I love credit cards so much!

[Judique]

If it's just two or even 3 of us, I will do a studio to save points. We paid cash when we bought, so no interest on anything, it seems like a money saver to me. Whether or not it actually is, I have no idea LOL, I haven't tried to do any math.

Sounds like me, except for the math part. I'm definitely a bean counter in my secret life. When I first bought, a dvc studio's cost to me was about 1.75 a point plus about 3-4$ in dues so at 9 points (before reallocation or was it 8?) it was only $40-$50 a night. Hilton Head used to cost about $36 a night for January....

Then they all slowly rose. Now a studio in January is 10 to 13 for standard, so more like $80 - $110 ? a night making it double after 18 years. Still not bad. I'm not doing exact math but close enough to show it as a deal.

 

[StephPlum]

We’ve been going to different areas each day and it has ranged in the 20’s to the 30’s.

Thank you to you and everyone else for the compliments on the pictures!

Really liking the "live" trip report. Looks amazing!!

 

[StephPlum]

Got the email for one of my 3 staples chase deals. It says getting $5 back...which is 10%. I had both 10% and 30% offers on my card. Ugh.

Maybe they send these out in batches. I just got my email as well, but only on one card. 10% only as well.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

$160 with no dvr?! Dang. I recently helped my parents install a new tv in their place and they’re at $155 with the dvr-genie set-up for multiple TVs (albeit they are into Hallmark but not sports or Starz like channels). It might be time to give DirectTv a call about what deals they can offer, can’t hurt to inquire. And if you don’t like the offer try again in a couple months once all the Xmas TVs have been set up and the companies are thirsty for new customers?

Comcast here is $192for internet, basic cable and home phone (it’s actually $5 more w/o phone) No DVR, no HD, no movie channels. I just cancelled and signed up for basic internet (still $90) and Hulu live though I’m quickly finding out there are still channels I’m missing. Ugh.

 

[vanjust14]

@calypso726, I can't believe you took those photos with a point and shoot, just amazing! I've been showing my family the pics as you post them...thanks for keeping us updated! I don't think I know anyone who has bee to Antarctica, so the fact you are reporting while on the trip is just super cool. Looking forward to more

 

[palhockeymomof2]

I have tried and tried as well. I am just too good at finding great deals. Of course that could change someday. The other issue I wanted to raise my hand and ask about is lack of availability for last minute trips. I am enjoying popping down on a whim these days, not the long 7-10 day trips we used to do, and I always check about renting points and never have any luck. The only situation where I think it could be beneficial is traveling to Hawaii/Aulani every 2 years once DD3 is a bit older. Then again, I can use hotel points for free.

ETA: I did find out I could buy with a discount while DD19 is in DCP though.

Definitely do not buy DVC for last minute trips

 

[CyndiLouWho]

If they won't be able to travel back from CO before you'd be back it might be nice/good for you to get a bit of a vacation in before you start helping them with a bunch of stuff when they get back.

I totally agree. It sounds like you will be helping a bunch so take some time for you first.

 

[vanjust14]

I really want to buy DVC, but the cost is the main factor that keeps me away. My friend bought SSR years ago and does not regret it. I get overwhelmed trying to read up on it with direct versus resale, etc. I wish I had bought sooner, but I feel like if I keep waiting that's what I'm always going to say.

ETA: When I called for my phone tour and the gift card recently, the gentlemen I spoke too said I should buy CCV now as the prices were going up soon due to Riviera. I don't know if that is what some people are referring too with the reallocation, I'm not educated enough on DVC to know exactly what he meant. I was assuming price per point was increasing.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

I have to assume most people have some sort of discount, so he really should factor that into the presentation to make it more realistic.

There are people who pay the full rate...same people I know who have paid sticker price for a car...
As far as the DVC guide bringing it up...my son use to sell timeshares for Wyndham and a friend sold DVC...they have a script to follow....they really can’t deviate too much from, since they are mystery shopped and rated...

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Yes, that would be the time to do it. That's somewhat how I did it - small CM discount for getting a seasonal job at Disney Store - I think I worked about 30 hours all told - 2-3 hours at a time over the Xmas holiday that year.

I can't justify today's prices. Especially since there are so many new options just outside the gate. Off site wasn't always as nice as it is now - there were a few higher end spots and a lot of Knights Inn and Travelodge just 20 years ago.

Agree we couldn’t buy now at today’s prices....but I’m not their target audience...my kids are...and if we didn’t know DVC my daughter and her husband would probably be running the numbers and either buying direct or resale

 

[Judique]

For our DVC owners and those contemplating DVC purchases, I want to share with you that I was able to get my points reinstated and they will all be usable as usual. I can rebook or bank forward. It was a small number to begin with and no loss for any party as the days are probably gone already.

This will make some member very happy when those points give them their waitlist.

For me, the points are more valuable than getting the money by selling the reservation so this has worked out for the best.

My next move is to possibly use the first part of my trip at the other resort offsite and come back on the auto train using my Amtrak points. That will shorten the time away and feels like less of a commitment at this time.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

The tickets were good until the end of '99, I think. No longer available when I bought in 2000. I think they stopped the incentive in '98, but if you bought earlier, you had tickets. I didn't want to buy until I saw BWV. I don't like the OKW studios, but I love their other villas. I prefer the bed and sofa layout.

We took the tour of OKW around 1997...didn’t like the location....when BWV was build I was hooked..it’s my favorite resort...we also own at the original VWL...cause DH loved it there...now he wishes all our points were at BWV

 

[CyndiLouWho]

So over the weekend “DH” may have applied for CIC
Checked his account this morning and CIC is showing in his account. Approved!

 

[StephPlum]

OK, the waiting was killing me and not sure there was any reason to wait so I applied for the SW Plus to complete my CP (Biz was approved earlier this month and waiting to pay for Jan Real Estate taxes). APPROVED instantly (that never happens for me) with crazy 26K CL. Like others, I've lowered my other CLs (do have the highest amount on the CSR in case I need to move some around). Used the link from @Andysol (THANKS!!), will verify that it is the in-flight offer over SM.

 

[StephPlum]

So over the weekend “DH” may have applied for CIC
Checked his account this morning and CIC is showing in his account. Approved!

Congratulations "to your DH"!

 

[WVMomof3]

so you're saying you (and prob others) can send a referral and get the deal thru the 24th? Can it be used more than once (on different people?)

I just tried to generate an email and the refer a friend link is not working and there is no referral links on the app for any card right now. But my Dischurner link still is working, so hopefully just a glitch and not going away. But I also looked at the general chase referral page and Hyatt is not listed.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

OK, the waiting was killing me and not sure there was any reason to wait so I applied for the SW Plus to complete my CP (Biz was approved earlier this month and waiting to pay for Jan Real Estate taxes). APPROVED instantly (that never happens for me) with crazy 26K CL. Like others, I've lowered my other CLs (do have the highest amount on the CSR in case I need to move some around). Used the link from @Andysol (THANKS!!), will verify that it is the in-flight offer over SM.

Congrats

 

[CyndiLouWho]

I just tried to generate an email and the refer a friend link is not working and there is no referral links on the app for any card right now. But my Dischurner link still is working, so hopefully just a glitch and not going away. But I also looked at the general chase referral page and Hyatt is not listed.

I can still refer from app on my Hyatt.

 

[Judique]

I just tried to generate an email and the refer a friend link is not working and there is no referral links on the app for any card right now. But my Dischurner link still is working, so hopefully just a glitch and not going away. But I also looked at the general chase referral page and Hyatt is not listed.

Doesn't take Chase long to pull things. It was there yesterday as I was looking at it and contemplating getting younger daughter to get it. She may or may not have agreed, and I would be doing the spend and then using the points. It was just a random thought though.

 

[happ]

OK, the waiting was killing me and not sure there was any reason to wait so I applied for the SW Plus to complete my CP (Biz was approved earlier this month and waiting to pay for Jan Real Estate taxes). APPROVED instantly (that never happens for me) with crazy 26K CL. Like others, I've lowered my other CLs (do have the highest amount on the CSR in case I need to move some around). Used the link from @Andysol (THANKS!!), will verify that it is the in-flight offer over SM.

Do you have to call to lower your CLs or is there another way to do it? I'm thinking of doing that for some of my cards since it seems like my limits on new approvals are getting really small.