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

[Lain]

I don’t have a CIC. I bought 3 $100 gcs and that was a mistake. My OD didn’t have $200 gcs. Does it work for gcs that you choose the amount on them? I saw some that said $50-500 and you could choose how much to put on it.

I warned in my DISchurners news post that 3x$100 is not advisable because you’ll incur fees, but it could still be ok if you have a CIC/Ink+ that would earn points worth more than the fees.

Variable load cards never work for these S/OD/OM deals.

I really encourage everyone to check the DISchurners news thread every once in a while. I do post updates on VGC/MCGC deals and even do the math.

Also read @SouthFayetteFan’s fireside chat on MS that he posted yesterday, and evaluate whether you have the right cards to be MSing, and if not then whether you should add those cards as part of your MSing strategy if you’re going to take it seriously, and whether you’re doing it for the right reasons and have an exit strategy.

 

[Haley R]

What card did you use? You could still have come out ahead if you used a good card. The BBP would have put you ahead. MSing for a Hilton free night? Freedom Unlimited?

We're just working on the MSR for my CIP right now. The main goal is to finish it up kind of quick by the time Dh is ready to apply for the CIC. Then we'll really hit these deals hard! I have the BBP, but since we're focusing on my MSR that's what I used. It isn't a big deal. I paid $302 and now I know not to do that again.

 

[speedyfishy]

. It isn't a big deal. I paid $302 and now I know not to do that again.

not the worst fee if you are working on an MSR imo. Got 300 points which is $3 so you are ahead $1 and meeting MSR. I wouldn’t do all that work for a $1 profit tho.

 

[Haley R]

I warned in my DISchurners news post that 3x$100 is not advisable because you’ll incur fees, but it could still be ok if you have a CIC/Ink+ that would earn points worth more than the fees.

Variable load cards never work for these S/OD/OM deals.

I really encourage everyone to check the DISchurners news thread every once in a while. I do post updates on VGC/MCGC deals and even do the math.

Also read @SouthFayetteFan’s fireside chat on MS that he posted yesterday, and evaluate whether you have the right cards to be MSing, and if not then whether you should add those cards as part of your MSing strategy if you’re going to take it seriously, and whether you’re doing it for the right reasons and have an exit strategy.

I'm really bad about checking the DISchurners news thread, but I obviously need to get better at it. I would've seen that and not made the mistake I made. My OD didn't have the $200 gcs though so I guess I would've just not done it there if I would've known. It's not a big deal because it still helps us get closer to meeting my MSR.

 

[Lain]

We're just working on the MSR for my CIP right now. The main goal is to finish it up kind of quick by the time Dh is ready to apply for the CIC. Then we'll really hit these deals hard! I have the BBP, but since we're focusing on my MSR that's what I used. It isn't a big deal. I paid $302 and now I know not to do that again.

At least it’s on a CIP MSR. You didn’t need to pay that $2, but at least you’re getting a 15%+ return on it. Lol

 

[Haley R]

not the worst fee if you are working on an MSR imo. Got 300 points which is $3 so you are ahead $1 and meeting MSR. I wouldn’t do all that work for a $1 profit tho.

I agree. It'll be so much better when we have the CIC for these

 

[Haley R]

At least it’s on a CIP MSR. You didn’t need to pay that $2, but at least you’re getting a 15%+ return on it. Lol

Yep that's what I'm thinking lol. I wouldn't have even gone if I wasn't working on an MSR. I think Dh can get his CIC next month so if we can get some spend going and hit the MSR before it would be best. I'm not sure if that'll happen and we might just end up with two MSRs at once.

 

[Haley R]

Oh, I also called and closed my Hilton Biz today. We never use it and I didn't want to pay the AF for it this year. All they offered was a $25 statement credit so the AF still would've been $75

 

[speedyfishy]

I'm really bad about checking the DISchurners news thread, but I obviously need to get better at it. I would've seen that and not made the mistake I made. My OD didn't have the $200 gcs though so I guess I would've just not done it there if I would've known. It's not a big deal because it still helps us get closer to meeting my MSR.

if all they have are $100 cards that may still be worth doing. Imo if you NEED to do it to meet an MSR that’s worth it or if you are using a category bonus. (I like to MS all my MSRs but if you want to take things slow it may not make sense for you to MS MSRs) you have to do whatever you are comfortable with and whatever you find worth your time.

 

[schmass]

I booked the Swan using AA miles. Does anyone know if I can add my Marriott number to the reservation? I'm not expecting Marriott points from the stay, but would like other benefits like upgrade and breakfast, if possible. Just curious.

Yes, you can call and add it. Have you already added the reservation to MDE? If so, make sure to check MDE after adding your Marriott # to the reservation. Last month I received an email stating that my FPs were going to be canceled if action wasn't taken in the next 24 hours. I thought it was a glitch but called anyway and learned that when I called the Swan to add my Marriott #, it somehow deleted my reservation from MDE. They added it back and it wasn't an issue, but I wanted to warn you about what could happen.

 

[striker1064]

I wanted to share the success of our trivia team at finals this past Saturday.

http://www.district-trivia.com/content/summer-2019-tournament-champions-finals-scores
We began as me posting a weekly meetup on Reddit to meet people and make friends, and we've been so successful that we've advanced to each of the last 3 rounds of finals (each trivia season lasts 5 months with one month off, so there is one trivia final every 6 months).

Places 1 through 6 all get prizes at finals. 1st place wins $5,000, 2nd wins $1,000, 3rd wins $500, and 4th wins $100. 5th and 6th win gift certificates to area bars and restaurants. The winner is usually one of two teams who have strategies for qualifying and members who have been on national game shows, so it is insanely competitive.

This time, we placed 6th in finals out of 70 teams. It's the first time we've ever placed high enough to win prizes. I'm incredibly proud and slightly astonished at how much closer we were to finishing for money.

If you're ever in the DMV area, check out my Reddit post and come play! We drink and we know things. Alternatively, something like 100 bars and restaurants offer trivia Sunday - Thursday so just look one up! It's great fun.

 

[1st*toright]

Is there anyway to take advantage of my gold status with Marriott for a reservation under DH's name? Next year we'll use his free cert but he will just be silver. Not sure if there is anything to take advantage of. Hotel has free breakfast. But maybe we'd get a better room? Can I link two reservations - one with my name and one with his? I could use points for the second night and I think I get a points bonus being gold.

Will you be there with him for the stay? If so, easiest thing would be to ask the front desk to put the stay under your Bonvoy number instead of his when you check in. Gold doesn't get you much, except maybe a slightly later check-out time. What brand is it? At most mid-tier Marriott properties there isn't much to upgrade to, and I had very little luck with upgrades when I was Gold (somewhat better at Titanium, but still not a sure thing). A good reason to make sure your number gets used is if you are trying to maintain gold status (or go for platinum) you will want to make sure you get credit for as many nights as possible. Gold does mean you get more points per $ on paid stays, so that is worth something too.

 

[RoyalJay]

That’s good to know thanks. I have added the reservation to MDE. I’ll call and add my Marriott number and make sure I double check MDE. Did you get any perks at the Swolphin?

 

[1st*toright]

I booked the Swan using AA miles. Does anyone know if I can add my Marriott number to the reservation? I'm not expecting Marriott points from the stay, but would like other benefits like upgrade and breakfast, if possible. Just curious.

Yes, you can call and add it. Have you already added the reservation to MDE? If so, make sure to check MDE after adding your Marriott # to the reservation. Last month I received an email stating that my FPs were going to be canceled if action wasn't taken in the next 24 hours. I thought it was a glitch but called anyway and learned that when I called the Swan to add my Marriott #, it somehow deleted my reservation from MDE. They added it back and it wasn't an issue, but I wanted to warn you about what could happen.

Did they give you your Marriott perks on the stay? It was my understanding that under most third party bookings, you not only don't get points, but you don't get other benefits (except with Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts bookings, which are an anomaly). Would be very cool if AA Miles bookings work differently.

The Platinum breakfast benefit at the Swan is a $ credit towards breakfast at Garden Grove - covers the cold buffet (and you can upgrade to the hot buffet for a few $ per person). We thought the buffet was ok (hot breakfast was worth the upgrade cost for us), and it was a super cheap character breakfast - Pluto and Goofy were both really fun with the kids.

 

[amalone1013]

Did they give you your Marriott perks on the stay? It was my understanding that under most third party bookings, you not only don't get points, but you don't get other benefits (except with Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts bookings, which are an anomaly). Would be very cool if AA Miles bookings work differently.

The Platinum breakfast benefit at the Swan is a $ credit towards breakfast at Garden Grove - covers the cold buffet (and you can upgrade to the hot buffet for a few $ per person). We thought the buffet was ok (hot breakfast was worth the upgrade cost for us), and it was a super cheap character breakfast - Pluto and Goofy were both really fun with the kids.

@RoyalJay
I haven't earned points on the room rate on my AA bookings, but I did get the 1k Plat welcome gift and offered points or breakfast vouchers, room upgrade, etc. I also earned points on my room charges ie restaurants/gift shops at Swolphin and my Platinum bonus points, etc on 2 of 3 stays. Reminds me I think I will email and try to get the last stay's points for room charges...

 

[1st*toright]

@RoyalJay
I haven't earned points on the room rate on my AA bookings, but I did get the 1k Plat welcome gift and offered points or breakfast vouchers, room upgrade, etc. I also earned points on my room charges ie restaurants/gift shops at Swolphin and my Platinum bonus points, etc on 2 of 3 stays. Reminds me I think I will email and try to get the last stay's points for room charges...

That is exciting - thanks! Presumably that means you also got your elite night credit!

 

[schmass]

That’s good to know thanks. I have added the reservation to MDE. I’ll call and add my Marriott number and make sure I double check MDE. Did you get any perks at the Swolphin?

Did they give you your Marriott perks on the stay? It was my understanding that under most third party bookings, you not only don't get points, but you don't get other benefits (except with Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts bookings, which are an anomaly). Would be very cool if AA Miles bookings work differently.

The Platinum breakfast benefit at the Swan is a $ credit towards breakfast at Garden Grove - covers the cold buffet (and you can upgrade to the hot buffet for a few $ per person). We thought the buffet was ok (hot breakfast was worth the upgrade cost for us), and it was a super cheap character breakfast - Pluto and Goofy were both really fun with the kids.

We got late checkout at 1pm and that was it, but we’re only Gold. I earned points and 1 night, although we stayed 3 nights.

 

[amalone1013]

That is exciting - thanks! Presumably that means you also got your elite night credit!

No credit - I wasn't expecting any perks going in

 

[magickingdomprincess]

I don’t have a CIC. I bought 3 $100 gcs and that was a mistake. My OD didn’t have $200 gcs. Does it work for gcs that you choose the amount on them? I saw some that said $50-500 and you could choose how much to put on it.

I warned in my DISchurners news post that 3x$100 is not advisable because you’ll incur fees, but it could still be ok if you have a CIC/Ink+ that would earn points worth more than the fees.

Variable load cards never work for these S/OD/OM deals.

I really encourage everyone to check the DISchurners news thread every once in a while. I do post updates on VGC/MCGC deals and even do the math.

Also read @SouthFayetteFan’s fireside chat on MS that he posted yesterday, and evaluate whether you have the right cards to be MSing, and if not then whether you should add those cards as part of your MSing strategy if you’re going to take it seriously, and whether you’re doing it for the right reasons and have an exit strategy.

@Lain and @Haley R - On Sunday am right after they opened I went to OM/OD and they didn't have any $200 gc's either and I didn't think it was worth it (for me) for 3 $100 cards, even with the CIC. I went to another that opened at 11, was there right when they opened and they didn't have $200 gc's either. They did have variable load cards, however and I didn't see anything on the fine print to say they had to be a fixed amount so I tried it. At first it didn't show the discount so I asked, and after the cashier put in my receipt method it took the discount off (I don't think he had to manually add it). I bought 2 cards for $200 each and my total was $398.90 ($6.95 activation fee). So, it wouldn't hurt to try if that's all they have. The cashier would only let me buy $400 worth, but said I could came back the next day. It's somewhat out of the way though so not sure how many times I'll be able to go back. Hope this helps!

 

[RoyalJay]

@RoyalJay
I haven't earned points on the room rate on my AA bookings, but I did get the 1k Plat welcome gift and offered points or breakfast vouchers, room upgrade, etc. I also earned points on my room charges ie restaurants/gift shops at Swolphin and my Platinum bonus points, etc on 2 of 3 stays. Reminds me I think I will email and try to get the last stay's points for room charges...

That’s awesome that’s what I’m hoping for! I’ll try to remember to report back after my trip in November.

Off topic, but does anyone have recommendations for WDW restaurants that have a bar where you can eat? I’ve done a few but would love to hear others’ thoughts.