I love credit cards so much!

[Alexle2007]

This availability issue is one of my major hang-ups with DVC. If I owned I would be super annoyed to see dvc rooms listed for the public to reserve on cash when there was no availability for me as an owner. It seems like the only way dvc works well is if you are willing to plan waaayyyy ahead. I used to be into that, but now that the kids are older we just can't do that. Sports schedules and school schedules just aren't announced that far in advance.

It’s typically not our style either. The last trip I planned months in advance was our RCCL cruise 2 Spring Breaks ago since I know we always get off at Easter, although now we down to only Fri and Mon for the break. But I figured we can make it work. If we had bought when we looked into 9 years ago we would have had 150 points for less than when than what we are going to spend on 120 points.

My DH asked about the room availability issue and our agent told us that it was the FL regulations that a % had to be available for general booking.

 

[miztressuz]

Found it! lobonomnom FTW. He/she has been tracking DP's of no bonuses posting on cards. Commented with the list the other day, is pretty comprehensive, like, all the cards:
https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/9dsvu0/comment/e5kc5eh

That links to the top level comment for context, and lobonomnom's list is last. I'm assuming they vetted the list a bit to make sure these are all DP's of bonuses we'd have expected to pay anyway, like making spend the day before statement closing and wondering why the bonus didn't post wasn't counted, but we know what happens when you assume. Thought I saw a post that someone did get their Marriott bonus, but I don't recall context, as in, was it the first statement as expected or second statement etc etc.

I hope it's not a trend to not get the bonus until next statement and this is a temporary situation.

 

[Alexle2007]

Are you still on vacation? If so you might just want to put it all on hold until you get back. DVC is not going anywhere and neither are credit card offers.

If you are worried about interest (do not have cash in hand right now) I would stay away from charge cards. You might want to look into the 0% APR options we have been talking about lately.

No negotiating with DVC but if you do buy sometimes they will help you schedule a welcome home visit. They did that for me and our January trip when availability was not showing.

Yes, sadly it’s our final day of vacation. No worries about the interest since we’ll be paying it in full. Just trying to get enough credit card bonuses in place to make it most advantageous for this big, totally unplanned spend

 

[Lain]

Cobrands too. Unfortunately SW was mentioned. I'm kicking myself for not saving the post where someone listed out all the cards that seem to be affected. The new search option on r/churning leaves a bit to be desired in my limited use so far.

But since Chase is saying the usual 6-8 weeks language it should be posting on the 2nd statement after meeting it worse case, I should think.

Marriott too. I met MSR on my Marriott Premier Plus as soon as I received it ~8/16, statement closed ~8/24. Base points posted, but no bonus yet.

 

[Livelovedance]

Well, part one of my saga is complete. Applied this morning for the Disney Visa and Discover It, used two referral links from dischurners for the first time, was auto-approved for both, but got a limit on Discover that was over 11K less than the Disney Visa . I did anticipate it would be low as my first Discover card, but it's still rough. Oh well, it is what it is...

Part two now includes waiting for the cards to arrive, and deciding how I want to make the DVC downpayment.

Thanks again everyone for your help!

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Well, part one of my saga is complete. Applied this morning for the Disney Visa and Discover It, used two referral links from dischurners for the first time, was auto-approved for both, but got a limit on Discover that was over 11K less than the Disney Visa . I did anticipate it would be low as my first Discover card, but it's still rough. Oh well, it is what it is...

Part two now includes waiting for the cards to arrive, and deciding how I want to make the DVC downpayment.

Thanks again everyone for your help!

Congrats on completing step one

 

[tink1970]

That links to the top level comment for context, and lobonomnom's list is last. I'm assuming they vetted the list a bit to make sure these are all DP's of bonuses we'd have expected to pay anyway, like making spend the day before statement closing and wondering why the bonus didn't post wasn't counted, but we know what happens when you assume. Thought I saw a post that someone did get their Marriott bonus, but I don't recall context, as in, was it the first statement as expected or second statement etc etc.

Disney co-brand, too. I referred my parents (because doing the math...$1000 spend for $600 back- $200 referral disney dollars for me, $200 statement credit for each of them...yes!) for the no fee Disney and met the spend immediately. My referral dollars posted after my statement closed but their statement credits have not. Hoping after their next statement closes we'll see some action.

 

[striker1064]

This availability issue is one of my major hang-ups with DVC. If I owned I would be super annoyed to see dvc rooms listed for the public to reserve on cash when there was no availability for me as an owner. It seems like the only way dvc works well is if you are willing to plan waaayyyy ahead. I used to be into that, but now that the kids are older we just can't do that. Sports schedules and school schedules just aren't announced that far in advance.

I know that looks annoying but that's just not the way it works. DVC isn't holding back member availability so they can sell the rooms for cash. By law, Disney has to retain at least 2% of the DVC points (and the "at least" part tells me they likely own more than that). Just as we are able to rent out our points to other people, so too is Disney, and that's what they're doing - renting the points they own on a nightly basis for cash. So it's a completely different inventory. We never have access to the rooms that Disney puts up for cash. Also, DVC members are able to use their points for the RCI exchange and cruises (even though both are terrible redemption options). That stuff has to be paid for somehow. In essence, when that happens, members trade their points for a different accommodation. That accommodation isn't free. Someone has to pay for it. That's what Disney is doing when they rent DVC rooms at night - some of them are member points that have been exchanged for other things. I know it looks nefarious, but it's just not worth being upset over it because it has a completely reasonable explanation.

The availability issue is a genuine one. DVC isn't for everyone, and if someone is either unwilling or unable to plan a vacation nearly a full year in advance, they should not buy DVC. Disney aims for 100% usage with DVC, and they seem to get it most of the time. With certain resorts - Copper Creek, Boulder Ridge, Animal Kingdom (Value Studio), Beach Club - you must be able to plan and book 11 months in advance, or you will likely not get what you want when you want it. If you are only able to plan a few months in advance, you should absolutely buy Saratoga Springs or Old Key West via resale, because if you are able to book at all, it's likely going to be in one of those resorts, and that will be your least expensive option. It doesn't make sense to, for example, pay DVC Direct prices and dues on Copper Creek, only to find it completely sold out when you go to book at 8 months, and have to settle for Saratoga Springs at 7 months. You'd be wasting money.

That ended up longer than I intended. Ownership of DVC is a complicated issue and it isn't for everyone - and that's okay. I spent a long time researching everything there was to know with DVC before we bought in. I think a lot of the unhappy ownership comes from people who don't know and don't care to know everything that comes with owning it. For me, I couldn't spend that much money without knowing everything there was to know.

 

[striker1064]

Marriott too. I met MSR on my Marriott Premier Plus as soon as I received it ~8/16, statement closed ~8/24. Base points posted, but no bonus yet.

Same here. P2 upgraded to the Premier Plus and made the first purchase, statement closed, and no 10k upgrade bonus. Just met the spend on the Ritz, no statement closed yet, but I'm wondering how long it will take to get the free nights. Already have a redemption in mind!

 

[Alexle2007]

I know that looks annoying but that's just not the way it works. DVC isn't holding back member availability so they can sell the rooms for cash. By law, Disney has to retain at least 2% of the DVC points (and the "at least" part tells me they likely own more than that). Just as we are able to rent out our points to other people, so too is Disney, and that's what they're doing - renting the points they own on a nightly basis for cash. So it's a completely different inventory. We never have access to the rooms that Disney puts up for cash. Also, DVC members are able to use their points for the RCI exchange and cruises (even though both are terrible redemption options). That stuff has to be paid for somehow. In essence, when that happens, members trade their points for a different accommodation. That accommodation isn't free. Someone has to pay for it. That's what Disney is doing when they rent DVC rooms at night - some of them are member points that have been exchanged for other things. I know it looks nefarious, but it's just not worth being upset over it because it has a completely reasonable explanation.

The availability issue is a genuine one. DVC isn't for everyone, and if someone is either unwilling or unable to plan a vacation nearly a full year in advance, they should not buy DVC. Disney aims for 100% usage with DVC, and they seem to get it most of the time. With certain resorts - Copper Creek, Boulder Ridge, Animal Kingdom (Value Studio), Beach Club - you must be able to plan and book 11 months in advance, or you will likely not get what you want when you want it. If you are only able to plan a few months in advance, you should absolutely buy Saratoga Springs or Old Key West via resale, because if you are able to book at all, it's likely going to be in one of those resorts, and that will be your least expensive option. It doesn't make sense to, for example, pay DVC Direct prices and dues on Copper Creek, only to find it completely sold out when you go to book at 8 months, and have to settle for Saratoga Springs at 7 months. You'd be wasting money.

That ended up longer than I intended. Ownership of DVC is a complicated issue and it isn't for everyone - and that's okay. I spent a long time researching everything there was to know with DVC before we bought in. I think a lot of the unhappy ownership comes from people who don't know and don't care to know everything that comes with owning it. For me, I couldn't spend that much money without knowing everything there was to know.

Our agent told us it was 20-50% that Disney owns of the DVC.

I am interested in your RCI comment since that is what intrigued us most with plans to go to Australia and other locations.

Is it hard to get Aulani since that was in the plans also?

 

[Happy814]

Received my new CIP over the weekend and I'm hoping to hit MSR this week. Part of it will be the best kind of MSR - $2,800 in tickets from Undercover Tourist that I will be reimbursed for by my mom. Their hotel reservations in linked in MDE under my account. I'm seriously considering adding my card to their room and having them reimburse me for their meals and expenses after the trip is over.

 

[MrPTato]

Well, part one of my saga is complete. Applied this morning for the Disney Visa and Discover It, used two referral links from dischurners for the first time, was auto-approved for both, but got a limit on Discover that was over 11K less than the Disney Visa . I did anticipate it would be low as my first Discover card, but it's still rough. Oh well, it is what it is...

Part two now includes waiting for the cards to arrive, and deciding how I want to make the DVC downpayment.

Thanks again everyone for your help!

Glad you completed step one! Congrats on your approvals! If you can, let the people whos' links you used know that you used them. Hopefully they will give you a nice thanks.

Double Dance Party for both approvals!

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Our agent told us it was 20-50% that Disney owns of the DVC.

I am interested in your RCI comment since that is what intrigued us most with plans to go to Australia and other locations.

Is it hard to get Aulani since that was in the plans also?

The agent may have been talking about Disney owning that amount of Boulder Ridge points since that along with Aulani is what they are currently selling.

Also haven’t traded out with RCI....you’d have to do the math with trades to see if your better off renting out your DVC points and using that cash for other locations vs using points to trade

I haven’t seen a lot of reports that Aulani is hard to book...but I’ve also not looked into it yet...maybe certian times of year are.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Cobrands too. Unfortunately SW was mentioned. I'm kicking myself for not saving the post where someone listed out all the cards that seem to be affected. The new search option on r/churning leaves a bit to be desired in my limited use so far.

But since Chase is saying the usual 6-8 weeks language it should be posting on the 2nd statement after meeting it worse case, I should think.

So my statement will close I believe 9/19 (due 10/16) so maybe the points post next statement (10/19). If I open a personal soon (was trying to give it some time b/c chase) then I'd theoretically be about a month behind where I am with the biz, so posting 11/??. Man, I am wondering if I should just wait and DD the personals late in the year instead. If I am doing the CP now I want it for Thanksgiving and our Dec cruise, and with this delay issue it is a risk.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

But if you can’t plan 7-11 months out its probably not worth buying

Definitely seems like this is the case.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

It’s typically not our style either. The last trip I planned months in advance was our RCCL cruise 2 Spring Breaks ago since I know we always get off at Easter, although now we down to only Fri and Mon for the break. But I figured we can make it work. If we had bought when we looked into 9 years ago we would have had 150 points for less than when than what we are going to spend on 120 points.

My DH asked about the room availability issue and our agent told us that it was the FL regulations that a % had to be available for general booking.

What I'd want it for is to be able to pop down when we have a free long weekend and such. I don't really like WDW anymore for the 7-10 days that we used to day annually. I spend a week on DCL instead since the parks have declined so much. I love a couple days at wdw on a whim though. I guess Hotwire is the way to go for someone like me.

 

[tink1970]

Ownership of DVC is a complicated issue and it isn't for everyone - and that's okay. I spent a long time researching everything there was to know with DVC before we bought in. I think a lot of the unhappy ownership comes from people who don't know and don't care to know everything that comes with owning it. For me, I couldn't spend that much money without knowing everything there was to know

I totally agree! Have considered buying since around 2003 but running the numbers never figured out how I would save money (disclaimer: have been eligible for AP/FL/military rates...the military rates are very good). I think I've only paid rack rates at WDW and DL once since 2003? Now that DD's too old for it (her perception anyway), I'm glad I never bought since I don't have trips planned anytime soon (ABD and DCL yes, WDW, oh no). But again, it's a really personal decision.

On the churner front, total fails this am.

1) Called the Courtyard/Fairfield Inn closest to my house and no gift cards. Drat!

2) My good friend will be short 11,000 MQMs at the end of the year for platinum medallion (skymiles). I was hoping to refer her to Delta Plat biz (via me, but of course!) but she's had it and cancelled it. Then she asked about Amex Platinum and I talked her out of it because it doesn't help with status and frankly I knew she'd have sticker shock with the AF plus AU fee (which is understandable). So another referral bonus that isn't happening. I'm trying to encourage her to get the Delta Reserve because it will work for what she wants (I even was able to generate a referral link) but now...she isn't sure...ARGH!

 

[striker1064]

Our agent told us it was 20-50% that Disney owns of the DVC.

I am interested in your RCI comment since that is what intrigued us most with plans to go to Australia and other locations.

Is it hard to get Aulani since that was in the plans also?

Disney probably still owns 20-50% of Copper Creek (since it hasn't all opened for sale yet) and Aulani (since they have had so much trouble selling it).

I don't really look for Aulani, but my understanding is it's pretty easy to get to unless you're wanting to go over the summer. Then it's tough. More info available at the DVC boards here, though.

So the thing with RCI is, you have to pay a $95 fee to trade your points into RCI. And let's say your hotel in Australia will run you 100 points for your length of stay. Assuming you're buying Copper Creek at $182/pp, and it's a 50 year contract. Those points cost you ($18,200/50) $364 annually. Then, you also have to pay your dues on your points even if you trade them out. CCV's dues are $7.2625/pp for 2018, so a total of $726.25 on 100 points. Your hotel with RCI will therefore effectively cost you ($95 + $364 + $726.25) $1,185.25. How much would that hotel in Australia cost if you booked cash? And how much can you rent out 100 CCV points? David's DVC, for example, will pay you $14/pp at CCV, so $1,400. You should be renting out your points and using the cash to book your hotel. You'll almost certainly come out ahead that way.

That's some basic back-of-the-envelope math.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

My CSP statement closed yesterday. I was hoping to see the 50,000 URs in my account this morning. Nope. Pending for next month? Nope. It's been almost a month since I met the MSR.

I’ve been checking DH’s CIP every day, hoping to see that 80,000 UR pending. A whole month since meeting the MSR just seems totally bizarre. I thought that by meeting MSR on the day our first statement closed, there’d be no way we’d miss getting it at the second statement. Guess I’ll lower my expectations even lower than what they already were.

Finally a good DP on this front.

Somebody on Reddit is reporting a bonus showing pending today on a CFU Card. They met the MSR on 8/11. Hopefully more DPs will follow.

 

[Alexle2007]

Disney probably still owns 20-50% of Copper Creek (since it hasn't all opened for sale yet) and Aulani (since they have had so much trouble selling it).

I don't really look for Aulani, but my understanding is it's pretty easy to get to unless you're wanting to go over the summer. Then it's tough. More info available at the DVC boards here, though.

So the thing with RCI is, you have to pay a $95 fee to trade your points into RCI. And let's say your hotel in Australia will run you 100 points for your length of stay. Assuming you're buying Copper Creek at $182/pp, and it's a 50 year contract. Those points cost you ($18,200/50) $364 annually. Then, you also have to pay your dues on your points even if you trade them out. CCV's dues are $7.2625/pp for 2018, so a total of $726.25 on 100 points. Your hotel with RCI will therefore effectively cost you ($95 + $364 + $726.25) $1,185.25. How much would that hotel in Australia cost if you booked cash? And how much can you rent out 100 CCV points? David's DVC, for example, will pay you $14/pp at CCV, so $1,400. You should be renting out your points and using the cash to book your hotel. You'll almost certainly come out ahead that way.

That's some basic back-of-the-envelope math.

Gotcha. I am going to have to look more into this RCI aspect. Our agent did say Disney stopped charging the $95 fee 2 years ago. There are way too many aspects to this. And when I mentioned to DS11, we would be leaving him with future vacations with his family, he was like how I am going to pay for that? Of course, hopefully by the time he would be paying the maintenance dues, he would be employed plus have a substantial inheritance but then I think and am I strapping him with a burden he won’t want...