What places don't accept Disney gift cards?

[Kara315]

What places, shops and dining don't accept Disney gift cards?. Bringing a few gift cards and want to make sure I bring money for places that don't accept them, if there are any. Will be visiting all four parks and Disney springs.
Thanks.

 

[purple figment]

Disney GCs are not accepted at the Swan or Dolphin (except for the Disney gift shop in the lobby), at Shades of Green, pressed penny machines, and some of the walk around vendors who do not have gift/credit card readers (e.g. beverage & snack vendors who walk through queue lines).

 

[DVC California]

AFAIK, the only places on property that don't take Disney Cards are those that are "Cash Only" and those are few and far between. (Maybe not the balloon guy/gal on Main Street.)

But if they have electricity and a POS machine, they'll take a Disney GC.

(ETA - Purple Figment beat me with a more complete response)

 

[Kara315]

Ok thank you! Those few small food carts and such won't be a problem.

 

[andyman8]

The easiest thing is to usually charge everything to your MagicBand and then apply the the gift cards to your bill at check-out. Mind you, if you do this, you'll need to stop by the front desk at check out (so no express check out), and this might take a little extra time, but I think it's easier.

 

[MataHari22]

The easiest thing is to usually charge everything to your MagicBand and then apply the the gift cards to your bill at check-out. Mind you, if you do this, you'll need to stop by the front desk at check out (so no express check out), and this might take a little extra time, but I think it's easier.

Why am I thinking that actually, depending on the amount you charge, you may need to pay it before check out or they will charge your credit card when it hits a limit. I am thinking there's a certain amount based on whether you're staying at a value, moderate or deluxe. Is that right? I was thinking I remember stopping mid trip and paying down my balance so it didn't go on my credit card.

 

[andyman8]

Why am I thinking that actually, depending on the amount you charge, you may need to pay it before check out or they will charge your credit card when it hits a limit. I am thinking there's a certain amount based on whether you're staying at a value, moderate or deluxe. Is that right? I was thinking I remember stopping mid trip and paying down my balance so it didn't go on my credit card.

I'm not sure. I know there are different maximum amounts allowed to be charged (credit limits per say) depending on the resort category, but I'm not sure on when they charge you. To be safe OP, you might consider going to the front desk the day or two before you check out and applying your gift cards then. I know that's what I've usually done and have always had the correct amount show up on my statement.

 

[MusicMicha]

Why am I thinking that actually, depending on the amount you charge, you may need to pay it before check out or they will charge your credit card when it hits a limit. I am thinking there's a certain amount based on whether you're staying at a value, moderate or deluxe. Is that right? I was thinking I remember stopping mid trip and paying down my balance so it didn't go on my credit card.

There is a limit for each category, I cannot seem to remember what they are. The value may be 500 the mod 750 etc. We usually go every few days and gift card it back to zero. They will also charge any remaining balance left at midnight before check-out so we always make sure to use, Cash or gift card that night or if it doesn't matter we don't bother and let them charge the cc that night since usually nothing major is left from one day.

 

[Marionnette]

There is a limit for each category, I cannot seem to remember what they are. The value may be 500 the mod 750 etc. We usually go every few days and gift card it back to zero. They will also charge any remaining balance left at midnight before check-out so we always make sure to use, Cash or gift card that night or if it doesn't matter we don't bother and let them charge the cc that night since usually nothing major is left from one day.

According to WDWMagic, credit limits have been raised to $1500 at Value and Moderates, and to $2000 at Deluxes as of 8/2/15.
http://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/wal...raised-at-walt-disney-world-resort-hotels.htm

 

[Hopefully]

If you charge to your MB you need to apply the gift card the night before checkout. The charge the card on file in the middle of the early AM (Like 2 AM) of checkout day.

 

[FeralCatRogue]

The yak and yeti store in animal kingdom is only theme park store i know that wont take gift cards/magic bands. They do take major credit cards though.

 

[tlmadden73]

The easiest thing is to usually charge everything to your MagicBand and then apply the the gift cards to your bill at check-out. Mind you, if you do this, you'll need to stop by the front desk at check out (so no express check out), and this might take a little extra time, but I think it's easier.

IF you are staying on site that is a good strategy:

That's what I did last trip. It worked out really well. I didn't have to worry about forgetting or misplacing a gift card (or worrying about how much was left on them) at the parks and just paid the bill off every night (or the next morning) with gift cards.

I bought $300 in Gift Cards at Target (because of the discount via the Red Card) .. and probably could have easily bought a few more to cover ALL my expenses that trip. Paying via Magic Band is the way to go!