The two times I've used the pre-paid Visa debit cards, I haven't had a problem. They were both ordered through the company that owns the local mall (Simon Malls). The first one was ordered through their website and came personalized with my name and a message line (I put "Disney Trip 2004" on it).
The next year, I found that if you get the card directly from the customer service desk at the mall, the fee was only $1.50 as opposed to $5-6 through the mail. The only drawback is that it came pre-imprinted with "Simon Mall Customer" (I did have one CM at a register ask why the signed name didn't match "Mr. Customer's" name on the front.) :lol:
The *one* time I had a problem was when my card came up insufficient funds, and I hadn't thought I'd used up my balance yet. Turns out, I had made a purchase the day before and forgot to tell the cashier that I wanted hotel delivery until afterward. He cancelled the entire transaction and re-rang the sale. Well, the first transaction was treated like a return with a credit to the card, but it took a couple days for the credit to go back on the card, holding up part of the balance in the meantime.
For my upcoming trip, I'm saving using the Disney Gift Card. I'll have to see how it goes. I've got $300 on there so far.
Oh, and a tip for those who might want a choice in their card design, as opposed to the basic Mickey design available at the stores: Go to the *Disneyland* website and order one through there. You can only order it in one of three pre-set amounts (25, 50 or 100, I think) but they're available in about 8 designs and shipping is free. Plus, they can be reloaded at the Disney Stores, too.
Lastly, for the poster who is stuck with small balances on multiple pre-paid debit cards. You can use them at a retail store, just tell the clerk at the register that you want to use two different methods of payment. First have them charge the exact amount left on the pre-paid card, and then pay the rest with your normal card or cash. Most major retail stores are able to do this. (But I'd give the clerk a break and only clear out one card per visit... I don't think they'd be too happy having to deal with four cards and four different amounts)
Unlike most gift cards where the register cleans the card out if the balance is less than the total, if you just hand the cashier the card, the register's trying to put the entire bill on the card and the system is declining it. THey have to specifically only charge the exact balance to the card.
-Rob
