I love credit cards so much! v3.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[*WDW*Groupie*]

paging @Lain and anyone else familiar with Maui.

Dd and I are discussing changing our Maldives trip to Hawaii (I have to contact BA and see if I can get my miles back; I think Hilton will refund my points after a discussion I had with them yesterday). Dd is concerned there isn't much to do in Maui -- other than enjoying the glorious weather, amazing food and relaxing, what is worthwhile doing on Maui? I've never been to Maui, but have been to the Big Island and Oahu (twice) and don't really want to go back to either. So I am looking at flights in and out of Maui and maybe staying 6 nights. Also is the Wailea area better than Kaanapali?

 

[LynnTH]

Good for you! That Havana Area looks great. Have you ever stayed in one before? I like the idea of the private lanai but DH would HATE people walking by the balcony. We have done an aft balcony on NCL a few times and that is his favorite. I have to DRAG him out of the room to go do something! The UR cost is pretty similar between the two. We sail NCL mostly because DH refused to dress up to eat and we don't like eating in the buffet. Have you encountered any other cruise lines that allow men to wear shorts in the MDR?

Have not stayed on one before - so very excited. Hoping it won't be too bad with people walking by as only certain guests have access to that area. Haven't sailed NCL in years. Mostly do Carnival and some RCCL. Carnival if pretty relaxed on their dress code (don't understand why so many people get worked up over what someone else is wearing). I am sure DH and DS have worn the bermuda type shorts with a polo or button down shirt to dinner. Except on Elegant Night - I make them put on dress pants and dress shirt. (Don't bring suit jackets anymore). But plenty of people in khaki type pants too.

 

[Calfan]

paging @Lain and anyone else familiar with Maui.

Dd and I are discussing changing our Maldives trip to Hawaii (I have to contact BA and see if I can get my miles back; I think Hilton will refund my points after a discussion I had with them yesterday). Dd is concerned there isn't much to do in Maui -- other than enjoying the glorious weather, amazing food and relaxing, what is worthwhile doing on Maui? I've never been to Maui, but have been to the Big Island and Oahu (twice) and don't really want to go back to either. So I am looking at flights in and out of Maui and maybe staying 6 nights. Also is the Wailea area better than Kaanapali?

There is A LOT to do on Maui. Just a few examples: zip lining (multiple providers and courses on different parts of the island), a trip up to the top of Haleakala (you can even go up to see the sunrise) or a bike ride down from the crater, whale watching excursions if you are there during the winter/spring, horseback riding, hiking, scuba/snuba, snorkeling. I think it's a matter of personal preference between Wailea or Kaanapali. We have stayed in both areas but my parents' timeshare is in the Kaanapali area. Lahaina is closer to Kaanapali. But if you are looking to use Hilton points, the Grand Wailea is in, you guessed it, Wailea

 

[gottalovepluto]

I've tried calling AA twice, they just keep hanging up on me because they are too busy. Can I change an award flight through twitter?

Last time they wouldn't let me but it's certainly worth a shot since they aren't answering the phone.

Does anyone know what the is policy for when airfare drops with AA. Today AA has flights for Hawaii round trip for 100k AA points less then when I booked several months ago. Is there a way to change and for how much. I tried calling but was on hold for a long time and then got disconnected. We leave at then end of the month.

There is no policy. I concur that if you want to rebook at the new price you'll probably have to pay the fees to re-deposit your miles and book it like a new flight. Like sure you can ask, no harm if you can get through, but no they do not have an official policy for price drops. (Welcome to all US majors outside of southwest, if the price drops you were the sucker for buying too early! But in reality I don't think you are sucker nobody saw people canceling their flights left and right over Spring Break to HI a couple months ago...)

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

paging @Lain and anyone else familiar with Maui.

Dd and I are discussing changing our Maldives trip to Hawaii (I have to contact BA and see if I can get my miles back; I think Hilton will refund my points after a discussion I had with them yesterday). Dd is concerned there isn't much to do in Maui -- other than enjoying the glorious weather, amazing food and relaxing, what is worthwhile doing on Maui? I've never been to Maui, but have been to the Big Island and Oahu (twice) and don't really want to go back to either. So I am looking at flights in and out of Maui and maybe staying 6 nights. Also is the Wailea area better than Kaanapali?

We loved Haleakala crater. It is otherworldly! Absolutely LOVED the road to Hana. Hit up so many waterfalls, remote red sand/black sand beaches, and did alot of hiking. Kapalua Bay was a beautiful beach and we had so many encounters with sea turtles there. Kaanapali was a beautiful area.

 

[thevalley]

Last time they wouldn't let me but it's certainly worth a shot since they aren't answering the phone.



There is no policy. I concur that if you want to rebook at the new price you'll probably have to pay the fees to re-deposit your miles and book it like a new flight. Like sure you can ask, no harm if you can get through, but no they do not have an official policy for price drops. (Welcome to all US majors outside of southwest, if the price drops you were the sucker for buying too early! But in reality I don't think you are sucker nobody saw people canceling their flights left and right over Spring Break to HI a couple months ago...)

Thank you. I just got disconnected again. I will keep trying. If not then I am blessed that I was able to book when I did. I tend to catch myself glued to the TV at times. I am still going to Hawaii but very cautious with all Coronavirus hype. Only 23 more days. Can’t wait.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I've been in a gardening state the past few months. But we need flights for October. AA hostages here if we want direct flights, so it has to be AA It appears the grAAvy train is over? DH and I both did the Citi AA Biz Plat (mine 7/20/18 & DH 2/23/19). Just to make sure, the 48mo rule is applicable on the biz cards too, right? So we'd need to do personal cards this go round?

I know @gottalovepluto already chimed in here but man... that train is so scorched earth! I wouldn't even look at AA funny, they might come after your first born!!!

 

[first*toright]

When does Marriott status reset? DH's account still says Platinum.

I'm wondering about this too. DW is also still Platinum Elite solely from the old Ritz-Carlton card and I thought that would end by now.

Not sure if anyone already chimed in on this, but based on my (totally unscientific and anecdotal) DP collection, they haven't downgraded anyone from last year to this year. Not sure if its in response to a softening market (thx Covid-19) or what, but everyone I've canvassed has kept the status they had that was supposed to expire at the end of February. Another year of Titanium for me.

 

[punkin]

Glad I booked the Prague Courtyard yesterday. Today it's up 10k points per night. I'm still going to look for another option.

 

[miztressuz]

When does Marriott status reset? DH's account still says Platinum.

It's normally end of Feb, but it doesn't look like they remembered to actually update it this year. Maybe leap year threw them off? Hubby is still Platinum when he should be Gold. Wish we had a trip planned soon to take advantage. I know it's Bonboozled and all, but I think they'll catch on by July when our first stay is scheduled.

 

[mhartman09]

View attachment 478722
Have you guys seen the new Orange Bird merch? I can't wait to SHOP!

Yes, I'm loving all this merch, especially the new ears! Hoping to snag those on my Easter trip.

That is surprising! I've heard the travel industry is taking a beating but none of the Disney clients I have booked have contacted me concerned at all...

I'm just taking a wait and see approach too. It really is all we can do. I only worry about my dd cause she is immune compromised. She's promised me she'd come home if things get crazy down there.

Did you see that amazing DIsney cruise offer today? I've not seen rates that low offered to us. Wondered if they'd had a bunch of cancellations...

The industry is reeling. I haven’t seen that pricing on those rooms in the last few years when I’ve been watching (I have seen it on inside).

To those wondering we have to stay mum on prices and details but when the cruise industry needs to fill cabins sometimes they will put out short notice flash sales to TAs for specific room types on a specific cruise.

Surprised and happy for you @mhartman09 hope they book!!

The industry as a whole is definitely seeing staggering cancellations and decline. However, this is also causing many vendors to offer steep discounts to keep current reservations and get more guests booked. I was truly surprised by the amount of inquiries and bookings I've had in the recent weeks.

Exactly what @gottalovepluto said about the TA deals!

At this point, my primary travel concern is my FIL coming with us on our Easter trip. He was diagnosed with a form of blood cancer just about 2 years ago and he undergoes treatments every few months. My MIL said she'd be more concerned if they were flying, but out of our group of 15 they are the only ones not flying there. I guess we will just hope for the best.

 

[mmmears]

paging @Lain and anyone else familiar with Maui.

Dd and I are discussing changing our Maldives trip to Hawaii (I have to contact BA and see if I can get my miles back; I think Hilton will refund my points after a discussion I had with them yesterday). Dd is concerned there isn't much to do in Maui -- other than enjoying the glorious weather, amazing food and relaxing, what is worthwhile doing on Maui? I've never been to Maui, but have been to the Big Island and Oahu (twice) and don't really want to go back to either. So I am looking at flights in and out of Maui and maybe staying 6 nights. Also is the Wailea area better than Kaanapali?

There is lots to love about Maui. As far as activities, we've walked around the Iao Valley (really huge tropical ferns and just gorgeous lush surroundings, taken a boat to Molokini to go snorkeling and to swim near turtles, and gone to the aquarium. There's also the drive to Hana, and of course, Haleakala. Honestly we mostly just relax. Our go to place since the 90s has been the Grand Wailea (better weather there, too). Also be aware that Kapalua can be really windy (have friends who really didn't enjoy their time there but they loved the Wailea area). Kaanapali is closer to Lahaina if you prefer more shops and restaurants, though. Hope this helps.

 

[needsomesun]

Good for you! That Havana Area looks great. Have you ever stayed in one before? I like the idea of the private lanai but DH would HATE people walking by the balcony. We have done an aft balcony on NCL a few times and that is his favorite. I have to DRAG him out of the room to go do something! The UR cost is pretty similar between the two. We sail NCL mostly because DH refused to dress up to eat and we don't like eating in the buffet. Have you encountered any other cruise lines that allow men to wear shorts in the MDR?

I just came back from a RCCL cruise. They give suggestions each night on what to wear to the main dining room, but they don't enforce anything. DH and my father both wore shorts to the MDR, along with tons of other people. I think times are changing, many people don't want to dress up on vacation, and eating at a buffet every night gets old.

 

[miztressuz]

AmEx Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant increased sign up offer back, 100k/5k in 3 months. Offer ends 4/8, I don't think support links are updated with the new offer yet. Usually takes a couple days before AmEx will update those if they will.

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/american-express-bonvoy-brilliant-100000-point-sign-up-bonus/
This is the highest public offer they've done for this card. I believe there was a targeted upgrade offer for 125k but not sure if that was ever offered as a sign up bonus. Since AmEx offers are generally once in a lifetime, you want to look for high offers when considering AmEx cards if you can.

ETA: Keep in mind this timely tidbit shared by @Lain yesterday when calculating your value proposition - https://www.disboards.com/threads/i...t-page-for-addl-details.3784063/post-61637748

 

[StephPlum]

It's normally end of Feb, but it doesn't look like they remembered to actually update it this year. Maybe leap year threw them off? Hubby is still Platinum when he should be Gold. Wish we had a trip planned soon to take advantage. I know it's Bonboozled and all, but I think they'll catch on by July when our first stay is scheduled.

I haven’t seen this before. Love it.

 

[marsh0013]

AmEx Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant increased sign up offer back, 100k/5k in 3 months. Offer ends 4/8, I don't think support links are updated with the new offer yet. Usually takes a couple days before AmEx will update those if they will.

https://www.doctorofcredit.com/american-express-bonvoy-brilliant-100000-point-sign-up-bonus/
This is the highest public offer they've done for this card. I believe there was a targeted upgrade offer for 125k but not sure if that was ever offered as a sign up bonus. Since AmEx offers are generally once in a lifetime, you want to look for high offers when considering AmEx cards if you can.

Of course. After my husband just got a CIP (literally, expedited card just arrived today). That would be a lot of MSR in a very short time period. I guess we could MS the CIP. But I recently had a Walmart money center call me on my gift card so I’m hesitant to get myself stuck. I have other Walmarts and a Family Dollar.

I guess I’ll see how I’m feeling when the end of this offer gets closer. And who knows if I’d get the pop up. I haven’t applied for an Amex since I got my SPG biz (bonvoy now), on which I just paid the second annual fee so I guess I’ve got that going for me.

 

[StephPlum]

Costco is running another deal on rental cars. My May rental went down $50.

 

[Haley R]

We’re almost home now from our short little day trip. We had a lot of fun and got more done then I thought we would. We got our Donald magnets in Epcot, visited the butterfly garden for the first time (I loved this!), got some food at the China booth, and bought the orange bird sipper with the orange cream shake. We then took the skyliner to HS. It was SO windy and made me a little nervous. We were swaying quite a bit.

We rode MMRR with our fp. It wasn’t ground breaking but it was a cute ride. I felt okay riding being so far along but it would’ve made me nervous at the beginning of pregnancy when the baby can detach easier.

No one seemed concerned about the virus. I honestly didn’t think about it the whole time we were there. I just made sure to wash my hands a bunch. Dh and I said this was likely our last trip until July or August. Then I told him about conferences getting cancelled and he said if the price goes down a bunch at YC we might have to go lol

 

[miztressuz]

Of course. After my husband just got a CIP (literally, expedited card just arrived today). That would be a lot of MSR in a very short time period. I guess we could MS the CIP. But I recently had a Walmart money center call me on my gift card so I’m hesitant to get myself stuck. I have other Walmarts and a Family Dollar.

I guess I’ll see how I’m feeling when the end of this offer gets closer. And who knows if I’d get the pop up. I haven’t applied for an Amex since I got my SPG biz (bonvoy now), on which I just paid the second annual fee so I guess I’ve got that going for me.

Yes, I was hoping for a little more space myself. May would have been nice, June even better. Have you looked into bank account funding for the CIP as a backup? Just to keep some options open. Wouldn't try it with AmEx but so far no issues with Chase. I think it's been a while since this offer was out so I hate to miss it. But was hoping they'd up it though.

 

[ski_mom]

Good for you! That Havana Area looks great. Have you ever stayed in one before? I like the idea of the private lanai but DH would HATE people walking by the balcony. We have done an aft balcony on NCL a few times and that is his favorite. I have to DRAG him out of the room to go do something! The UR cost is pretty similar between the two. We sail NCL mostly because DH refused to dress up to eat and we don't like eating in the buffet. Have you encountered any other cruise lines that allow men to wear shorts in the MDR?

We take family cruises in the summer and have found all the lines we've done in summer to be pretty relaxed with dress code (Carnival, NCL and Royal). We also do winter cruises with a group of friends and have found that everyone seems to be a little dressier - DH always wears pants to dinner on the winter cruises. That being said, it's been about 4 years since we've done a winter cruise, so that could have changed by now. I feel that most people don't necessarily like to dress up for dinner. I know DH doesn't!