Strategies/Questions for planning...

[Cadi40]

Hi all! I’m new here, however I’ve been visiting Disney World all my life! I’m planning a trip for myself and 2 of my friends around 1/25-2/1, this will be my first no parents trip and I must say I am quite excited. I just have a few questions...
- Is it possible to put a reservation underneath my name and use my friends debit card to book the trip?
- What do I have to present at check in? I plan to get the trip payed off online before we check in, but can I present a debit card a check in for fees if there are any?
- Is the park hopper worth it? When I went with my family we never really used it as I was younger and went to bed earlier, now I’m unpredictable and I would love the option to spend the morning in one park and the evening at another.
- The trip looks to be about $800 a person right now, how much money do we need to have on a debit card to present at check in? It’s my first time checking into a hotel and I don’t even know if you can use debit, can you?

Thank you in advanced for the help, have a magical day!!!

 

[hiroMYhero]

Hi all! I’m new here, however I’ve been visiting Disney World all my life! I’m planning a trip for myself and 2 of my friends around 1/25-2/1, this will be my first no parents trip and I must say I am quite excited. I just have a few questions...
- Is it possible to put a reservation underneath my name and use my friends debit card to book the trip?
- What do I have to present at check in? I plan to get the trip payed off online before we check in, but can I present a debit card a check in for fees if there are any?
- Is the park hopper worth it? When I went with my family we never really used it as I was younger and went to bed earlier, now I’m unpredictable and I would love the option to spend the morning in one park and the evening at another.
- The trip looks to be about $800 a person right now, how much money do we need to have on a debit card to present at check in? It’s my first time checking into a hotel and I don’t even know if you can use debit, can you?

Thank you in advanced for the help, have a magical day!!!

Moved you to Resorts for Reservation assistance.

 

[Marionnette]

Hi all! I’m new here, however I’ve been visiting Disney World all my life! I’m planning a trip for myself and 2 of my friends around 1/25-2/1, this will be my first no parents trip and I must say I am quite excited. I just have a few questions...
- Is it possible to put a reservation underneath my name and use my friends debit card to book the trip?
- What do I have to present at check in? I plan to get the trip payed off online before we check in, but can I present a debit card a check in for fees if there are any?
- Is the park hopper worth it? When I went with my family we never really used it as I was younger and went to bed earlier, now I’m unpredictable and I would love the option to spend the morning in one park and the evening at another.
- The trip looks to be about $800 a person right now, how much money do we need to have on a debit card to present at check in? It’s my first time checking into a hotel and I don’t even know if you can use debit, can you?

Thank you in advanced for the help, have a magical day!!!

Is it possible to put a reservation underneath my name and use my friends debit card to book the trip?
Yes, it’s possible but it would be preferable for the friend to book the trip even if they are not the ones going. You could also purchase Disney gift cards and use them to pay for your reservation.
- What do I have to present at check in? I plan to get the trip paid off online before we check in, but can I present a debit card at check in for fees if there are any?
If you are doing online check in, you do not need to go to the front desk except under special circumstances. Debit cards with a Visa or Master are logo are fine for room charges. You would set that up during online check in and each person with charging privileges can create their own PIN code.
- Is the park hopper worth it? When I went with my family we never really used it as I was younger and went to bed earlier, now I’m unpredictable and I would love the option to spend the morning in one park and the evening at another.
Not everyone is going to agree on the “value” of hoppers. If you’re on a budget, it’s the easiest thing to cut. You can always add park hopping to your tickets at any guest services or ticket window by paying the price to upgrade. It would be best to decide with your friends whether to hop or not.
- The trip looks to be about $800 a person right now, how much money do we need to have on a debit card to present at check in? It’s my first time checking into a hotel and I don’t even know if you can use debit, can you?
TBH, I think your estimate of $800 per person for 7 nights is very low unless that number is just for food and souvenirs? Or is that just the hotel and ticket costs? But to answer your question, Disney will place a $100 hold on your card when you check in, even if you do online check in. Each time that your room charges meet or exceed $100, they will place that amount on hold plus another $100 hold on the card. You will need at least $100 more than you expect to spend on the card. So for instance, let’s say that on Day #2 of your trip, the room charges reach $150. Disney takes the original $100 hold, adds another $50 hold and then holds another $100. At the end of your stay, they will put all of the charges that you made thru and they will release the last $100 hold.

 

[B-Ride]

We love the flexibility of the Park Hopper and always get it. However if cost is a major consideration you can skip it.

 

[cwestpvb]

As someone who is younger and has gone multiple times without my parents, I definitely have had the fear of thinking my card will be declined (despite having the funds to pay off my balance and incidentals). If you pay off the balance and keep the card on file, the magic band would stop allowing resort charges if the card is declined when the system tries to place the hold on it. I try to use my credit card over my debit card for charges, putting a limit on it to make sure I don't go over budget, then pay it off right after the trip. So if that is an option I'd recommend it since getting holds placed on debit cards can be really annoying. If I do put my debit on file, I avoid charging to the magic band to avoid extra holds and just use my card in the parks.

As for park hopper, it is only worth it if you make it so. My annual pass allows me to park hop, and I have found myself doing it frequently since I have the option. It gives you lots of flexibility. I'd pay for it if you'd think you'd utilize it, otherwise it is easy to live without.