I love credit cards so much! v2.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[striker1064]

There are two bonuses - one is a $100 bonus for booking select hotels. The other is a $250 credit for spending at certain resorts.

Totally forgot about that $100. Thank you for pointing it out.

 

[striker1064]

We do down to the minute planning. My dh adjusts our walking speed to allow for bathroom breaks I'm not kidding! We are fast walkers but he puts us walking at a leisurely pace so that we have time to dash in and dash out of the bathroom.

We only do TS meals on non-park days so that isn't something we have to worry about. He allows 45 mins for QS meals which we never use unless it is our dinner meal and by dinner, we are usually off the touring plan.We do not use it in the evenings, and if we do, it's very loosely followed. We have had bus delays throw off our touring plan but we also always plan to be at the bus stop at least 1 hour before park opening so we've not had problems with that very often.

We really enjoy touring this way. It could just be our stage of life though. I cannot remember if you have kiddos, thinking no??...but for us, being a large family, there are a lot of people with a lot of different things each wants to get done. Since we only get to go once a year, we have to make every minute count. I have my boys who want to ride everything over and over and I have my girls who are really into instagram and finding all these walls and locations that everyone uses in their pics. I find it silly but they enjoy it and they aren't doing anything wrong so we try to fit in all that. My kids love the characters and they love them all so we have to meet everyone we can. My dh & I went once to wdw by ourselves and we didn't follow as much of a plan but we had a lot less that was important to us (like we didn't really care about Dumbo and Astro orbitor).

Yep, nope, no kids. But even when I was growing up with my two siblings, my dad was still very much a go-where-the-road-takes-us kind of person, so that's probably where I get it from. I'm bound by my work schedule in my normal life, so when we're on vacation I love not knowing what's we're going to do next until we get to it.

 

[DisneyMandC]

So just a couple thoughts... it's $250, not $100, and you can cash it out.

This probably toes the line for what may or may not be generally acceptable, but the credit will trigger on a room rate deposit as long as you book a rate that is charged directly by an eligible resort. As I recall, the Hilton Hhonors member rate is always like this.

And then I mean, Amex credits you the $250, and what do you know? You have to cancel. Good thing you booked a cancelable rate so you can get your deposit back!

There are two bonuses - one is a $100 bonus for booking select hotels. The other is a $250 credit for spending at certain resorts.

Wait so basically I book the $250 room, get the $250 credit from Amex, and then cancel and get the $250 back from the room as well?

 

[tink1970]

Has anyone else been inundated with "Bonvoy" emails today (so far, I've received 4 regarding 3 cards, Amex is slacking a bit while Chase REALLY wants me to know this--don't they know I have y'all?)?

I appreciate the visual of "this is your old card, this is your new card" except:

1) the updates are ugly
2) how much is this costing?
3) do they really need to send out a replacement for my R-C Rewards (new name: Ritz Carlton)--there is a slight and subtle shading difference AND dropping of one word, seriously Marriott, really?


And on a lighter note, y'all know I looove Scotland and visit as often as realistically possible. I appreciate Lucky posting this for an LOL!

https://onemileatatime.com/snl-air-traffic-control/

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

I'm trying to come up with a plan for DH and my self for our next couple cards. We're currently working on MSR on DH's Citi AA Biz. I'm planning to finish this off in March with a $1700 payment towards my student loan.

Me: Apply for BBP in February to see if I'm still getting Amex popup, or if I don't get the popup, to see if I actually get the bonus. I'm waiting around to see if there's an increased Hyatt bonus again in the next couple months and I'll get that if there is.

DH: Canceling his CIP when the AF comes due in February. Applying for CIU for him in March. Will also pick up a Hyatt card for him at some point.

Plans for future travel: Accumulate a few more URs for WDW in September, have a serious stash of hotel points for Japan in 2020. Particularly Marriotts in Tokyo and the Hilton Tokyo Bay for Tokyo Disney.

I want to pick up some SPG/Marriott cards for DH, and a Hilton card, but I can't decide what to get. DH has NEVER had any Marriott or SPG cards, so I'm in the clear to get anything for him. He is 2/24 (will be 1/24 in May), so I just need to leave room for him to get the CIU and Hyatt. I was looking at the SPG Luxe and the Hilton Aspire, but I'm just not sure I can make either of them make sense for us. The SPG Luxe I could eventually use up the $300 Marriott credit with some stays, but I really don't have much planned for us this year other than traveling for horse shows, and Marriott hotels are definitely not a given based on where we show. The status might be nice, but then again DH and I are hardly ever in our room when we travel, and we don't need an upgrade to a suite for two people. For the Hilton Aspire, I definitely don't ever see us using the $100 resort credit. We've only stayed at Hiltons for our DL trip and Universal trip. Tokyo Bay is the next planned Hilton stay (other than a two night stay at a Hampton Inn in April for a horse show).

Does anyone see a reason I should get DH anything other than SPG Biz/Hilton Biz? I'm not seeing it, but would love to hear some other opinions!

What about arrival + or venture. Maybe a more broad based travel rewards program would fit your needs?

He has gotten 8 Amex cards since Feb. one was the Amazon card in Dec (got the bonus) one he just applied for and I haven’t even started spend yet and one bonus has been denied.

The cards got no spend basically after the bonus until I saw the pop up reports. Since then I have used a lot of Amex offers and got about $3000 worth of Disney Giftcards for my wedding at a discount.



If it makes you feel better I have gotten 10 Amex cards since Feb 2018 and I have not been denied any bonus. My SO has 8 and his 6th card is when they started denying the bonus. Got the bonus on the 7th (Amazon giftcard) and the 8th is in progress.

I wonder if there is a cobranded vs non-cobranded theory on these bonuses not posting

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

Totally forgot about that $100. Thank you for pointing it out.

Would the cancel trick work on LUX too? Just figured they’d claw the money back after you cancel.

 

[AmyAnne]

Wait so basically I book the $250 room, get the $250 credit from Amex, and then cancel and get the $250 back from the room as well?

I'm not sure I would count on this working long-term even if it works now; DoC has some reports of AmEx charging people for Saks returns that had triggered the $50 credit on the Plat: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/numerous-american-express-bonus-adjustments-posting-now/

 

[DisneyMandC]

What about arrival + or venture. Maybe a more broad based travel rewards program would fit your needs?

Yeah, I think I'm in Barlays purgatory right now lol. I need to put some spend on our Aviator cards so Barclays doesn't hate me haha

 

[DisneyMandC]

I'm not sure I would count on this working long-term even if it works now; DoC has some reports of AmEx charging people for Saks returns that had triggered the $50 credit on the Plat: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/numerous-american-express-bonus-adjustments-posting-now/

I read that earlier. Yeah the whole process seems like it could work out great... or not at all.

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

Yeah, I think I'm in Barlays purgatory right now lol. I need to put some spend on our Aviator cards so Barclays doesn't hate me haha

Barclay is tough. I think you’re lucky if you can squeak 2 cards out of them. I’m spending on my JB biz to make way for an arrival +. Cap one can be finicky too but it’s a pretty decent SUB and card

 

[DisneyMandC]

Barclay is tough. I think you’re lucky if you can squeak 2 cards out of them. I’m spending on my JB biz to make way for an arrival +. Cap one can be finicky too but it’s a pretty decent SUB and card

I applied for JB Biz but they told me I hadn't spent enough on my Aviator. Which was completely true lol. They were nice enough not to do a hard pull though. I've never had anything with Cap One other than my mom making me an AU on a card a couple years ago.

I'd love to get some MRs if Amex would get off my back

 

[wendow]

@amalone1013 Did you ever get an answer for the arrival+ you applied for? IIRC, you applied but I've been in and out here the last several days.

 

[vanjust14]

I loved my premier card. I still mourn it. It was a pink card, the back of it had the backs of minnie and mickey sitting next to each other. When they discontinued the design, they sent me a new boring card with a different expiration date. That's when I downgraded back to the no AF card.

I remember that one!! It was almost like they were looking at a sunset. So sad to see these designs go

I had that one and loved it!! Everyone always commented on it. They sent me Mickey and Pals after it was discontinued. I now have TinkerBell and Elsa.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I'm going to head to reddit to see the news thread and catch up. We are still here at WDW. It has been awful. Worst trip ever. Sigh.

Started with my moms flight being delayed so we waited at the airport for 2 hours for her. I didn't want to leave for the resort without her, since she doesn't travel ever. Finally got to bed after 1am.
Sunday was pouring rain and cold so we opted to skip the parks and went to Ikea to get stuff for DDs apartment. Did the Snow White dinner that night. It was really good but DD3 was scared of grumpy...and I mean terrified. She wouldn't get off our laps the whole meal and kept looking over her shoulder. Best Disney pic ever of her impersonating evil queen though:


Then we woke up that night about 1am to DD3 vomiting. Over and over. No sleep. Around 7am it ended up in my hair, so we had to get up and shower. It was Monday morning now and DD19s move in day. How was that going to work since I was the driver on the car?? My mom ended up staying with hattie while she slept and I drove DD19 to the apartment to get checked in. I left her there and went back to get my mom and DD3. Well DD3 had a bit more energy after her nap so we went to Walmart for more stuff. More vomiting ensued. Then DD3 was acting like she was a normal kid. Had to return the rental at 4pm at dolphin so then took dd3 for another nap. We were still holding out hope of going to after hours at MK....12 hour bug??? She napped 4-6pm and woke up with a fever and miserable. Sigh. I went to the desk and they were kind enough to refund my tickets. Overnight last night was rough. She spiked such a high temp and Motrin wasn't even helping. I Finally at 3am I got her up and put her in the tub to cool her down. We both slept a few hours after that. Woke up this morning with no new fever. Went down to breakfast and she vomits again and feels like her temp is creeping up. Double sigh. So we've been in the room all ay. She is sleeping and DD19 is getting dressed to go to casting. We are supposed to go home tomorrow.
I am considering adding a night or two since SWA is allowing flight changes for free. Waiting to see if DD feels better this evening. If so, I will add them so we can have some park time tomorrow and Thursday at least. If not, we will go home as planned and come back in a few weeks. I guess the plus side is our APs aren't activated yet since we haven't been to a park, so they will last long on the back end than planned.

ETA: Oh and we have had plumbing issues, DD19's and my mom's ticket have disappeared from MDE even though they weren't used and concierge reassigned them to new dates for me, and the app has been awful this trip. Maybe I should just go home and try again another time.

 

[wanderlust7]

Has anyone else been inundated with "Bonvoy" emails today (so far, I've received 4 regarding 3 cards, Amex is slacking a bit while Chase REALLY wants me to know this--don't they know I have y'all?)?

I appreciate the visual of "this is your old card, this is your new card" except:

1) the updates are ugly
2) how much is this costing?
3) do they really need to send out a replacement for my R-C Rewards (new name: Ritz Carlton)--there is a slight and subtle shading difference AND dropping of one word, seriously Marriott, really?


And on a lighter note, y'all know I looove Scotland and visit as often as realistically possible. I appreciate Lucky posting this for an LOL!

https://onemileatatime.com/snl-air-traffic-control/

LOL! I saw that episode, turned to DH and asked are we really not going to understand anybody when we go??

 

[DisneyMandC]

I'm going to head to reddit to see the news thread and catch up. We are still here at WDW. It has been awful. Worst trip ever. Sigh.

Started with my moms flight being delayed so we waited at the airport for 2 hours for her. I didn't want to leave for the resort without her, since she doesn't travel ever. Finally got to bed after 1am.
Sunday was pouring rain and cold so we opted to skip the parks and went to Ikea to get stuff for DDs apartment. Did the Snow White dinner that night. It was really good but DD3 was scared of grumpy...and I mean terrified. She wouldn't get off our laps the whole meal and kept looking over her shoulder. Best Disney pic ever of her impersonating evil queen though:
View attachment 379032

Then we woke up that night about 1am to DD3 vomiting. Over and over. No sleep. Around 7am it ended up in my hair, so we had to get up and shower. It was Monday morning now and DD19s move in day. How was that going to work since I was the driver on the car?? My mom ended up staying with hattie while she slept and I drove DD19 to the apartment to get checked in. I left her there and went back to get my mom and DD3. Well DD3 had a bit more energy after her nap so we went to Walmart for more stuff. More vomiting ensued. Then DD3 was acting like she was a normal kid. Had to return the rental at 4pm at dolphin so then took dd3 for another nap. We were still holding out hope of going to after hours at MK....12 hour bug??? She napped 4-6pm and woke up with a fever and miserable. Sigh. I went to the desk and they were kind enough to refund my tickets. Overnight last night was rough. She spiked such a high temp and Motrin wasn't even helping. I Finally at 3am I got her up and put her in the tub to cool her down. We both slept a few hours after that. Woke up this morning with no new fever. Went down to breakfast and she vomits again and feels like her temp is creeping up. Double sigh. So we've been in the room all ay. She is sleeping and DD19 is getting dressed to go to casting. We are supposed to go home tomorrow.
I am considering adding a night or two since SWA is allowing flight changes for free. Waiting to see if DD feels better this evening. If so, I will add them so we can have some park time tomorrow and Thursday at least. If not, we will go home as planned and come back in a few weeks. I guess the plus side is our APs aren't activated yet since we haven't been to a park, so they will last long on the back end than planned.

Oh no, what a bummer!! I hope she's feeling better tonight. At least you were able to get the DAH tickets refunded and can change your flights if necessary. That's definitely no fun though.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

"Wait so basically I book the $250 room, get the $250 credit from Amex, and then cancel and get the $250 back from the room as well?"

Ack. I wish I had done this last year (I got the card in December). I did get the AA credit by buying $250.00 in AA gcs (which credited). I will get another $250.00 in AA gcs this year, which I will put towards a college tour flight somewhere (not sure where else we are going to tour).

 

[tink1970]

I'm going to head to reddit to see the news thread and catch up. We are still here at WDW. It has been awful. Worst trip ever. Sigh.

Started with my moms flight being delayed so we waited at the airport for 2 hours for her. I didn't want to leave for the resort without her, since she doesn't travel ever. Finally got to bed after 1am.
Sunday was pouring rain and cold so we opted to skip the parks and went to Ikea to get stuff for DDs apartment. Did the Snow White dinner that night. It was really good but DD3 was scared of grumpy...and I mean terrified. She wouldn't get off our laps the whole meal and kept looking over her shoulder. Best Disney pic ever of her impersonating evil queen though:
View attachment 379032

Then we woke up that night about 1am to DD3 vomiting. Over and over. No sleep. Around 7am it ended up in my hair, so we had to get up and shower. It was Monday morning now and DD19s move in day. How was that going to work since I was the driver on the car?? My mom ended up staying with hattie while she slept and I drove DD19 to the apartment to get checked in. I left her there and went back to get my mom and DD3. Well DD3 had a bit more energy after her nap so we went to Walmart for more stuff. More vomiting ensued. Then DD3 was acting like she was a normal kid. Had to return the rental at 4pm at dolphin so then took dd3 for another nap. We were still holding out hope of going to after hours at MK....12 hour bug??? She napped 4-6pm and woke up with a fever and miserable. Sigh. I went to the desk and they were kind enough to refund my tickets. Overnight last night was rough. She spiked such a high temp and Motrin wasn't even helping. I Finally at 3am I got her up and put her in the tub to cool her down. We both slept a few hours after that. Woke up this morning with no new fever. Went down to breakfast and she vomits again and feels like her temp is creeping up. Double sigh. So we've been in the room all ay. She is sleeping and DD19 is getting dressed to go to casting. We are supposed to go home tomorrow.
I am considering adding a night or two since SWA is allowing flight changes for free. Waiting to see if DD feels better this evening. If so, I will add them so we can have some park time tomorrow and Thursday at least. If not, we will go home as planned and come back in a few weeks. I guess the plus side is our APs aren't activated yet since we haven't been to a park, so they will last long on the back end than planned.

So very sorry! Prayers that your little one gets better soon and no one else gets this nasty little bug.

 

[elgerber]

I'm going to head to reddit to see the news thread and catch up. We are still here at WDW. It has been awful. Worst trip ever. Sigh.
.

I am so sorry!!!! I hope you can salvage it and add the extra days.
That picture however, is amazing!!

 

[disneymagicgirl]

So very sorry! Prayers that your little one gets better soon and no one else gets this nasty little bug.

Thx. my DH just texted me and said a whole school district near us is closed due to illness levels. Guess she brought it from home. Makes sense since she got sick pretty quickly after getting here.