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

[Disneyonmymind]

Amex MF offer DP...purchased through Chase shopping link 1/28...URs posted 1/30...today 1/8 see the $99 listed on Amex under savings...no SC yet
Did one on DHs card..1/29...nothing posted...think I will be cancelling this one

The URs posted on mine too but no amex credit yet. On DHs, I have emails but nothing else.

 

[becauseimnew]

Friendly reminder to reload your Amazon GC with your Hyatt(s). I forgot to do it over the weekend.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

I got my BF back last night after he was in Vegas for a week of training. He's on vaca this week, and I'm on vaca next. Talk about well planned, LOL

Anyways we started to look at the weather for next week. Florida seems to be in the mid-70's. He doesn't feel that's "enough" to head south for a few days. Mind you, his flight will be free! And I'll be covering the hotel, LOL. So I looked at Cancun, PR, and USVIs. I know Cancun requires the Rona test to return. It looks like PR and USVI require it to enter, but not return. Am I reading that right?

I'm kinda hoping he just caves and agrees 70's and sunshine is better than snow and -5 degrees! I mean come on!!! Back to looking at flights and rentals, etc.

 

[Alexle2007]

I got my BF back last night after he was in Vegas for a week of training. He's on vaca this week, and I'm on vaca next. Talk about well planned, LOL

Anyways we started to look at the weather for next week. Florida seems to be in the mid-70's. He doesn't feel that's "enough" to head south for a few days. Mind you, his flight will be free! And I'll be covering the hotel, LOL. So I looked at Cancun, PR, and USVIs. I know Cancun requires the Rona test to return. It looks like PR and USVI require it to enter, but not return. Am I reading that right?

I'm kinda hoping he just caves and agrees 70's and sunshine is better than snow and -5 degrees! I mean come on!!! Back to looking at flights and rentals, etc.

You might want to do more research. When I looked at PR, it seemed like things were pretty locked down there and everything was closing really early. It did not seem like a fun place to be.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I just typed up a nice long post on the "Here Now" thread. I'm going to cross-quote it here as I'd imagine there's some folks on this thread on the fence about a Disney trip right now.

As I said at the bottom of the post: TL;DR: One Week Later... I'm really glad we went!

Was "Here Now"... Not really "Just Back" anymore... a ONE WEEK later update! I hope this helps some folks as they decide should we go now:

One of the most common things I see on this thread and in other places on the DIS is concern over "IS THE MAGIC THERE RIGHT NOW". I must admit that in the months leading up to our late January trip (basically starting in July of 2020 up until we boarded the plane on Jan 26th) I was torn and conflicted about whether the WDW I was about to visit could live up to my lofty expectations.

Over our roughly 11 annual Jan/Feb visits (and 18 trips overall) to WDW we had honed in our specific preferences while also continually increasing our budget to meet our preferences. In the past three years we had settled in as a Deluxe Only, Split-Stay family with an 8-day largely commando-style touring plan. (I'm not saying this to impress you, just to note how we typically approach WDW - and of course those of you familiar with me on the I Love CC threads know that these trips end up costing us nothing). Basically I point that out to say that we have high expectations of a Disney World trip.

That said - here was my list of things I was concerned about leading up to the trip:

• No Character Meet & Greets - we meet A TON of characters I'd say 30-40 a trip.
• Lack of FastPass and having to deal with standby lines - we leveraged refresh strategies to rarely hit a standby line of over 10 mins.
• Restrictions on Snacking - i.e. I can't just grab a Starbucks or a Churro and enjoy it along the way
• Missing night-time entertainment (HEA, Fantasmic, and Star Wars Galactic Spectacular) - not only would we see each of these shows, we'd often stake out a spot well in advance for our preferred seat and then grab some snacks - they were a HUGE part of our evenings.
• No Shows (BatB, Indy, LM, FotLK, Nemo) - we saw every one of them, every trip
• General Lack of Atmosphere - seemingly felt on Main Street, in DHS, and especially in World Showcase
• Constant Reminders of the Pandemic (plexiglass in lines, announcements breaking in over the themed music, masks EVERYWHERE)
• Ride modifications (missing pre-shows, added plexi-glass, inability to request a certain seat, and other elements adjusted)

First off, I don't want to sugar coat things... all of these elements had an effect on our trip. It was certainly not the WDW that we had come to know and love. And in some ways, we missed many of the elements during our 6 days in Orlando. But I'll tell you what... one week later, none of those bullet points resonate with me!

All I have in my head right now are happy memories! I'm riding that post-Disney trip high that I always get! At dinner each night this past week our family said "one week ago today we were doing XXXXX" just like we always do after a WDW trip. Even now as I type this, I have a smile on my face thinking about that ride on Splash Mountain, the humor at the Frozen show in DHS, the Steak I had at Le Cellier, and a bunch of other happy thoughts!

All of those missing elements, those concerns, could've easily forced me to cancel this trip. But one week later, I am VERY GLAD that I did not. I'll also say that we're blessed that this trip cost us nothing due to my penchant for leveraging credit card rewards. Had this been a once in five years trip, perhaps we wouldn't have gone.

I am by no means suggesting that any person reading this is the same as me, and so maybe you won't feel that way one week later... but that is a LONG list, and a valid list, and for us, none of it mattered once we got to our happy place.

TL;DR: One Week Later... I'm really glad we went!

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

You might want to do more research. When I looked at PR, it seemed like things were pretty locked down there and everything was closing really early. It did not seem like a fun place to be.

Yeah he mentioned the last time he had an overnight there, they were legit locked down to the hotel. It looks like curfew is 11pm now and some more areas are open. I'm kinda part hoping he'd just agree to FL (I suggest Key West).

 

[havaneselover]

So we may actually have a high school graduation which shocks me. I really wanted my mom to attend (my brother didn't even bother inviting her to my nephews' and then they sent tons of photos with all SIL's family there which of course offended my mom) but I'm guessing it won't be worth it (or we may only have two tickets). Will wait for more details but I have a date and a time. Maybe I can suggest a graduation dinner in Michigan over the summer.

And dd got into UVa Engineering but I think she doesn't want to be so close to home I can completely understand that. I desperately needed to go away at 17.

 

[AmyAnne]

The URs posted on mine too but no amex credit yet. On DHs, I have emails but nothing else.

No URs (the purchase tracked properly and shows in "trips" but no points even pending). No AmEx credit. Purchase was 1/28. I guess I will just wait and see what happens, but not impressed. Also waiting on a handful of other AmEx credits.

 

[ski_mom]

No URs (the purchase tracked properly and shows in "trips" but no points even pending). No AmEx credit. Purchase was 1/28. I guess I will just wait and see what happens, but not impressed. Also waiting on a handful of other AmEx credits.

I'm in the exact same boat. I wish the credits could post quicker.

 

[IFlossU]

I just typed up a nice long post on the "Here Now" thread. I'm going to cross-quote it here as I'd imagine there's some folks on this thread on the fence about a Disney trip right now.

As I said at the bottom of the post: TL;DR: One Week Later... I'm really glad we went!

Really appreciate you writing this up. I share many of your same concerns about a return trip to WDW and often wonder “is it worth it?” My husband is definitely on team Let’s Go, where I’m sadly more pessimistic feeling about the experience. I value your opinion, and had hoped to hear your thoughts. So thank you. Gives me a nudge in the Florida direction

 

[becauseimnew]

I'm in the exact same boat. I wish the credits could post quicker.

My MF tracked in the "Savings" tab, it wasn't there this morning. I feel much better. Easiest 15,000 URs.

 

[IFlossU]

Here’s a blog post re: Amex credit delay

https://milestomemories.com/amex-credits-are-delayed/
We’re not alone

 

[becauseimnew]

I used my 2020 Plat airline credit on AA seat selection, we are 95% sure we won't be going be going to be making that trip. When I call AA to cancel, will they refund the charges? or can they offer a GC?

 

[dez1978]

Hi everyone. Popping over here from the Gift Card thread to ask a question. I am interested in getting a Chase SW card. I have a Disney Chase card already that I've had 3+ years. As for a lot of ppl, 2020 sucked. A lot. We own restaurants (buffets specifically) so with Covid we lost a full 6 months of business and put most of what we had saved trying to survive until we could reopen. Thats a whole other story though, that i won't bore you all with here. Needless to say, our credit took a hit. Mostly my husbands, but mine too. To make matters worse, his credit was hacked and that cost him both his SW and Disney chase cards, and a couple of his AMEX cards. Another very long story and lesson learned. Always pay for Lifelock... I have not gotten any new CC's in the last 2 years except for my Target card in Jan 2019. I guess the 1st question I need to ask is what should my credit score be before I consider trying to get the SW card?

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

Okay looks now like Fort Lauderdale is the front runner for next week. Now trying to decide how to tackle the hotel. I have....

5 FNC w/ Marriot - Looking at the W or the Marriott Harbour Beach resort. W looks nice, but recent reviews say it's run down.
1 FNC w/ Hilton - Was looking at the Conrad. I have diamond status and was thinking that could be a nice use of my FNC as we should likely be upgraded, get free breakfast, etc. Comes w/ beach chairs as well as bike rentals which I thought might be nice.
2 FNC w/ IHG - I feel like the best splurge of this would be more in Miami

Anyone have any insight on those above? I also have the Friends and Family w/ Hilton, so I could just book through them rather cheap too. I was going to use some of my free nights over spring break, but my mom decided to join the vaca. She's talking about getting us an airbnb wherever we decide to pick. So I won't need my FNC for that. I know the BF wants to do Nashville maybe this summer (which I think the IHG at a Kimpton there would be a decent usage). I have no idea where else I might use my 1 free Hilton night (I could always do the Waldorf in Chicago). Also not sure where I might use my 5 FNC w/ Marriott. I guess I should look and see where you can snag a deal w/ them still (and also see if Spirit flies there, LOL).

Ahhhhhhh, such a "terrible" issue to have, figuring out where to use my all my free nights, LOL.

 

[becauseimnew]

Hi everyone. Popping over here from the Gift Card thread to ask a question. I am interested in getting a Chase SW card. I have a Disney Chase card already that I've had 3+ years. As for a lot of ppl, 2020 sucked. A lot. We own restaurants (buffets specifically) so with Covid we lost a full 6 months of business and put most of what we had saved trying to survive until we could reopen. Thats a whole other story though, that i won't bore you all with here. Needless to say, our credit took a hit. Mostly my husbands, but mine too. To make matters worse, his credit was hacked and that cost him both his SW and Disney chase cards, and a couple of his AMEX cards. Another very long story and lesson learned. Always pay for Lifelock... I have not gotten any new CC's in the last 2 years except for my Target card in Jan 2019. I guess the 1st question I need to ask is what should my credit score be before I consider trying to get the SW card?

From my understanding you need "good" credit, which puts you at a minimum of 670. Hope this help! and good luck. Make sure you use a support link to take advantage of the 80K rapid rewards offer.

 

[GZanta77]

Okay looks now like Fort Lauderdale is the front runner for next week. Now trying to decide how to tackle the hotel. I have....

5 FNC w/ Marriot - Looking at the W or the Marriott Harbour Beach resort. W looks nice, but recent reviews say it's run down.
1 FNC w/ Hilton - Was looking at the Conrad. I have diamond status and was thinking that could be a nice use of my FNC as we should likely be upgraded, get free breakfast, etc. Comes w/ beach chairs as well as bike rentals which I thought might be nice.
2 FNC w/ IHG - I feel like the best splurge of this would be more in Miami

Anyone have any insight on those above? I also have the Friends and Family w/ Hilton, so I could just book through them rather cheap too. I was going to use some of my free nights over spring break, but my mom decided to join the vaca. She's talking about getting us an airbnb wherever we decide to pick. So I won't need my FNC for that. I know the BF wants to do Nashville maybe this summer (which I think the IHG at a Kimpton there would be a decent usage). I have no idea where else I might use my 1 free Hilton night (I could always do the Waldorf in Chicago). Also not sure where I might use my 5 FNC w/ Marriott. I guess I should look and see where you can snag a deal w/ them still (and also see if Spirit flies there, LOL).

Ahhhhhhh, such a "terrible" issue to have, figuring out where to use my all my free nights, LOL.

re: Fort Lauderdale: - my favorite use of the Hilton FNC is the Diplomat Beach resort in the Hollywood beach area. Often they only offer an accessible room as a standard reward, but have been advised to select that before and have always been upgraded to ocean view.

The Marriott Harbor Beach club is great for families, but when we stayed there I thought the rooms decidedly average and the service lacking. That said, I would stay there again for the pools and beach location.

 

[Hoosier John]

Hi everyone. Popping over here from the Gift Card thread to ask a question. I am interested in getting a Chase SW card. I have a Disney Chase card already that I've had 3+ years. As for a lot of ppl, 2020 sucked. A lot. We own restaurants (buffets specifically) so with Covid we lost a full 6 months of business and put most of what we had saved trying to survive until we could reopen. Thats a whole other story though, that i won't bore you all with here. Needless to say, our credit took a hit. Mostly my husbands, but mine too. To make matters worse, his credit was hacked and that cost him both his SW and Disney chase cards, and a couple of his AMEX cards. Another very long story and lesson learned. Always pay for Lifelock... I have not gotten any new CC's in the last 2 years except for my Target card in Jan 2019. I guess the 1st question I need to ask is what should my credit score be before I consider trying to get the SW card?

I'm not a Southwest expert, but watch replies closely today, because a good deal is just about to end. It was just mentioned here

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Okay looks now like Fort Lauderdale is the front runner for next week. Now trying to decide how to tackle the hotel. I have....

5 FNC w/ Marriot - Looking at the W or the Marriott Harbour Beach resort. W looks nice, but recent reviews say it's run down.
1 FNC w/ Hilton - Was looking at the Conrad. I have diamond status and was thinking that could be a nice use of my FNC as we should likely be upgraded, get free breakfast, etc. Comes w/ beach chairs as well as bike rentals which I thought might be nice.
2 FNC w/ IHG - I feel like the best splurge of this would be more in Miami

Anyone have any insight on those above? I also have the Friends and Family w/ Hilton, so I could just book through them rather cheap too. I was going to use some of my free nights over spring break, but my mom decided to join the vaca. She's talking about getting us an airbnb wherever we decide to pick. So I won't need my FNC for that. I know the BF wants to do Nashville maybe this summer (which I think the IHG at a Kimpton there would be a decent usage). I have no idea where else I might use my 1 free Hilton night (I could always do the Waldorf in Chicago). Also not sure where I might use my 5 FNC w/ Marriott. I guess I should look and see where you can snag a deal w/ them still (and also see if Spirit flies there, LOL).

Ahhhhhhh, such a "terrible" issue to have, figuring out where to use my all my free nights, LOL.

If you're up for a 3 hour drive north and can fly out of Orlando, the WA there is really nice. I think the Conrad Fort Lauderdale looks really nice and would be a good value for the FNC. There's also the Diplomat, which is a Hilton Curio Hotel (used to be a Westin). In terms of location, I'd say the Conrad would beat the Diplomat, because I think you'd be in a more "happening" area and walking distance to shops and restaurants, whereas at the Diplomat you'd need a car to go shopping or out to eat.

 

[havaneselover]

Just got an email from LinkedIn: Top Job Picks for me. Funeral Director and Embalmer. Now I'm depressed.