Saving $ w/Disney Gift Cards

[herdtoDisney]

As far as Coinstar/rolling coins, where I am Coinstar does charge 9 cents on the dollar (I believe). My credit union will take loose change for no fee (from members) so we don't have to roll it-I just don't have the patience to roll it but I wanted to let folks know that if you are in a credit union, you could ask if they take it unrolled, to save you time and Coinstar fees.

 

[Stitch1231]

My Id ea for the Disney Gift card for a Disney trip is that there is no big CC bill after you get home. right now My DD and I are going to WDW in march and I am getting 25 dollars here and there for her to give for Christmas. getting a few 100 dollar cards to pay for the tickets. then a few more gift cards for snacks in the park and to pay the dining off too I know that we will need real cash but another reason for the gift cards is that it supports my DD and DS High School Marching band . a great fund raiser so when I can I buy as much Gift cards to use for gas, food shopping all for a great cause.

 

[kydisneyfans]

As opposed to the savings acct vs gift card issue-with the bonus programs out there, getting gift cards while a promo is going on is much better than the 1/2-1% interest banks are giving now.

Meijer recently had a $5 catalina good off any purchase for every $25 Disney gift card bought.
Giant Eagle gives .20 a gallon off gas for each $50 in gift cards (may have changed to .10).
Kroger gives .10 a gallon off for each $50.

We then charge these on our Chase CC with 3% cash back at grocery stores, and pay off in full from the vacation account.

 

[amylynne01]

OP, what happens if you never get to Disney? What happens if you decide to take a whirlwind European tour? Those gift cards would be wasted. I have never heard of any one getting a refund on a gc from any store with a receipt. I would confirm that fact before jumping into this.

I think it comes down to how much you want it. If you WANT to go to Disney, then you will find no reason to spend that money. It's discipline. Plus I would not want to have my money tied up in gcs. I'd much rather it be making interest in my savings account!

ETA: There are no stores in my area that offer promos when buying gcs. One store has a gas promo, but you have to spend $100 to get $0.10/gal off. So not worth it to me.

 

[happydisneyfamily]

I plan on getting enough GC to cover a majority of the dining we plan to do at Disney like Blue Bayou, Plaza Inn, etc and any extra can go towards shopping however I will carry the rest in cash and debit card. Our tickets are bought, hotel paid for and we are leaving in 3 months. It's good to carry cash or just use a debit card however for me this is money I know will be spent. If I can already minus it from the cash on hand, I have a better idea of how much spending money I have for other things.

If you want to do GCs, go for it. Just make sure to leave some cash on the side for other things just in case.