Resort ID charges..how does it work?

[millerjmls]

We are staying at an on-site resort and understand that your room key/id can be used as a charge card also. How does this work. We would like to cut down on the amount of cash that we have to take along and need some details. Thanks !!

 

[tar heel]

When you check in, you give the desk a credit card and authorize it's use for your spending and the put the number in their system. You then get your room key/charge and are told what your credit limit is. You use your room card in the parks/resort just like a credit card. When you reach your room charge credit limit, Disney actually charges the stuff made on your credit card. If you don't reach your limit, this is done your last day. You can check by the front desk any time and get a print out of your charges.

You can use your room key as a charge card up until midnight of your last day. Those last charges won't be on your checkout receipt, of course, but they will show up a day or two later.

 

[millerjmls]

Thanks, that should significantly reduce the amount of cash we need to take along.

 

[shoppie]

Can you give them cash instead of CC? I am trying not to use the CC for my trip?

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by shoppie
Can you give them cash instead of CC? I am trying not to use the CC for my trip?

Yes, you can do that. Or you can give them your CC at the beginning, tell them you don't want auto check out and pay the balance with cash at check out. They only put a 1.00 hold on the card to make sure it is a valid card.

 

[scootron]

My understanding is that, depending upon which category resort you are staying in, the credit limit is different. For example, in the Value resorts, the credit limit is $500; in the Moderate it is $1000, and it is $1500 in the Deluxe. Once you reach the limit, the credit card is charged and then you start over again.

Some folks go down to the desk each evening and look over the charges, pay cash on them etc. Some just keep up with it, and look it over at check-out time.

 

[IndyDisneyFan]

We always give them our debit card when we check in. We hardly ever use cash, just charge everything in the world to our key card. What happens when you reach your limit is they charge your card, then you start all over again until you reach your limit again. That way we don't have to use our credit card, but have all of the freedom of using one. We use express check out, and our bill is either hanging on the door or is slipped under the door depending on resort. We can call the front desk at any time to find out our balance. It doesn't get much more convient than that!

Laura

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I am fairly wary of Express Checkout. I will ask the desk to print a copy of my folio every few days, especially the evening prior to checkout. I will then compare it against my receipts and records. It is much easier to correct a problem prior to checkout than while checking out or especially after an express checkout.

I had one time several years ago (not at a Disney resort) when I was on a business trip and they managed to charge the entire hotel's guest laundry fees for one day to my account. I had to check out at 7:00am to catch a 9:00 flight. Luckily I found the error the day before I checked out!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Cheshire Figment
I am fairly wary of Express Checkout. I will ask the desk to print a copy of my folio every few days, especially the evening prior to checkout. I will then compare it against my receipts and records. It is much easier to correct a problem prior to checkout than while checking out or especially after an express checkout.

I had one time several years ago (not at a Disney resort) when I was on a business trip and they managed to charge the entire hotel's guest laundry fees for one day to my account. I had to check out at 7:00am to catch a 9:00 flight. Luckily I found the error the day before I checked out!

I am not a big fan of express checkout either. I have caught some mistakes (which were taken care of quite easily). I call the front desk the night before checkout, make sure they are not going to express check out UNLESS the bill matches mine figures. They drop the bill off at our door really early in the am, so, I can make sure, once again, that it jives.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by IndyDisneyFan
We always give them our debit card when we check in. We hardly ever use cash, just charge everything in the world to our key card. What happens when you reach your limit is they charge your card, then you start all over again until you reach your limit again. That way we don't have to use our credit card, but have all of the freedom of using one. We use express check out, and our bill is either hanging on the door or is slipped under the door depending on resort. We can call the front desk at any time to find out our balance. It doesn't get much more convient than that!

Laura

Great suggestion Laura!!!! I do that all the time, but, it never occured to me to suggest it. I think I am brain dead. LOL

 

[millerjmls]

Sounds like the room id/charge is the way to go. We decided to use the card for meals and souveniers, major purchases and use half cash and half travelers cheques for a small amount of money just to have on hand. Thanks for all of the great ideas !!
Can't wait, we're leaving in 2 days !!!