I go to Disney 15 times a year — here's why the Disney Visa is in my wallet
Editor's Note
My family typically takes several Disney vacations every year. From Walt Disney World and Disneyland to cruises on Disney Cruise Line and even Disney's resort in Hawaii, Aulani, we love it all.
It's no secret that Disney destinations are expensive, but I've amassed an arsenal of tricks to help us trim thousands off our vacation spending annually.
Some of my strategies involve a substantial investment at one point — like becoming a Disney Vacation Club member and purchasing annual passes to the theme parks — to nab the savings, given how frequently we visit. And, of course, those approaches aren't right for the occasional Disney vacationer.
But there's one low- or no-cost tool savvy Disney travelers should have in their wallet that can save you not just cold, hard cash but even hours of precious vacation time: a Disney® Visa® Card.
Related: How to save money by renting Disney Vacation Club points
Get a Disney Visa for the perks, not the rewards
Before we break down the card types, perks and rewards for the Disney Visa options, let's get one thing straight: It's unlikely that you'll come out ahead by making a Disney Visa your primary credit card. There are plenty of other cards with more compelling rewards for everyday spending.
As a Chicago-based frequent flyer on United Airlines, I spend most of my money on the United Club℠ Infinite Card, which helps me maximize my earnings toward elite status with United and gives me United Club access for my entire family when we fly together.
But for regular Disney travelers, even if you don't use the card for most of your everyday spending, there's a good chance it makes sense to add a Disney Visa to your wallet. Here's what you'll get if you have it — and how to choose which Disney Visa is best for you.
Disney Visa credit cards: Sign-up bonuses and reward-earning potential
Disney Visa Card
The basic Disney® Visa® Card (see rates and fees) has no annual fee and currently a $200 statement credit after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Disney Visa Card purchases earn 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars, which are equal to $1 each and can be used a bit like a Disney gift card. Disney Rewards Dollars can be redeemed at U.S. Disney parks and resorts, on Disney Cruise Line, at DisneyStore.com, and on movies at AMC Theatres.
Disney Premier Visa Card
The Disney® Premier Visa® Card (see rates and fees) has a $49 annual fee and currently earns a $400 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Disney Premier Visa Card purchases earn 5% in Disney Rewards Dollars at disneyplus.com, hulu.com and espnplus.com; 2% back on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and most Disney locations; and 1% back on all other purchases.
In addition to all the ways to use the rewards if you have the Disney Visa, Disney Premier Visa cardholders can also redeem Disney Rewards Dollars for a statement credit for air travel purchased with the Disney Premier Visa.
Lastly, Disney Bundle Trio subscribers can earn up to a $14.99 statement credit for up to three months on qualifying subscription purchases, and add-ons totaling $14.99 or more at disneyplus.com, hulu.com or espnplus.com.
Related: Are the Disney Visa credit cards worth it?
How to redeem Disney Rewards Dollars
To redeem Disney Rewards Dollars, you'll need a Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Once you've signed in to your Disney account online and linked it to your Chase Disney Visa card account, you can log on to manage your Disney Rewards Dollars online.
You can request a Disney Rewards Redemption Card once you've earned $20 in Disney Rewards Dollars and continue to load Disney Rewards Dollars onto your card each time you accrue at least $10, monitor your Rewards Dollars balance and, for Premier cardholders, redeem Disney Rewards Dollars on air travel.
Here's a video explaining how to redeem Disney Rewards Dollars and another one explaining how to request your airline statement credit.
Perks and discounts for Disney Visa cardholders
If you're a regular Disney traveler like I am, even if the ongoing rewards don't make this card worthwhile, the perks probably do. Disney Visa perks come with both credit card types; some are great even if you don't spend much on the card.
Save 10% on select merchandise and dining at Disney theme parks and resorts
Cardholders can save 10% on select merchandise and at select dining locations at Walt Disney World, Disneyland theme parks and hotels, Disney Springs at Walt Disney World and Disneyland's Downtown Disney District.
If you tend to spend a lot on souvenirs and meals on Disney property during your vacations, these savings can definitely add up. Just be aware of the fine print, as quite a few popular items and locations are excluded, including Savi's Workshop—Handbuilt Lightsabers, Droid Depot, and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.
The 10% dining discount is offered at select locations with notable exclusions, including alcohol and select new food and beverage offerings. The discount is also not valid on certain popular dates and holidays.
Higher discounts are offered at a handful of Disneyland and Walt Disney World locations.
Related: These are the best restaurants at Disney World
Save 15% on select guided tours at Walt Disney World and Disneyland
Cardholders can save 15% on select guided tours at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. These include "Celebrating Disney100 at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour," "Walt's Main Street Story Tour," and "Holiday Time at the Disneyland Resort Guided Tour" at Disneyland; and "Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour," "Wild Africa Trek," "Behind the Seeds" and many more at Walt Disney World.
Save 10% on select recreation experiences at Walt Disney World
Cardholders get 10% off the non-discounted price of recreation experiences like carriage rides at Disney's Port Orleans Resort and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, and horseback riding at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
Onboard Disney Cruise Line discounts
Several discounts are offered to Disney Visa cardholders on board Disney Cruise Line sailings when you pay with your Disney Visa:
- 10% off non-discounted digital photo packages
- 10% off Castaway Cay Getaway Packages — save on snorkeling, bicycle, float and inner tube rentals
- 10% off select merchandise purchases. (Pro tip: If you're buying souvenirs from multiple shops on board, you can pay for everything at a single location)
- 20% off non-discounted massages and facials in the onboard spa on port days only
Related: How to save money on a Disney Cruise
Save 10% at DisneyStore.com
Disney Visa cardmembers can also save 10% on select merchandise purchases at DisneyStore.com. However, there are numerous exclusions, and the offer cannot be combined with any promo codes other than free shipping. To apply the discount, use promo code DRVCMEMBER and pay with your Disney Visa.
Cardmember photo opportunities at Walt Disney World and Disneyland
For many Disney parkgoers, character meet-and-greets and photo ops are a high priority — which can translate to long wait times.
But a Disney Visa will fast-track you to some exclusive character experiences at Walt Disney World and Disneyland — with little to no wait. Plus, a Disney PhotoPass photographer will be on hand to take photos, and you'll get complimentary digital downloads of your photos. Make sure you have your Disney Visa with you to show upon entry.
Here's where to find the Disney Visa Photo Spots in the theme parks. Be sure to double-check their times on the date of your visit — they are typically open for a shorter window each day than other character experiences.
Disney World's Epcot — World Celebration area, near the Imagination pavilion
At this "Disney Character Experience," you'll typically meet two popular Disney characters against an Epcot backdrop. We've seen Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto here. Note that there's no guarantee which characters you'll meet, and because they do change from time to time, it's worth checking back on another date or time during your trip to see more characters.
Disney World's Hollywood Studios — Star Wars Launch Bay
At this "Star Wars Character Experience" in Star Wars Launch Bay, Disney Visa cardholders can meet Darth Vader. This is also the spot where all guests can meet Darth Vader, BB-8 and Chewbacca via traditional standby queues, with Vader's queue regularly posting wait times of 30-45 minutes. Darth Vader is my family's favorite character and we try to meet him every trip, so even though we take advantage of several other Disney Visa perks, the cumulative time savings on this experience alone would make the card worth it to us.
In addition to saving yourself some precious vacation time, you'll also end up with better (and free!) pictures than if you meet Vader in his standby queue. In the standby queue, Disney PhotoPass photos are taken via an automated camera, while in the Visa experience, you'll have a live photographer.
Disney California Adventure Park — Hollywood Land (near Super Store featuring Avengers Campus)
At this "Disney Character Experience," you'll meet popular characters that in the past have included Minnie Mouse, Daisy and Stitch. As at Epcot, there's no guarantee who you'll meet, but sometimes it's an exclusive character you won't get to meet anywhere else at Disneyland.
Disneyland Park — Star Wars Launch Bay
The interior of Star Wars Launch Bay is currently closed at Disneyland, but Disney Visa cardholders can still experience a galaxy far, far away at the Star Wars Photo Opportunity, an outdoor meet-and-greet with Darth Vader.
Cardholder discounts at Disney resorts beyond the theme parks
Disney Visa cardholders also get special discounts at Disney's three other resorts nationwide — Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa; Disney's Vero Beach Resort; and Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort.
- Save 10% off select merchandise
- Save 10% off select dining locations at Disney's Vero Beach Resort
- Save 10% off each of the following at Aulani: Rainbow Reef snorkeling, a create-your-own kapa-inspired T-shirt, and a ukulele purchase after completing a ukulele class
Related: Review of Disney's Aulani resort
How the Disney Visa can save you money on Disney Vacations
For a family like mine that takes frequent Disney vacations, all of the perks we've covered so far are enough to make the no-fee Disney Visa worthwhile.
But one potential perk can make a Disney Visa worth it, even for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. Recently, Disney has been offering discounts to Disney Visa cardholders on Disney vacations at various destinations.
As Disney Vacation Club members, we rarely book hotels with cash, instead using our points to stay at Disney resorts. Still, we've taken advantage of a massive 30% discount offered to Disney Visa cardholders for a Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser voyage. When the offer was released, we could cancel an existing voyage and rebook with the Disney Visa discount, slashing the price by about $2,300.
This discount alone would have been well worth getting a Disney Visa for years on end.
It's worth noting that paying for an expensive vacation package with your Disney Visa can mean losing out on more compelling rewards and benefits other credit cards offer, including built-in travel insurance. For Galactic Starcruiser, we were able to pay our 20% deposit with a Disney Visa and the balance with our United Club Infinite Card, but for most Disney Visa hotel offers, if you don't pay with a valid Disney Visa Card or Disney Rewards Redemption Card, you'll be charged the non-discounted room price for your stay.
Bottom line
Most of my family's spending doesn't go on the Disney Visa, and there are plenty of card perks we don't use because we are also Disney Vacation Club and annual pass holders, which unlock discounts and benefits of their own.
But even with all that, we still keep the Disney Visa in our wallet because it offers unique perks such as character access and periodic resort or other discounts that can save a ton of money when offered at the right time for your needs.
If you take semi-regular Disney vacations, don't have access to any of these member or passholder discounts, and don't mind adding another card to your wallet, the perks and savings that come with a Disney Visa can make it worth your while, especially if you're able to take advantage of one of the heftier discounts periodically offered on hotel stays.
And if you are already a Disney Vacation Club member or annual passholder and visit the theme parks as frequently as we do, even the seemingly small perks like exclusive character meet-and-greets add up enough to make the card worth it.
To learn more about the cards, read our reviews of the Disney Premier Visa and Disney Visa.
Apply here: Disney Premier Visa
Apply here: Disney Visa
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.