It’s no secret to my family and friends that I LOVE Disney. Everyone knows, for birthdays and Christmas and even Mother’s Day, I love a Disney gift card because I’m always scheming for my next trip.
And I love Disney gift cards because they can be used in so many wonderful Disney ways.
Uses
- Pop one in your child’s stocking or as a countdown gift for your upcoming trip. They can “pay” for their own souvenirs and learn how to budget, too! For more countdown ideas, click here.
- Obviously, to pay for the bulk of your trip. But who wants to keep track of 50 cards? Not me. That’s why I use the Disney Gift Card site to manage my cards. You can put up to $1000 on a primary card and toss the rest. Just be sure to keep your primary card. Any refunds will be transferred back to that particular card.
- To pay for out-of-pocket dining expenses (if you’re on the Disney Dining Plan) or just dining expenses, in general. My husband loves this tip because the cost of eating is paid for in advance – so no surprises on check-out day!
- Disney gift cards can be used at any Disney Store in your favorite mall or on the Disney Store online. Still thinking about that t-shirt you saw at Magic Kingdom? Check out the store online!
- Disney Cruise Lines accept Disney gift cards for payment. Our upcoming cruise will be paid for almost entirely with the Disney gift cards I purchase at Target with my 5% discounted Target REDcard. I’ll take a discount anywhere I can!
- It isn’t all about the parks anymore. Disney has branched out and created Disney vacation destinations all over the world. Gorgeous resorts with fun and activities for the whole family. We love the Disney Resort on Hilton Head Island, SC. For a complete list, click here.
Tips
- Collecting Disney gift cards is a great way to budget. There are certain times of the month when a $25 gift card purchase isn’t a stretch. I just log it onto my primary card and keep saving. So easy.
- Purchase your cards at Target (with your TargetREDcard), or with your membership at Sam’s Club or BJ’s.
- Loaded Disney gift cards are like cash. Protect them. Take a photo of the back of your cards with a balance so you can report them if lost or stolen.
- Put them on your Christmas List. But then, Santa probably already knows.
- Disney gift cards never expire. So if your trip is this year or in five, whatever you’ve been saving will be good to go!
Tricks
- Not all Disney related places (ie., Swan & Dolphin or RunDisney events) are Disney owned. Make sure the place you want to use your gift card is owned by Disney.
- Concerned about the environment? You can reload your Disney gift card at any Disney location that sells Disney gift cards. Not in the parks? Try your local Disney Store.
- Have a princess, Toy Story or Star Wars fan? Disney Store online has hundreds of themed gift cards for you to choose from when treating your family or friends.
