I love credit cards so much! v4.0 - 2021 (see first page for add'l details)

[CaliforniaGirl09]

If you are staying at Grand Wailea right now, check out Tripadvisor reviews. It’s really getting terrible reviews due to their limited pool hours, seat reservation system and understaffing. My opinion holds, as they were always able to accommodate us, but if you are paying cash $1000/nt for LUXURY, I understand people’s frustration.

Anyone that has been to Maui (@Lain)...a few questions.
The GW has been getting hammered on TA due to the long lines for pool chairs and limited pool hours. Since my trip is scheduled for October 28 - November 4th, any guesses if this will still be an issue? My idea of a relaxing vacation does not involve lining up for a chair by the pool. I have been pondering switching resorts after 4 days, but I'd have to pay cash if I go this route. Any thoughts?

I go to Maui 3-5 times a year (my mom owns a place in the townhomes connected to the Grand) and we are Kulana members at the Grand Wailea (paid membership). Since the pandemic hit, we've visited over Thanksgiving and the week before Easter. IMO the service and amenities are severely restricted and they are doing the typical thing of blaming it on COVID when it is really about cost cutting. The GW was purchased by Blackstone group a couple years ago. Many of the owners and people we know who work there feared that there would be a lot of cost cutting so Blackstone could flip it. It certainly seems as if that is what is happening. Many of the services that we pay a premium for have been cut, including the free shuttles which are very important to us up at the Ho'olei. When I tweeted about it, they claimed COVID, even though the Four Seasons is running theirs. I'm very glad to see they are getting hit about it on TripAdvisor--they deserve it. As others have mentioned the seat reservation system is a joke. You log on at 4 and then crash out or can't get on. I finally just learned to stay on it even after the error messages and eventually it may go through. The main restaurant is still closed as is Huma Huma. Basically, there is Kula cafe (quick serve type place that has pizza at night) and the restaurant connected to the pool. We know some of the workers around the pool, and they are severely understaffed. I love the Grand, but if I were paying I'd go to the Four Seasons.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

I go to Maui 3-5 times a year (my mom owns a place in the townhomes connected to the Grand) and we are Kulana members at the Grand Wailea (paid membership). Since the pandemic hit, we've visited over Thanksgiving and the week before Easter. IMO the service and amenities are severely restricted and they are doing the typical thing of blaming it on COVID when it is really about cost cutting. The GW was purchased by Blackstone group a couple years ago. Many of the owners and people we know who work there feared that there would be a lot of cost cutting so Blackstone could flip it. It certainly seems as if that is what is happening. Many of the services that we pay a premium for have been cut, including the free shuttles which are very important to us up at the Ho'olei. When I tweeted about it, they claimed COVID, even though the Four Seasons is running theirs. I'm very glad to see they are getting hit about it on TripAdvisor--they deserve it. As others have mentioned the seat reservation system is a joke. You log on at 4 and then crash out or can't get on. I finally just learned to stay on it even after the error messages and eventually it may go through. The main restaurant is still closed as is Huma Huma. Basically, there is Kula cafe (quick serve type place that has pizza at night) and the restaurant connected to the pool. We know some of the workers around the pool, and they are severely understaffed. I love the Grand, but if I were paying I'd go to the Four Seasons.

Thank you. I am using 3 FNCs and the rest on points, but I just grabbed the nights here because they were open and I wanted to max out the value. So, I'm not locked to this resort. The other option that I am toying with is NYC for 3 nights in the fall. It's only an hour flight and 3 nights is the perfect amount of time for me there. Plus I don't have to worry about a rental car and getting around because I've been there many times. But I've always wanted to go to Maui and I was able to get first class on AA going (and you all know by now that I still haven't flown first class despite who knows how many bookings I have managed to make), so there's that.

What are your thoughts on the Hotel Wailea? I checked out the FS and their base price is over $300.00 / night more than all of the other Wailea resorts.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Thank you. I am using 3 FNCs and the rest on points, but I just grabbed the nights here because they were open and I wanted to max out the value. So, I'm not locked to this resort. The other option that I am toying with is NYC for 3 nights in the fall. It's only an hour flight and 3 nights is the perfect amount of time for me there. Plus I don't have to worry about a rental car and getting around because I've been there many times. But I've always wanted to go to Maui and I was able to get first class on AA going (and you all know by now that I still haven't flown first class despite who knows how many bookings I have managed to make), so there's that.

What are your thoughts on the Hotel Wailea? I checked out the FS and their base price is over $300.00 / night more than all of the other Wailea resorts.

Hawaii versus NYC is a hard choice--they are both so different. I don't have any personal experience at the HW, but I've read some good things about it. I'd love to hear some feedback on it, too. Looks awesome, and with both my kids over 18, I love the adult only I was joking with someone the other day that when you have kids under 18 you want everything to be "family friendly," but as soon as the youngest hits 18 you want them far away LOL

 

[magickingdomprincess]

I go to Maui 3-5 times a year (my mom owns a place in the townhomes connected to the Grand) and we are Kulana members at the Grand Wailea (paid membership). Since the pandemic hit, we've visited over Thanksgiving and the week before Easter. IMO the service and amenities are severely restricted and they are doing the typical thing of blaming it on COVID when it is really about cost cutting. The GW was purchased by Blackstone group a couple years ago. Many of the owners and people we know who work there feared that there would be a lot of cost cutting so Blackstone could flip it. It certainly seems as if that is what is happening. Many of the services that we pay a premium for have been cut, including the free shuttles which are very important to us up at the Ho'olei. When I tweeted about it, they claimed COVID, even though the Four Seasons is running theirs. I'm very glad to see they are getting hit about it on TripAdvisor--they deserve it. As others have mentioned the seat reservation system is a joke. You log on at 4 and then crash out or can't get on. I finally just learned to stay on it even after the error messages and eventually it may go through. The main restaurant is still closed as is Huma Huma. Basically, there is Kula cafe (quick serve type place that has pizza at night) and the restaurant connected to the pool. We know some of the workers around the pool, and they are severely understaffed. I love the Grand, but if I were paying I'd go to the Four Seasons.

We have 4 nights at GW booked for the end of July that I'm trying to decide whether to keep or just give up on this year and try again in 2022. I'm curious about the pool chair reservations - do you have to have a pool chair reserved to get into the pool area? Since we have kids, we're usually in the pool with/by them, not sitting in a pool chair (we usually just get one to put our stuff on but don't really sit on it). So, maybe the reservation system might not be a dealbreaker for us?

Also, as far as masks on the beach - are they required? Again we're usually in the water or playing in the sand, not sitting in chairs. Would we have to wear masks for that? I read the police are giving tickets for not wearing masks, but when I google it says as long as you're distanced it's ok, is that right?

I don't know, between all of the testing requirements and kids/DH not being into this trip (they're very against the long flight) I'm wondering if I should just cancel. I've just worked so hard to plan this and have it all set I hate to give it up! But I'd also hate to go all that way and wish we would have waited a year for things to be more normal, and maybe the kids be more excited for it too.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Anyone that has been to Maui (@Lain)...a few questions.

Can I get by without a rental car? If I do Haleakala I'd probably join a small tour or hire a private driver, same for the Road to Hana. I do want to go to Mama's Fish House -- can I take an Uber there and back (from the GW)? I'd rather not try to navigate and drive on my own in a place that I've never visited before. The rest of the time I'd likely just spend at the resort or the Shops at Wailea. I do have to get to and from the airport, but figured I'd just get a taxi.

The GW has been getting hammered on TA due to the long lines for pool chairs and limited pool hours. Since my trip is scheduled for October 28 - November 4th, any guesses if this will still be an issue? My idea of a relaxing vacation does not involve lining up for a chair by the pool. I have been pondering switching resorts after 4 days, but I'd have to pay cash if I go this route. Any thoughts?

Certainly, I’m not an expert, but we found the roads you are referring to (to/from airport, to/from Mama’s Fish House) very easy to navigate. Mulit-lane, super smooth paved roads. But rental rates are sky high right now and parking at GW is $45/nt, so economically, could make more sense to taxi or ride share.
But, if you prefer not to drive, we did not use Uber/Lyft but would imagine there is similar scarcity as in Honolulu. Our Lyft driver recommended just scheduling in advance, which we did. We never ran into a situation where we couldn’t get a ride, but sometimes had to switch to Uber instead, as the Lyft app would say “no available drivers.”

I think GW is going to have to address their issues, and will do so well before your trip. Their reviews are awful right now- so many angry people. I think they are trying to balance staffing levels with varying levels of occupancy, PLUS their terrible IT situation. If you are going to pay cash elsewhere, is there any harm to keeping your GW points reservation and holding a cash reservation elsewhere? You could keep an eye on reviews and see how it goes. And again, in my experience a few weeks ago, they were always able to accommodate us with chairs. Every time.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

We have 4 nights at GW booked for the end of July that I'm trying to decide whether to keep or just give up on this year and try again in 2022. I'm curious about the pool chair reservations - do you have to have a pool chair reserved to get into the pool area? Since we have kids, we're usually in the pool with/by them, not sitting in a pool chair (we usually just get one to put our stuff on but don't really sit on it). So, maybe the reservation system might not be a dealbreaker for us?

Also, as far as masks on the beach - are they required? Again we're usually in the water or playing in the sand, not sitting in chairs. Would we have to wear masks for that? I read the police are giving tickets for not wearing masks, but when I google it says as long as you're distanced it's ok, is that right?

I don't know, between all of the testing requirements and kids/DH not being into this trip (they're very against the long flight) I'm wondering if I should just cancel. I've just worked so hard to plan this and have it all set I hate to give it up! But I'd also hate to go all that way and wish we would have waited a year for things to be more normal, and maybe the kids be more excited for it too.

Such a hard decision especially after all that work. You absolutely don't need a chair reserved to get into the pool area, but you do have to wait in line for a bracelet every morning. I sat by the adult pool the times we were down there so I don't know how people were handling their stuff when they don't have a chair reserved (i.e. whether you are permitted to leave it by the pool?). Maybe they have lockers?

Mask wearing was definitely lax the last time I was there--it was much more prevalent in November. Most people were not wearing masks when they were walking around the pool area even though they are supposedly required (they aren't required when seated according to staff). From what I was told it is a state of Hawaii rule that you must have a mask on out in public, but that was certainly not being enforced. I'll have to defer to others on the beach, as we don't get down there often to sit, but with what I saw I'd find it hard to believe wearing masks when playing in the sand or water would be required.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Our house listing went live today. About 15 showings booked up today and 10 tomorrow. I think it’s rude for people to book half hour showings on the quarter hour when everyone else in on the half hour. So there’s a 1-1:30 showing and then someone books 1:45-2:15! Actually, 3 of the 15 minute in between appts were also booked. People are desperate for houses to buy! Good for us.

Lots of things are scheduled with 15 minute between times to make sure the previous party has exited and there is now overlap. Even soccer practices are 4:30-5:30, then 5:45-6:45 to give time in between to clear fields when they used to be scheduled back to back 430-530, 530-630.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

We have 4 nights at GW booked for the end of July that I'm trying to decide whether to keep or just give up on this year and try again in 2022. I'm curious about the pool chair reservations - do you have to have a pool chair reserved to get into the pool area? Since we have kids, we're usually in the pool with/by them, not sitting in a pool chair (we usually just get one to put our stuff on but don't really sit on it). So, maybe the reservation system might not be a dealbreaker for us?

Also, as far as masks on the beach - are they required? Again we're usually in the water or playing in the sand, not sitting in chairs. Would we have to wear masks for that? I read the police are giving tickets for not wearing masks, but when I google it says as long as you're distanced it's ok, is that right?

I don't know, between all of the testing requirements and kids/DH not being into this trip (they're very against the long flight) I'm wondering if I should just cancel. I've just worked so hard to plan this and have it all set I hate to give it up! But I'd also hate to go all that way and wish we would have waited a year for things to be more normal, and maybe the kids be more excited for it too.

I completely understand where you are coming from. I am thinking along the same lines. I would be just as happy eating and shopping my way through NYC for a few days. But I've always wanted to go to Maui, however maybe this year isn't ideal -- I'd rather take dd; I just don't know when that will be possible with her university, summer jobs and boyfriend.

Hawaii versus NYC is a hard choice--they are both so different. I don't have any personal experience at the HW, but I've read some good things about it. I'd love to hear some feedback on it, too. Looks awesome, and with both my kids over 18, I love the adult only I was joking with someone the other day that when you have kids under 18 you want everything to be "family friendly," but as soon as the youngest hits 18 you want them far away LOL

For sure. But do I want to be solo surrounded by honeymooners . I'd much rather by with either one or both of my kids (both over 18).

 

[mfly]

Thanks for checking. Kind of figured that would probably be the case. We could come back a day early and the flights would be the same - but not sure I want to do that...

Would it be worth it to stay at another offsite (or another Disney) hotel - for the night of the 8th? I know it’s inconvenient to move, but if the flight saves you money AND you turn your arrival day into a full day...

Also (seeing Sun Country made me think about this) I feel like there are a lot of CC fiends from MN on this thread! I used to live in MN, but I still consider myself Minnesotan!

 

[LynnTH]

Would it be worth it to stay at another offsite (or another Disney) hotel - for the night of the 8th? I know it’s inconvenient to move, but if the flight saves you money AND you turn your arrival day into a full day...

Also (seeing Sun Country made me think about this) I feel like there are a lot of CC fiends from MN on this thread! I used to live in MN, but I still consider myself Minnesotan!

Was just looking at the options.... I paid 81,000 Delta Miles for the RT Flights then changed one of the flights to a different time and that added 18,000 miles. When I went to do a Mock Cancellation it said I would only be getting the 81,000 miles back. Anyone know anything about this? Hold time is over 3 hours. Been waiting to Chat with someone for hours now too.

Looked at Sun Country - can do Saturday to Saturday instead of Sunday to Sunday (originally DS was having his college grad on Saturday but it is now virtual...so can leave on Saturday). Total flight cost is $182 RT for the 3 of us. Then have to add in bag fees (estimated 2 checked bags- I can never travel light) and then had to pay for seats. So all total it is $392. Then I would just use points and get us a room somewhere for Saturday night but would end up losing 1 night at BWV as we would leave a day earlier. Do you guys think it is better to have the 81,000 Delta Miles and just pay for the tickets from Sun Country....

 

[Judique]

Was just looking at the options.... I paid 81,000 Delta Miles for the RT Flights then changed one of the flights to a different time and that added 18,000 miles. When I went to do a Mock Cancellation it said I would only be getting the 81,000 miles back. Anyone know anything about this? Hold time is over 3 hours. Been waiting to Chat with someone for hours now too.

Looked at Sun Country - can do Saturday to Saturday instead of Sunday to Sunday (originally DS was having his college grad on Saturday but it is now virtual...so can leave on Saturday). Total flight cost is $182 RT for the 3 of us. Then have to add in bag fees (estimated 2 checked bags- I can never travel light) and then had to pay for seats. So all total it is $392. Then I would just use points and get us a room somewhere for Saturday night but would end up losing 1 night at BWV as we would leave a day earlier. Do you guys think it is better to have the 81,000 Delta Miles and just pay for the tickets from Sun Country....

I can't comment on the airline costs, but I just found 1 bedrooms at Boulder Ridge 37 points, Saratoga - 32 points, and Old Key West - 29 points. The OKW one bedroom is very spacious with a large porch. For May 8. This of course is in the moment. How easy is it to get your owner to respond if someone who checks regularly happened to see a room open at BWV? It's quite possible a room will open before your visit.

A lot of people are canceling still and there is a lot of points movement going on. I'm walking a Thanksgiving reservation right now and I see stuff change every day. For example the last 7 days of April are available as we speak, BWV GV 1 bed, meaning someone probably dropped the whole week.

 

[LynnTH]

I can't comment on the airline costs, but I just found 1 bedrooms at Boulder Ridge 37 points, Saratoga - 32 points, and Old Key West - 29 points. The OKW one bedroom is very spacious with a large porch. For May 8. This of course is in the moment. How easy is it to get your owner to respond if someone who checks regularly happened to see a room open at BWV? It's quite possible a room will open before your visit.

A lot of people are canceling still and there is a lot of points movement going on. I'm walking a Thanksgiving reservation right now and I see stuff change every day. For example the last 7 days of April are available as we speak, BWV GV 1 bed, meaning someone probably dropped the whole week.

Yeah - I don't think the owner would be looking much. He is a friend of DH's and only charges us $8 a point to rent. Can't beat that.... We could just come in a day early (get some points back from Delta) and use UR points or Marriott Points and stay at Swan/Dolphin also. That way we would already be in the area but would not be able to use Magical Express either. Hmmmm. So many decisions. I should just leave things the way they are - but I always have to keep looking for the better deals!!!

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

For sure. But do I want to be solo surrounded by honeymooners . I'd much rather by with either one or both of my kids (both over 18).

Bad typing on my part! i actually meant OTHER people's under 18 kids not my over 18s. I love hanging with them, too The subject came up when we were all sitting around the adult pool at the GW and tons of little kids were hanging out (before they were politely asked to move on by the pool guy, LOL).

 

[snugglebug]

Bought VGCs at ODM yesterday, which came with it's own set of issues (had to buy 3 $100, but whatever). Went over to Costco, had a little road rage incident in front of the auto area where a kind employee intervened and the jerk did not end up hitting my car or injuring those walking by. He did not even pause at the end of his lane, pulled right out in front of us nearly hitting us and the people walking, dh slammed the horn and the kid stopped, then when we attempted to go around him he'd swerve all over. Insane and a little scary. So I thought I'd go ahead and use the VGCs at checkout. Swipe card, terminal crashed. It took a good 15 minutes to get the terminal reset and the manager told me go ahead and try again, the register crashed. He had to move us and re-ring everything. I used a CC that time.

I have a doctor bill to pay. I logged in, briefly considered those VGCs, but decided to use CIC I still have a small MSR left on. System crashed.

I'm not sure what the universe is trying to tell me right now, but I definitely feel it has something to do with credit cards and spending so I'm not even going to start looking for the next MSR card for at least another week.

 

[wanderlust7]

For anyone who wants to cashout MRs but don't want a Schwab - there's a targeted Cover Your Charges up to 1 cent per point. I got the 40% discount, which works out to 1 cpp, though I see from the DoC comments some people get less. A bit silly to target me since I have the Schwab. Anyhoo - I can see it under each charge on MR cards in the app. On the website, I can see it under Rewards -> Cover Your Charges.

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/targ...st-charges-with-40-discount-1-cent-per-point/

 

[Judique]

Yeah - I don't think the owner would be looking much. He is a friend of DH's and only charges us $8 a point to rent. Can't beat that.... We could just come in a day early (get some points back from Delta) and use UR points or Marriott Points and stay at Swan/Dolphin also. That way we would already be in the area but would not be able to use Magical Express either. Hmmmm. So many decisions. I should just leave things the way they are - but I always have to keep looking for the better deals!!!

Absolutely can't beat that. What a great friend! The one thing is that you have an easy to modify reservation since you would just drop your last night and then create a new reservation for your first night. The owner could create a waitlist for BWV or just book something with the last nights points. Nothing requires a call - it's like 3 minutes on the website.

Whatever happens, enjoy your visit!

5:03pm....probably won't last but May 8 is now available in a BWV 1 bd garden view.

 

[Judique]

Bought VGCs at ODM yesterday, which came with it's own set of issues (had to buy 3 $100, but whatever). Went over to Costco, had a little road rage incident in front of the auto area where a kind employee intervened and the jerk did not end up hitting my car or injuring those walking by. He did not even pause at the end of his lane, pulled right out in front of us nearly hitting us and the people walking, dh slammed the horn and the kid stopped, then when we attempted to go around him he'd swerve all over. Insane and a little scary. So I thought I'd go ahead and use the VGCs at checkout. Swipe card, terminal crashed. It took a good 15 minutes to get the terminal reset and the manager told me go ahead and try again, the register crashed. He had to move us and re-ring everything. I used a CC that time.

I have a doctor bill to pay. I logged in, briefly considered those VGCs, but decided to use CIC I still have a small MSR left on. System crashed.

I'm not sure what the universe is trying to tell me right now, but I definitely feel it has something to do with credit cards and spending so I'm not even going to start looking for the next MSR card for at least another week.

I wasn't sure whether to like, haha, or frown so I settled for the mouth wide open look.

 

[GlamMistress]

Took a vacation day to get some random "stuff" done today.

I bought my WDW tix this morning. The other day when I checked, park avail was wide open... and this morning that was not the case. So instead of 5 day tickets I ended up getting 3 days (hopper of course). I was able to get a reservation at Magic Kingdom even though the reservation checker said the park wasn't available the day I wanted. The plan is to hop Epcot at night and do the other three parks on their respective reservation day.

I also booked the Waldorf Astoria with a Hilton FNC - and I sat on hold 30 minutes waiting for the email confirmation to come through. It was absurd but it is done.

June trip is basically sorted at this point. The best news? DH and I got our second covid shots on Thursday! And...I got my first haircut today in 16 months. Over 7 inches, gone! My hair is still collarbone length. #pandemicprogress

 

[Judique]

Took a vacation day to get some random "stuff" done today.

I bought my WDW tix this morning. The other day when I checked, park avail was wide open... and this morning that was not the case. So instead of 5 day tickets I ended up getting 3 days (hopper of course). I was able to get a reservation at Magic Kingdom even though the reservation checker said the park wasn't available the day I wanted. The plan is to hop Epcot at night and do the other three parks on their respective reservation day.

I also booked the Waldorf Astoria with a Hilton FNC - and I sat on hold 30 minutes waiting for the email confirmation to come through. It was absurd but it is done.

June trip is basically sorted at this point. The best news? DH and I got our second covid shots on Thursday! And...I got my first haircut today in 16 months. Over 7 inches, gone! My hair is still collarbone length. #pandemicprogress

OMG, I envy you the haircut! About 2 weeks ago I went wild and cut my hair. It was probably 13-14 months. I think I took 4-5 inches off. I'm okay with taking off length but scared of trying to layer or otherwise thin it out...

Can't look too bad as older daughter then asked me to trim the grand daughters. Easy peasy when I can see what I'm doing.

I'm vaccinated and can go, just haven't, as in general I hate have no patience for the salon experience but usually enjoy the results.

 

[LynnTH]

Absolutely can't beat that. What a great friend! The one thing is that you have an easy to modify reservation since you would just drop your last night and then create a new reservation for your first night. The owner could create a waitlist for BWV or just book something with the last nights points. Nothing requires a call - it's like 3 minutes on the website.

Whatever happens, enjoy your visit!

5:03pm....probably won't last but May 8 is now available in a BWV 1 bd garden view.

I might go this route. If nothing comes up - can always stay somewhere else on points for the night. Or just keep what we have and add an extra day with the Saturday Flight.... (not opposed to that either )