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If you're planning a Disney vacation, you're probably thinking about how to make the most of your trip. One way to do that is with a credit card that offers perks and rewards tailored to Disney fans.
The Chase Disney Visa Card offers 4% in Disney Rewards Dollars on most Disney purchases. This can add up quickly, especially on larger purchases like resort stays or park tickets.
For those who want to earn points or miles, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a great option. It offers 2X points on travel and dining purchases, including those made at Disney restaurants and resorts.
The Disney Premier Visa Card offers a $200 Disney Gift Card after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months, which can be used towards park tickets, merchandise, or even a resort stay.
Credit Card Options
You can earn significant credit card rewards on your Disney vacation, especially with the right card. One of the top choices is the Disney Premier Visa Card, which offers rewards on Disney purchases and perks with an annual fee of $49.
To choose the best card for your Disney expenses, consider what type of rewards you want - cash back or travel points. You'll also want to think about whether rewards you can use on future Disney trips are more valuable to you.
For example, if booking a Disney hotel is the most expensive part of your trip, look for a card that rewards hotel stays. Here are some top credit card options for Disney:
Visa
The Disney Visa Card offers a range of benefits for Disney fans, including 10% off select merchandise and dining locations at Disney World and Disneyland Resorts.
You can also earn 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars on all your card purchases with no limits to the amount you can earn. This can add up quickly, making it simple to redeem for Disney tickets, merchandise, and other offerings.
The Disney Visa Card offers a $150 Statement Credit after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This can be a great way to offset the cost of a Disney vacation.
To earn this credit, you'll need to spend $500 in the first three months, but it's a great incentive to get you started. Plus, you'll earn 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars on all your card purchases, with no limits to the amount you can earn.
Here are some of the key benefits of the Disney Visa Card:
- 10% off select merchandise at participating locations at Disney World and Disney Springs
- 10% off at participating dining locations at Disney World and on-property resorts
- Cardmember exclusive photo opportunities
- 0% promo APR for 6 months on select Disney vacation packages from the date of purchase
- Save 10% on select purchases at shopDisney.com when you use your Disney Visa Card
- Earn 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars on all your card purchases with no limits to the amount you can earn
The Disney Premier Visa Card is a more premium option that offers 10 percent off select Disney purchases and dining locations, as well as priority access to exclusive experiences.
Marriott Bonvoy American Express
The Marriott Bonvoy American Express card is a great option for Disney fans who are also loyal to the Marriott brand. It offers a free night certificate worth up to 85,000 points, which can be used at many Marriott properties near the Disney parks.
You can use this card to stay at a Good Neighbor hotel, which is a Disney-recommended third-party hotel within a short walk or drive of the parks. These hotels are often a more affordable option than staying at a Disney-owned hotel.
The card's annual fee can be offset by the monthly restaurant credits and the value of the free night certificate. This makes it a more affordable option for frequent travelers.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option for those looking for a no-annual-fee card that rewards Disney expenses and provides everyday value.
You'll get a solid intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, which can be a big help when financing a Disney vacation. This card also offers a decent welcome offer.
One of the standout features of this card is the 3 percent cash back on all Disney-related purchases, which can add up quickly. This includes tickets, merchandise, and even dining at Disney parks.
If you book hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel, you'll get a whopping 5 percent back. This can save you a significant amount of money on every aspect of your Disney vacation.
Overall, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is a solid choice for anyone planning a Disney trip.
Bottom Line
You can make a big dent in the cost of your Disney trip by using credit card points and miles strategically. This can be especially helpful since Disney vacations can be quite expensive.
Choosing the right credit card can help you save money and earn rewards on your Disney vacation expenses. By considering your spending habits and preferences, you can determine which card is the best fit for your needs.
Credit cards offer unique benefits for a portion of your Disney vacation, so it's essential to explore your options carefully.
Is a Right for You
A Disney credit card might be right for you if you're a Disney fan, but it's essential to consider your existing credit card portfolio. If you already have a travel rewards credit card, a Disney card could be a supplement to help you save for a specific Disney vacation goal.
To qualify for a Disney credit card, you'll need a good credit score, which is at least 670 to 739. However, for premium cards, an excellent credit score of 740 to 850 is generally required.
If you want to pay for a Disney vacation over time, look for a credit card with a 0 percent intro APR offer on purchases. Many 0 percent cards have a longer intro period, which might be a better fit for your needs.
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Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating Disney credit cards:
- Credit score: A good credit score (670-739) is recommended, while premium cards require an excellent credit score (740-850).
- 0 percent intro APR: Look for cards with longer intro periods (e.g., six months on select Disney vacation packages) to pay for your Disney vacation without interest.
Saving on Disney Expenses
If you're planning a Disney vacation, it's essential to consider the costs and choose a credit card that rewards your highest expenses. Booking a Disney hotel can be the most expensive part of the trip, especially if you're staying on Disney property.
To maximize your returns, consider a credit card that rewards hotel bookings or flights, depending on your biggest expense. A solid welcome offer can also help generate more returns on your spending.
By choosing a card that aligns with your Disney expenses, you can save money and make your vacation more affordable.
Saving on Dining
You can save on dining at Disney World with the Disney Visa card, but the savings are mostly limited to table service restaurants. For example, cardholders get 10% off at Crystal Palace and Liberty Tree Tavern at Magic Kingdom, Coral Reef Restaurant, and Le Cellier Steakhouse at EPCOT.
If you prefer quick service restaurants like we do, the Disney Visa card dining discounts may not be as useful. We usually opt for quick service meals, which are almost always cheaper than table service meals.
However, there are still savings opportunities, particularly at Joffrey's and some Disney Springs dining locations. Joffrey's offers a 20% discount to Disney cardholders, which can add up over time.
We spent around $60 at Joffrey's locations throughout Disney World and Disney Springs before discounts, and saved about $12 with the 20% discount. This discount doesn't apply to alcohol, so keep that in mind.
Numerous dining locations at Disney Springs offer a 10% discount to Disney cardholders, including eet by Maneet Chauhan, Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop, and House of Blues Restaurant & Bar.
Here are some Disney Springs restaurants that offer a 10% discount to Disney cardholders:
- eet by Maneet Chauhan
- Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop
- House of Blues Restaurant & Bar
- Jaleo by José Andrés
- Paddlefish
- Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas
- Planet Hollywood
- Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
- Terralina Crafted Italian
- The Polite Pig
Keep in mind that Raglan Road's discount is limited to weekday lunch, and none of the Disney Springs restaurants offer discounts on alcohol.
Saving on Merchandise
You can count on 10% off at practically every Disney store, whether in the parks or Disney Springs, with a Disney Visa Card.
Using a Disney Visa Card can save you money on merchandise, as the cardholder gets 10% off on select purchases at DisneyStore.com if shopping ahead of your visit to Disney World.
We usually treat our kids to at least a few items each trip, particularly at the World of Disney store at Disney Springs, where we can get 10% off.
With the Disney Visa Card, you can use mobile checkout and see your 10% discount automatically applied through the My Disney Experience app.
We spent about $750 on merchandise and got a savings of $75 with the 10% discount.
Disney Vacation Planning
When planning a Disney vacation, it's essential to book wisely to maximize your credit card benefits. Book a hotel or hotel-and-tickets package directly with Disney or via a travel agent to use your Chase Sapphire Reserve's annual $300 travel credit.
To use your Capital One Venture X Rewards' $300 annual credit, book via Capital One Travel, which often includes Disney World hotels in its booking options. This can help you save on your next Disney trip.
If you have a Citi Strata Premier card, you can receive a once-per-year $100 credit for hotel bookings of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, booked on CitiTravel.com.
Choosing a Vacation
The right credit card for your Disney trip can change during your trip, depending on what you're paying for and where you are paying.
There isn't a cut-and-dry answer to choosing the best card for Disney, as it depends on how transactions code on your credit card.
The most likely bonus categories for theme park tickets are entertainment and travel.
You may need to consider additional costs like transportation to Anaheim, California or Orlando, which might not be covered by your rewards card.
You may need flights, gas, or a rental car, and you may not have enough Rewards Dollars to cover your lodging, meals, and tickets.
Ticket Purchase Location Matters
Purchasing Disney tickets directly from the theme park or Disney World annual passes will code as an entertainment purchase, which can earn you extra points or cash back with certain credit cards.
This is especially true for the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which earns 1,500 Ultimate Rewards points for a $500 ticket purchase if it codes as travel, but only 500 points if it codes as entertainment.
If you purchase park tickets from a travel agency, charge them to your hotel room, or include them as part of a larger vacation package, the odds are high that the purchase will code as a travel charge.
Paying with the Chase Sapphire Reserve and having your ticket purchase code as travel will also allow you to use your annual $300 travel credit toward your purchase.
On the other hand, a reduce-the-wait Lightning Lane purchase codes as entertainment, so you should use your best credit card for entertainment expenses for that purchase.
Book a hotel or hotel-and-tickets package directly with Disney or via a travel agent to use your Chase Sapphire Reserve's travel credit, or use a travel site like Undercover Tourist for a purchase that will code as travel.
Using Your Travel
You'll want to use your credit card's travel credit wisely on your Disney vacation. If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, book a hotel or hotel-and-tickets package directly with Disney or via a travel agent to use your $300 annual travel credit.
You can also use your travel credit on purchases from a travel site like Undercover Tourist for Disney theme park tickets. This way, your purchase will code as travel, triggering your Sapphire Reserve's travel credit.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards offers a $300 annual credit, but you need to book via Capital One Travel to use this perk. Luckily, this site often includes Disney World hotels in its booking options.
If you have the Citi Strata Premier card, you'll receive a once-per-year $100 credit for hotel bookings of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, booked on CitiTravel.com.
The Amex Platinum card offers up to $200 in hotel statement credits annually for bookings with Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection. Select Disney properties near Disney World and Disneyland qualify, such as the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek and the Westin Anaheim Resort.
Vacation Planning
To maximize your Disney vacation budget, consider booking a hotel or hotel-and-tickets package directly with Disney or via a travel agent. This can help you use your credit card's travel credit, such as the $300 Chase Sapphire Reserve travel credit.
You can also use your travel credit on purchases from a travel site like Undercover Tourist for Disney theme park tickets. This way, your purchase should code as travel, triggering your credit card's travel credit.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards offers a $300 annual credit, but you need to book via Capital One Travel to use this perk. This site often includes Disney World hotels in its booking options.
Citi credit card holders can also enjoy credits that knock down the costs of their next Disney trip. The Citi Strata Premier card offers a once-per-year $100 credit for hotel bookings of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, booked on CitiTravel.com.
If you have the Amex Platinum, you can use up to $200 in hotel statement credits annually for bookings with Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection.
Comparing Vacation Options
If you're planning a Disney vacation, you're likely wondering how to make it more affordable. One way to save money is to choose the right credit card for your needs.
The Disney Premier Visa Card is a great option for those who want to earn rewards on their Disney purchases, with an annual fee of just $49.
If you're looking for a credit card with no annual fee, the Disney Visa Card is a good choice, offering Disney perks without the extra cost.
However, if you're planning to stay at a hotel near Disney, you may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, which has an annual fee of $650.
For those who want to earn cash back on their ticket purchases, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is a good option, with no annual fee.
If you're looking for a credit card that offers trip protection, the Chase Sapphire Reserve has an annual fee of $550 and a Bankrate score of 5.0.
Building Your Own Strategy
To create a Disney vacation plan that works for you, consider the types of rewards you want. Do you prefer cash back rewards or travel points?
If you have the time and want the best of all worlds, it may make sense to earn a couple of different types of credit card rewards to use toward your Disney trip. This can help you offset costs for your magical holiday.
You'll want to think about what travel expenses you have in addition to theme park tickets. If you have varied expenses, such as hotel stays, food, and merchandise, transferable points will be more valuable.
Staying off-property can also impact your strategy. If staying at a Disney-owned and -operated hotel is mandatory, you may need to pay for it upfront and then offset the cost with points later.
To maximize your points, consider what expenses you can pay for with points upfront and what expenses you can pay for and then offset with points afterward.
Here are some key questions to ask yourself:
- What travel expenses do you have in addition to theme park tickets?
- Are you willing to stay off-property?
- What expenses can you pay for with points upfront?
- What expenses can you pay for and then offset with points afterward?
Answering these questions will help you build a Disney credit card strategy that suits your needs and budget.
Choose a Plan That Rewards Your Highest Expenses
Choosing a credit card for your Disney vacation can be overwhelming, but it's essential to pick one that rewards your highest expenses. Consider your Disney expenses, like booking a Disney hotel or flights to and from Disney, as these can be the most expensive parts of your trip.
For many people, booking a Disney hotel is the most expensive part of the trip, especially if you're staying on Disney property. On the other hand, flights to and from Disney might be the greatest expense for others. It could be that the park tickets are the most expensive part of your vacation. Ask yourself which part of your Disney trip will cost you the most, and then look for a credit card that rewards that kind of spending.
Some credit cards, like the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, offer great rewards for Disney-related purchases. You'll get at least 3 percent cash back on all Disney-related purchases, which can help offset your expenses. Consider your transportation costs, like flights, gas, or a rental car, as these may not be covered by your credit card rewards.
Here are some questions to help you choose the best credit card for your Disney trip:
- What travel expenses do you have in addition to theme park tickets?
- Are you willing to stay off-property?
- What expenses can you pay for with points upfront?
- What expenses can you pay for and then offset with points afterward?
Answering these questions will help you create a personalized strategy for earning credit card rewards that can be used towards your Disney trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the $300 bonus on the Chase Disney card?
To earn the $300 bonus, spend $1000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening the Chase Disney card. This offer provides a statement credit to help you offset your initial spending.
How to get 10% off at Disney?
To get 10% off at Disney, use your Disney Visa Card or sign in to DisneyStore.com and apply promo code DRVCMEMBER to your order. This exclusive discount is available for Disney Cardmembers.
What is the $200 Disney credit card promotion?
Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening a new Disney Visa Card. This offer is available to new cardholders who haven't received a bonus for this card in the past 24 months.
Sources
- https://upgradedpoints.com/news/saving-money-disney-visa-card/
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/best-credit-cards-disney/
- https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/best-credit-cards-disney/
- https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/rewards/best-disney-credit-cards/
- https://www.disneytouristblog.com/best-credit-cards-disney-travel/
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