I love credit cards so much!

[Livelovedance]

I think your strategy makes sense.

You can get the no AF Disney Visa and still get the $200 statement credit on $500 spend via a Dis Churners link.

You wouldn't get the 2% on gas of course.

Another thing you could consider is getting a no AF, 0% card that has a long intro rate, like 18 months. Would that enable you to charge all your points and get it paid off in time? Then you wouldn't need a separate loan to finance.

What resort are you buying? Copper Creek? [$27,300 - $1,500 = 25,800 / 18 months would be like $1500 a month or so.] Just an idea. https://www.creditcards.com/zero-interest/

Interesting thought, maybe I’ll do both! I’m buying into Copper Creek. I’ll look at my budget and see what kind of credit limit I can get for the card(s) I choose. Thanks!

 

[kmc8826]

I posted earlier this summer about considering opening the Disney visa and using it to make a down payment to add more DVC points direct. At that point I decided to wait, but now I’m back because I’m pretty sure I’m going to do it.

I know the Disney cards aren’t great cards, and I probably won’t use it much after this, but here’s my thought process. I’d appreciate any feedback, positive or negative! FYI: I’m not interested in business cards, and I have the CSP, CF, CFU, AmEx Blue Cash, TD Bank Cash, and the UPromise card (that one is sockdrawered).

My plan is to apply for the Disney Premier Visa with the $49 annual fee. The sign on bonus is $200 back with a $500 spend. I’m planning on using that card to make the deposit for about 150 DVC points direct with the summer add on promotion for the $1,500 credit. My deposit would be an amount (TBD) that I could pay off in 6 months, using the 0% financing on the card. The rest would be financed.

Afterwards, I’ll use the card for the 2% at gas stations (when gas stations aren’t a CF category) and possibly at the “select Disney locations” (unless I choose to charge to our resort with the CSP on file), the 10% on shopdisney and in the Disney store, and the in park character experiences. I think the other perks I already have covered with other cards/as an AP and DVC member. I’ll use the rewards dollars earned for annual dues and/or any other Disney expenses.

Any opinions on this strategy? Will using this strategy put a significant hit on my credit score? I’m mostly concerned about the 6 month balance, because I never put charges that I can’t afford to pay off when the bill comes! However, I know a higher down payment will be helpful down the line.

Thanks in advance!

I think your plan is fine. I bought a small DVC direct this summer and put half the cost on my CSR (it codes as travel) and half on my Disney premier. The $7k on the Disney premier I have just been paying off slowly so as not to take money out of savings. You do have the 6 months but I think amount you can put on Visa is capped at 10k. (At least that is something my guide said).

My credit score did take a hit for about a month but then went back up fairly quickly. Part of that could also have been too because I took out a home equity loan.

Another option rather than all on Disney would be part on Disney and part on another no interest card. I think maybe Discover has a no interest option that would have cash back.

Edited to add:I think it has to be Disney Premier to get 2% on Disney purchases. You might want to double check. If that’s the case in my opinion it is worth the AF.

 

[tink1970]

Not a glamorous churning success and not along @SouthFayetteFan 's never using cash for trips but... DD decided we had to return to Williamsburg so she can interview at William and Mary....in October.

I was able to use my companion fare with Delta so airfare that would have been $1200 is "only" $600. Something must be going on in the Newport News/Hampton area because all hotels I'd like to book are reserved so booked a Marriott (Williamsburg Lodge) which is at the pricey end but will have $300 credit toward a $600 room. I'm renting a rental car for more than I'd like but will keep going back to check fares (and renting with CSR so at least 3x URs). I keep reminding myself if she attends W&M, this $1000 jaunt will be a drop in the bucket to out of state fees for four years.

All of the Amex offers I would have used (Marriott $60 off of $300; Hilton/Embassy Suites/rental car) expire before we go OR the hotel I need isn't available. I'll keep an eye out for new ones of course but sigh...

 

[apollodi]

I don't post often, but I follow this board as much as I can (it moves so fast!), and I wanted to come on to say thank you. I had a family emergency last week that required me to get from Indiana to Atlanta, the Thursday before Labor Day, with 2 days' notice. Thanks to all I've learned on this board, I knew exactly how to book direct flights with my UR discount and had the points to do it. Otherwise, I would have been looking at a 9+ hour drive, by myself, in Labor Day traffic.

I'm sure there are many other lurkers and semi-lurkers with stories similar to mine, so on behalf of myself and anyone else like me, thank you!

 

[Happy814]

Interesting thought, maybe I’ll do both! I’m buying into Copper Creek. I’ll look at my budget and see what kind of credit limit I can get for the card(s) I choose. Thanks!

I did something similar to this for our first WDW vacation. I opened up a Citi DoubleCash that had an interest free intro period of 18 months. It worked out great!

 

[Judique]

Not a glamorous churning success and not along @SouthFayetteFan 's never using cash for trips but... DD decided we had to return to Williamsburg so she can interview at William and Mary....in October.

I was able to use my companion fare with Delta so airfare that would have been $1200 is "only" $600. Something must be going on in the Newport News/Hampton area because all hotels I'd like to book are reserved so booked a Marriott (Williamsburg Lodge) which is at the pricey end but will have $300 credit toward a $600 room. I'm renting a rental car for more than I'd like but will keep going back to check fares (and renting with CSR so at least 3x URs). I keep reminding myself if she attends W&M, this $1000 jaunt will be a drop in the bucket to out of state fees for four years.

All of the Amex offers I would have used (Marriott $60 off of $300; Hilton/Embassy Suites/rental car) expire before we go OR the hotel I need isn't available. I'll keep an eye out for new ones of course but sigh...

Good luck to your daughter! Williamsburg in October should be nice.

SIL graduated from W&M and loved it there.

There is also an Amex travel offer for 100 off 600 prepaid. Not sure if that would work for you. It expires 10/12/18 but is 'prepaid'. I don't understand what they mean by that term in this case, but it might not hurt to check it out if you have the offer. I have it on an MR card.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

You don’t need tickets to get dining. You only need a resort reservation to get dining. Tickets won’t be necessary until FP time as you originally thought

You don’t actually need a resort res either. People who live local or stay off site make dining res too

 

[DisneyMandC]

You don’t actually need a resort res either. People who live local or stay off site make dining res too

Can confirm, I’ve made multiple dining reservations at 180 days without a room reservation or tickets. However, I think in order to get 180+, you do need a room reservation. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

I don't post often, but I follow this board as much as I can (it moves so fast!), and I wanted to come on to say thank you. I had a family emergency last week that required me to get from Indiana to Atlanta, the Thursday before Labor Day, with 2 days' notice. Thanks to all I've learned on this board, I knew exactly how to book direct flights with my UR discount and had the points to do it. Otherwise, I would have been looking at a 9+ hour drive, by myself, in Labor Day traffic.

I'm sure there are many other lurkers and semi-lurkers with stories similar to mine, so on behalf of myself and anyone else like me, thank you!

Come out of lurkdom more often Glad you find our thread helpful! We are definitely fortunate to have a lot of knowledgeable and kind people here!

 

[tink1970]

Good luck to your daughter! Williamsburg in October should be nice.

SIL graduated from W&M and loved it there.

There is also an Amex travel offer for 100 off 600 prepaid. Not sure if that would work for you. It expires 10/12/18 but is 'prepaid'. I don't understand what they mean by that term in this case, but it might not hurt to check it out if you have the offer. I have it on an MR card.

Thanks! DD was actually born in Portsmouth (VA) and I graduated high school then returned to Virginia for residency, so it will be nice to be there in the fall-it's my favorite time of the year there. I'll actually miss my 30th (yikes) high school reunion by 2 weeks (whew, that was close-I'm not one for reunions ). DD is angry we stayed in Florida versus returning to Virginia so she could apply and attend as an instate student; of course if she had she would want to attend college in Florida.

I considered the $100 of $600 amex offer but am thinking of using that on either all 3 of our hotel rooms in Philly before we fly to BUD or 1 of the Bud Marriott rooms. I think I have 8 reservations right now with Marriott so I'll definitely take advantage of it.

 

[AmyAnne]

Good luck to your daughter! Williamsburg in October should be nice.

SIL graduated from W&M and loved it there.

William and Mary is a great school -- sadly (for us who are out-of-state), as a state school it offers very little (if any) merit aid to out-of-state applicants. When my oldest applied to colleges, it was among his top choices -- however, it ended up being much cheaper for him to attend a comparable private school which actually had a higher tuition but offered substantial merit aid.

@tink1970 Good luck with the college visits -- finding a school that is a good academic and social fit and that is affordable is not a simple task.

 

[GlamMistress]

I think your plan is fine. I bought a small DVC direct this summer and put half the cost on my CSR (it codes as travel) and half on my Disney premier. The $7k on the Disney premier I have just been paying off slowly so as not to take money out of savings. You do have the 6 months but I think amount you can put on Visa is capped at 10k. (At least that is something my guide said).

My credit score did take a hit for about a month but then went back up fairly quickly. Part of that could also have been too because I took out a home equity loan.

Another option rather than all on Disney would be part on Disney and part on another no interest card. I think maybe Discover has a no interest option that would have cash back.

Edited to add:I think it has to be Disney Premier to get 2% on Disney purchases. You might want to double check. If that’s the case in my opinion it is worth the AF.

When I did the DVC tour in January, I mentioned the Disney visa six months and my guide just said, "yes it's great. You can do the whole purchase if you have enough credit." I was looking at 100 points, so over 18k. So I think you can probably do more than 10k.

 

[tink1970]

William and Mary is a great school -- sadly (for us who are out-of-state), as a state school it offers very little (if any) merit aid to out-of-state applicants. When my oldest applied to colleges, it was among his top choices -- however, it ended up being much cheaper for him to attend a comparable private school which actually had a higher tuition but offered substantial merit aid.

@tink1970 Good luck with the college visits -- finding a school that is a good academic and social fit and that is affordable is not a simple task.

We've given up on the idea of any aid whatsoever, to be honest, so if she gets any sort of scholarships it will be a happy surprise. If DD attends an instate school in Florida it will be essentially free with Bright Futures and the prepaid that we bought when she was young. So of course, she won't attend instate in Florida. At this point, I'm encouraging ANY school that takes credit cards (because I have visions of a British Air companion pass and/or 1.5 MR dancing in my head). I won't even tell you the words I used for the guy who bought the Tesla and ruined the CIP/plastique train (we were waiting for DH to be under 5/24 early in 2019 then going to earn a zillion URs...).

I appreciate the well wishes...she is in love with W&M and is even considering Early Decision for it. Lots of flying or long drives could be in my future. Thanks Amex for the companion passes (I have 2 delta plats/biz and personal) As you know, it's stressful in a different way for parents going through this decision/application/waiting process.

 

[Limes96]

I love Williamsburg in the fall! Went to grad school in Va Beach.

 

[KPK02090]

Can confirm, I’ve made multiple dining reservations at 180 days without a room reservation or tickets. However, I think in order to get 180+, you do need a room reservation. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.

You don’t actually need a resort res either. People who live local or stay off site make dining res too

I thought the OP was asking about getting the Disney dining plan with just a room reservation, not just making dining reservations.

 

[Ava]

Yes they do! Any night counts; free certs, points booking, cash+points, or cash. If you've got a butt in bed they count it.

We did that last year when our cert was about to expire, just picked somewhere semi local and made a weekend out of it. We kept finding really cheap Marriott's in our usual travels so it didn't make sense to use a $85 cert on an $92 night when later we could hit a $100+ night. Later came, I was dopey and forgot we still had the cert and paid points instead (we've usually used it by that point so I think that threw me off), so I notice late in the year we still had the cert to use But it was a nice weekend, and oddly enough a fairly expensive hotel given the area we stayed, so it worked out.

That’s great to know! My plan A was to use the three 35k ones in Niagara Falls next summer, but then I realized if peak pricing is in effect I won’t be able to use them. I already have rooms booked with points so I wasn’t relying on the certs but figured I’d use them if I could. So plan B is to find a place we can use them for a long weekend during an off peak time. I may do that since that would be extra nights towards status.
I’ll also have one 50k cert next August since I just got the Lux card. I’ll probably use that for a staycation hotel night for me & DW for our anniversary in Oct.

 

[Happy814]

Can confirm, I’ve made multiple dining reservations at 180 days without a room reservation or tickets. However, I think in order to get 180+, you do need a room reservation. Someone correct me if I’m wrong.

I have never booked a resort 6 months in advance for various reasons. At the 180 mark, I usually log on every day and book the restaurants I want. You can't book your whole trip at once, but I've never had trouble getting the reservations i want with the every day method.

 

[Livelovedance]

I think your plan is fine. I bought a small DVC direct this summer and put half the cost on my CSR (it codes as travel) and half on my Disney premier. The $7k on the Disney premier I have just been paying off slowly so as not to take money out of savings. You do have the 6 months but I think amount you can put on Visa is capped at 10k. (At least that is something my guide said).

My credit score did take a hit for about a month but then went back up fairly quickly. Part of that could also have been too because I took out a home equity loan.

Another option rather than all on Disney would be part on Disney and part on another no interest card. I think maybe Discover has a no interest option that would have cash back.

Edited to add:I think it has to be Disney Premier to get 2% on Disney purchases. You might want to double check. If that’s the case in my opinion it is worth the AF.

Great information, thank you! I was originally looking into the Discover IT, but I’ll explore all of the 0% intro cards and see what would work best. Yes the 2% is a nice perk, and I don’t think the $49 fee would be difficult to make up in rewards. 2% isn’t a huge %, but right now I’m using my CFU for non-category spend, so getting the 2% for some additional categories and knowing I have a good use for the rewards is a plus!

I don’t know much about credit scores, but I’m happy with mine and I’d hate to see a huge hit. I’m glad to hear it will go back fairly quickly.

Thanks again!

I did something similar to this for our first WDW vacation. I opened up a Citi DoubleCash that had an interest free intro period of 18 months. It worked out great!

Thanks for the input! It’s sounding like a reasonable plan. I just wanted to ask the experts here again before I make my first move.

 

[Livelovedance]

When I did the DVC tour in January, I mentioned the Disney visa six months and my guide just said, "yes it's great. You can do the whole purchase if you have enough credit." I was looking at 100 points, so over 18k. So I think you can probably do more than 10k.

Wow, good to know! Depending on the credit limits I get and my budget, it’d be great to put a decent amount down (if not all) between two cards! Especially if I can get another card with a longer 0% interest period! Thanks!

 

[miztressuz]

I don't post often, but I follow this board as much as I can (it moves so fast!), and I wanted to come on to say thank you. I had a family emergency last week that required me to get from Indiana to Atlanta, the Thursday before Labor Day, with 2 days' notice. Thanks to all I've learned on this board, I knew exactly how to book direct flights with my UR discount and had the points to do it. Otherwise, I would have been looking at a 9+ hour drive, by myself, in Labor Day traffic.

I'm sure there are many other lurkers and semi-lurkers with stories similar to mine, so on behalf of myself and anyone else like me, thank you!

Sorry it was an emergency, hope everything is on the mend now. But glad you were able use your points to your advantage, I think that's one of the great usages of them. To not have to worry about how to be there in a stressful time is priceless. You can always just earn more, right?