I'm new to the credit card game and want to make sure im doing this right. I'm on track to get ~400k Chase UR points through sign up bonuses between my spouse and I. We have the reserve. It looks like my flights (2 adults, 2 kids) will be taken care of with around 100k points or less through the reserve travel site. Looks like my best bet for tickets and hotel is Under cover tourist as they should ring up as travel (please confirm). So for that I would just use my points for statement credit and get 1%. So for 300k points, I get back $3k. I priced out a 5 night and 5 days non hopper tickets at
undercover tourist for $2600 for July 2020. Staying at the value resorts. So that give me an extra $400 + a little more from 3x travel on $2600 for photo pass and food.
So can I do better than this? I know that as of last year, you cant book disney through chase travel rewards anymore, so I think this is about as good as it gets. I only travel 1 per year, so I could save the points for 2021 and get more for my points, but I'd rather get a free vacation now in 2020. I'll get some more credit card sign up bonuses for 2021. And we have to travel after school is out and before it starts. So I figure early july after the 4th is best time. I know late august is also good, but Im hoping July has cooler temps as we got killed when we went in late august last time.
Also, any upgrades worth paying for now that most of the trip is free? I don't think the food plan was worth it when we went like 4 years ago. Our kids are young and don't eat much. And I think you have to apply the meal plan for everyone? Also, I'd like to stay on a monorail stop to avoid the bus when going to magic kingdom, but that would blow up the hotel budget correct? We stayed in the value resort last time and it was fine except for the bus rides.
Finally, anything else I should be doing. I am considering the VISA gift card for the discount it gives. I think my inlaws have it and I might just ask them to add my wife as an authorized user. I have to look into it.