I love credit cards so much!

[calypso726]

Have you had any issue getting in the park? I had a terrible trip in 2014 when they rolled out the bands. I was so pi$$ed (I hate to use that word, it is so ugly but describes the experience) that I came home and sold my BCV and SSR. Was truly on the verge of breaking up until I found a great fully loaded (2 yrs) BWV resale deal that I could not resist no matter how mad I was at Disney. I am nervous that our trip in 2 weeks is going to be a repeat.

No issues with getting in the parks or with FPs. Our issues are always with the room on check in day. Other than getting into the room when we arrive everything is fine.

 

[Judique]

Sounds like a great trip....Are you looking at Marriott hotels or Vacation resorts...if their Vacation club resorts...friends own and have stayed at pretty much all the Orlando ones....I can ask which their favorites were...

Hotels. I'll probably do a few DVC nights in the Orlando area.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Hotels. I'll probably do a few DVC nights in the Orlando area.

Sorry...then I’m of no help since they have only stayed in the MVC resorts

 

[DisneyMandC]

Another person here with no issues with MBs in 2015 or 2017. We loooove Magic Bands. We’ve never gone to the front desk to check in to our rooms and have always headed straight to the parks after dropping bags in our rooms.

Now I will say that I’m planning to order the fancier MBs for each person for next years trip and am a little worried about that and how you link them and everything. Has anyone ever done that?

 

[striker1064]

Now I will say that I’m planning to order the fancier MBs for each person for next years trip and am a little worried about that and how you link them and everything. Has anyone ever done that?

Really simple, you just enter the number from the back of the MB onto MDE and assign it to a person, and everything will be linked up. We have... well, let's just say too many.

 

[amalone1013]

But I can only imagine, despite his positive feedback, that if I were to send it book mail he'd get mad about how long it takes/the state it arrives in and want his money back so I really don't want to deal with him.

Obviously you're supposed to send it priority still, just e at the cost I'd keep ignoring him at this point

If you plan to shop on eBags, check your Amex Offers. There’s a pretty widely available $20 back on $100 spend offer right now through 1/15/19. And don’t forget to stack with cash back or mileage portals. Ebags often has up to 20x/% back.

Just wait for me to put in an order this weekend, then it will probably go up to 20%

Another person here with no issues with MBs in 2015 or 2017. We loooove Magic Bands. We’ve never gone to the front desk to check in to our rooms and have always headed straight to the parks after dropping bags in our rooms.

Now I will say that I’m planning to order the fancier MBs for each person for next years trip and am a little worried about that and how you link them and everything. Has anyone ever done that?

We ordered everyone mbs for the wedding trip since we were at the Dolphin and had no trouble linking

 

[Tikitoi]

I’m so excited! I was just approved for the Barclays Jet Blue Business Mastercard.

Got this card as well a few weeks ago. 3/4 ways through the MSR so trying to decide which one next.

Another business such as AMEX HH or finally pull the trigger on a Sapphire as I need a place to transfer the points I've received from my CIC & CIU.

 

[GlamMistress]

I have a long day ahead of me. Our flight home isn't until 9 pm tonight. I had originally planned a park day at HS but it's just too hot - I don't want to be a mess at the airport - despite the fact that I can shower at MCO. I don't want to be sticky and sweaty in the car ride/security line, etc. So we will hang out at Disney Springs and go bowling and the movies. I've never done that here, so there's that.

I really need more discounted Disney giftcards - and fast because finally payment on my Dis cruise is due November 1.

We ate at STK last night and it was really good, but really loud. DH had a steak... I'm a vegetarian but they had a nice squash risotto. Great sides too. We left and he said "Man that was good" and I said "I hope so, it cost the same as a week's worth of groceries!"

The man is a bottomless pit and ate a Mickey bar after that!

Like many who posted earlier in the week, I think I'm Disney'd out on the parks for a minute or two. I think we'll do shorter park trips going forward. Might stay offsite, too.

Oh and Sanaa was great - bread service!!!

 

[tink1970]

I don't think they will post until we pay the bill.

If you have an MR account, they will post after next month statement closes. If you've never had an account, I think (but it's been a while) it's after two statements close, but I could be wrong. Basically, Amex doesn't want to give you points until they are somewhat sure you've paid AND haven't returned things...their RATs are rats through and through. That said, I've had points taken away months after the fact for returned fees on cancelled award tickets. Fortunately, -30 won't destroy my balance once or twice a year.

With a little digging you can find your pending points and it will say something like Business Platinum Card 1---2 (last 5 numbers of card) Sept 2019 151 points. In my case, I know my Biz Plat closed yesterday so today or tomorrow my 151 MRs will post from Sept. Next month, after closing my Oct points will post.

Hope this makes sense!

I still hate the whole idea, though.

Me too...between changing Dumbo, magic bands and FP+ it's just not fun for me to plan or attend WDW anymore. DL or my next year's trip to DLP still excite me!

 

[MrPTato]

Oh and Sanaa was great - bread service!!!

The best!!

 

[Judique]

Sorry...then I’m of no help since they have only stayed in the MVC resorts

Oh, no problem! I'm thinking of circling around south Florida and maybe doing some 5 for 4 free night deals in a couple of places. I have half a million Marriott points to burn and will be getting 5 free nights each year in addition as time moves on so I'm not looking at too many longer stays. I just want to be out of the cold for the most of it. I'll also be looking at the lower end places 35K and under, to stretch the points for the next couple of years - that would give me more nights. I'm not averse to doing an attraction in the day time and spending a night in a TownePlace Suites for 17500 or so either. Although I don't want to move to or live in Florida there are many places that I can roam around and enjoy. State parks, museums, the seashore and beaches, as well as the theme parks and zoos. I have the freedom of no job!!! Hey - I might even requalify for platinum status, lol.

I can fill in with a few of my point nights at Disney and use a no expiry day at the parks if I am feeling it at the time. Also, I have a friend or two that might be interested in an adventure. I've already got my first January trip laid out and ready to go. This is another one near the end stretching into February. But I've got to get cracking on reservations as it will fill up. Also, I've now gotten 2 of the $300 Marriott gift cards as my AU was able to get one. So, I can have some cash nights if necessary or use for other essentials.

 

[kmc8826]

A follow up data point for those who are new to having MR cards. My statement closed, paid the bill, still no points. Second statement closed and points from prior statement posted (plus the 10k referral for self referral to the personal Gold). Close but have not quite met the spend so we will see when the bonus posts.

On the magic bands I don’t know. We received them for this trip next week (last one paid for by UR”s) but I just got email stating they are waiting for us at the desk. MDE is so screwed up I have no idea what is going on.

An unexpected update: apparently my trying to put some spend on all our Amex cards paid off. DH never had the pop up on his Amex SPG to upgrade. Not even a lesser offer, nothing at all. BUT this morning I got on and there was the 100k offer with 5k spend. Same language as we all had before (upgrade by 10/31). I decided to just do it. I still don’t have my new Lux card. It said his would be sent within 7 days. If it is I will be jealous!

We both have CSR’s right now. All UR points are on mine. He got his CSR 2 years ago but his fee for the year hasn’t posted yet. I was keeping both as CSR’s in attempt to build UR’s and for car insurance/priority pass on both. But with him getting the Lux at least the Priority Pass issue is gone. Anyone think of a reason to not downgrade his to a Freedom? Should I wait until the fee posts and travel credit resets and is used? Or just do it now? (Sorry I know this has all been discussed before but I was good with keeping both CSR’s and didn’t pay as close attention as I should of).

Thanks. Happy Saturday!

 

[GlamMistress]

I wanted to say I was at Carousel in SSR and I found it to be very lovely. Gets a bad rap here. Balcony view of trees. We had a car so distance didn't matter to us. All Star Music is just fine too. But again car so no need to bus. Can do these types of rooms for free easily with ThankYou points.

 

[GusGus16]

Finally have my computer back up and working! I've been following by phone but much more difficult for me to be logged in and participate.

I know at some point someone asked about GC's for the amex offer at Marriott-spend 300 and get 60 statement credit I believe it is. I bought a 300 gift card at a Marriott front desk and have received the statement credit on my SPG Bus, still working on the MSR so plan to at least put on an additional 300 in spend, just in case for the rats.

I've upgraded my SPG personal to the lux. I have not received my card yet and haven't put much spend on the card yet since I'm still working on the business. Working on my GE application, hoping to have it approved before my flight in December.

I'm going to have to sit down and plan my MSR, I remember last year there was a service for paying property tax with AMEX? But someone had trouble with AMEX because they wouldn't give a bonus or points for the spend?

 

[Lain]

A follow up data point for those who are new to having MR cards. My statement closed, paid the bill, still no points. Second statement closed and points from prior statement posted (plus the 10k referral for self referral to the personal Gold). Close but have not quite met the spend so we will see when the bonus posts.

On the magic bands I don’t know. We received them for this trip next week (last one paid for by UR”s) but I just got email stating they are waiting for us at the desk. MDE is so screwed up I have no idea what is going on.

An unexpected update: apparently my trying to put some spend on all our Amex cards paid off. DH never had the pop up on his Amex SPG to upgrade. Not even a lesser offer, nothing at all. BUT this morning I got on and there was the 100k offer with 5k spend. Same language as we all had before (upgrade by 10/31). I decided to just do it. I still don’t have my new Lux card. It said his would be sent within 7 days. If it is I will be jealous!

We both have CSR’s right now. All UR points are on mine. He got his CSR 2 years ago but his fee for the year hasn’t posted yet. I was keeping both as CSR’s in attempt to build UR’s and for car insurance/priority pass on both. But with him getting the Lux at least the Priority Pass issue is gone. Anyone think of a reason to not downgrade his to a Freedom? Should I wait until the fee posts and travel credit resets and is used? Or just do it now? (Sorry I know this has all been discussed before but I was good with keeping both CSR’s and didn’t pay as close attention as I should of).

Thanks. Happy Saturday!

Congratulations on the SPG Lux!

​

Honestly, I've thought about moving all our URs to my wife's CSR and downgrading mine. I've shifted most of my dining spend to the Amex Gold (even though I know Chase has a broader "dining" category that more consistently codes for 3x UR, and I find Amex isn't accepted at a lot of places), and I don't have enough travel charges to earn enough 3x URs to justify the cost of continuing holding the CSR (when I still have the CIP, which also earns 3x UR for travel). I'm weighing downgrading the CSR when my AF comes up in January, but not before I use up the $300 travel credit that resets in December.

A few more thoughts: I've got more Priority Passes and GE/TSA Precheck credits than I know what to do with (and since Chase limited the CSR’s PP to 2 guests, it’s not any better than the PP from other cards)! The Plat has better extended warranty (2 years) than the CSR, so there's little reason to put big purchases on the CSR since Chase got rid of price protection. The CSR does offer better trip interruption/cancelation insurance, and primary rental car insurance.

Chase gives you 30 days after the AF is billed to cancel and receive a full refund. After 30 days, no refunds for cancelations. However, Chase gives you 30 (I've also seen up to 40) days to product change to a no AF card and get a full refund. After that, you can still get a prorated refund for product changes.

If DH got his CSR 2 years ago, his $300 travel credit is still on the calendar year, and should reset after his December statement date. I'm guessing DH's AF will post on 11/1. Say DH pays the $450 and keeps his card through December to use up the travel credit, he should still be able to get at least a $375 refund when he PCs to a Freedom. So $300 travel credits at a cost of $75.

(Someone please check my math. It's early and I'm still sipping my coffee. )

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Another person here with no issues with MBs in 2015 or 2017. We loooove Magic Bands. We’ve never gone to the front desk to check in to our rooms and have always headed straight to the parks after dropping bags in our rooms.

Now I will say that I’m planning to order the fancier MBs for each person for next years trip and am a little worried about that and how you link them and everything. Has anyone ever done that?

I bought DS a MB on clearance at Disney website, so it was the original one. We got the MB2’s with our last reservation. All worked fine. Easy to link DSs Pluto MB, no issues

 

[trenty]

My bonus SW points posted so I cancelled that card and my AF was refunded. How long before that shows closed on my credit report?

My next card will be the United Mileage Explorer Card. I have a mailer for 50,000 bonus points that expires on 11/15. I will wait until 11/15 to apply in the hopes a better bonus will become available.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Congratulations on the SPG Lux!

Honestly, I've thought about moving all our URs to my wife's CSR and downgrading mine. I've shifted most of my dining spend to the Amex Gold (even though I know Chase has a broader "dining" category that codes for 3x UR and I find Amex isn't accepted at a lot of places), and I don't have enough travel charges to earn enough 3x URs to justify the cost of continuing holding the CSR (when I still have the CIP, which also earns 3x UR for travel). I'm weighing downgrading the CSR when my AF comes up in January, but not before I use up the $300 travel credit that resets in December.

A few more thoughts: I've got more Priority Passes and GE/TSA Precheck credits than I know what to do with (and since Chase limited the CSR’s PP to 2 guests, it’s not any better than the PP from other cards)! The Plat has better extended warranty (2 years) than the CSR, so there's little reason to put big purchases on the CSR since Chase got rid of price protection. The CSR does offer better trip interruption/cancelation insurance, and primary rental car insurance.

Chase gives you 30 days after the AF is billed to cancel and receive a full refund. After 30 days, no refunds for cancelations. However, Chase gives you 30 (I've also seen up to 40) days to product change to a no AF card and get a full refund. After that, you can still get a prorated refund for product changes.

If DH got his CSR 2 years ago, his $300 travel credit is still on the calendar year, and should reset after his December statement date. I'm guessing DH's AF will post on 11/1. Say DH pays the $450 and keeps his card through December to use up the travel credit, he should still be able to get at least a $375 refund when he PCs to a Freedom. So $300 travel credits at a cost of $75.

(Someone please check my math. It's early and I'm still sipping my coffee. )

I agree with @Lain Check your DHs account to see 1)when the AF posted last year and 2) when his travel credit will reset (it’s posted on the UR page) I triple dipped the travel credit and downgrade to CFU and they credited the AF. So they paid me a hefty sum to have that CSR.

 

[trenty]

Those of you who prefer Delta - tell me how you rack up points (besides Amex MRs). DS prefers Delta over SW to get back and forth from school...I need to put some Delta earnings cards on my list of future cards. No business cards, please.

 

[AmyAnne]

I absolutely love fp+. Yes, waking up early isn’t ideal but I’m so ocd and having things planned out before my trip makes me so happy. I’m not at all looking forward to the mad dash for FPS in Tokyo.

If you need any help pm me and I can help you. It helps if you have two people who can book FPS at the same time. Dh and I each book FPS on our phones so we can get hard to get rides at the same time.

That's a really sweet offer. At this point I'm not even sure what it is that I want in terms of fastpasses! I know that the first ones should be the super-hard ones (FOP, slinky dog, mine train) but beyond that I am kind of confused. I think I read that once you use the first one, you can start to try to move others up, so I'm not sure if I should get the next-tier hardest (like Space Mountain?) or if it would be better to have the fastpasses earlier in the day so we could possibly then add some.

I'm curious, those of you that are FP+ veterans, if you could have your perfect list of 3 fastpasses per park (those that you reserve ahead), which would those be?