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

[Psychodisney]

We’re thinking about staying at the fort wilderness cabins for ds’s first birthday in April. We’ve literally gone nowhere since last March lol. So this would be a big deal. We figured we’d be in our own cabin, can bring food from home to cook, can bring our bikes and bike trailer to pull him around, rent a golf cart, use the splash pad, and see the horses. I’m super excited. We haven’t booked yet because sometimes the Florida resident rates go down the closer you get and we aren’t completely set on dates yet.

Has anyone stayed in the cabins? Advice or tips?

We did years ago before we bought DVC (2002) . We loved it! I grew up camping at the Fort every year so it was nostalgic for me too. It's a very relaxing setting removed from the chaos of the hotel environment. Enjoy!

 

[IFlossU]

Aha! The beauty of never deleting an email - I thought I remembered sending a friend an email about the companies that ABD had used. Thought this might be helpful, as I’m sure there are so many companies doing similar activities down there. (And I discovered our trip was FIVE years ago! Man, time flies!!)


Here is the hotel we stayed at in Arenal - http://www.arenalmanoa.com/index.php Like I said, it wasn't crazy over-the-top fancy, but nice and comfortable, had a cool pool area and great views of the volcano.

I'm 99% sure this is the zip lining company that we went through - http://skyadventures.travel/skytrek/ Like I said, we've zip lined lots of places, including Puerto Rico, and this one was far and away the best and coolest one we've ever done. HIGHLY recommend.

We also rafted the Tenorio River through RCR Rafting - http://www.raftingguanacaste.com/guanacaste-costa-rica.html I think it's farther west of Arenal, but might be worth a day trip.

I appreciate you posting this as well. We were talking about going to Costa Rica in 2022 for the first time as well. This is great information.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

We are going to Costa Rica for Spring Break 2022, I'm looking at copying the ABD itinerary. Or can you recommend a better itinerary? We are looking at 9 days/8 nights in mid-March. Kids will be 11 & 14, wow they are getting old.

I prefer this one
https://www.caravan.com/tour/costa-ricaWe loved Cano Negro, Arenal and Tortuguero (which I don't see on many itineraries) and Manuel Antonio.

 

[Judique]

We’re thinking about staying at the fort wilderness cabins for ds’s first birthday in April. We’ve literally gone nowhere since last March lol. So this would be a big deal. We figured we’d be in our own cabin, can bring food from home to cook, can bring our bikes and bike trailer to pull him around, rent a golf cart, use the splash pad, and see the horses. I’m super excited. We haven’t booked yet because sometimes the Florida resident rates go down the closer you get and we aren’t completely set on dates yet.

Has anyone stayed in the cabins? Advice or tips?

I actually stayed there on DVC points maybe 10-15 years ago. Rented a cart and rode bikes. We enjoyed it. It's really nice to be able to park the cart and the car at your doorstep. We were in the 2700 loop which wasn't close to anything, but having the cart makes a big difference.

Our cooking consisted of coffee and warming up leftovers from the dining plan which was a bargain back then.

When we were there the bed was a double with a bunkbed very close to it. This may have changed as it's been quite a long time. Then they had the murphy bed in the living room area.

The deck was a nice size with a small charcoal grill.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Thanks. This is correct. I did 50,000 minus 25% to get the 37,500. But I knew that didn't seem right.

To calculate this you simply divide the Dollar Amount of the transaction you wish to PYB on by 0.015 for CSR or 0.0125 for CSP.

A $1,000 charge thus is:
CSP = 80,000 URs
CSR = 66,666 URs

Also - you can see how much more lucrative PYB is with a CSR in hand. IF you don't have one and plan to use this a lot - you might want to PC a card to a CSR.

 

[trenty]

To calculate this you simply divide the Dollar Amount of the transaction you wish to PYB on by 0.015 for CSR or 0.125 for CSP.

A $1,000 charge thus is:
CSP = 80,000 URs
CSR = 66,666 URs

Also - you can see how much more lucrative PYB is with a CSR in hand. IF you don't have one and plan to use this a lot - you might want to PC a card to a CSR.

Thanks. Don’t plan on using it a lot and can’t stomach the fee for the CSR (yes - I know I would get a lot more value for the extra AF but I am happy enough with the CSP benefits).

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

Thanks. Don’t plan on using it a lot and can’t stomach the fee for the CSR (yes - I know I would get a lot more value for the extra AF but I am happy enough with the CSP benefits).

When you PC a card to a CSR, you typically do not get charged the AF for 3-5 months. Your Travel Credit is available immediately and will reset a year from the PC so your timeline could look something like this:

1) PC to CSR
2) Immediately use $300 Travel Credit (which still works on groceries by the way so could buy $300 Disney GC at grocery store)
3) Pay $550 Annual Fee in 3-5 months - So now your AF is effectively $250 (with trav cred) vs. $95 on CSP - a $155 difference
4) If you use your PYB benefit on at least one $700 charge, you'll save more than $155 worth of URs
5) double dip the TC $300 next year in March 2022.
6) PC the card to something else before the Annual Fee hits in May-Jul 2022.

So you can save URs... and made $50 by double dipping the credit...

I see very little reason for anybody to have an open CSP beyond the first year with this math working in your favor.

EDIT: Updated some math thanks to @Hoosier John and @wanderlust7

 

[platamama]

We are going to Costa Rica for Spring Break 2022, I'm looking at copying the ABD itinerary. Or can you recommend a better itinerary? We are looking at 9 days/8 nights in mid-March. Kids will be 11 & 14, wow they are getting old.

Oh, I love Costa Rica! On our first trip there I planned it myself, and we spent 4 nights in Arenal and 4 nights in Manuel Antonio, and had an incredible time. Started in San Jose and did a coffee plantation tour combined with a visit to Poas Volcano, and spent some time at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. In the Arenal area, we did the SkyTrek zipline that @iujen94 mentioned and that is the longest, high flying zipline I've ever done, it's pretty much ruined me for any other ziplines. We did the "volunteering" activity at Proyecto Asis which is an animal sanctuary for wildlife. DD got to hold and bottle feed baby capuchin monkeys which was a highlight. Also went ATVing with Original Arenal ATV and that was a blast. In Manuel Antonio we spent time at the beach, and did a day trip with ADR Adventure for their 10-in-1 adventure (ziplining, rappeling, via ferrata, 4 wheeling) which is probably the most fun I've ever had in my life.

Our last two times in Costa Rica we stayed at Hotel Punta Islita (Autograph Collection with Bonvoy) where almost all the activities are included with your stay. There is ziplining, horseback rides, yoga, nature walks, and down at the beach you can rent boogie boards or take surfing lessons (these last two are through private vendors so they do cost money). We've gone river kayaking and turtle viewing for an extra fee too. My DH says that is his favorite place in the world. Me, I actually preferred our first trip to Costa Rica because it was more varied and we saw more of the country. But Punta Islita is easy and relaxing.

 

[wanderlust7]

When you PC a card to a CSR, you typically do not get charged the AF for 3-5 months. Your Travel Credit is available immediately and will reset a year from the PC so your timeline could look something like this:

1) PC to CSR
2) Immediately use $300 Travel Credit (which still works on groceries by the way so could buy $300 Disney GC at grocery store)
3) Pay $450 Annual Fee in 3-5 months - So now your AF is effectively $150 (with trav cred) vs. $95 on CSP - a $55 difference
4) If you use your PYB benefit on at least one $400 charge, you'll save more than $55 worth of URs
5) double dip the TC $300 next year in March 2022.
6) PC the card to something else before the Annual Fee hits in May-Jul 2022.

So you can save URs... and made $150 by double dipping the credit...

I see very little reason for anybody to have an open CSP beyond the first year with this math working in your favor.

I think PC is getting the $550 AF. Still comes out ahead though.

 

[IFlossU]

I think PC is getting the $550 AF. Still comes out ahead though.

PC’d DH’s CSP to a CSR on 9/1. $550AF hit on 12/1. I ran the PYB #’s of 1.25 vs. 1.5 and for the amount of points redeemed we’ve come out about $1k ahead already. Then adding in the $300 travel credit x 2 it made sense to at least keep the CSR for the first year.

 

[trenty]

Another questions on using CC points to buy Disney GCs. If I want to use MRs, what is the most cost-effective way? Is there a better way than just using the MRs to pay that portion of my Amex bill? I have the Everyday card and not interested in changing it to another card.

 

[wanderlust7]

Oh, I love Costa Rica! On our first trip there I planned it myself, and we spent 4 nights in Arenal and 4 nights in Manuel Antonio, and had an incredible time. Started in San Jose and did a coffee plantation tour combined with a visit to Poas Volcano, and spent some time at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. In the Arenal area, we did the SkyTrek zipline that @iujen94 mentioned and that is the longest, high flying zipline I've ever done, it's pretty much ruined me for any other ziplines. We did the "volunteering" activity at Proyecto Asis which is an animal sanctuary for wildlife. DD got to hold and bottle feed baby capuchin monkeys which was a highlight. Also went ATVing with Original Arenal ATV and that was a blast. In Manuel Antonio we spent time at the beach, and did a day trip with ADR Adventure for their 10-in-1 adventure (ziplining, rappeling, via ferrata, 4 wheeling) which is probably the most fun I've ever had in my life.

Our last two times in Costa Rica we stayed at Hotel Punta Islita (Autograph Collection with Bonvoy) where almost all the activities are included with your stay. There is ziplining, horseback rides, yoga, nature walks, and down at the beach you can rent boogie boards or take surfing lessons (these last two are through private vendors so they do cost money). We've gone river kayaking and turtle viewing for an extra fee too. My DH says that is his favorite place in the world. Me, I actually preferred our first trip to Costa Rica because it was more varied and we saw more of the country. But Punta Islita is easy and relaxing.

Love all the talk about Costa Rica. Was just looking at the Andaz thinking to maximize Globalist if we get there. Will have to go back through these posts and figure out what is where.

 

[disfanforlife]

When you PC a card to a CSR, you typically do not get charged the AF for 3-5 months. Your Travel Credit is available immediately and will reset a year from the PC so your timeline could look something like this:

1) PC to CSR
2) Immediately use $300 Travel Credit (which still works on groceries by the way so could buy $300 Disney GC at grocery store)
3) Pay $450 Annual Fee in 3-5 months - So now your AF is effectively $150 (with trav cred) vs. $95 on CSP - a $55 difference
4) If you use your PYB benefit on at least one $400 charge, you'll save more than $55 worth of URs
5) double dip the TC $300 next year in March 2022.
6) PC the card to something else before the Annual Fee hits in May-Jul 2022.

So you can save URs... and made $150 by double dipping the credit...

I see very little reason for anybody to have an open CSP beyond the first year with this math working in your favor.

Thank you! If the PYB is still around in May I am going to do this, just need To wait to get to one year of having the CSP.

 

[trenty]

When you PC a card to a CSR, you typically do not get charged the AF for 3-5 months. Your Travel Credit is available immediately and will reset a year from the PC so your timeline could look something like this:

1) PC to CSR
2) Immediately use $300 Travel Credit (which still works on groceries by the way so could buy $300 Disney GC at grocery store)
3) Pay $450 Annual Fee in 3-5 months - So now your AF is effectively $150 (with trav cred) vs. $95 on CSP - a $55 difference
4) If you use your PYB benefit on at least one $400 charge, you'll save more than $55 worth of URs
5) double dip the TC $300 next year in March 2022.
6) PC the card to something else before the Annual Fee hits in May-Jul 2022.

So you can save URs... and made $150 by double dipping the credit...

I see very little reason for anybody to have an open CSP beyond the first year with this math working in your favor.

Thanks. I get the math. But I get enough benefit for me with just the CSP. I don't play this game like many of you. (But I am in awe of the value you get by doing it your way!) I get out of it what I can. I enjoy getting whatever discount I can with my meager (compared to some) credit card rewards.

 

[becauseimnew]

I prefer this one
https://www.caravan.com/tour/costa-ricaWe loved Cano Negro, Arenal and Tortuguero (which I don't see on many itineraries) and Manuel Antonio.

Thank you! this looks doable and more interesting then ABD.

Oh, I love Costa Rica! On our first trip there I planned it myself, and we spent 4 nights in Arenal and 4 nights in Manuel Antonio, and had an incredible time. Started in San Jose and did a coffee plantation tour combined with a visit to Poas Volcano, and spent some time at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens. In the Arenal area, we did the SkyTrek zipline that @iujen94 mentioned and that is the longest, high flying zipline I've ever done, it's pretty much ruined me for any other ziplines. We did the "volunteering" activity at Proyecto Asis which is an animal sanctuary for wildlife. DD got to hold and bottle feed baby capuchin monkeys which was a highlight. Also went ATVing with Original Arenal ATV and that was a blast. In Manuel Antonio we spent time at the beach, and did a day trip with ADR Adventure for their 10-in-1 adventure (ziplining, rappeling, via ferrata, 4 wheeling) which is probably the most fun I've ever had in my life.

Our last two times in Costa Rica we stayed at Hotel Punta Islita (Autograph Collection with Bonvoy) where almost all the activities are included with your stay. There is ziplining, horseback rides, yoga, nature walks, and down at the beach you can rent boogie boards or take surfing lessons (these last two are through private vendors so they do cost money). We've gone river kayaking and turtle viewing for an extra fee too. My DH says that is his favorite place in the world. Me, I actually preferred our first trip to Costa Rica because it was more varied and we saw more of the country. But Punta Islita is easy and relaxing.

I love both these trips, but I think DH would enjoy the first one more.

 

[Haley R]

Our family love the cabins at FW. We always rent a golf cart, and I think sometimes my DH and kids enjoy riding around the Fort in the golf cart just as much as visiting the parks. You probably won’t have to, but I always call ahead to reserve the golf cart. Seems to make it that much easier when we arrive and pick it up.

We’ve always found it to be very peaceful staying there. Lots of wildlife to see. Last time there was a family of turkeys just chilling out in our little yard.

If you forget anything the general store has a pretty good selection of basic groceries. It doesn’t sound like you’re going to be eating at the quick service place, but food service is extremely limited and P & J’s is slooowww during peak times. We would typically take a boat over to Wilderness Lodge or Contemporary to eat.

We will be bringing pretty much all of our own food to cook. Ds is dairy/soy intolerant so it’s just easier that way and less stress for us. I don’t think Dh will want to eat anywhere inside. We haven’t decided yet but we may go into MK. Otherwise it’ll just be a resort trip for 2-3 nights

Thanks for the tip about reserving the golf cart ahead of time!

 

[Haley R]

We did years ago before we bought DVC (2002) . We loved it! I grew up camping at the Fort every year so it was nostalgic for me too. It's a very relaxing setting removed from the chaos of the hotel environment. Enjoy!

We’ve never been to the fort but it seems like the perfect thing for us to do. Dh is excited to ride our bikes

 

[Haley R]

I actually stayed there on DVC points maybe 10-15 years ago. Rented a cart and rode bikes. We enjoyed it. It's really nice to be able to park the cart and the car at your doorstep. We were in the 2700 loop which wasn't close to anything, but having the cart makes a big difference.

Our cooking consisted of coffee and warming up leftovers from the dining plan which was a bargain back then.

When we were there the bed was a double with a bunkbed very close to it. This may have changed as it's been quite a long time. Then they had the murphy bed in the living room area.

The deck was a nice size with a small charcoal grill.

We will definitely use the grill for cooking! Do they provide the charcoal and something to light it with?

We plan to bring the pack n play for ds to sleep in but might request a crib if there isn’t already one in there. Do you know if they have cribs in there already?

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I think PC is getting the $550 AF. Still comes out ahead though.

Thanks for the catch - updated (with credit), lol!

Thanks. I get the math. But I get enough benefit for me with just the CSP. I don't play this game like many of you. (But I am in awe of the value you get by doing it your way!) I get out of it what I can. I enjoy getting whatever discount I can with my meager (compared to some) credit card rewards.

If you get the math, I would highly advise you consider the PC. It is better in every way shape or form. The only downside is fronting $250 vs. $95 (an additional $155) that you'll get back that and then some in 13 months via the year 2 travel credit.

How many URs are you planning to use with PYB? Perhaps that would help your decision as well...

 

[becauseimnew]

Love all the talk about Costa Rica. Was just looking at the Andaz thinking to maximize Globalist if we get there. Will have to go back through these posts and figure out what is where.

I decided that between Costa Rica & Hawaii next year we need to make sure to hit 30 nights. Which also means, we need more URs