Disney® Visa® card review: Big on Disney perks but limited in everything else

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Are you a frequent visitor to the Happiest Place on Earth or planning a trip to the Magic Kingdom? Or perhaps you shop all things Disney? For avid Disney fans, the Disney® Visa® Card can bring you closer to adding to your Disney collection and experiences.

But the rewards rate on the Disney Visa is lacking; other rewards cards offer more competitive rates you can use for statement credits or directly toward travel. While it may be tempting to hold a Disney card, especially since you can pick a Disney- or Star Wars-themed card design, you might be better off with a card that boasts a more substantial flat-rate cash back or travel rewards program to help you get that dream Disney vacation.

What are the pros and cons?

Why you might want the Disney Visa

If you have a passion for Disney, then this card might be worth a place in your wallet. While the rewards rate could be more appealing, Disney fans can get excited about some of the card’s unique perks.

No need to offset an annual fee

While many rewards cards don’t have an annual fee, this card’s no annual fee is a great feature since redemption options are limited to Disney-specific spending. You won’t have to stress about offsetting the cost every year, which could be more difficult when you can only redeem for Disney items.

On top of the no annual fee, the Disney Visa offers a 0% promo APR for 6 months on select Disney vacation packages from the date of purchase (then a 18.49% - 27.49% Variable APR). If you are looking for ways to afford that Disney getaway, that promo APR period could give you the cushioning you need.

Otherwise, APR rates and fees are standard for a card of this type. And the lower end of its variable APR is slightly below the current national APR average.

Enjoy Disney-specific perks

One of the most attractive aspects of this card is its Disney-related perks. The card offers plenty of discounts when shopping or dining at Disneyland and Disney World resorts, shopDisney.com, and on the Disney Cruise Line. Plus, you can take advantage of a 10% discount on the Castaway Cay Getaway Package or a promo APR on select Disney vacation packages.

Disney regulars can see big savings with these discounts. For instance, if a family of four spends about $350 on meals a day at Disneyland, they might save $35. That adds up to $245 for a seven-day trip.

In addition to discounts, cardholders can meet and pose for photos with some of their favorite Disney and Star Wars characters at private locations at Disneyland and Disney World. Downloads of your photos are free.

And, of course, you get to pick a card design with a popular Disney or Star Wars theme, like baby Yoda or the Sleeping Beauty castle, to show off to friends and family.

Why you might want a different card

This card might offer special perks, but its rewards structure is less than ideal. Its lack of flexibility and disappointing welcome offer might justify another rewards card that better suits your Disney dreams.

Better welcome offers available

This card’s welcome offer is fair, but not impressive. Other rewards cards have more valuable sign-up bonuses. With the Citi Rewards+® Card you can earn 20,000 bonus points (redeemable for $200 in gift cards through Citi’s rewards portal) if you spend $1,500 in the first three months.

For an even better bonus, you might consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: You can earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening and you can easily offset its annual fee with its generous rewards program.

Low earnings and limited redemption options

Not only is the earnings rate just at 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars, but the card lacks flexibility in how you can redeem those rewards. While other rewards cards might let cardholders redeem as a statement credit, by check, or by transferring to a loyalty program, you can only redeem Disney Rewards Dollars for the following purchases:

• Disney Theme Park tickets
• Staying at a Disney Resort
• Shopping and dining at a Disney Park or Resort
• shopDisney.com (most items)
• Disney Cruise Line packages, onboard activities and souvenirs

Cardholders should also note that these redemption options only apply to U.S. locations.

This may seem to benefit Disney enthusiasts, but it would only pay off if you make a large purchase on your Disney card or if you commit to only using your Disney card for all your spending. If you charge $12,000 on the Disney Visa, for example, you’ll only accumulate $120 Disney Rewards Dollars. To redeem your Disney Rewards Dollars, you actually have to request a Disney Rewards Redemption Card, load your Disney Rewards Dollars onto the new card (minimum of 20 Rewards Dollars), then use it like a gift card on eligible purchases.

However, compare that to the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. With 2% cash rewards, you would double your earnings for spending the same amount and you can redeem in multiple ways, such as a statement credit or in cash at a Wells Fargo ATM. That could pay for an extra ticket to Disneyland.

How does the Disney Visa compare to other rewards cards?

The Disney Visa is a low-maintenance rewards card with decent Disney perks. But if you want more redemption options or wish to maximize bonus categories, then other rewards cards can also offer a budget-friendly Disney experience.

Disney Visa  vs. Disney® Premier Visa® card

Disney offers another card in its suite of credit cards: the Disney® Premier Visa® Card. This card makes up for what its sibling card lacks. Namely, it offers boosted rewards for everyday categories and more redemption options. For instance, you can redeem Disney Rewards Dollars for airline credits, which can come in handy when planning a big Disney vacation.

Though Disney Premier comes with an annual fee, it’s comparatively low. And if you use the card often, you can easily offset the yearly cost with the airline credit or Disney’s other redemption options.

Disney Visa vs. Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Disney Visa does not offer any boosted or bonus categories, which makes your earning potential low. For terrific cash rewards potential, the Capital One Savor card is tough to beat. Though you can get the card’s best rewards rate through Capital One’s portals for travel and entertainment, it also offers unlimited 3 percent cash back on popular spending categories like dining and groceries (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target).

Disney Visa vs. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Since the Disney Visa doesn’t have rewards redemption for travel options, a different travel credit card can offer you ways to cut down on travel costs. The Capital One VentureOne card is a simple, no-hassle travel card that has an unlimited flat rate on every purchase and a higher earnings rate on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. If you want to earn miles toward that Disney flight without worrying about an annual fee, then this card might work for you.

 How to use Disney Visa

• Make this your primary credit card to maximize earning potential.
• Take advantage of all Disney discounts, including for Disney movies at AMC theaters.
• Pair this card with a travel or hotel credit card to help lower costs for your Disney vacation.
• Load your Disney Rewards Dollars on the Disney Rewards Redemption Card to use your rewards for qualifying purchases.

Is the Disney Visa right for you?

The Disney Visa might work well for die-hard Disney fans whose vacations are mostly spent at Disney theme parks or cruises. Because it doesn’t have an annual fee, it won’t cost you anything to carry it. This makes it a decent rewards card, despite its limited redemption options.

Yet, there are more impressive cards that provide cardholders with faster ways to earn more and could also be used to plan an affordable Disney experience. If you don’t think you’ll take advantage of the card’s perks often, then you might consider other options for that Mickey Mouse souvenir.