To be honest, I was a little shocked when my friend Jim first clued me into the practice back in 2000. Further, it is entirely possible that they have recently or are currently reevaluating the redemption rules for these reasons. However, the cash back policy makes sense considering that Disney treats Disney Dollars as "real money."
"Our policy has always been that they're worth a dollar to us -- in merchandise or cash." - Bob Jimenez, Walt Disney Co.
Further, the Disney Dollar economy is so insular and the Disney Dollars themselves so unique that Disney usually ends up coming out ahead by making their scrip so convenient: people are lazy and less likely to exchange Disney Dollars for cash after the fact, which means either guaranteed expenditure of the scrip on Disney merch OR, even better, no expenditure at all (people collect them as souvenirs), which makes the original purchase of the Disney Dollars pure profit for the company.
Because of all that, Disney's historic stance has been that they don't care how your DDollars were purchased. Later, they amended that stance by *sometimes* requesting some sort of verification that they were 1) legitimately obtained by Disney guests at Disneyland, Walt Disney World, or The Disney Store and 2) not counterfeited or purchased after the fact for less than face value to be bundled and redeemed for a profit. Showing a receipt fulfills this requirement, though not every cast member or location seems to observe this - as of two years ago, I could redeem my Disney Dollars at Walt Disney World for cash WITHOUT a receipt. Since Disney regards this scrip as cash equivalent, and because it would be a logistical nightmare to require otherwise, any purchase you make with Disney Dollars at theme park shops and restaurants gets you change back in regular U.S. currency. Exchange without purchase is in most cases an indistinguishable proposition.
At any rate, Disney makes the same amount of money on the final group of transactions no matter what your initial method of payment, so it really doesn't matter how you bought them - merely the fact that SOMEONE did.
Depending on who's redeeming your Disney Dollars, you may be asked to present your card to verify that you were the legitimate buyer (my best friend was, last year at Disneyland), although I've never been asked for more than a receipt; Ostensibly, to have used a credit card for the initial purchase in the first place, you'd have to've shown identification as well, which for the most part nullifies the stolen card angle. While this has not been my personal experience, you might be able to request an account credit if that's you're preference.
A reliable and well-respected summary of the policy by an industry expert is available here:
http://www.mousesavers.com/otherdl.html#cash
"Disney Dollars are accepted just like US currency at all restaurants, shops and outdoor vending carts throughout the parks. So simply visit any in-park location that sells Disney Dollars, and buy the amount you need with a check card or credit card. The transaction is considered a purchase of gift certificates, so the credit card and check card companies do not charge a cash advance fee. Spend the Disney Dollars in the parks, and if you have any left over when you are ready to leave, trade them back in for US currency. However, be sure to save the receipt, as that is usually required if you want to turn in Disney Dollars for real cash."
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Might as well change my surname to Morgan-Chase.
Closed on my crazy midcentury home in July, 2012! Thanks, FHA!
