One of our frequent readers, Rylie, shared her reader success story to Disney World with us. Yet again, Rylie has found success with credit card points and miles and created wonderful memories with her family! Here’s her story:

 

Disney Encore

Five years ago, I embarked on my first adventure in the world of miles and points, thanks to a friend who introduced me to the concept. Following her guidance, we scored a trip to Disney for nearly nothing. Fast-forward to just two weeks ago, and we found ourselves back at the most magical place on Earth—AGAIN! This time, our approach was slightly different, yet the outcome remained the same: proof that there isn’t just one path to success!

 

Flights To Orlando

We jetted off with Southwest Airlines® from Houston (Hobby) to Orlando (MCO). While one of my companion passes had expired—though I am currently working on reinstating that—we secured three tickets, with flights covered by points, leaving us to pay only $44.80 out of pocket in taxes and fees. I utilized a credit-card benefit to upgrade our seats, a cost that was later credited back to me. (Thanks to the card_name, which allows four yearly upgrades.)

 

Credit-Card Points for Lodging

Last year, we seized the opportunity to apply for the card_name when the welcome offer was elevated. After spending $3,000 in three months, we reaped the rewards: 165,000 points, which, topped off with some extra points we had, afforded us seven nights at the Holiday Inn Orlando-Disney Springs. The hotel’s complimentary private shuttle and kids-eat-free policy were icing on the cake, allowing us to get around for free and enjoy quality meals for about $40.00 for our family of four.

 

 

 

Discounted Park Tickets

Next up: park tickets. Luckily, my husband, a former service member, qualified for discounted tickets purchased through Shades of Green. We snagged five days’ worth of 1-park-per-day tickets for $1,990.25. To reduce the out-of-pocket expense, I applied for two new cards: the US Bank Business Leverage card for my husband and then for myself, earning the same bonus. These cash-back bonuses/statement credits came in handy, allowing us to offset the cost significantly. After putting two tickets on one card and repeating the process, I was left responsible for approximately $200.00 out of pocket—a small price to pay, considering the savings.

Lastly, an unexpected lifesaver: I used my card_name pay-yourself-back feature to cover some of our food, Genie+ passes, and Lyft expenses. While not my typical approach, starting the year off this way alleviated any guilt about our spending spree. (I had to let go of the notion that there might be better redemption options out there.)

 

 

Bottom Line

Rylie’s reader success story to Disney World shows how you can pay almost nothing for a trip. I love that she “let go” of the idea that it might not be the “best” redemption. Sometimes doing what works best for your family at that time IS the best redemption. Remember what I always say: you do you!

 

 

Related Posts

Ultimate Guide to Booking Disney World with Points and Miles

Disney Reader Success Story