The Walt Disney World Resort may be one of the most expensive vacations people can embark on, but there are ways to make it more affordable.Credit: DisneyThe first major Disney gift card deal of 2026 has officially arrived, and for Disney fans planning trips to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, or even budgeting for Disney Vacation Club dues, it’s one of the easiest ways to save money right out of the gate this year. Discounted Disney gift cards allow guests to stretch their vacation dollars further, since they can be used on nearly everything Disney-related, including park tickets, resort stays, dining, merchandise, and more.Right now, Sam’s Club is offering one of the strongest early-year Disney gift card deals, per Kenny the Pirate. Members can purchase a $200 Disney gift card for $185, effectively locking in a discount of roughly 7.5 percent. There is a limit of four cards per membership, allowing shoppers to spend $740 and walk away with $800 in Disney spending power. The promotion is scheduled to run through January 25, 2026, though, as with many gift card deals, availability could run out before the end date.Credit: DisneyFor guests planning Disney trips later in the year, these early discounts can be particularly helpful. Buying gift cards in advance allows travelers to gradually prepay for major expenses like hotel packages or tickets, reducing the overall financial sting when it comes time to book. It is important, however, to only purchase gift cards you are confident you will use, as Disney gift cards are typically non-refundable once bought.While discounted gift cards are a smart planning tool, shoppers should be careful to double-check exactly which cards they are purchasing. A cautionary tale made headlines in 2023 after an elderly couple accidentally bought thousands of dollars in Disney+ streaming service gift cards instead of Disney Parks gift cards. The grandparents believed they were helping fund a large family Disney vacation, only to discover later that the cards could only be used toward Disney+ subscriptions and not for theme park expenses, hotels, or food.Credit: DisneyThe situation quickly went viral online, with family members joking that the accidental purchase amounted to decades’ worth of Disney+ streaming. Thankfully, the story had a happy ending. Disney eventually stepped in and helped resolve the situation, allowing the family to move forward with their long-planned vacation. The incident serves as a reminder that Disney offers multiple types of branded gift cards, and while they may look similar at a glance, they are not interchangeable.For those taking advantage of the current deal, digital delivery options can make gift card management even easier, as balances can be combined and tracked in one place through Disney’s official gift card website. Buying early, staying organized, and making sure the correct card is selected can turn a simple purchase into meaningful savings for a future Disney trip.Credit: DisneyWith the first big Disney gift card discount of 2026 now live, this is an ideal opportunity for fans to get a head start on their travel budgets. Just be sure the card in your cart is meant for the parks and not the streaming service, unless you really are planning on watching Disney+ for the next several decades.How do you use your Disney gift cards? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!The post Select Disney World Guests Can Get Cheaper Merchandise With This Perk appeared first on Inside the Magic.