Why Did My Disney Resort Charge Me $100?

By Michael Ferguson

Have you ever checked out of a Disney resort and found an unexpected charge of $100 on your bill? It can be frustrating and confusing to see a charge like this on your statement, especially if you weren’t informed about it during your stay. Here’s what you need to know about why Disney resorts sometimes charge an additional $100 fee.

What is the $100 Charge?

If you look closely at your Disney resort bill, you may notice a line item for a “resort incidental hold” or “room incidental hold” charge of $100. This is essentially a security deposit that Disney places on your credit card when you check in to cover any potential incidentals or damages that may occur during your stay.

Why Does Disney Charge This Fee?

Disney resorts have a lot of amenities and offerings for their guests, from restaurants and gift shops to recreational activities and transportation options. Because of this, there are many opportunities for guests to make additional purchases or incur charges beyond their room rate.

The $100 incidental hold helps cover these potential charges so that Disney can ensure they will be paid for any additional services or damages caused by guests during their stay. The hold is typically released within 5-7 business days after check-out if no additional charges were incurred.

How Can You Avoid the Charge?

If you want to avoid the $100 incidental hold charge altogether, there are a few things you can do:

  • Purchase all park tickets and meal plans in advance
  • Use cash or another form of payment instead of charging purchases to your room
  • Avoid using the mini-fridge or room service
  • Make sure everyone in your party is aware of the potential charges and takes steps to avoid them

Note:

It’s important to note that the $100 incidental hold is not a fee that is unique to Disney resorts. Many hotels and resorts around the world place a similar hold on guests’ credit cards to cover potential additional charges.

In Conclusion

While the $100 incidental hold can be an unexpected surprise for some guests, it’s important to understand why Disney resorts charge this fee and how you can avoid it. By being aware of the potential charges and taking steps to avoid them, you can ensure a smooth check-out process and enjoy your stay at a Disney resort without any surprises on your bill.