I love credit cards so much! v7.0 - 2025 (see first page for add'l details)

[jujubiee4]

As yes, I haven't spoken on this thread about the Fantasy Springs Hotel at DisneySea. I booked this hotel because of the location in the newly-opened Fantasy Springs area of DisneySea and in that respect it delivered. The location was amazing. No pics of the room because ds got to the room before me (I stopped to watch the fireworks from the balcony off the lobby) and really settled in. Ds thought it akin to a room at a Holiday Inn, I'd probably agree. Except that the HI doesn't give you free tote bags (2 per night), little plastic cups (4 per night), slippers (not anything you'd want to use at home) and a 90 degree of the (very small) fantasy garden! The beds were very comfortable, but there was barely any theming in the room -- fine by me, but those that have come to expect elaborate theming would probably be disappointed. Spotlessly clean of course. The breakfast was very good -- plenty of options! We found it amusing that they had lasagna and pasta with red sauce at breakfast (ewww), yet the locals were eating it so go figure.

How has the weather been for your stay in Tokyo? I never would have thought to book a trip in Feb thinking it would be too cold.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

How has the weather been for your stay in Tokyo? I never would have thought to book a trip in Feb thinking it would be too cold.

I LOVE the weather in January. It was sunny and in the high 40s to low-mid 50s! I never wore a sweater, just my light puffer jacket. We never had rain, though it was cloudy 1 day. I'd much rather go in January than June!

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Has anyone driven or familiar with driving from Ft Lauderdale to Orlando or vice versa? Have a family
wedding to go next weekend. Originally planned on flying back next morning but decided to drive down
to WDW after wedding about 7-730 in rental. However looking at the map has me a bit apprehensive
driving this at night. Parts of the route look very desolate. With me are my kids and 21 yr old niece.
Driven this a couple times years ago during the DAY and it was pleasant.

We could wait until first thing in the morning (monday) but will miss rope drop and may hit traffic?.
Thoughts? Anyone driven this at night? thanks

I've driven that route many, many times, but never in the dark (once in the pounding rain -- not fun). Assuming you'll take the turnpike, it's a very well-traveled highway, so you should be fine. Once you get close to Orlando there is a rest station with fast food restaurants, gas and restrooms so you can stop and stretch your legs. As long as you're comfortable driving on the highway at night I'd think you'd be fine.

 

[StephPlum]

Is there a way to see what promos were available from cards at a certain time?

I got the Alaska Airlines card in December and I KNOW I did it because there was an elevated offer. However, I was credited the 60,000 miles. I am not sure how to prove that it was an elevated offer and I want to double check the exact offer before I call. I am searching on DoC but not really finding what I am looking for. Kicking myself for not taking a screenshot.

Othwerwise... anyone have luck getting BoA to match a new offer? Ugh. I am pretty sure this is no

I can never remember what I sign up for. I take a screenshot of the offer and paste in my spreadsheet where I track minspend. I don’t know if it will pass as proof if there were any issues but better than nothing.

 

[newski_mom]

Getting ready to book an NCL cruise - I have the $200 back wys $1000 on both of our AmEx cards. I usually book through Costco and they don't accept AmEx (even on cruises - I called and asked).

I guess there's no workaround to be able to book through them and also use the $200 deals? I'll probably just book through NCL to get the credits, but Costco has a promotion going on right now to get free bingo, spa credits, casino credits, a picture package and a few other small things when booking through them. Still not worth the extra $400 total back, but would love both lol!

 

[wanderlust7]

Getting ready to book an NCL cruise - I have the $200 back wys $1000 on both of our AmEx cards. I usually book through Costco and they don't accept AmEx (even on cruises - I called and asked).

I guess there's no workaround to be able to book through them and also use the $200 deals? I'll probably just book through NCL to get the credits, but Costco has a promotion going on right now to get free bingo, spa credits, casino credits, a picture package and a few other small things when booking through them. Still not worth the extra $400 total back, but would love both lol!

Have you checked Cruise Compete? I've been able to get about 10% off or as OBC on NCL before.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Has anyone driven or familiar with driving from Ft Lauderdale to Orlando or vice versa? Have a family
wedding to go next weekend. Originally planned on flying back next morning but decided to drive down
to WDW after wedding about 7-730 in rental. However looking at the map has me a bit apprehensive
driving this at night. Parts of the route look very desolate. With me are my kids and 21 yr old niece.
Driven this a couple times years ago during the DAY and it was pleasant.

We could wait until first thing in the morning (monday) but will miss rope drop and may hit traffic?.
Thoughts? Anyone driven this at night? thanks

Can’t speak to the drive but if nervous about night driving alternatively you could take the Brightline from Fort Lauderdale to MCO. Might be a good idea if you’re worried you might be tired after the wedding festivities.

 

[jujubiee4]

Can’t speak to the drive but if nervous about night driving alternatively you could take the Brightline from Fort Lauderdale to MCO. Might be a good idea if you’re worried you might be tired after the wedding festivities.

I can't thank you enough for this suggestion! I had never even thought of brightline because I assumed
last train left at 5 or so. Turns out they have a couple leaving at 8 and 9pm. Relieved they can do the
"driving". Getting at the train station around midnight is kind of nerve wracking but hope its lit up and
has security while we wait for an uber. Thanks again!

 

[SleepyatDVC]

I can't thank you enough for this suggestion! I had never even thought of brightline because I assumed
last train left at 5 or so. Turns out they have a couple leaving at 8 and 9pm. Relieved they can do the
"driving". Getting at the train station around midnight is kind of nerve wracking but hope its lit up and
has security while we wait for an uber. Thanks again!

The Brightline station in Orlando is at the MCO airport attached to terminal C where JetBlue uses. So, absolutely no worries. It will be like getting in on a late night flight at the airport and not like getting into a bus or train station late at night.

Probably could stay at an airport hotel with shuttle or just rent a car from the airport when you get in.

 

[jujubiee4]

The Brightline station in Orlando is at the MCO airport attached to terminal C where JetBlue uses. So, absolutely no worries. It will be like getting in on a late night flight at the airport and not like getting into a bus or train station late at night.

Probably could stay at an airport hotel with shuttle or just rent a car from the airport when you get in.

Thank you...I was just thinking about that. Thought about staying at Hyatt onsite and grabbing
rental car in the morning but wondered about rush hour traffic going to WDW Monday morning.
Or just getting the rental car at 12-1 am and driving to WDW resort late. ( I def need a rental for the week)

thanks again

 

[elgerber]

Thank you...I was just thinking about that. Thought about staying at Hyatt onsite and grabbing
rental car in the morning but wondered about rush hour traffic going to WDW Monday morning.
Or just getting the rental car at 12-1 am and driving to WDW resort late. UGh.

I would probably just Uber over when you get there. Traffic will be lighter and then you will be there and ready to go in the morning.

 

[calypso726]

Has anyone driven or familiar with driving from Ft Lauderdale to Orlando or vice versa? Have a family
wedding to go next weekend. Originally planned on flying back next morning but decided to drive down
to WDW after wedding about 7-730 in rental. However looking at the map has me a bit apprehensive
driving this at night. Parts of the route look very desolate. With me are my kids and 21 yr old niece.
Driven this a couple times years ago during the DAY and it was pleasant.

We could wait until first thing in the morning (monday) but will miss rope drop and may hit traffic?.
Thoughts? Anyone driven this at night? thanks

Yup. Pretty much every month. We live in the Ft Lauderdale area and drive up to WDW at least one weekend a month sometimes more. Usually leave Friday after work so many nights going that way over the years. If we procrastinate long enough we head back Sunday night. We take the turnpike up and back. We’ve been doing this for many years now.

 

[jujubiee4]

Yup. Pretty much every month. We live in the Ft Lauderdale area and drive up to WDW at least one weekend a month sometimes more. Usually leave Friday after work so many nights going that way over the years. If we procrastinate long enough we head back Sunday night. We take the turnpike up and back. We’ve been doing this for many years now.

Thanks for responding. So you were fine driving up or back at night? Living in So. Calif Im not use to
seeing a long stretch of highway with nothing. lol I keep thinking what if i get a flat or car trouble. lol

 

[calypso726]

Thanks for responding. So you were fine driving up or back at night? Living in So. Calif Im not use to
seeing a long stretch of highway with nothing. lol I keep thinking what if i get a flat or something. lol

You’re welcome. Yes. There are some long stretches with nothing. There are service stations along the way and other exits too. If you have AAA or something similar they will get to you just fine if you get a flat.

The Brightline is also a good option. Sometimes if I am getting off work especially late, I will have DH drive up Friday without me instead waiting around, go check in, meet up with our friends and then pick me up from the Brightline station later.

 

[wabbott]

According to Google maps, the drive from Ft. Lauderdale to WDW is a little over 3 hours via the Florida's Turnpike. We've driven this route a couple of times, partly on the turnpike and partly on I-95.

Florida's Turnpike is one of the best maintained highways in the US. Plenty of stations and enough traffic so you won't be alone, no matter the time of day. I usually try to avoid tolls, but this highway is such a pleasant drive, I don't mind the $10 or $20 to use it.

IIRC, the Florida Highway Patrol keeps a presence there.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

So it looks like we're not going to get lucky adding in tomorrow night. I'll keep checking the app all day, but if not, it's a quickie 2 night trip. He's the rest of the month, so maybe I can talk him into something else in the sunshine next week, LOL. And I get to escape all the snow we've gotten this week and are getting today. UGH!

So I hit my spend on the Venture X, and now the IHG I just got this week. But I still have about $4k in medical bills to pay. I hate to not have that go towards a spend. If I just got approved on 2/3 for the IHG, Chase isn't going to be nice about a Biz card, right? How long would I have to wait before trying w/ Chase? I was denied the IHG Biz card at the end of last year. But since then, I closed 1 CIC and 1 CIU (I think). I only have 1 CIP, 1 CIU and 1 CIC. I'd be open to doing the IHG Biz or an Ink card. I'd almost prefer an Ink card to float the balances as long as I can (so I can leave the money in savings and collect SOME interest on it still).

If I can't get any Chase Biz cards, is there any 0% biz card out there? Or any biz card worth doing? I'm not sure how Amex feels about me right now. I have all slots filled. So I'd have to close my Hilton Honors card. I got that for the SUB, but also hoping some day I might get an Aspire upgrade offer. I get offers to upgrade but never w/ an upgrade bonus.

With all that has been going on with my kiddos, it's hard for me to get excited about any trips away. Probably why we take such short ones now too. My daughter's fear of abandonment applies even to me going on trips. She's almost 20 now and lives w/ my mom and barely sees me (because she's in her own world, not because she doesn't like me, LOL). But the minute she knows I'm gone (because she's my cat feeder...they are "her" cats) she floods me with texts about how much she misses me. Of course as soon as I'm home....she doesn't see me or text, LOL. And my son has started to adopt some of this now . But I'm hoping he's in a better place for this upcoming trip. I already have mom guilt when I fly without them (the fear I may leave them w/ only their dad, LOL). That isn't as bad when my BF is on the flights with me (I mean, he can run up and fly the plane, LOL). But my BF and I also need these moments to escape my (our) life when we can. Thank god for points!!!!

AFAIK the drinks are included but not unlimited. They do restock it daily, plus will bring 2 coronas (or a non-alcoholic beverage) in the afternoon along with the chips, salsa, and guacamole. They also stock bottled water. The hotel was at capacity last week, so I wouldn't count on getting another night but I'd keep checking. As said above, they do tend to drop rooms at the last minute.

@LilSweetPeaPhoto WA Cabo has February 16th avail for base room! Book and let us know if you grab it!

GAH! I missed it. I've been trying to search on and off daily for the drop! It did drop from 1.2 mill down to 800K for Sunday night, LOL. But our window to cash in on a trip tomorrow is closing FAST!

Has anyone driven or familiar with driving from Ft Lauderdale to Orlando or vice versa? Have a family
wedding to go next weekend. Originally planned on flying back next morning but decided to drive down
to WDW after wedding about 7-730 in rental. However looking at the map has me a bit apprehensive
driving this at night. Parts of the route look very desolate. With me are my kids and 21 yr old niece.
Driven this a couple times years ago during the DAY and it was pleasant.

We could wait until first thing in the morning (monday) but will miss rope drop and may hit traffic?.
Thoughts? Anyone driven this at night? thanks

I did the drive from Miami to Orlando....with my kids, alone, probably 7 years ago. Yeah, I didn't realize there are long stretches of nothing! And we were doing it at night. We made it though, LOL. I was more freaked out last summer when we had to drive home from NC because our flight cancelled (Delta meltdown). Those mountains at night! OMG! The twists and turns and the oncoming lights blinding you! Not fun!

 

[Shannon G]

Any recent DPs on getting a GE application through to the point where you can schedule your interview? I've been dragging my feet applying for my kiddos even though they became free last year. We booked a spring break trip to Jamaica, so I figure might as well get the app done and do the GE interview upon arrival, but we fly in 7 weeks. These are kids with no interesting history to speak of so they should theoretically be an easy conditional approval.

My mom applied for GE just after Christmas & had her conditional approval 2 days later. Initially scheduled her interview for mid-March, but we stalked the website & an appointment opened up for early the week after she applied. Application to interview all done within a week.

 

[Sadiemae76]

Approved for my first Biz card! CIC They called 2 days after app and asked a couple of simple verification questions. Easy peasy!
Now I have "You're already Approved" showing on my account for CIU & CIP? Is this normal? We are taking are large family to Disney in the fall so I can definitely cover the spend on another card. I just wasn't planning on doing it so soon. I guess I have 2 questions. Will this offer disappear? Which card is better? the cash back on CIU is appealing but maybe the points a better deal, I don't know how to maximize those.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Hermitage Bay, Antigua via Hilton has 150k availability through July 2026, so very unusual. Search for 3nts for best availability. Will likely need to call to book if it errors out.

 

[wanderlust7]

If I just got approved on 2/3 for the IHG, Chase isn't going to be nice about a Biz card, right? How long would I have to wait before trying w/ Chase? I was denied the IHG Biz card at the end of last year. But since then, I closed 1 CIC and 1 CIU (I think). I only have 1 CIP, 1 CIU and 1 CIC. I'd be open to doing the IHG Biz or an Ink card.

There's a soft 1/30 rule on business cards, so you'd probably need to wait until at least 3/6. Many people can only be approved with 2 or less Chase biz cards open now. Depends if you want to use a hard pull to see if you can be approved with 3 open.