I love credit cards so much! v3.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[snugglebug]

We just flew back home out of MCO on Sunday, went thru security around 12:30...the pre-check lines were longer than the regular lines...

I realize it’s very YMMV there but I wouldn’t get pre check for someone to join me on one trip. I’d just wait on the regular line with her

Good point. The PreCheck line at MCO can get pretty long.

I should add that I have more TSA credits than I need, currently one and I think I'll have another in the next few days. I have no family to gift to because they won't fly so it's really just sitting unused.

 

[Haley R]

I see 80k points pending for my CIP

 

[ten6mom]

And now I understand why you aren't calling. I think some people have had these stay pending for days and days. I can't quite remember now...but I think my wife's was 4 days or 6 days...it was long, that's all I remember!

In the churning world, that's an eternity!

So much for getting a lovely start on a new MSR with the DLH. Now I have to decide between putting in on an existing Chase card, the Amex Hilton, or the Amex BBP. Oh and I have a rental car to pay for too, for which a new card would have been helpful.

I really need to time things better. This is just silly (wasting spend).

 

[SouthFayetteFan]

In the churning world, that's an eternity!

So much for getting a lovely start on a new MSR with the DLH. Now I have to decide between putting in on an existing Chase card, the Amex Hilton, or the Amex BBP. Oh and I have a rental car to pay for too, for which a new card would have been helpful.

I really need to time things better. This is just silly (wasting spend).

I am slightly concerned that this is still sitting at 30 days and hasn't switched to 2 weeks or anything else yet. I'd just take solace in the fact that you've been adhering to pacing recommendations and while it would be nice to have that card, being safe and keeping your churning career "active" is worth much more in the long run! If you're feeling bold, you could attempt to recon the card to get an approval sooner...

 

[wanderlust7]

Good point. The PreCheck line at MCO can get pretty long.

I should add that I have more TSA credits than I need, currently one and I think I'll have another in the next few days. I have no family to gift to because they won't fly so it's really just sitting unused.

Isn't the TSA Precheck payment in person? How would you pay for them? Global Entry is easier since payment is during the online application. But it takes longer and can be hard to get an appointment.

The other question is if they'd even be interested in going through the steps to get it. If they are, I think it's great to gift it so it doesn't go to waste. I offered my BFF 3 credits so her whole family can get it. I think she's going to take me up on it, but she's a bit of a procrastinator, lol.

 

[ten6mom]

I am slightly concerned that this is still sitting at 30 days and hasn't switched to 2 weeks or anything else yet. I'd just take solace in the fact that you've been adhering to pacing recommendations and while it would be nice to have that card, being safe and keeping your churning career "active" is worth much more in the long run! If you're feeling bold, you could attempt to recon the card to get an approval sooner...

Well, to be fair I applied on a holiday weekend, and when I called this afternoon it was around 3 pm my time so I assume it was later in the day wherever the Chase approval elves work.

Just tried again even though I know the elves are asleep. Still 30 days!

Probably not going to push this... my business hasn't diversified that much!

 

[tink1970]

Somewhat cc related but I just posted a few thoughts on the Park Hyatt Sydney. It’s aspirational for a reason

We flew from LAX to SYD on Qantas- I was able to find availability using 110k AA miles/pp for First Class. The seats were nice, the bedding amazing, service good. I was disappointed that one of the First Class lavs was out of order so 13 passengers had to share one. It was nice- always clean and even had a window! The amenity kit was nice but lacked a pen (necessary for immigration arrival form-thank goodness DH had one) and pjs and slippers were provided. While I liked the gray with maroon trim, they didn’t fit as well as my United pjs do. The upstairs bar area had small cans of coke, coke zero, etc as well as small bags of chips, fruit, cookies and dove chocolate.

I would definitely fly Qantas in first again and am excited to compare it to Virgin Australia (booked with MRs on my amex biz plat so I received 35% back) in 2 weeks!

 

[ten6mom]

If I make a reservation through Costco travel at a Hyatt, do I still earn points toward my Hyatt account?

The out of pocket cost is the same whether I book through Costco or through Hyatt, but the Costco stay has a $12/day food credit. It's not much considering there are 5 of us, but it's a little something.

Not really sure how much I'd ever use Hyatt in the future but I hate to not get "credit" for something...

 

[Judique]

say hi to my Mom who is buzzing about the parks solo this week!

Will do!

 

[Judique]

I love The Wave too...but DH hates

I love their breakfast but I don't like the dim feeling/light in the room. I've had dinner there and it was good also.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Somewhat cc related but I just posted a few thoughts on the Park Hyatt Sydney. It’s aspirational for a reason

We flew from LAX to SYD on Qantas- I was able to find availability using 110k AA miles/pp for First Class. The seats were nice, the bedding amazing, service good. I was disappointed that one of the First Class lavs was out of order so 13 passengers had to share one. It was nice- always clean and even had a window! The amenity kit was nice but lacked a pen (necessary for immigration arrival form-thank goodness DH had one) and pjs and slippers were provided. While I liked the gray with maroon trim, they didn’t fit as well as my United pjs do. The upstairs bar area had small cans of coke, coke zero, etc as well as small bags of chips, fruit, cookies and dove chocolate.

I would definitely fly Qantas in first again and am excited to compare it to Virgin Australia (booked with MRs on my amex biz plat so I received 35% back) in 2 weeks!

Dd and I stayed there (on points!) and LOVED it! We got upgraded to a harbor (opera) view and loved coming back at night after turn down service to a dark room and seeing the Opera House lit up across the harbor. The breakfast was amazing and the staff was so nice. Would love to stay there again!

 

[Judique]

If I make a reservation through Costco travel at a Hyatt, do I still earn points toward my Hyatt account?

The out of pocket cost is the same whether I book through Costco or through Hyatt, but the Costco stay has a $12/day food credit. It's not much considering there are 5 of us, but it's a little something.

Not really sure how much I'd ever use Hyatt in the future but I hate to not get "credit" for something...

What kind of Hyatt is it? If it is a Hyatt Place or Hyatt House that offers breakfast, I would make sure that rate doesn't disqualify you for breakfast.

 

[WVMomof3]

If I make a reservation through Costco travel at a Hyatt, do I still earn points toward my Hyatt account?

The out of pocket cost is the same whether I book through Costco or through Hyatt, but the Costco stay has a $12/day food credit. It's not much considering there are 5 of us, but it's a little something.

Not really sure how much I'd ever use Hyatt in the future but I hate to not get "credit" for something...

I would guess no. I don't think any OTA counts for stays. Also, if it is a Hyatt that has free breakfast you wouldn't even be eligible for it. Though, I am not sure they actually police that. All Hyatts I have been to you just go and eat, nobody is checking. I guess they rely on you being honest. lol

Shoot, @Judique beat me to the breakfast. lol

 

[Judique]

Just an update on yesterday and the ROTR BG 86 for family - they were able to ride sometime after 3pm and thoroughly enjoyed it! I was in the park with them while they had lunch at ABC Commissary, they are a large group and this worked best.

Then I walked over to Brown Derby Lounge (walk in) and had a small cobb salad and a glass of pinot grigio for me as I'm watching carbs this week and had wanted to try the lounge. Loved it! Cool, lots of people watching, could see the screens from my table, great service, white table cloths and nice place settings, and did I say nice and cool although we were outdoors!

ABC commissary is a great spot for groups as it is fairly easy to get a couple of tables together, especially if you are able to indulge in French fries! I've eaten there in the past but I like to try new to me things.

I didn't wait for them to ride as I wanted to eat and then go join brother and the traffic after 3 going out the back gate and into the Reunion area has been getting ridiculously heavy as that area has built up. It's about 20 minutes from BW to their house in no traffic but later on is up to an hour.

Later we were all back to the house together and they had sat in traffic as they left the Studios around four. Then brother and sister in law and myself had dinner at the club.

I didn't realize 86 was a back up and I'm not sure they did either, but it all worked out and they got to ride.

Only one more full day today and brother would like me to join them again. Suddenly Disney is not as important to me as is family but this is the perfect meeting spot for us at this time in our lives.

 

[happ]

I'm thinking of taking my daughter's friend with us to Disney in July. I'll help her mom get a discounted park ticket. I wish I could just swap the name of an airline ticket because I have tickets for my son, but he won't be going. Anyway, the only issue, a first world problem, my family has Pre-check and she doesn't. Not an issue here, but as you know MCO is horrible. What would you do? I was hoping the rule was 13 and under can accompany parent/guardian, but it's 12 so we've aged out there. I do have another pre-check credit via one of my CCs that I could use and just get her pre-check. Would you do that? Use a credit to get Pre-Check for someone to join you on one trip.

It sounds like a nice idea to use your credit for her. If you're not going to use it, then why not? Plus, it may make your trip easier.

 

[ten6mom]

What kind of Hyatt is it? If it is a Hyatt Place or Hyatt House that offers breakfast, I would make sure that rate doesn't disqualify you for breakfast.

I would guess no. I don't think any OTA counts for stays. Also, if it is a Hyatt that has free breakfast you wouldn't even be eligible for it. Though, I am not sure they actually police that. All Hyatts I have been to you just go and eat, nobody is checking. I guess they rely on you being honest. lol

Shoot, @Judique beat me to the breakfast. lol

It is a Hyatt House. On the Costco Travel website, it says the "package " (it's just a room, not a package) includes a breakfast buffet and then the $12/day meal (including alcohol!) credit is listed separately. So I believe we would get the breakfast either way (super handy with three teenage boys).

The room is going to be just under $900 total so I'm guessing that's 900 Hyatt points.. which may honestly be nothing to me, ever. Just trying to weigh the $36 in food (we are staying three nights) against 900 Hyatt points. Fun times!

 

[hsmamato2]

I'm thinking of taking my daughter's friend with us to Disney in July. I'll help her mom get a discounted park ticket. I wish I could just swap the name of an airline ticket because I have tickets for my son, but he won't be going. Anyway, the only issue, a first world problem, my family has Pre-check and she doesn't. Not an issue here, but as you know MCO is horrible. What would you do? I was hoping the rule was 13 and under can accompany parent/guardian, but it's 12 so we've aged out there. I do have another pre-check credit via one of my CCs that I could use and just get her pre-check. Would you do that? Use a credit to get Pre-Check for someone to join you on one trip.

yeah... I don't bother using unless the whole party can go thru one type of line,for me that's usually regular security (esp.when it's extended family)

 

[Lain]

If I make a reservation through Costco travel at a Hyatt, do I still earn points toward my Hyatt account?

The out of pocket cost is the same whether I book through Costco or through Hyatt, but the Costco stay has a $12/day food credit. It's not much considering there are 5 of us, but it's a little something.

Not really sure how much I'd ever use Hyatt in the future but I hate to not get "credit" for something...

It is a Hyatt House. On the Costco Travel website, it says the "package " (it's just a room, not a package) includes a breakfast buffet and then the $12/day meal (including alcohol!) credit is listed separately. So I believe we would get the breakfast either way (super handy with three teenage boys).

The room is going to be just under $900 total so I'm guessing that's 900 Hyatt points.. which may honestly be nothing to me, ever. Just trying to weigh the $36 in food (we are staying three nights) against 900 Hyatt points. Fun times!

You should earn Hyatt points with Costco Travel:

World of Hyatt members earn rewards and enjoy special benefits

https://www.costcotravel.com/Hotels/Hyatt

Q: Can I earn hotel loyalty points?

Room-only bookings are eligible for hotel loyalty program points with World of Hyatt. When you are in the Finalize Booking step, simply place your loyalty number in the field marked “World of Hyatt”.

https://www.costcotravel.com/Info/Hotel-FAQs?loc=middleContent&pos=H1
So if you can enter your Hyatt number, you should be able to earn points on your room.

That's not nothing. Hyatt members earn 5x points/$1. At $900, that's 4,500 points. For reference, the Hyatt Place near DLR, at the corner of Harbor+Katella is a Category 4 hotel that goes for 15k points/night standard, and 12k off peak or 18k peak effective 3/22.

As for breakfast, technically you need to be a Hyatt member and have booked directly through Hyatt. As a practical matter, I don't think it matters because it's almost never enforced. So the difference is the $12 credit.

If you booked directly and paid with a Hyatt credit card, you'd earn another 4x points/$1 for a total of 9x points/$1 on your Hyatt purchase. A $900 room then gets you 8.1k points. As a Hyatt cardmember, you get automatic Discoverist status, which gets you a 10% bonus on points earned on Hyatt purchases. So those 8.1k points will get you another 810 points, so you'd end up with 8.9k points. (The Hyatt credit card comes with a Category 1-4 free night certificate after your cardmember anniversary and after you spend $15k on the card during your cardmember year.)

And, Hyatt periodically runs stay bonuses, like the current one running through 5/31 where Hyatt credit cardmembers can earn 1,500 points for each qualifying stay, starting with the second stay, that includes a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night.

Not to mention, the Hyatt card has a tiered 50k Hyatt points SUB for $6k combined spend in 3 months, and UR points transfer to Hyatt 1000:1000.

You'll be back to DLR in no time.



P.S. I know it's not the sexiest use of URs, but have you considered transferring some of your URs to Hyatt and booking the room as award nights? It would save you $900.

P.P.S. On the other hand, I believe Costco Travel codes as travel for 3x UR on the CIP/CSR.

 

[hsmamato2]

Only one more full day today and brother would like me to join them again. Suddenly Disney is not as important to me as is family but this is the perfect meeting spot for us at this time in our lives.

this happened to me on our spring break 2017 trip 16 of us traveling, I've never done "less" at WDW or enjoyed myself more... It's a good shift...

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Good point. The PreCheck line at MCO can get pretty long.

I should add that I have more TSA credits than I need, currently one and I think I'll have another in the next few days. I have no family to gift to because they won't fly so it's really just sitting unused.

In that case, if it benefits you have her get it...this way you have options