I love credit cards so much!

[LYSE]

there's thread on reditt about this.... site is apparently glitched

I'm hoping its just a gltich...with my luck it'll be fixed once American changes availability lol

 

[Lain]

Hotel Indigo is a bit of a walk though. i wouldnt recommend it esp at night. both roads going there is like the backside. To add to Lain, theres an older Marriott Property right next to Courtyard called Fairfield, could also be a good option to use UR points to transfer to or look up on UR site.
HOJO is particularly popular on the Disneyland board.
Another hotel, although crosses the 5 freeway is Menage, it is an SPG property, 7k points per night.
THere a holiday Inn also behind courtyard. thats an IHG hotel if you recently just got the IHG CC.
theres also others like candy inn(has a free shuttle) but i dont know if they are on the UR portal.
My knowledge of Disney resides with Disneyland so just ask! :] (Source: i used to work there)

edit: also Camelot Inn is suppose to be gone... im not sure why its still up. :\

Agree that Fairfield Inn and the Howard Johnson are very popular with families! Hotel Ménage, to me (and my single and childless friends), seems to attract a younger crowd. I thought it was the Carousel Inn that Disney bought and closed down to make room for infrastructure/pedestrian bridge?

ETA: I didn't mention any of these because I didn't see them on the UR portal. They may be on there, but just without availability for the number of guests and/or dates I searched.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Agree that Fairfield Inn and the Howard Johnson are very popular with families! Hotel Ménage, to me (and my single and childless friends), seems to attract a younger crowd. I thought it was the Carousel Inn that Disney bought and closed down to make room for infrastructure/pedestrian bridge?

Yep, Carousel closed last year.

 

[Lain]

Typing on an iPhone is hard.

 

[Hatwriter456]

Do any of the DL regulars have any recs for hotels that are a good redemption through the UR site? I'm hoping to pay 100% with UR points. We also either need a suite or two rooms since we are larger family. We also prefer walking in. I'm overwhelmed with the choices on the UR site!!

I did a quick check to see what Anaheim hotels are showing up on the UR site and I found a few I can recommend.

- Courtyard by Marriott Anaheim Theme Park Entrance - this place is new for the area and has the best pool/water features for a non-Disney hotel. I haven't stayed there yet, but my sister has a couple of times and they LOVE it.
- Howard Johnson - we've stayed there a handful of times and its clean and parking is free. No free breakfast and its older (70's). It's one of the cheaper places and we used to get an annual passholder discount rate. We've been happy with our stays there. It does have a pirate themed ship water play structure.
- Desert Palms - this place is ok. I stayed there with a Girl Scout troop and we had connecting rooms. Breakfast was included but it was very basic and breakfast room was very small. The hotel made me mad when they charged me for parking for 5 hours after we checked out - we were in the parks getting a few extra rides in. I won't stay there again because of that.

My FAVORITE place is CANDY CANE INN. That place is awesome! I don't know if it might show up on the UR site or not. They do give a AAA discount. You get free parking and free breakfast and a free shuttle to the parks if you don't want to walk. The place is older but super cute with cobblestone in the parking lot and hanging potted plants everywhere. Customer service is just as good as Disney Hotel. We stayed a night at Paradise Pier and then switched to Candy Cane Inn for the rest of our trip and I found the Candy Cane Inn to have better beds and less road noise - I always sleep great here. The pool is small there, but we are usually in the parks so it doesn't bother us much and my son never complains.

 

[jhoannam]

Hi everyone,

I'm 3/24, I have the targeted 70K unitied offer, should I apply? I just got 2 SW cards last month.

 

[wendow]

Nooooo... Does it seem like you need to use your Perk rewards by this date?

I didn't see a date to use the rewards by just that last day to 'collect points' is Aug 27.

 

[wendow]

I read somewhere, can't remember if it was on the dis or elsewhere, that there was a lot of abuse of the program. Where you could buy something in the reward category for a buck that would trigger the entire $10 reward\coupon and that people figured this was part of why it would end.

Oh that's too bad. I'm not aware of any tricks or hacks like that but I guess people will be people and find a way to abuse it if they can. I have certainly abused 'glitches' in the past so I cannot throw stones.

 

[Angrose]

I'm going to give my 2cents regarding the hotels around Disneyland since I've been down there a lot the past couple years since I've had my AP. Where I've stayed:

Tropicana - stayed here 3 times and it's perfectly fine, right across the street from the entrance, but I don't see it on UR and their rooms are smallish.

Howard Johnson - I LOVE THIS PLACE! Stayed here with my DS7 at the time who absolutely loved the water play area. Their rooms are retro but cute and clean. The staff is awesome and they have free parking. It think I have seen them on UR.

Del Sol - I did not like this place at all. The room was dark and felt run down.

Hyatt House - new hotel, free breakfast which was pretty good. It's also above a Walgreens which is pretty handy, located on the corner of Harbor and Katella, about a 10min walk to the DLR entrance. I would stay here again. It was very nice!

Best Western Stovall's Inn - I liked this place too and it was CHEAP! The room was nice and seemed recently updated. The pool area is great too. The free breakfast was a madhouse, but it was free so I'm not complaining. It's located on the corner of Katella and Disneyland Drive, about a 10min walk to security and then another 5-10min walk thru Downtown Disney to the park gates. You can also take the ART shuttle if needed.

Places I would like to try:

Courtyard Marriott Theme Park Entrance - that water park looks super fun. The rooms are a good size, 2 queens and a bunkbed. The bathrooms have a shower room AND a bathtub. Panera is just out front as well as McD's very close for breakfast. They are always on UR and you would use fewer UR points than if you transferred to Marriott. When you search, put in 2 adults and add the kids later for a better rate (call the hotel first to make sure that is OK with them...it usually is).

Grand Legacy - good location just a block away from the entrance on Harbor. Recently renovated rooms and a very nice pool. They are also on UR. Used to be a Ramada but is independent now.

Good luck with your search!!

 

[wendow]

@Angrose Thanks for chiming in with your thoughts! And since that Courtyard Marriott is really seeming appealing based on room size, pool and walkability, I appreciate the info on moving UR points to marriott. I would have never thought to do that cause I've never transferred between partners. Good to know!

 

[LynnTH]

I need help again!! We have some spending coming up in the next few months totaling over $9,000. So, I really want to get some new CC's to get bonuses since the spending will be already done. Of course the Chase Cards are the best but I am 4/24 and 1 AU and just opened 2 SW cards a few weeks ago. So, want to get cards for DH. He is also as 4/24 and 1 AU. (I don't want to change the AU as that is on my Chase Sapphire Pref and DH and both kids have this card, so it is the main family card). On 4/24 I applied DH for his own Chase Sapphire. Did the 7-10 day thing but never got anything in the mail. Too late to recon at this point. ( I also thought he was at 4/24 not 5/24 so I'm sure that is why) So, thought I would try a Business Card (DH has a legit side business). Tried for Chase Ink Business and go the dreaded 7-10 days again. Waited for the letter and it said too many accounts open in past 2 years. So, I tried Recon twice and told them that 1 was an AU - they said it did not matter and would not approve.

Trying to figure out my next move without adding to the Chase cards. So, business cards I am assuming would be the best. Would I have a better chance of getting him approved for the Chase Marriott Business ( I just recently got the personal card and like that you can trade to SPG). Do I need to wait a bit before applying? I heard that this card does not fall under the 5/24 rule but may count as a card once I get as it is Chase??

I originally was going to do the SPG Business but the main part of the spending $6500 (Tuition and Driveway) - but neither takes American Express so that kind of shot that down.

Any advise would be great. DH's credit score is over 800. One card comes off in December, one in February and one in March. So, can then start with Chase again so want to try and get cards that won't affect that. (as we will have more tuition due in Jan/Feb for another $9,000)

 

[disneedee]

Thank you to all who gave me DL recs. The choices are different around there and I don't have a 'lay of the land' at all. While I don't have little, little kids anymore, I still don't want to have to be crossing tons of busy intersections. And our oldest dd will need a wheelchair (unless she has massive improvement) so I have to consider that too. Now I have a nice list to start going through!

@Lain I did some brief looking on the UR site and that Courtyard by Marriott jumped out at me too. The waterpark looks like so much fun!

we've splurged and stayed in the dlh the last few times. ( can get 15 in a 3 bdrm suite). but if i wasn't staying on property i'd try that mariott. a couple of suggestions when looking at hotel advertisments for dl. any hotel that advertises only a block away, a disneyland block is a 1/2 mile and that is just to the gate. you still have to navigate the parking areas. any hotel that adveritises across from disneyland, yeah but it is the back side and not close to the gate at all and definitely farther that the disneyland block.

also instead of a wheel chair rent a scooter from one of the local hospital supply places, i think mousesavers has a list of where to look or check the disneyland site on this forum, it is pretty great too. they will drop off and pickup. and what a relief not pushing the wheel chair up and down the hills in disney. you don't even know there are hills until you have to push a wheel chair. plus you have a way to get back and forth to the the hotel.

 

[Lain]

Trying to figure out my next move without adding to the Chase cards. So, business cards I am assuming would be the best. Would I have a better chance of getting him approved for the Chase Marriott Business ( I just recently got the personal card and like that you can trade to SPG). Do I need to wait a bit before applying? I heard that this card does not fall under the 5/24 rule but may count as a card once I get as it is Chase??

Approval for Chase Marriott Business is not subject to 5/24, but is subject to the 30-day application rule. Chase will not typically approve an application if you've had 2 other credit card applications in the last 30 days. For business cards, it's recommended you have 0 credit card applications in the last 30 days. Generally, business cards don't appear on your personal credit report or count against 5/24. I've not seen any DPs that say the Marriott Biz counted against 5/24.

I originally was going to do the SPG Business but the main part of the spending $6500 (Tuition and Driveway) - but neither takes American Express so that kind of shot that down.

Any advise would be great. DH's credit score is over 800. One card comes off in December, one in February and one in March. So, can then start with Chase again so want to try and get cards that won't affect that. (as we will have more tuition due in Jan/Feb for another $9,000)

If you value the SPG card and points, would you be open to paying a 2.5% fee to Plastiq to charge your Amex and send a check out for tuition and driveway?

 

[platamama]

If you value the SPG card and points, would you be open to paying a 2.5% fee to Plastiq to charge your Amex and send a check out for tuition and driveway?

For tuition, there's the Gift of College gift cards at Toys R Us (some other stores too). As I understand it, you buy the $500 (actually variable load $25-500) gift card there ($5.95 purchase fee --> 1.19% fee if loading with $500), then load it to your Gift of College account, then transfer funds to your 529 plan (assuming you have a 529 plan, I think they are free, at least the one I have for DD is) and pay the tuition out of that 529 account. Personally, I haven't tried it, but Frequent Miler has posted about it in the past year and you can search his website if you're interested in learning more.

 

[AmyAnne]

i have a few high % earning...

i currently have $15,000 earning 5% (working to increase this by another $20k)
$10,000 earning 3%
rest earns 1.15%

Can you say which bank is paying 5%? My DVC desires are increasing my motivation . . .

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Do any of the DL regulars have any recs for hotels that are a good redemption through the UR site? I'm hoping to pay 100% with UR points. We also either need a suite or two rooms since we are larger family. We also prefer walking in. I'm overwhelmed with the choices on the UR site!!

No expert but did spring break this year at DLR on the 100k points we got from CSR. We stayed at Camelot Inn. It was very close, clean, relatively quiet (despite being able to see the expressway) and we could see the fireworks from our room. They do have a family suite. Not sure if its available on UR portal or if it's large enough for you.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Hotel Indigo is a bit of a walk though. i wouldnt recommend it esp at night. both roads going there is like the backside. To add to Lain, theres an older Marriott Property right next to Courtyard called Fairfield, could also be a good option to use UR points to transfer to or look up on UR site.
HOJO is particularly popular on the Disneyland board.
Another hotel, although crosses the 5 freeway is Menage, it is an SPG property, 7k points per night.
THere a holiday Inn also behind courtyard. thats an IHG hotel if you recently just got the IHG CC.
theres also others like candy inn(has a free shuttle) but i dont know if they are on the UR portal.
My knowledge of Disney resides with Disneyland so just ask! :] (Source: i used to work there)

edit: also Camelot Inn is suppose to be gone... im not sure why its still up. :\

Carousel closed. Camelot still there. Depending on when you're visiting DL, there may be construction due to the new walkway Disney is putting up across Harbor.

 

[gottalovepluto]

I need help again!! We have some spending coming up in the next few months totaling over $9,000. So, I really want to get some new CC's to get bonuses since the spending will be already done. Of course the Chase Cards are the best but I am 4/24 and 1 AU and just opened 2 SW cards a few weeks ago. So, want to get cards for DH. He is also as 4/24 and 1 AU. (I don't want to change the AU as that is on my Chase Sapphire Pref and DH and both kids have this card, so it is the main family card). On 4/24 I applied DH for his own Chase Sapphire. Did the 7-10 day thing but never got anything in the mail. Too late to recon at this point. ( I also thought he was at 4/24 not 5/24 so I'm sure that is why) So, thought I would try a Business Card (DH has a legit side business). Tried for Chase Ink Business and go the dreaded 7-10 days again. Waited for the letter and it said too many accounts open in past 2 years. So, I tried Recon twice and told them that 1 was an AU - they said it did not matter and would not approve.

Trying to figure out my next move without adding to the Chase cards. So, business cards I am assuming would be the best. Would I have a better chance of getting him approved for the Chase Marriott Business ( I just recently got the personal card and like that you can trade to SPG). Do I need to wait a bit before applying? I heard that this card does not fall under the 5/24 rule but may count as a card once I get as it is Chase??

I originally was going to do the SPG Business but the main part of the spending $6500 (Tuition and Driveway) - but neither takes American Express so that kind of shot that down.

Any advise would be great. DH's credit score is over 800. One card comes off in December, one in February and one in March. So, can then start with Chase again so want to try and get cards that won't affect that. (as we will have more tuition due in Jan/Feb for another $9,000)

As far as AUs go I had to call Chase Recon 3 times (twice first thing in the morning, waited 8 hours and tried again in the evening) to get them to reconsider the application without the AU account but they did. Just explain how you don't use the account if they ask (the 2nd rep almost reconsidered it but then I screwed up that question and she told me that because I said I used the account she couldn't take it out of consideration).

Yes that Marriott Business card will count towards your 5/24 even though 5/24 won't be used to evaluate your eligibility based on my understanding.

 

[Albort]

Can you say which bank is paying 5%? My DVC desires are increasing my motivation . . .

Just a fair warning though(top 3), these arent your typical banks you see. They are actually prepaid cards that have savings account attached to them. the only thing you would need to do is send like a $1 to keep it active every 3 months. if not, your charged $4 for it. Also, your traditional bank accounts might not let u connect them, but any online bank will. ie ally bank.

insight bank ~ i believe your allowed 2 accounts. $5,000 @ 5%. (Paid Quarterly)
netspend ~ $1,000 @ 5%. your allowed 5 accounts total, 3 per backed bank. (Paid Quarterly)
Mango ~ is a tricky one. its 6% on $5k, but u need to DD $800 a month. So i transfer like 4 months worth, pull all of it out 1 month. then restart. i think its roughly 3.5% at the end of it. no money or debit transaction required. (Paid Monthly)
Consumer Credit Union. ~ its up to 4.5% but you need a CC with them and spend $1000. I only do the 3% one @ $10k. requires 12 debit transactions though. (Paid monthly)

Theres a bunch of others but ive only done the easy ones... if your curious on what else is available, then check this link out --> http://www.doctorofcredit.com/high-interest-savings-to-get/

Carousel closed. Camelot still there. Depending on when you're visiting DL, there may be construction due to the new walkway Disney is putting up across Harbor.

yeah, i see what i did wrong, Camelot Inn and Carousel from google maps looks like shares the same wall so i thought it was 1 building haha. my mistake!

 

[calypso726]

Hi guys! I joined this forum specifically for this thread!

Yesterday I opened my Disney vacation account. I am saving for a European ABD (not cheap!!!). I'm an avaid credit card points collector. I am researching, trying to find ways to hack the ABD to make it cheaper. Obviously going to do the 5% Target gift card trick.

I'm thinking about opening the Chase Disney Visa. I'm already over 5/24 (so is husband and we are in two-player mode). I know the Disney card isn't under 5/24 but will of course eat a slot. Can't decide between no-fee and $49 fee AF. Any advice?

Currently my daily driver card is the Amex PRG. I also use the new Amex Blue Biz Plus.
I have the Amex Plat. Husband carries the Citi Prestige. Then there's a million cards in the sock drawer, ha.

I am happy to be here, super excited about my very first ABD and I want to contribute to this community!

Welcome to the group! My first Adventures by Disney trip is what led me to this hobby too. Since that travel hacking journey began, I've never looked back. I wouldn't recommend the Target trick as you will lose the opportunity to earn points/miles. Go through an airline or credit card shopping portal and buy the gift cards for 5% off through B's or Sam's as a pp mentioned. I also use Amex offers to get additional discounts of Disney gift cards when the opportunity presents itself. I also use the Chase Freedom to buy Disney gift cards when I can get them on a bonus category for 5x UR points. We also use the Chase Ink+ to purchase Disney gift cards and get 5x. We load all of the gift card to the DVA and pay our ABD trips through there.

I find the most valuable cards for us to be the Chase cards. Specifically, the CSR, Freedom and Ink+ combo. UR points can be used to transfer 1:1 on all of their airline transfer partners. Points can also be used through the travel portal at 1.5 value with the CSR. We've had the Disney Visa for years. Since I discovered travel hacking, it has sat in a drawer. It holds no value for me other than keeping my average age of account bucket looking good on my credit score. There are cards that offer far better value.

Which European ABD are you doing? Our first one was Scotland and still my favorite. Beware, ABD is addictive. We will be doing our 9th one next month!

Alright, so I LOVE the points game, but man can it be frustrating...

Amex has changed their transfer ratio to British Airways back to 1:1 AND now they have a 40 percent transfer bonus..which sounds awesome right?

Well, despite there being American Saver awards available BA is showing nothing....is anyone having any luck finding availability on American?

BA doesn't always show the availability for all partner awards. If there is a connection, you would need to search each segment and even then it may not show up on their site. If it shows on AA as a saver award, then you can book it with Avios. You need to call BA and give them the flight numbers for each segment. I helped some friends book their Hawaii trip with BA miles flying AA saver. BA never showed the availability for the Hawaii flights, but they were able to book over the phone. Sometimes the reverse is true. I used AA miles to get our flights on Japan Air but AA's site will never show AL availability. I had to search for it on BA and then call AA with the flight numbers.