not KTTW cards because they didn't have the card swipe readers on their carts. But if they do now, then !!

 

[Dopey Sharon]

just subscribing...I'm also interested in these cards!

 

[Lorelai]

Sorry it took me so long to get back on...that's what I get for having a job. You can put any amount on them and anyone can use them. My DS12 used them at a few of the snack counters with no problem. They are dollar for dollar (no fees attached) I think the way they get you is if you over budget, I don't think you can cash them out. That's why we used ours up on the way out of the resort in the gift shop (although you can use them to settle any room charges as well as my sister did so last month when she had extra money left on hers). As far as I know they can only be purchased on property. We don't have a Disney Store near us, so I don't know about purchasing them there or not. I hope I've answered all your questions and again apologize for my late response.

Thanks Tink0374 - It certainly sounds like you have inadvertantly started a fan club for these cards! Thank you so much for the information that you provided. I will definitely be purchasing one when we arrive on Sunday!

Also, someone asked what to do if you lose your card. Do you recall if they have a number on them, like park tkts, so that you can track them? That way if you lose it, maybe you can cancel the original numer so that no one else can find and spend it.

Sorry to ask another question! Thanks again!

 

[seashoreCM]

I do not think that prepaid Disney cards, prepaid Master Cards, gift cards, and the like are worth it. I'm not sure about Disney's but many of these cards have a purchase fee, recharge fees, and maybe not right away, monthly fees.

In the case of Disney cards they encourage the spending away of everything that remains just before you return home.

Alas, there are so many mathematically challenged folks out there who feel the need for a prepaid card to keep from spending too much.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[goofy4tink]

Well, I know I'm not mathematically challenged, but I will be getting my dd one of the gift cards in Oct. The other mom that's traveling with us is getting one for her dd also. They will give the girls responsibility for their own purchases. When it's gone, it's gone. The girls will both be turning 13, so we wanted to do something 'special' for them. A lesson in budgeting for them also. They will have to track their purchases to they don't get caught with 'insufficient' funds!!!
I have seen the cards beside registers in both the resort gift shops as well as the park shops. I just wouldn't put too much cash on them. If need be, you can add to them as the trip progresses.

 

[momandseandodisney]

can you use these cards everywhere on prop?

 

[goofy4tink]

Yes, they are usable everywhere. The only places we aren't too sure about are those little pushcart type things. Seems some may be able to handle them, while others may not. I believe it is an issue of having the ability to handle any 'plastic' transaction, rather than cash. But, anyplace that you could use your room card to charge on, should be able to take the gift cards.

 

[thelionqueen]

OK, kinda live I just returned from our Local Disney Store and spoke with the manager (she knows me quite well, I'm in there a lot..go figure )

Anyway, I saw a little kiosk for the gift cards and was like HEY, I just read about these (saw it here 1st btw). She said YES, they are new and YES you can use them anywhere on Disney property that accepts the KTTW card.

They don't go on sale @ the Disney Store until May 1st, but she also told me they never expire and you can use them anywhere on Disney property that accepts the KTTW card. WAHOO!!

Too funny, DH was asking me what I would like for Mother's day, I said "Nothing honey, I have everything I've ever wanted with you and the kids". Now it's, "Well actually, there is something brand new that I would love to have, if you're going to be shopping anyway"

I'm so syked although I have a feeling this is going to replace the Disney Dollars which I LOVE!! We'll see, I hope not!

 

[Iluvpooh&mickey]

OK, kinda live I just returned from our Local Disney Store and spoke with the manager (she knows me quite well, I'm in there a lot..go figure )

Anyway, I saw a little kiosk for the gift cards and was like HEY, I just read about these (saw it here 1st btw). She said YES, they are new and YES you can use them anywhere on Disney property that accepts the KTTW card.

They don't go on sale @ the Disney Store until May 1st, but she also told me they never expire and you can use them anywhere on Disney property that accepts the KTTW card.

Did the manager tell you if there are any fees associated with the gift cards? It's a good idea too b/c I have a Disney store near me so if I have some $$ left on the cards after the trip, I can use it there. Thanks for the update!

 

[Crazy4mandms]

I would just like to issue a word of caution.......I haven't been to a Disney store in awhile (they took ours away so now I have to drive an hour ), but I know people have had problems in the past buying Disney store gift cards that are NOT good at WDW. I remember reading here on these threads people who were very upset that grandma, auntie, etc got their child one for their bday, etc..but were told at WDW they could only be used at Disney Stores. Just make sure when people buy them for your kids that they get the right one!!!

 

[ourhappyplace]

This disney world card sounds really great! I get nervous about losing it though - I just would hate to lose any money that I put on it - I think that I will stay with my Visa Travel Check Card - I got it last year through AAA and I can put money on it to use while I am on vacation and if something were to happen to it at least I know that Visa has my back!

 

[ourhappyplace]

But I do think that any birthday money that I receive before the trip may have to go towars purchasing one of those just for fun and to try it out in July! Thanks so much for sharing that information!

 

[thelionqueen]

I would just like to issue a word of caution.......I haven't been to a Disney store in awhile (they took ours away so now I have to drive an hour ), but I know people have had problems in the past buying Disney store gift cards that are NOT good at WDW. I remember reading here on these threads people who were very upset that grandma, auntie, etc got their child one for their bday, etc..but were told at WDW they could only be used at Disney Stores. Just make sure when people buy them for your kids that they get the right one!!!

These are new gift cards that are good @ WDW. The other cards sold at the Disney store were not good @ WDW. These new cards, starting to be sold 5/1/06 are good @ WDW.

BTW, there are no fees involved. If you want a $5 card, it will cost you $5.

 

[oogieboogie]

We used the WDW gift card back in several trips last year and this year. I've never encountered a problem using them anywhere in the Disney property.

I was able to use it to pay for meals at restaurants, counter services and any kiosk/cart that accepts plastic. I was able to refill it at any cash register, be it at DTD, resorts, food court, parks, etc. When you use it, the receipt you receive states the remaining balance, so it was easy to maintain a budget.

If you have Disney Dollars, you can use your Disney Dollars to purchase or refill the card. We exchanged our fat stack of DDs into a gift card which was so much easier to carry around and less bulky. Instead of getting change back like you would with cash/DDs and having to carry a ton of change around, using the card freed up that bulk.

We used it when they first came out with the card, so there were some CMs who didn't know how to ring it up on the cash registers, but now they're used to it and don't even bat an eye at it anymore unless they're new.

I would definitely recommend getting the gift card if you're used to carrying cash and Disney Dollars.

 

[Crazy4mandms]

These are new gift cards that are good @ WDW. The other cards sold at the Disney store were not good @ WDW. These new cards, starting to be sold 5/1/06 are good @ WDW.

BTW, there are no fees involved. If you want a $5 card, it will cost you $5.

So they are doing away with the 'old card' altogether? It would be more efficient if they had just one type of card that could be used throughout the disney 'empire' (online, at WDW, at Dis Stores, movie club, etc). If that is the case then no worries!