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

[CyndiLouWho]

SM through backdoor method.

Services —> Request credit limit increase —> FAQ —> Cancel via SM
Usually takes a day.

I get this

 

[Artygal90]

The Four Points is not that close to the entrance. I doubt you could walk. Can’t speak to the noise there but we stayed at Camelot Inn, all the way at the back. I could hear traffic noise outside the room, but not from inside. Our next stay I’m looking at Fairfield Inn or Best Western Plus.

Oh no! Google Maps is telling me 3/4 mile or a 15 minute walk from the hotel to the turnstiles...which isn't exactly close but I figured DH and I would make it work if we're not going to go back to the hotel for a break. I guess worst case there's always Uber (or that ART thing I keep hearing about). Trying to do this trip for as little cash/points outlay as possible.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Oh no! Google Maps is telling me 3/4 mile or a 15 minute walk from the hotel to the turnstiles...which isn't exactly close but I figured DH and I would make it work if we're not going to go back to the hotel for a break. I guess worst case there's always Uber (or that ART thing I keep hearing about). Trying to do this trip for as little cash/points outlay as possible.

If this is Four Points at the top, you have to cross the expressway. I don’t think there’s a walkway. The entrance to DLR/DCA is near the IHOP

 

[Haley R]

Oh! I missed that! Enjoy and let us know what you think of it!

It’s pretty cool! It’s intermission right now. Dh and I are both pretty tired and it’s only half over. I think it’s cool to watch the orchestra perform at the same time and they put subtitles on the movie. I didn’t realize how many things I miss by not having subtitles. Dh is getting a little bored I think but he’s not a HUGE hp fan

 

[Haley R]

I just looked and our local symphony is doing Order of the Phoenix in March coincides with DS’s 12th birthday being that same month. I think I have found his birthday present.

Good birthday present!

 

[disprincessbear]

Hey everyone! I've been reading the thread and TPG and my head is spinning. I'm just getting the hang of this stuff, so I'm going to pick your brains if you don't mind.

We are looking at going to Disney World in about 2 years, shooting for Jan 2021. I'm dipping my toes in the water of using credit card rewards. We have a stack of points already on our two cards.
We would like go take a trip to Wyoming and Montana a couple years after the Disney trip, as well. And I will say it is likely we will end up going to Disney again!

We also like to camp, so paying for campgrounds and such is a bonus. I'm really not sure if our best bet is a travel card or a cashback style card.

The current cards and current points:
06/15 - DISCOVER it (96,234 miles)
??/16 - Chase Freedom (90,676 points)


Our spending estimates:
Utilities - $225
Gas - $275
Groceries - $350
Baby supplies - $100
Restaraunts -$180
Miscellaneous - $300

What do you suggest? I've been picking through the thread and reading a bunch on TPG. I am wondering if the Disney preferred card is the easiest thing to do, but am also now wondering about the Barclaycard Arrival Plus or the Chade Sapphire Preferred. I'm a little hesitant of a yearly fee, but I know sometimes that pays off. I'm a little lost trying to sort through everything!

 

[GlamMistress]

Tips appreciated for carry on only. I can’t fathom being able to do it for Alaskan cruise but I’m open to suggestions and tips.

I've been called "Packing Hitler" before. Most recently I've relented and agreed to sharing 1 large checked bag between DH and me. For trips where speed and convenience really matter, I prefer the single carry on.

Cold destinations are definitely more challenging but it's doable. Wear the bulkiest clothes on the plane - including hiking boots if you need those.

I usually wear my tennis shoes and pack flip flops and a pair of ballet flats. (For WDW I take Crocs instead of the flats because I have to watch it or I get blisters).

I've seen some crazy packing lists for DCL - I mean, just tons of stuff. I cannot imagine most folks need so much.

There are so websites dedicated to lean travel - here is one: https://www.onebag.com

https://www.onebag.com/travel-clothes.html

 

[SBWB48]

So you’re loading Metabank VGCs into Masterpass to pay through Plastiq and that works? I haven’t been able to use VGCs directly on Plastiq and kept getting errors. Should’ve thought to try that.

In related news, I did 2x $500 MCGC orders on my Staples account earlier this week (using Amex Offer and CIC), waited for them to ship, then did another $1k order on my CIC today with no fee despite the supposed limit. It’s gonna be fun times trying to liquidate these $100 at a time.

Right. I’ve loaded both, Metabanks from the Staples promo and a new Vanilla I bought from CVS today, into Masterpass and then used MP on Plastiq. So far, no issues.

I remember the fun times liquidating those $100 MCGC back when Plastiq ran the MP promo...

 

[elgerber]

How long does it usually take to get the PNC debit card? I need the card to set up my online acct but I haven’t received it yet. I opened the account on Jan. 17 and it feels like it’s taking forever. I’m already to push $5000 from Chase and set up my work deposit but I can’t get on the PNC website without the debit card.

Mine took probably about a week. It’s odd though, I was able to set up everything in my account online long before I got my debit card. I have read hear of other people not being able to, but I had no issues. Looking back I see I opened on the 15th or 16th, got an email to set up online banking on the 17th and activated my card on the 23rd.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Oh no, I like the ocean to look at. I think it is beautiful and relaxing. I can happily sit at the beach and watch the waves roll in or walk in the sand with the tide lapping at my feet. I love Disney cruises and have no problem being on the ocean. I am terrified of going in the ocean. I have a completely irrational fear of sharks. Sharks live in the ocean, so I don't want to be in the ocean.

I am looking forward to the Maldives trip. I'm not looking forward to the internal drama I will wind up going through as I struggle with the idea of going in and snorkeling or seeing whale sharks. So far, I'm ok with the idea of going down the ladder of the overwater bungalow and into the water while still being on the ladder. If I see a shark, I can climb back up and be out of the water quickly. This idea doesn't seem to freak me out so I know I will definitely get in the water this way and I am pretty happy about that.

I have the exact same fear of sharks!!! I have gone snorkeling (once) in Key Largo on a shallow reef (I had convinced myself that sharks would cut their bellies open if they swam over it -- we were on jet skiis in the ocean) and I did manage to put my fears aside and go snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef when were in Australia because they convinced me that it was very rare (I'm not sure *how* rare) it is to have a great white shark either on or near the section of the reef we were on (I also didn't want dd to go out with the group by herself). Not sure what I'll do in the Maldives (plan is to go in April, 2020). Scuba diving is a sport that I know I could never, not ever, do -- I have no interest at all and I never will. I feel you with snorkeling though -- it requires a lot of mental determination for me to get in the water and I am always looking in every direction for a shark; it's not really that enjoyable for me, but I get in the water (mostly so dd isn't without a parent in the water to watch over her). Even though I am a strong swimmer I do wear a buoyancy vest just in case I were to panic and I also try to stay close to the person who is the "spotter" or has some kind of weapon if a great white shark were to appear.

 

[elgerber]

Does chase update the status line on weekends? What does the 30 day message mean?

 

[CyndiLouWho]

I've been called "Packing Hitler" before. Most recently I've relented and agreed to sharing 1 large checked bag between DH and me. For trips where speed and convenience really matter, I prefer the single carry on.

Cold destinations are definitely more challenging but it's doable. Wear the bulkiest clothes on the plane - including hiking boots if you need those.

I usually wear my tennis shoes and pack flip flops and a pair of ballet flats. (For WDW I take Crocs instead of the flats because I have to watch it or I get blisters).

I've seen some crazy packing lists for DCL - I mean, just tons of stuff. I cannot imagine most folks need so much.

There are so websites dedicated to lean travel - here is one: https://www.onebag.com

https://www.onebag.com/travel-clothes.html

Ha ha. You would not have believed what I took to China when we adopted DS. It included a whole pharmacy of meds, a car seat and anything you could possibly need for a baby or adult.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

@CaliforniaGirl09 I saw your response on the lawsuit thread. It was a great response and I was happy to “know” you.

Aw, thank you! Happy to know you, too This thread is really the best!

 

[vanjust14]

@Lain and @amalone1013 VGCs via Masterpass through Plastiq works as another avenue. I’m going through my stash from the last Staples $200 promo.

Oh thanks for this! I have a bunch also from the last Staples promo and my local Stop and Shop has caught on and is checking cards now for MO's. I could use them this way if I can't find another Stop and Shop. I tried to go to Walmart today for MO's but I was told the "machine" was down.

 

[GlamMistress]

Ha ha. You would not have believed what I took to China when we adopted DS. It included a whole pharmacy of meds, a car seat and anything you could possibly need for a baby or adult.

Meanwhile i'd probably like, "Meh, they have baby crap there, I'll just buy it when we land!"

 

[mmmears]

Tips appreciated for carry on only. I can’t fathom being able to do it for Alaskan cruise but I’m open to suggestions and tips.

I agree with what Glam Mistress posted above. Alaska was the hardest ever, until we went to Norway/Iceland/Scotland. Take layers, so you can add or remove as needed. (for ex. instead of a winter coat we all took one of those super packable down puffers and also a packable rain shell - used both some days). Take one pair of dinner shoes (I take ballet flats) and make sure your clothes match those shoes (if you care). Pack all toiletries in the smallest size you can find. I use a packing envelope and some cubes. If he needs a dinner jacket, DH wears it onto the plane and then hangs it up. It's amazing how freeing it is when you aren't ruled by all those things people say you need.

For Alaska we wore boots/coats onto the plane. I can get more detailed if you want. We did do laundry on the ship (once in Alaska, twice in Europe but it was a long cruise). I would much rather do a load of laundry than worry if our luggage will get there, deal with heavy bags when going from place to place, and wait forever at the airport for it to go around on that circle thing. We get off the plane and go. People take way too much stuff - some of the packing lists for DCL are pretty ridiculous. Even with 3 carry ons we were able to fit in on laptop, one iPad, a GoPro, a big Nikon and a lens, and lots of magnets for our door. So it's not like are missing anything. In fact, we have never taken a trip where any of the 3 of us wore everything we packed.

 

[calypso726]

I have the exact same fear of sharks!!! I have gone snorkeling (once) in Key Largo on a shallow reef (I had convinced myself that sharks would cut their bellies open if they swam over it -- we were on jet skiis in the ocean) and I did manage to put my fears aside and go snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef when were in Australia because they convinced me that it was very rare (I'm not sure *how* rare) it is to have a great white shark either on or near the section of the reef we were on (I also didn't want dd to go out with the group by herself). Not sure what I'll do in the Maldives (plan is to go in April, 2020). Scuba diving is a sport that I know I could never, not ever, do -- I have no interest at all and I never will. I feel you with snorkeling though -- it requires a lot of mental determination for me to get in the water and I am always looking in every direction for a shark; it's not really that enjoyable for me, but I get in the water (mostly so dd isn't without a parent in the water to watch over her). Even though I am a strong swimmer I do wear a buoyancy vest just in case I were to panic and I also try to stay close to the person who is the "spotter" or has some kind of weapon if a great white shark were to appear.

OMG! That is so me! I've been snorkeling 3 times in my life. The first was the Great Barrier Reef because DH went on a guided dive. I was convinced he would not survive and I would be a widow. I finally decided to get in the water because I didn't want to be a widow and if I had to choose my death then dying at one of the natural wonders of the world would be sufficiently epic. I like to say I was in the water snorkeling for about 5 minutes marveling at how beautiful it all was while frantically looking for the shark that was going to end me. The reality is it was likely about 45 seconds. The second time was at Castaway Cay since I was told the family beach is netted off. The third time was in Hawaii at Paradise Cove next door to Aulani with the sea turtles. The cove forms a natural barrier and I was only slightly panicky.

Thanks to this irrational fear of sharks, I have amassed a collection of shark themed items. This due to the fact that I have a tendency to attract people with a twisted sense of humor for friends. I treasure these items but keep most of them stored away in a box where I can't see them. They mean a lot to me, yet I can't really bear to look at them

 

[wendow]

Oh no! Google Maps is telling me 3/4 mile or a 15 minute walk from the hotel to the turnstiles...which isn't exactly close but I figured DH and I would make it work if we're not going to go back to the hotel for a break. I guess worst case there's always Uber (or that ART thing I keep hearing about). Trying to do this trip for as little cash/points outlay as possible.

I also do not think this is walkable. We stayed at the HoJo and that is as far as I would want to walk. The Sheraton is across the interstate, and there is no way I'd walk that. Uber would definitely work for us!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Most reports I followed pulled the money out down to $0 and then SMd to close. As long as it gets closed in the same cycle you won't be charged the monthly fees.

That’s how I did it last year after the 6 months were up.

 

[Psychodisney]

Hey everyone! I've been reading the thread and TPG and my head is spinning. I'm just getting the hang of this stuff, so I'm going to pick your brains if you don't mind.

We are looking at going to Disney World in about 2 years, shooting for Jan 2021. I'm dipping my toes in the water of using credit card rewards. We have a stack of points already on our two cards.
We would like go take a trip to Wyoming and Montana a couple years after the Disney trip, as well. And I will say it is likely we will end up going to Disney again!

We also like to camp, so paying for campgrounds and such is a bonus. I'm really not sure if our best bet is a travel card or a cashback style card.

The current cards and current points:
06/15 - DISCOVER it (96,234 miles)
??/16 - Chase Freedom (90,676 points)


Our spending estimates:
Utilities - $225
Gas - $275
Groceries - $350
Baby supplies - $100
Restaraunts -$180
Miscellaneous - $300

What do you suggest? I've been picking through the thread and reading a bunch on TPG. I am wondering if the Disney preferred card is the easiest thing to do, but am also now wondering about the Barclaycard Arrival Plus or the Chade Sapphire Preferred. I'm a little hesitant of a yearly fee, but I know sometimes that pays off. I'm a little lost trying to sort through everything!

Sounds like you’re in s great position to get started with some new cards.

For your Disney trip, do you plan on flying or driving/camping? If flying, what airline would you prefer?