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

[CyndiLouWho]

Maybe some of you might remember that my DH had a full knee replacement 3 weeks ago and that the plan has been for myself and my youngest to do a short WDW trip starting next Friday. With the other two girls before they turned 10 and Disney “adults” I started the tradition of going on a trip with just them and so this upcoming trip was going to be my 8 year old’s big chance. She has been crazy excited. Well fast forward to the last couple days. Physically DH has been doing better but mentally he is not doing as well. Last couple years he has struggled with PTSD (thanks USMC and law enforcement) and being off from work and coming off meds has not been great. Long story short he doesn’t want to be home while I am in WDW. At first Iwas trying to figure out a way for all 5 of us to go but we had a family meeting tonight to talk to the girls about it. I realize that they have gone to WDW a lot but I have to brag about my girls. Both D12 and D10 agreed they would rather stay with Grandma and go to school then miss school and end of year testing. They also did not want to infringe on D8’s trip. I was then worried D8 would be upset about Daddy coming but she was thrilled and giving him the sweetest hugs. I feel blessed.

BUT my question: DH is young for a knee replacement and he is in good shape but it is still a major surgery and just getting out and walking around our neighborhood is taxing. Our first night is at Boardwalk and even walking from there to the wheelchair pick up at Epcot would be too far right now. Any recommendations of the best scooter company? I might just get a wheelchair but then I would do all the pushing which might get hard even if I am in good shape. Any thoughts? I understand that there are a couple approved companies for WDW but not sure of which one to use. And because of course this is the trip we will be changing rooms almost every night. And I don’t really want to spend a lot (although I guess it will cost what it costs).

Someone may have answered, but I’ll throw in my 2 cents. We took my mom to WDW four years ago. I knew she couldn’t walk that much (on oxygen) so I rented a scooter (Apple Scooter was great) , thinking it would give her independence. Now I should have foreseen some of the problems, since my mom is a terrible driver and a scooter was no different. However, both DH and I felt getting around with the scooter was a huge inconvenience. Had to have the right boat if on a boat, had to wait for the bus to have room and also get looks from the rest of the passengers while the bus was lowered and the scooter loaded on. The scooter added a ton of waiting into our days. Couldn’t ride the train in MK (I think it’s closed anyway) and many of the rides didn’t allow the scooter in queue. A wheelchair or transport chair would have been easier, collapsible for buses, trains, etc and generally more flexible. Also at times, my mom didn’t want to ride, she wanted to walk and the wheelchair she could have pushed like a walker.

 

[miztressuz]

@miztressuz, how did your ebates MR show up in your Amex account? I have 5,500 mystery MR that have the title "Points Accelerated" in my activity detail. It could be multiple ebates MR credits, but I can't tie them out. It would be nice if they were detailed by shopping transaction if that is what these are. That's the way United does it, for example. It makes it easy to make sure I am getting all of the miles I should get using the United shopping portal.

Can't miss it, or probably mistake it. Says eBates in the description and the total matches my eBates balance. That sounds like something else. Almost like an advance? But that doesn't quite make sense either. Here's a screenshot:


(I'm not ashamed to show the paltry number. )

 

[Albort]

Well what did you think on your cruise? I watched a couple videos on Youtube regarding Royal/Regal Princess. They look beautiful. Although
been on all 4 DCL ships Fantasy is my favorite.

I'm actually thinking of the Rivera one or any destination that is on the Royal or Regal ship. Did you have a good time?

Mexican Riviera was a bit boring, im not much of a water sports person and i went with my parents, they dont even touch water. So most our our land excursions were more siteseeing than just lounging around on the beach. The worse city for us was Cabo. They require a tender to get to the city and its ROUGH. The city itself was basically touristy so i got bored of it really quickly. Mazatlan was probably the most interesting one. They have people who are trying to promote the city and basically guide your way through the touristy area. they recommend whatever ur looking into. They also have a special open air taxi that u can ride up and down the shore line which we had a lot of fun riding on. got up to the Golden City and then back down, it only cost us $15 for about 1.5 hour of driving, we felt bad and gave him $25 haha. For PV, we just took an uber down to the touristy area and walked around. was quite fun place to go around but nothing good to see around the cruise port.

I think your asking about the princess boats themselves. they are very nice. I think for this boat, there are very minimal interior rooms, the majority of the rooms are balcony. They are small but for 3 people, it was plenty. we used the balcony quite a bit. The services at the dine in area can vary. i think we got 2 bad servers out of the 6 days we went. My parents who have been on many other different princesses find that the food is below average compared to the other boats they been on(Norway and Greece/Turkey). I find them not bad, some were delicious, some were just okay. The buffet was also half and half, i do enjoy that they have something majorly different every day though... like Taco night, Asian night, Cake night, etc. those were always fun to eat although all the other foods are basically the same.

lots to do on the ship. They even had a disney trivia session which i failed pretty badly lol.
I took this cruise in the middle of the school session(spring break). Thoroughly enjoyed my time. I would do it again next year if i could. Hope that answers your questions.

 

[ctinct]

Bought my tickets to NYC for post-Thanksgiving weekend on AA (used my $250 gift card). All I have left to do is buy Phantom tickets when they become available through UR.

I think I remember the Phantom tickets were a gift for your daughter maybe, but if you’re not picky about location, you might want to consider joining TDF. (Theater Developement Fund.) I know you’d probably only use it once, and the fee to join is $40. They list various shows, normally the less popular shows (you’ll never get Wicked, Hamilton, etc.) Musicals are $52 with fees, but you never know where you will be seated. Could be mezzanine; could be orchestra. I’ve gotten both for various shows. Of course, it’s not guaranteed Phantom will be available, but it shows up pretty consistently. Are you going the weekend OF Thanksgiving or the weekend following Thanksgiving? That would make a big difference. I don’t know if you’re willing to gamble on the Phantom tickets, but if you were at all considering taking in a second show of any sort, the membership might be worth a $40 gamble.

You also might want to consider the Tkts booth. They have a live app/link. This is what is available right now for tonight. You don’t have to take the first ticket they offer you, either. As you see, there is a range of prices, and in my experience, they tend to offer the more expensive ones first. just ask what else they have. Oh, and I’ve never done it, but I believe you can buy tickets a day ahead at the Lincoln Center booth.

https://www.tdf.org/nyc/81/available-shows?loc=tisq

 

[pillow]

Which ship did you go on? I wonder if it really matters. I hear so many say Princess is THE SHIP for Alaska. Not much
about anywhere else. i'm going to venture over to Cruise Critic but i have to be careful over there as sometimes people
complain about everything lol

We were on the Coral Princess in 2018. We did DCL Alaska in 2015 (Tracy Arm). Our cruise experiences before Princess were all on DCL, so DCL is the only point of comparison for us. Some very brief pros/cons -

• Entertainment on Princess wasn't great. We actually snuck out of a show - was so bad. However, the Princess employee in charge of Trivia and entertainment for adults was probably the funniest person I've ever met. He added lots of fun to our trip for sure.
• The onboard naturalist was fabulous! DCL's was good, but we felt Princess won here.
• We much preferred the dining choices on Princess. The buffet was always open, and we loved the aesthetic. (I don't like how DCL switches from buffet to table seating at night and limits hours)
• The pull out sofa on Princess was horrible - I mean really horrible. I believe they were getting ready to change them out.
• We missed the adult only spaces on DCL. The lounges on Princess were very nice, but we missed having an adult only pool. I believe they had something similar on Princess (a Sanctuary space) but you had to pay a fee for it.
• We enjoyed Tracy Arm, but if I had to choose just one, Glacier Bay wins!

Having said that, if I only had one shot at Alaska, I wouldn't do a cruise (I think I'm in the minority on this one). I would travel via land and do some day boat trips like Kenai Fjords in Seward. I'd also fly or take the ferry into Gustavus and do a day boat trip through Glacier Bay. And Denali was one of the most beautiful places I've been. So much to see and do there. We're going back this summer.

 

[miztressuz]

How many is in your allotment? I will say after naming my dog Dude over 12 years ago I use the word more than I used to but very rarely in the same context. It's generally 'Dude stop licking!' because he's always licked the carpet or the blanket etc. Either boredom, wants attention or anxiety, probably anxiety. But if I had a dollar...

It's not a fixed number at this point, it's self regulated by a feeling. Since Dude and the various inflections can be whole conversations in itself, it can get old (and well, shows my age probably ), so I put a regulator on it

 

[miztressuz]

@Calfan - your Points Accelerated made me curious so I searched and got this post from FT: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ame...points-accelerated-usa-personal-platinum.html

Several posts from the past couple weeks mentioning that it's points from April's statement. Could check to see if it matches up with that.

 

[Calfan]

Can't miss it, or probably mistake it. Says eBates in the description and the total matches my eBates balance. That sounds like something else. Almost like an advance? But that doesn't quite make sense either. Here's a screenshot:
View attachment 399744

(I'm not ashamed to show the paltry number. )

Thanks! So glad to see that detail so I’ll be able to tie off to what I think I’ve earned.

@Calfan - your Points Accelerated made me curious so I searched and got this post from FT: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ame...points-accelerated-usa-personal-platinum.html

Several posts from the past couple weeks mentioning that it's points from April's statement. Could check to see if it matches up with that.

Interesting. Thanks so much for researching and sharing. The Points Accelerated entry does reference my Plat.

 

[LuckyMamaInDE]

We were on the Coral Princess in 2018. We did DCL Alaska in 2015 (Tracy Arm). Our cruise experiences before Princess were all on DCL, so DCL is the only point of comparison for us. Some very brief pros/cons -

• Entertainment on Princess wasn't great. We actually snuck out of a show - was so bad. However, the Princess employee in charge of Trivia and entertainment for adults was probably the funniest person I've ever met. He added lots of fun to our trip for sure.
• The onboard naturalist was fabulous! DCL's was good, but we felt Princess won here.
• We much preferred the dining choices on Princess. The buffet was always open, and we loved the aesthetic. (I don't like how DCL switches from buffet to table seating at night and limits hours)
• The pull out sofa on Princess was horrible - I mean really horrible. I believe they were getting ready to change them out.
• We missed the adult only spaces on DCL. The lounges on Princess were very nice, but we missed having an adult only pool. I believe they had something similar on Princess (a Sanctuary space) but you had to pay a fee for it.
• We enjoyed Tracy Arm, but if I had to choose just one, Glacier Bay wins!

Having said that, if I only had one shot at Alaska, I wouldn't do a cruise (I think I'm in the minority on this one). I would travel via land and do some day boat trips like Kenai Fjords in Seward. I'd also fly or take the ferry into Gustavus and do a day boat trip through Glacier Bay. And Denali was one of the most beautiful places I've been. So much to see and do there. We're going back this summer.

We also were on the Coral Princess for Alaska (2015). After we decided to combine a cruise with the interior of Alaska, I narrowed the choices to Princess and Holland America because I specifically wanted to go into Glacier Bay. I wanted a Vancouver departure so that we'd have the true Inner Passage experience (gorgeous!!). We chose northbound oneway because the port times were better than the southbound option. And we ended up with Princess because I liked the ship much better and because we got an amazing price plus oodles of onboard credit through Costco Travel

We didn't go to any shows. We didn't gamble. We found a nice lounge with low-key bartenders and great service where we'd have a drink or two after our excursions. We did a pricey whole-ship tour because dh was so excited to see the bridge, engine room, etc. We spent hours on our balcony and on a forward deck listening to the naturalist's talks. So many pictures! I would go again in a hot second

Denali was beyond anything I had even anticipated. Staying inside the park was well worth dealing with trying to level an RV during pouring rain

 

[afan]

It's not a fixed number at this point, it's self regulated by a feeling. Since Dude and the various inflections can be whole conversations in itself, it can get old (and well, shows my age probably ), so I put a regulator on it

And now you know how he got his name

 

[kmc8826]

Someone may have answered, but I throw in my 2 cents. We took my mom to WDW four years ago. I knew she couldn’t walk that much (on oxygen) so I rented a scooter (Apple Scooter was great) , thinking it would give her independence. Now I should have foreseen some of the problems, since my mom is a terrible driver and a scooter was no different. However, both DH and I felt getting around with the scooter was a huge inconvenience. Had to have the right boat if on a boat, had to wait for the bus to have room and also get looks from the rest of the passengers while the bus was lowered and the scooter loaded on. The scooter added a ton of waiting into our days. Couldn’t ride the train in MK (I think it’s closed anyway) and many of the rides didn’t allow the scooter in queue. A wheelchair or transport chair would have been easier, collapsible for buses, trains, etc and generally more flexible. Also at times, my mom didn’t want to ride, she wanted to walk and the wheelchair she could have pushed like a walker.

Thank you for your response! I am leaning toward the wheelchair anyway. He could drive it that would not be an issue but he also would not be happy if we were slowed down by it. That is an awesome point about the wheelchair almost as a walker (I hadn't even thought of that). I know D8 would be more entertained by the scooter but she will deal. I know DH will want to walk. In fact he was just saying that "by then I will be a lot better." I am like "it is literally 8 days away" but I guess it is good he wants to try and wants to come at all (which is not his usual state and the reason we started the solo mom/daughter trips in the first place!)

 

[havaneselover]

I think I remember the Phantom tickets were a gift for your daughter maybe, but if you’re not picky about location, you might want to consider joining TDF. (Theater Developement Fund.) I know you’d probably only use it once, and the fee to join is $40. They list various shows, normally the less popular shows (you’ll never get Wicked, Hamilton, etc.) Musicals are $52 with fees, but you never know where you will be seated. Could be mezzanine; could be orchestra. I’ve gotten both for various shows. Of course, it’s not guaranteed Phantom will be available, but it shows up pretty consistently. Are you going the weekend OF Thanksgiving or the weekend following Thanksgiving? That would make a big difference. I don’t know if you’re willing to gamble on the Phantom tickets, but if you were at all considering taking in a second show of any sort, the membership might be worth a $40 gamble.

You also might want to consider the Tkts booth. They have a live app/link. This is what is available right now for tonight. You don’t have to take the first ticket they offer you, either. As you see, there is a range of prices, and in my experience, they tend to offer the more expensive ones first. just ask what else they have. Oh, and I’ve never done it, but I believe you can buy tickets a day ahead at the Lincoln Center booth.

https://www.tdf.org/nyc/81/available-shows?loc=tisq

Yes--this is part of her 16th birthday present. Not a show I want to see but she loves Phantom.

I'll definitely look into TDF. We are going 11/29-12/1 (so arriving the day after Thanksgiving).

Appreciate all of the suggestions! This will be my first non-swim meet trip with just dd so I'm really excited to spend a weekend in NYC with her (she's a really great kid and my time with her at home is running out).

 

[Etonduf]

I have a very basic spreadsheet. Is there somewhere I can get a copy of a good one?

I use this one:

https://www.reddit.com/r/churning/comments/9430cv/churning_tracker_spreadsheet_template/

It tracks about everything I can think of, even bank bonuses (in a basic way).

 

[kmc8826]

Attention Delta hostages or anyone with the stack of $50 gift cards from the Amex travel credit on Delta:

I have been holding onto $500 worth of $50 Delta gift cards. Literally holding...I don't know why the printouts were in the bottom of my bag. The unexpected fact of DH going on the trip next Friday meant an ideal opportunity to use them. The ticket was $466 (ouch last minute). I called Delta. She said she could switch it so the three of us would have a row. She then started taking payment took 3 gift cards. I started to give fourth and we were derailed. "I can only take 3. There is never a situation where more than 3 is possible. I don't care what it says on the website it is 3 per passenger even if FAQ says you can use more than 3 if you call in." I escalated to a supervisor. Who sent me to someone else "the exceptions supervisor." I explained again that I did not want an exception I just want what the website clearly says is allowed. She said "it would be an IT miracle to get it done the way you want it done." I finally said then combine them and book it that way. She then took down the numbers and redemption codes of all the gift cards. I was on hold for maybe 45 minutes. BUT she finally came back and DH is booked with all gift cards. Ironically I would have been okay with a small amount to put on a card since I have the $50 statement credit on his new Delta Gold Biz. But honestly it is such a huge relief to get rid of that stack it was all worth it. Of course I still have to cash in my travel credit for this year on the Rose Gold. But two $50's is so much better and doable.

 

[Judique]

I’m sorry but who decided it was okay for it to be 30 degrees in May?

keep that stuff out there! I am quite happy with our high of 75 today.

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

Yes--this is part of her 16th birthday present. Not a show I want to see but she loves Phantom.

I'll definitely look into TDF. We are going 11/29-12/1 (so arriving the day after Thanksgiving).

Appreciate all of the suggestions! This will be my first non-swim meet trip with just dd so I'm really excited to spend a weekend in NYC with her (she's a really great kid and my time with her at home is running out).

I’m sure I don’t have to tell you but NYC will be mobbed. Secure the tickets ahead of time. I had great luck with the Chase portal and also Today’s Tix. It’s an app but they only release shows about 30 days ahead of time. I’m going to look into the $40 member one that’s super cool. But def for a supplemental ticket if it’s a bday present too!

 

[CyndiLouWho]

P.S. I like to think I’m still in my mid-30s.

I like to think I am too. But then I wake up.

Costco's 5-gallon Bucket SUB is BACK, folks!

Personally, I'm holding out for the rotisserie chicken.

That is some good chicken.

ETA: The rep just came back on the phone and said that there is no such 150,000 bonus offer; the most recent one was from last year. "So, I'm sorry mam, but there are no bonus poitns." I stated that I have proof, and I'm assuming that most people who uprgraded using this offer aren't aware that there is an issue if AMEX is stating that there is no promotion going on at this time.

That’s crazy. I have that offer on my Hilton Card right now

Ok...so if I concede and start using SUB what are you guys gonna do for me? Perhaps I'm ready to give in on this one...

I thought we all paid in advance with all those ‘likes’ you got

My Mother has sailed both (DCL and Princess) to Alaska. She really likes them both. And doesn't worry about the ship so much. We tend to prefer the smaller ships in general, so something like NCL's Bliss is not at all tempting to us. I think it really depends on what you're looking for.

The Bliss seems like the antithesis of what an Alaska cruise should be about: nature, wildlife, views, etc. Go kart racing, laser tag, casino, no thanks.

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Thank you for your response! I am leaning toward the wheelchair anyway. He could drive it that would not be an issue but he also would not be happy if we were slowed down by it. That is an awesome point about the wheelchair almost as a walker (I hadn't even thought of that). I know D8 would be more entertained by the scooter but she will deal. I know DH will want to walk. In fact he was just saying that "by then I will be a lot better." I am like "it is literally 8 days away" but I guess it is good he wants to try and wants to come at all (which is not his usual state and the reason we started the solo mom/daughter trips in the first place!)

Your DD8 can ride in the WC if DH pushes it. Plus we found people didn’t pay attention to the scooter and were constantly walking in front of it, making my mom attempt quick stops. I’m sure your DH could handle the scooter better than my mom (who managed to tip it over on herself once, fortunately she only sustained a few scratches)

On the knee pain side, I am also well versed. If your DH has Vicodin or similar (norco, etc) from surgery, make sure to take it with. My strategy is to use an anti-inflammatory like Advil or Aleve in the am and later as needed (I don’t usually use it again later because I have side effects from using more) and then take Vicodin at night so I can sleep without pain. Also ice at the end of the day along with more Advil or Aleve helps pain and any swelling. (Aleve or Advil can be used with Vicodin/Norco as they [Vicodin/Norco] contain Tylenol, not an anti inflammatory) He should make sure to check with his doctor though.

 

[GlamMistress]

Attention Delta hostages or anyone with the stack of $50 gift cards from the Amex travel credit on Delta:

I have been holding onto $500 worth of $50 Delta gift cards. Literally holding...I don't know why the printouts were in the bottom of my bag. The unexpected fact of DH going on the trip next Friday meant an ideal opportunity to use them. The ticket was $466 (ouch last minute). I called Delta. She said she could switch it so the three of us would have a row. She then started taking payment took 3 gift cards. I started to give fourth and we were derailed. "I can only take 3. There is never a situation where more than 3 is possible. I don't care what it says on the website it is 3 per passenger even if FAQ says you can use more than 3 if you call in." I escalated to a supervisor. Who sent me to someone else "the exceptions supervisor." I explained again that I did not want an exception I just want what the website clearly says is allowed. She said "it would be an IT miracle to get it done the way you want it done." I finally said then combine them and book it that way. She then took down the numbers and redemption codes of all the gift cards. I was on hold for maybe 45 minutes. BUT she finally came back and DH is booked with all gift cards. Ironically I would have been okay with a small amount to put on a card since I have the $50 statement credit on his new Delta Gold Biz. But honestly it is such a huge relief to get rid of that stack it was all worth it. Of course I still have to cash in my travel credit for this year on the Rose Gold. But two $50's is so much better and doable.

I have a stack of these Delta GCs myself - like several years worth. They are a nightmare to use. I've called in the past and forced the more than 3 rule. It was a long, painful call that I never want to replicate.

I wish Amex would just switch to a broad travel credit like Chase.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I registered for the 3x points first and then read the terms (Please note this offer is only valid for recipients of the email invitation and is not transferable. Offers valid at participating hotels and resorts in the Hilton Honors™ portfolio. Subject to availability. One time use only. Valid for stays between now and June 30, 2019 .) Oops. It let me register so maybe hubby did get an email that he hasn't read yet? IDK.

It seems to allow everyone to register. And it has been posting. So who knows...don't question it.