I love credit cards so much! v2.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[disneymagicgirl]

I think I would pick up a few cards to hit some MSRs but also if you have the Freedom it is Home Improvement stores this Quarter. I wouldn't be hitting the cards until after you close on the house though.

Thanks for this reminder. I had completely forgotten that and was just thinking grocery.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I'm managing 6 people and 4 flights. It's a pain and requires spreadsheet, but makes it much, much easier if someone needs to change/cancel their flight or price drops. I'd rather rebook some of us at a lower price than not be able to rebook at all. Sometimes there may only be 1-2 tickets left at a lower price, you won't get those if you more than that many on a reservation.

I have settled on booking us (fam of 6) in groups of 2. That way there are less to check in but it still ups my odds of rebooking for price drops. It is a compromise on booking everyone separately and works well.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

We’re planning to try the Wild Africa Trek this year too! DD just turned 8 and is super excited she’s old enough to go. We have APs that expire in September so we’re squeezing in one last trip mid August before school starts. I haven’t booked yet but called and it’s about $200/person. We get a discount with our APs but it doesn’t apply to the tours in the early morning. Those were our preference since it’s August in Florida and hot! We’re leaning towards the 11:30 tour which is the first slot with an AP discount. Brings the cost down closer to $150/person. I just need to finalize the date we want to sign up and of course make sure I have enough via discounted Disney GCs to pay

I want to do this...among others...while we can get DD's CM discount. I think I need to do a short solo trip and just focus on tours.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Let me know if you have any question about RCCL or Mediterranean cruises. We’ve never done RCCL out of Europe but have done a very similar itinerary on Disney. I’m intrigued by the flights and hotel in Europe with AA miles.

I was just thinking recently we should consider a med sailing next year for our anniversary. We can't really get away without the kids and we both want to do Italy. It is a milestone year, so seems like a good time to do it. Did you prefer DCL or RCCL for Europe?

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Just last night/this morning I was able to get 3 nights at SSR in a preferred room. I think that was all that was left out of any of the studios. We were hoping for OKW, but this will actually work better for us since we’re not doing much park time this time around. Being so close to Disney Springs will be great. And we can still take a boat from DS to OKW to eat at Olivia’s.

Do you like OKW? I really hemmed and hawed whether I should do a 1 bedroom there for my may trip. It was about the same cost as my BCV studio and a bit less than my Poly room. I couldn't get past the internal bus loop, after remembering how annoying that was at POR in March. If you've stayed at Poly and OKW, which would you choose...the space or the location?

 

[Limes96]

Do you like OKW? I really hemmed and hawed whether I should do a 1 bedroom there for my may trip. It was about the same cost as my BCV studio and a bit less than my Poly room. I couldn't get past the internal bus loop, after remembering how annoying that was at POR in March. If you've stayed at Poly and OKW, which would you choose...the space or the location?

I have stayed at both Poly and OKW, but OKW only for one night. We had a preferred studio (near hospitality house). It was just a tack on night at the end of our 6 nights at BLT last December. I really like OKW if it’s a budget choice...like if it’s way less $ than other options. But if price wasn’t much different I’d pick Poly. One great thing about OKW though is that the rooms were just refurbed. We had a refurbed room in December and I really liked it. I also LOVE Olivia’s. I feel like it is a hidden gem. Kind of out of the way so people just don’t go there. It’s relatively easy to get an ADR there, and the food is great! I have to eat gluten free and they’ve always given me great food. I especially like their flourless chocolate cake. Service can be a little slow, but we don’t mind that so much.

 

[pillow]

@pillow and @havaneselover there are plenty of Kroger GCs at the Lowe’s behind Chesterfield Town Center.

FYI - The Mechanicsville Lowe's also has Kroger cards apparently. A friend was over there and checked for me. @havaneselover

 

[magickingdomprincess]

Just last night/this morning I was able to get 3 nights at SSR in a preferred room. I think that was all that was left out of any of the studios. We were hoping for OKW, but this will actually work better for us since we’re not doing much park time this time around. Being so close to Disney Springs will be great. And we can still take a boat from DS to OKW to eat at Olivia’s.

That's great! Glad you were able to score a room! Ssr is a nice, we stayed there a few years ago and enjoyed it.

 

[bernina]

I was just thinking recently we should consider a med sailing next year for our anniversary. We can't really get away without the kids and we both want to do Italy. It is a milestone year, so seems like a good time to do it. Did you prefer DCL or RCCL for Europe?

We’ve done 2 Europe cruises with DCL, Western Med out of Barcelona and Norwegian Fjords out of Dover. We loved both. Norwegian Fjords had the rugged beauty of Alaska but the charm of European cities.

We’ve only done one RCCL Cruise on Oasis, the Western Caribbean itinerary. We had a wonderful time and it’s our favorite ship so far. The service was not as good as Disney, there were no pixie dust moments or memorable interactions with the crew, however the service wasn’t bad, I’d compare it to what you get at most Caribbean all inclusive resorts. The Oasis class ships are amazing and there is so much to do. It really is like a city at sea.

Price was also a major factor for us. I’d sail DCL again in a heartbeat but the prices are so far above the other lines (for our family of 3 and when we’re able to travel) and honestly the experience just isn’t worth double the cost to us. If we can squeeze in an off peak cruise we will definitely go with DCL but for the next 14 or so years we’re locked into traveling around school breaks.

Do you like OKW? I really hemmed and hawed whether I should do a 1 bedroom there for my may trip. It was about the same cost as my BCV studio and a bit less than my Poly room. I couldn't get past the internal bus loop, after remembering how annoying that was at POR in March. If you've stayed at Poly and OKW, which would you choose...the space or the location?

We’ve stayed at OKW once and loved it. In fact, it was the determining factor into buying into DVC. Since it’s usually the resort with the most availability, once we knew we’d have no issue staying there if it was “all” we could get, we went ahead with the purchase (we bought Boulder Ridge as it’s our favorite resort right now).

The rooms are huge, the complex is so relaxing and a nice break from the pace of the parks. The main pool area is very nice and a great sit down restaurant too.

As for buses, that is a concern of ours. We stayed near hospitality house last time which was awesome. We couldn’t get that room class for our upcoming trip so we’ll see how we handle the bus issue in the heat of August I’m sure it will be fine but it is a minor (very minor) worry/concern for the trip.

 

[elgerber]

.

 

[bernina]

As I look to ramp back up on new cards, can folks confirm if I still have these “rules” correct and fill in for Citi?

Chase Business
Cannot have applied for any other cards in last 30 days
Doesn't impact 5/24
Have to be under 5/24 to apply

Chase Personal
Impacts 5/24
Must be under 5/24 to apply

Amex Business
Will not count against 5/24 (does not report to personal credit report)

Citi Business?

 

[wendow]

As I look to ramp back up on new cards, can folks confirm if I still have these “rules” correct and fill in for Citi?

Chase Business
Cannot have applied for any other cards in last 30 days
Doesn't impact 5/24
Have to be under 5/24 to apply

Chase Personal
Impacts 5/24
Must be under 5/24 to apply

Amex Business
Will not count against 5/24 (does not report to personal credit report)

Citi Business?

Looks good for Chase.

For Amex, I'd add, no more than 2 apps within 90 days and a limit of 5 credit cards overall (mix of personal and biz). I'm not sure if there is a limit to Amex charge cards.

For Citi, you can only get 1 biz card every 90 days but apparently, Citi doesn't know how to count so most people say every 95 days to be safe. Do not count against 5/24.

 

[schmass]

Do you like OKW? I really hemmed and hawed whether I should do a 1 bedroom there for my may trip. It was about the same cost as my BCV studio and a bit less than my Poly room. I couldn't get past the internal bus loop, after remembering how annoying that was at POR in March. If you've stayed at Poly and OKW, which would you choose...the space or the location?

I would definitely choose a studio at BCV or Poly over a 1 bedroom at OKW. We stayed in a 1bedroom at OKW last Sept for a short last minute trip. It was our first time in a 1 bedroom and we loved the space, but were underwhelmed by the resort as a whole. We were in the farthest building from the main building and the buses weren't great when we were there. We were glad that we weren't spending much time at the parks for that trip. We did enjoy the boat to Disney Springs. We don't really have a desire to return there unless it's the only resort available. Also, BCV is our favorite resort and Poly is probably second, so one of those would definitely be my choice!

 

[Alexle2007]

Ugh, federal taxes are finally done and if it weren’t for now having DH’s Arrival + MSR now completed, I’d want to cry. I am having extra taken out every pay so hopefully next year will not be such a sad event. We do get a nice state refund which does help offset the pain too.

Now to figure out what card to get next since we have no MSRs at this time. It will have to a business card for me since DH in no uncertain terms doesn’t want it in his name.

Also, I have been holding out booking our March 2020 RCCL cruise and now all of the balcony rooms are gone except for the 3rd floor. How can be when the Harmony is huge and there were plenty of rooms. Now to keep scouting to see if anything opens up or finding something for DS’s 13th birthday. Any suggestions for warm European locations in March? We have 10 days to play with.

 

[wendow]

Does anyone remember a SW promo where you if you earned a certain amount of points in the early part of 2019, you could get an extra bonus? It was on my dh's account but it's disappeared now. I remember the chatter from DoC was that cc signup bonus points should count towards the amount needed. Anyone remember that or actually get credited the bonus?

 

[Alexle2007]

Looks good for Chase.

For Amex, I'd add, no more than 2 apps within 90 days and a limit of 5 credit cards overall (mix of personal and biz). I'm not sure if there is a limit to Amex charge cards.

For Citi, you can only get 1 biz card every 90 days but apparently, Citi doesn't know how to count so most people say every 95 days to be safe. Do not count against 5/24.

For the AmEx isn’t at only for credit card apps and not charge cards?

 

[wendow]

Do you like OKW? I really hemmed and hawed whether I should do a 1 bedroom there for my may trip. It was about the same cost as my BCV studio and a bit less than my Poly room. I couldn't get past the internal bus loop, after remembering how annoying that was at POR in March. If you've stayed at Poly and OKW, which would you choose...the space or the location?

Never stayed at OKW but I'd choose poly or BC any day over OKW. Both have such great locations and I've read bad stuff about the busing at OKW. Usually when I am pricing rooms, OKW is much cheaper than Poly or BC though lately, I've noticed it's been higher than it used to be. Maybe because of the refurb..? I'd be okay with OKW for a resort only stay though! I do love having the boat to DS.

 

[wendow]

For the AmEx isn’t at only for credit card apps and not charge cards?

Which part? I know there is a limit for credit but I don't know about charge.

 

[PolyRob]

We’re planning to try the Wild Africa Trek this year too! DD just turned 8 and is super excited she’s old enough to go. We have APs that expire in September so we’re squeezing in one last trip mid August before school starts. I haven’t booked yet but called and it’s about $200/person. We get a discount with our APs but it doesn’t apply to the tours in the early morning. Those were our preference since it’s August in Florida and hot! We’re leaning towards the 11:30 tour which is the first slot with an AP discount. Brings the cost down closer to $150/person. I just need to finalize the date we want to sign up and of course make sure I have enough via discounted Disney GCs to pay

My dates are semi-flexible. I am piecing together resorts based on current AP rates, a bounceback I have, work schedules, and current DAH. HAHA Right now I have end of June booked with BC CL the whole time OR a Poly CL and YC regular. Basically the same price. Its hard for me to decide. I felt the same way with the time. I called to just have the tour reserved if this all works out and the CM informed me of the 11:30am threshold for discounts. I still went with the 9:30am because I was scared of the heat. $50 sounds nice though. I may have to reconsider

 

[amalone1013]

Does anyone remember a SW promo where you if you earned a certain amount of points in the early part of 2019, you could get an extra bonus? It was on my dh's account but it's disappeared now. I remember the chatter from DoC was that cc signup bonus points should count towards the amount needed. Anyone remember that or actually get credited the bonus?

I remember. Extra 15%. It goes thru the end of this month



ETA should have done scroll capture