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

[LuckyMamaInDE]

I picked this set up at Walmart for work a few months back.
https://sistemaplastics.com/products/to-go/cutlery-to-goEveryone thinks it's super cool I will admit that my first reason here is that the vending company my company hires provides paper plates, plastic utensils, and condiment packets... they changed ownership a while back and the new people don't stock on weekends, so we typically run out sometime on Sunday and are out until they come mid-day on Monday (an issue when running three shifts!). But also the plastic ware they supply is terribly cheap and breaks easy anyways, so these are nice. They would be good for food and wine too, I always feel bad grabbing multiple forks even if they are the compostable ones like they get.

I've seen that set at the Container Store! Are there enough handles to fit the utensils?

 

[wendow]

I'm going to take the other side here and say pass. You could end up getting charged rack rate if they ask for your AP- a long shot but it's still a chance. Also, you don't want to put the TA relationship in jeopardy with Disney, or a future TA relationship if you don't have one directly with them right now, by having a blemish on your Disney record you know? A little bit of savings is just not worth it.

This is a good point. I work under my aunt’s number so I’d be putting her relationship with Disney at risk.

 

[Natgridenergy]

I looked into it last year but it was closed for renovations after Hurrican Irma. Not sure when it reopened.
Marco Island is a beautiful beach though! We did a short stay at the JW Marriott at the end on March.

We are huge fans of Marco. We stay at the JW every year.

 

[Calfan]

It was incredible!!! Absolutely loved it. I only have a few first class experiences to compare to (Delta, American, British Air), but it was by far the best. I do have to say there was some funny moments though. Let's just say western women were severely under-represented on the plane. Actually there were only a handful of westerners at all that I saw. Women in general were few and far between, and I didn't see one western family. You should have seen the looks we got when we had to walk in front of all the suit-clad business men in our casual California clothes to board first class

The service was outstanding and the food delicious. We both did the Japanese menu and our flight attendants were very visibly shocked that we didn't want the western menu. I was also surprised that their English was fairly basic--there were times we didn't understand each other but there was a lot of bowing going on I would caution anyone with small kids to think twice about JAL for first or even business. The cabins were *very* quiet and we definitely weren't getting the warm fuzzy welcoming vibe from our fellow cabin mates. I would have been very anxious if I'd had my small kids on there. Great flight though.

And they certainly didn't skimp on the pours of Cristal!

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Today was maybe the highlight of the trip though. We went to Jiro and not only had an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime meal, but the chef was there and we got a picture with him. We didn't expect him to be there as he only goes a few times a week now, so when I saw him, I swear I was shaking. The food was absolutely incredible. Superlatives aren't enough.

Woo hoo! Even more excited for JAL First now after reading your post. So interesting about the demographics and communications issues. I think I will be trying the Japanese menu too. And so glad you had such an awesome Jiro experience. Glancing at your menu definitely convinced me I am not an adventurous enough sushi eater to give it a go, though. Will have to be satisfied with living this one vicariously through you, lol. Excited to hear about the rest of your trip...

 

[needsomesun]

Okay, so my IHG options are Myrtle Beach, FL, Tx, Vegas, Gatlinberg Tn, etc. I had a lovely trip to Galveston, TX all planned. Flights on Delta using up my $50 GCs I have ($600 in total). Using my free night at a Hilton in Galveston, my resort credit the other night. And then I heard from people it's a crappy place!!! UGH. I heard the beach is "hard sand" and there aren't really any waves.

So that leave us either using the IHG hotel offer another time. Problem is the ex and I split up Christmas, Presidents weekend flights are $$$$$$$ and my kids and I don't sync Spring Breaks in 2020 (I'm a teacher). My daughter is leaning towards FL, but I worry, FL in Mid-August. 1 - the heat. 2- the hurricanes 3- we wouldn't be doing Disney so it feels like a waste. UGH.

I could drive to Gatlinberg from MI, but we're not really mountain people. And I have no clue what my kids would do while I'm at the presentation, there's only 1 pool. We did Myrtle Beach last summer and they loved it. But they don't want to do the same thing again, and I don't blame them.

So tell me, how bad is the Cocoa Beach area mid-August?

I'm not sure about cocoa beach, but FL is at hot as Hades in the summer. We generally go every August (though July this year, curse you, high school sports schedule ). We are going to Clearwater beach, FL in a few weeks. Using up my Hilton free night on a night there. And plan on eating up the $250 resort credit for the two days (5 of us, we can probably do it). There's plenty to do in FL without going to Disney, we do it every year. I usually save WDW for a less scorching time of year...

 

[DisneyMandC]

It really doesn't seem to matter where it comes from or filtered through a machine...just nasty tasting. The only place I will typically buy bottled water is in MK. Maybe i'll try one of those water bottle personal filter things but curious if it would help with that taste.

I’ve used the water bottles with filters and found they work great. Maybe not 100%, but definitely significant improvement. The water is at least palatable. I just got one from target, can’t remember which brand. It may have been contigo. I’m going to get a different one for this year’s trip because the kid definitely doesn’t get tight enough to prevent leaks.

 

[platamama]

DH got home late last night, he was supposed to land at 12:10am but the flight was delayed 30min from Vegas. Then when he got into DIA they put them in the last gate of the SW terminal... train said 8 min til next one arrived, only one side was operating... he said they got on and the sign switched to out of service. They got pulled into the maintenance tunnel and all sat for 15 min until they sent the train back. If you're familiar with Denver, there is the main checkin terminal and the 3 departure terminals are in a line so the train stops at each.. by now there were more people at each stop trying to fit on the single train... He was not impressed Then he was up this morning and he and FIL headed out. They are driving ILs car out to Cali so they don't have to keep a rental. He comes back Monday night; originally booked SW for 15k RRs, late flight with layover in Vegas, since we weren't sure this plan was happening. Remembered to check other pricing this morning after he left, Frontier has a better flight for $150. Nonstop, leaves an hour later but gets home an hour earlier. Hello Frontier, please meet DHs CIP...3x points towards MSR! lol

DIA was having problems yesterday!!! Apparently the huge lightning storm in the late afternoon led to my 2nd flight cancellation.

That thing with the train happened to us last Sunday with a late arrival too. Same thing with the whole "out of service" thing. We were standing in front of one of the entrances where the sign said 9 minutes until the next train, and it was the only side operating. Then our side switched to "out of service" and a few minutes later a train crammed with people showed up. Some impatient people waiting behind me pushed forward onto the train...and it took off the wrong direction (as if there were a Terminal D, which there isn't!). I did wonder what happened with those people...I was picturing an episode of "Lost: DIA." lol

Boy your DH is having a lot of travel lately. Good thing he has the lounges.

 

[Albort]

I’ve used the water bottles with filters and found they work great. Maybe not 100%, but definitely significant improvement. The water is at least palatable. I just got one from target, can’t remember which brand. It may have been contigo. I’m going to get a different one for this year’s trip because the kid definitely doesn’t get tight enough to prevent leaks.

ive been contemplating on buying another one of those after my roommate stole mine when he moved... the only issue have with those is that u should only put water in it... what happens when i want coffee in mine? lol
so i just stuck with drinking tap unfiltered water at lowest.

 

[PolyRob]

This is a good point. I work under my aunt’s number so I’d be putting her relationship with Disney at risk.

You can call the regular Disney reservations line and they will book you an AP rate with an AP voucher. Some people are even able to view them online through the link with just the voucher.

 

[liloca]

I bought some silicone straws at Aldi last week. Haven't tried them yet because we rarely use straws but they should work better than paper ones!

I don't like when dining at a restaurant and they bring water with straws already in the glass, as we prefer not to use straws. Happened to me yesterday and I am thinking of contacting the restaurant to let them know some of us prefer no straw. I guess I need to tell them when I order water. Sadly my suburb is not very environmentally conscious.

I bought a set of the silicone and a set of the metal ones at Aldi as well. I prefer the silicone ones because I like to bite my straws . Will see how long they will last.

 

[disfanforlife]

Any tips for me? So far we are doing a day trip to Quebec City but have three days in Montreal.

Jean Talon Market, Saint Denis Street in Old Montreal - Notre Dame de Bon Seours is there and truly beautiful. There are horse and buggy rides down by the port. There is also a Cirque De Soleil show there if you can get tickets. My brother is actually going up on Tuesday for a concert at the Bell Centre - Heart is playing. Montreal bagels are the best - Fairmount bakery. There is also a beautiful botanical garden. Truly lots to do and great food!

 

[Haley R]

Does it taste better than Magic Kingdom water??

All Disney water tastes terrible

 

[Ngwira]

You can call the regular Disney reservations line and they will book you an AP rate with an AP voucher. Some people are even able to view them online through the link with just the voucher.

Jean Talon Market, Saint Denis Street in Old Montreal - Notre Dame de Bon Seours is there and truly beautiful. There are horse and buggy rides down by the port. There is also a Cirque De Soleil show there if you can get tickets. My brother is actually going up on Tuesday for a concert at the Bell Centre - Heart is playing. Montreal bagels are the best - Fairmount bakery. There is also a beautiful botanical garden. Truly lots to do and great food!

Thank you for your suggestions. I’ll check
them out. I forgot we have a food tour booked as well.

 

[liloca]

Received my Serve Card on Wednesday and was able to load my first $200 at WM yesterday.
I followed @speedyfishy tips and looked for a younger cashier. It was supper easy! Now I just want some good sale on gift cards like @DisneyMandC

 

[Lain]

We bought bent metal straws. Best of both worlds haha

@wendow they come in fun colors on amazon too! https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Re...563039522&s=gateway&sprefix=bent+metal&sr=8-6

You can get ones with a bag and/or silicone tip. Who knew! Think I may get the fun ones with the bag for travel since we just have the boring silver bent for at home haha

I’m waiting for Prime Day to shop anything Amazon. I’m betting there will be some deals on home goods.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Possibly my favorite RAT joke yet on r churning today

 

[Lain]

Possibly my favorite RAT joke yet on r churning today

Too soon.

 

[Judique]

Just got a confirmation email for the $1000 worth of Disney GC purchased with my Sam's Club account.

... It wasn't me

So, are they sending them to you? And did they use an attached credit card or is this just one of Sam's mistakes?

Just can't get interested in Sam's Club.
I'm not a Sam's Club fan even though I bought a 'free' membership.

 

[Haley R]

I am so pissed right now. We went back to the Vineland outlets (which we likely will not be doing again) and the parking was crazy packed so we paid to use the my park. It’s $3 and you wait for a gate thing to lower to park. None of the gates were lowering for anyone and it said I had parked and started charging me. There is no support number to call and no one that can answer to help us. We will be disputing this charge with chase for sure. I caution anyone to use that parking company.

The outlets on international drive were SO MUCH BETTER than the Vineland outlets. Vineland was crazy packed both days and not worth the trouble

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

I got the Amex MR email while at lunch. Instead of my gold I paid for lunch with my CSR.

I need to stop and get gas on the way home from work. Goodbye Biz Gold! Hello Freedom!

45 MR's clawed back. I don't know why 45. 40 makes sense from 2 referrals from Biz Gold.

I just wish I had transferred the points already out or used them. Those of you that had consider yourself lucky.



Do you have any idea why 45k? That is the same as me...self referral from Biz Gold to BBP and Green. It should just be 40k.



Oh I am culling for sure. If it is a problem they should have a system that either did not allow self referrals OR made it clear not allowed. Not the vague "gaming the system" language. I think that is BS.

I can quite remember but I think before the gold referral was up to 20k I referred to Green. It said for 5k but you got 10k so they only clawed back the 5k. @Lain may remember better

Glad you finally made it! Hope the rest of your trip goes smoothly and that you have a great time!

As for me, after my 1st flight was canceled, and after my 2nd flight was canceled, and after my 3rd flight had the possibility of us missing the connection in SJC and ending up spending the night at the SJC airport...we decided to bail on the Vegas trip. We came back home, and I've filed a claim with Chase for our prepaid hotel nights (what is with the 72 hour hotel cancelation policies?!?), and I'm hoping that having paid for the taxes and fees on the SW flights with the CSR that I can be reimbursed for the hotel nights of ~$500. Ugh, what a joyless day.

I’m so sorry. And this was a kids free trip too?! Hope you reschedule real soon

Received my Serve Card on Wednesday and was able to load my first $200 at WM yesterday.
I followed @speedyfishy tips and looked for a younger cashier. It was supper easy! Now I just want some good sale on gift cards like @DisneyMandC

Can you go to any register? I’ve heard mixed DPs. Lady at MoneyCenter called me out!