If youre looking at a longer stay, though, using 5th night free perks can be the key to getting the most value out of your points for hotel stays. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Disney World Restaurant Search Tool That means for every 1,000 AMEX Membership Reward points you transfer, youll get 333 Starwood points. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Theme park tickets are not generally a clearly spelled-out credit card bonus category in the same manner as gas or grocery stores. Points will be debited from your Membership Rewards account, and credit for corresponding dollar amount will be issued to the American Express Card account used. American Express Card Member Presale, Card Member Exclusives, and By Invitation Only events for theater, music, dining & more Base21 Siemens VIP Center, the official name, is accessed through a door inside Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future, the post-attraction gaming area. When you enter Mission: Space, you usually turn right into the attraction where a Cast Member asks you whether you want to ride the Green Team or Orange Team version. It may not display this or other websites correctly. At low season, rates at the Dolphin will be ~$140 per night, so youll only be getting a value of less than 0.5 cents per point. The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. All this greatness is yours for the taking without having to first secure a reservation at the California Grill. For 2023 guest privileges, your 2022 spending is the deciding factor. DISCLOSURE: I may be an affiliate for products that I recommend. While the average ticket price varies dramatically from park to park, per person tickets often top $100 per day in some locations. 56 Must-Read Disney Dining Secrets from Disney Food Blog, Disney World and Disneyland Food and Wine Festival Details, Disney Recipe From the Vault: Main Street Cinnamon Rolls, Top 10 Disney Dining Tips From the Experts, Cheeseburger Spring Rolls Disney Worlds Most Popular Snacks, Meet the Politically Connected Republican Allies DeSantis Appointed to the Disney World District Board, HUGE Price Increase at Cinderellas Royal Table in Disney World. Our preferred partners are hand-selected to fit yourtravelneeds. To stay at a Disney resort with AMEX Membership rewards points, youll have to book it through the AMEX Travel Portal. How do I Redeem Membership Rewards Points. Use code CHEFS for a 20% Discount! Awwww, yes, please! Nestled in the Pacific Northwest setting of the resort, the open-air bar has both a table service lounge and a walk-up quick service counter. But, Disney World has been reopened since the summer of 2020 and even Disneyland is starting to reopen to those who purchase $75 tickets -- albeit still without rides. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Tropical landscaping and classic architecture create a stunning landmark at this lively locale. Just walk right up, ask for a table, and it can be yours! Hilton has a variety of hotels on or near Walt Disney World property. For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here.For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum card, click here. Take some time to explore our favorites, then enjoy finding a few of your own. Other fun features include a huge map where guests have pinned pictures of themselves on their hometowns and the opportunity to make a digital postcard to send home. Each advertiser is responsible for the accuracy and availability of its ad offer details, but we attempt to verify those offer details. We really want to try the maple crme brulee. It can be a bit of an undertaking to make your way to Disneys Caribbean Beach Resort if you arent staying there, but Banana Cabana Lounge may just make it worth a trip. 2019 American Express Company. The rates for the Dolphin start at 10,000 Starwood pointsper night, while the Swan starts slightly higher at 12,000 Starwood points per night. I see that there are lounges at Epcot - what are the requirements to get in them? There is limited seating, and it can be tough to get in (although we have a few tips up our sleeve), but the Grotto has been using a virtual line so that you can go grab a Dole Whip while you wait. Our guides are backed by a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose. This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. If you enjoy visiting American Express Centurion Lounges, this is your reminder that there's now a cost for bringing guests into the lounge with you from today. Thats a value of less than 0.7 cents per point. This means transferring AMEX Membership Rewards points to Marriott for Walt Disney World stays is often better thanpaying with points! Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card. Sorry! Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. Which purchases count as travel with Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve? From Disney World in Florida to Universal Studios Hollywood, from Dollywood to Knott's Berry Farm in California and beyond, there are typically more than 500 million annual visits to theme parks worldwide in a normal year. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. See membershiprewards.com/terms for the Membership Rewards program terms and conditions. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.Additionally, while I haven't tested the Citi Prestige Card, it earns 5x at travel agencies. First, you can pay with your points when you book travel through the American Express Travel Portal. You can transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to 3 hotel chains: Because you can convert Starwood points to Marriott points at a 1:3 ratio, Marriott is an indirect transfer option as well at an effective rate of 1,000 Membership Rewards points for ~1,000 Marriott points. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. To book, Platinum and Business Platinum Card, Explore and book unforgettable Activities on the American Express, Send Money & Split Purchases: Venmo and PayPal, Credit Intel Financial Education Center. Caribbean flavors abound at this outside, waterfront lounge, and you can sample a Jamaican Frozen Runner and a Caribbean Mai Tai if luscious libations are what youre after. Learn More About Cruise Offerings and Plan Your Trip Today. For example, if youre flying JetBlue, Delta, or Virgin America, you can transfer your points directly to that airline. Both lounges limit six people per card and you must purchase tickets directly from Universal Studios. This means there are easily billions of dollars spent annually on theme park tickets alone, not to mention all the other related costs. Disneyland is starting to reopen to those who purchase $75 tickets, theme park tickets will code as entertainment purchases, Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, Why you might want to use a Disney Vacation Planner. Related: Is the Amex Platinum worth the annual fee? The Venmo credit card may actually be a top theme park credit card contender. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Since all guests get a FastPass to the ride, you can create your vehicle then use your MagicBand to test it during the ride. If you think youve seen everything there is to see of Spaceship Earth, youre wrong! Transferring AMEX Membership Rewards points to airline partners is often a great option for flights to Disney. Weve Eaten at Every Magic Kingdom Restaurant. Additionally,Starwood offers a Cash & Points option. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. Check out the Sangria Flight at Three Bridges Bar and Grill. And because this is the Grand Floridian, you won't find pub grub here. The lounge is one of the most impressive on property, due to it's floor to ceiling windows looking into the underwater world of the Living Seas aquarium. If a charge for a purchase is included in a Pay Over Time balance on your Linked Account the statement credit associated with that charge may not be applied to that Pay Over Time balance. Youre in Walt Disney World, but youre in New Orleans. 1 on Fast Company's annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2023 in the 'Personal Finance' category. Weve Eaten at Every EPCOT Restaurant. In the past, we have seen Amex Offers for Universal Studios and Undercover Tourist. If you have an Amex EveryDay Card product, additional points awarded under this offer will not be included in the extra points benefit. Benefit restrictions vary by property. The Wilderness Lodge is already beautiful, but with the waterfront views offered at this location, and the fireplace to warm up to on a cool evening, its easy to see why this ranks among our favorite spots. He writes travel and product reviews, deep dives into loyalty programs, news about the airline industry and more. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Latest Walt Disney World News Coming Soon Remy's Ratatouille Adventure - Late 2020 Epcot Space Restaurant - 2020 TRON Coaster . Register on WDWMAGIC. Rooms and suites are chic and modern, featuring neutral dcor with bold pops of blue. We're here with the TOP restaurants from Disney Springs! Like this post? Here's why. Our guide to calculating their value, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, American Express Membership Rewards points, JetBlue, Delta, or Virgin America, you can transfer your points directly to that airline, you can transfer points to Aeroplan, ANA, or Singapore Air, you can transfer points to British Airways, you can transfer points to Virgin America. Top of the World Lounge-A Villains Lair @ Disney's Bay Lake Tower; If you've ever stayed at Disney's Bay Lake Tower next to the Contemporary Resort, you may have seen exciting things happening at the . American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., is acting solely as a sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. It's fantastic to see any restaurant on Disney World property offering any type of discount. Well show you the best ways to visit Disney with American Express Membership Rewards points! How do I Earn Membership Rewards Points? These changes affect cardmembers with The Platinum Card from American Express and The Business Platinum Card from American Express.To bring guests into the lounge with you, you . Privacy Policy For more information, please see How we make money. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. Guest Post Guidelines WDWMAGIC.COM is an unoffical Walt Disney World fan site and is in no way part of The Walt Disney Company. Using Pay with Points, the best rate is 208,195 AMEX Membership rewards points. Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. Disney World has bars and lounges in many of the resorts, at some of the theme parks, and definitely at Disney Springs, and it can be a difficult decision to pick a place to get your drink on. Feeding Frenzy at Jock Lindsays Hangar Bar. Of course, this hasn't been a normal year. Remember, Gold Card Members staying 2+ nights receive: Awaken to every element of luxury at this brilliantly reimagined resort in Phoenix. AmEx lounge access may include Sky Clubs when flying Delta. Set in Disneys Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, The Enchanted Rose Lounge serves up sips and snacks in a space reminiscent of that tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast. At peak times, however, youll see rates over $260 per night, allowing you to get a more reasonable value of ~0.9 cents per point. Drinks here take on the Pacific Northwest theme of the resort, including a Northwest Iced Tea (think Long Island Iced Tea) and some native beers. The best credit card to use for theme park ticket purchases depends heavily on how the purchase will code on your credit card. The lounge features seasonal specialty cocktails, martini and margarita flights, and a full complement of wine and beer. Tee off at one of three nearby courses, all with lessons, a driving range, and putting green. This means youre usually going to find better rates for Hilton Hotels by paying with points through the AMEX Travel Portal. It feels like weve just touched the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the top bars and lounges at Walt Disney World, and thats probably because we have. Here are the BEST Read this before hitting the parks with your MagicBand+! Related reading: Which purchases count as travel with Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve? Theres jerk chicken and a bright, fresh Sebastians Salad with Grilled Shrimp, so put yourself on island time and stay awhile. The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards. Related: The ultimate guide to American Express Centurion Lounges. Book a Cruise Through American Express Travel and Sail Away on the Adventure of a Lifetime. You are using an out of date browser. Content provided by Loungebuddy (opens in a new window) Terms & Conditions For example, before transferring Membership Rewards points to airline or hotel partners, youll want to compare to the cost of booking flights and hotels through AMEX Travel and paying with your points. Original Poster. Related: Amex adds live capacity indicators for Centurion Lounges. Find all of our DFB E-Books and And thats just how we like it! Signing up for credit cards through partner links earns us a commission. For official Disney information, visit Disney directly. There's a NEW Magic Kingdom park map with a big change! As the story goes, Indiana Jones long-trusted pilot discovered this waterfront gem while hunting for the Fountain of Youth in Florida. There are options for guests hoping to find a party atmosphere, with crazy antics and out-of-this-world drinks; and there are just as many options for guests looking for a calmer, quieter cocktail with some old-school personality. transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to 3 hotel chains, you can convert Starwood points to Marriott points at a, sometimes be able to get great value from your points, Walt Disney World Swan and the Walt Disney World Dolphin, Sheraton Park Hotel At The Anaheim Resort, Sheraton Garden Grove Anaheim South Hotel, Residence Inn at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center, Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Area, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando Disney Springs Area, Hilton Garden Inn Lake Buena Vista / Orlando, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Anaheim Resort Convention Center, Homewood Suites by Hilton Anaheim-Main Gate Area, Best Hilton credit cards: Improved weekend night certificates, earning rates and more. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. . The Important Secret About Your MagicBand+, Details for the 2023 Sip and Savor Food and Wine Pass at Disney California Adventure, 7 Discounts Annual Passholders Forget About in Disney World. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). The person who used to staff the lounge was also an AmEx employee, not a Disney CM. To support our work, we are paid for providing advertising services. The AMEX Travel Portal can be used to book hotels at most chains, but here are some sample redemptions for Disney resorts: At most hotels, you can expect to get a value of~0.7 cents per point when you pay with points. To book flights on American Airlines or Alaska Airlines. But you wont get consistent good value when you transfer AMEX Membership Rewards points to hotel partners. The American Express Global Lounge Collection includes several lounge products like the Centurion Lounges and Escape Lounges but also airline-operated lounges, like Delta Sky Clubs. I had a chance to speak with the woman who held the post when AmEx's sponsorship ended. I believe you can't get into the GM lounge unless one of you is a GM employee. American AdventureBackstage Magic TourCast MembersEPCOTEPCOT Flower And Garden FestivalEPCOT International Food And Wine FestivalFastpassFuture WorldImagination!MagicBandMission: SpaceMission:SpaceNightclubs & LoungesSpaceship EarthTest TrackThe American AdventureThe LandThe SeasToursWorld Showcase. We are an independent publisher. For more information visitwww.americanexpress.com/travelterms. American Express Lounge. Marriott has a Cash + Points option as well, and youll want to consider this option to get more out of your points or as a way of bringing down the cash cost of your trip. The DFB Guide to the 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival e-Book Now Available! Not All Disney Adults Are the Same: Gen Z vs Millennials, The Secret to Getting Disneys New 50th Anniversary Backpack for LESS $$, Disney Just Released 3 NEW Pairs of Minnie Ears Online! When your travels take you to Disneys Animal Kingdom, wander on over towards Pandora The World of Avatar, and just before you get there, youll find the wonderful oasis that is the Nomad Lounge. The list, as described by the publication, includes the 540 organizations that "are reshaping industries and culture." American Express earned its spot for "winning over Millennials and Gen Z." The price for bringing a guest into an American Express Centurion Lounge is now $50 for adults and $30 for children aged 2-17. JavaScript is disabled. Create your own Sangria. There's no one best credit card for theme parks, but there are some solid options depending on where you want to go and how you are purchasing your tickets. The menu takes your average bar food and makes it both elegant and enticing. Thats actually better than booking air travel and paying with points! You can receive special benefits by booking experiences through AmericanExpressTravel with your eligible American Express Card. Those same Card Members will also get at least 1 additional point for each dollar of eligible travel purchases made on amextravel.com on their Membership Rewards program-enrolled American Express Card. Not quite a pool bar, Geyser Point Bar and Grill is just near the main pool at Disneys Wilderness Lodge. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. We can help! Theres also a tilt-table style game called Hover-Race. American Express offers world-class Charge and Credit Cards, Gift Cards, Rewards, Travel, Personal Savings, Business Services, Insurance and more. Independent network lounges include Priority Pass lounges, Loungebuddy and the Global Lounge Network. Instead the statement credit may be applied to your Pay in Full balance. *Value of Rewards based on TPG valuations and not provided by the issuer. JavaScript is disabled. Both lounges limit six people per card and you must purchase tickets directly from Universal Studios. A lounge based on a love story? Was wondering if there is a lounge associated with LeCellier? A great tip is to go earlier in the evening to avoid the fireworks rush, because as long as you return with your receipt, you can still access the observation area to watch the fireworks. Food at Tutto Gusto features Italian flavors such as Petto di Pollo, comfort food made with a creamy, cheesy sauce over pasta with grilled chicken. The only people that have access to this lounge are Siemens employees and guests and Make A Wish families. Since HP is known for their printers, it should come as no surprise that guests can print photos for free on the HP printers as long as your camera has WiFi. Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830 United States. Starting then, the card will no longer award 3x on travel and 2x on entertainment but instead will award 3x on air travel, hotels and gas stations along with supermarkets and restaurants. All users of our online services subject to Privacy Statement and agree to be bound by Terms of Service. Truly memorable is the wine flight, so dont miss that if you go! Sign up for our free daily newsletter! Authorized users aren't subject to the $50-per-visit guest fee. Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card: $199 annual fee. With the 3:1 transfer ratio, youll have to transfer30,000 or 36,000 AMEX Membership Rewards points per night booking these resorts. We do love us some Trader Sams Tiki Mugs come see this beauty! Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. Does Disney have an Amex lounge (or any lounge for certain card holders) like Universal does? The drinks transport you right to Batuu yes, we know, its not really real, but you will feel like it is. Do you have a favorite use of AMEX Membership Rewards points for Disney? A light and fresh Caprese salad really hits the spot on a hot day. Although things can change, here are some TPG data points on how theme park ticket purchases have coded in the past: Related: These are the best restaurants at Disney World. *, With Platinum Destinations Vacations, get one extra Membership Rewards point for every eligible dollar you spend on a qualifying vacation package.1. Enrollment required. Entertainment will no longer be a bonus category on that card. Past Disney World and Disneyland Food and Wine Festival Coverage. Now, after years of negotiating with the airport for a larger lounge space, American Express has opened up one of the largest Centurion Lounges in its network. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. Required fields are marked *. Here are some Disney World-specific credit card tips: The information for the Disney Visa card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. 5:00am - 12:00am . Although the food menu is a little bit limited right now, there is no limit to the tropical goodness the Tambu Lounge can get into a glass with a little rum and some ice. Eligible travel purchases do NOT include non-prepaid car rentals, non-prepaid hotels, ticketing service or other fees, or interest charges. Even if a Disney resort isnt your top choice, the AMEX Travel Portal can be used to book a wide variety of hotels. Here are 3 to consider, along with estimatednightly rates: We also talked about some of Hiltons Disneyland hotels when we talked about credit card free nights. This means by transferring from AMEX to Starwood to Marriott, you can effectively transfer your AMEX Membership Rewards points to Marriott at a 1:1 ratio. Trader Sams Grog Grotto brings to light Sams devotion to drinks, his mad love for mixology. Need I go any further? We also have a handy workaround to get your guests into the lounge for free. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Click here to see the big way 5 EPCOT lounges have changed. The Platinum Card from American Express offers an abundance of perks in addition to its lounge access. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Hilton, Marriott, and Starwood all have 5th Night Free programs where youll get your 5th night free when you book 4nights using points. You can almost feel the beach breeze. The type of experience credit varies by property; the experience credit will be applied to eligible charges up to $100. We strive to keep our information accurate and up-to-date, but some information may not be current. These lounges are accessible with ownership of certain credit cards like the Platinum Card from American Express for access to the Centurion Lounges, or, in the case of the Sapphire Lounges by the Club, sometimes with Priority Pass membership. Airspace lounges. Is the Amex Platinum worth the annual fee? I dunno about the AE lounge but the sponser lounges (GM at Test Track, HP at Mission Space, etc.) With the3:1 transfer ratio, youd need 120,000 AMEX points for this redemption. Although Jocks air tours have long since ceased, the skys the limit when it comes to creative decor, incredible fun, and some truly boozy brilliance. Is Disneys Wilderness Lodge the right resort for you? While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, our site does not include information about every product or service that may be available to you. If Italian wine is your jam, EPCOTs Italy Pavilion has a real hidden gem for you. The menu is loaded with southern specialties like Bayou Wings, an Oyster Beignet PoBoy, and the boozed-up Baton Rouge Beignets. NEWS: Registration Dates ANNOUNCED for 2023-2024 runDisney Races, The Harsh Reality Behind Mobile Ordering in Disney World, Five Big Reasons You Might See An Empty Disney World in 2023. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, My first cruise to the Galapagos: The good, the bad and the absolutely adorable, 14 best all-inclusive hotels and resorts in Europe, From servicing bar carts to emergency landings: A day in the life of an aspiring flight attendant. And dont forget, you can also get 1 cent per point when you bookflights through the AMEX Travel Portal and pay with points. View the current offers here. Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. This page may include: credit card ads that we may be paid for (advertiser listing); and general information about credit card products (editorial content). The resort offers 18 restaurants and lounges, with options ranging from the premium Shulas Steak House to the family-friendly Garden Grove. These Are the Best. Youll find this lounge tucked behind the great fireplace at Disneys Wilderness Lodge. Love your videos and info! Learn more. at DFBStore.com. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd. 3. If you purchase those items through my links I will earn a commission. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is the world's most popular theme park -- and it's also one of the most complex when it comes to maximizing dollars spent with the best credit card. But one of the real draws of this bar is the location. is a senior reporter at TPG. This is one of the most popular spots to beat the heat at Disneys Animal Kingdom, but increase your chances of snagging a seat by getting there when they open. It's also a pretty good card to use for theme park lunches since it awards 2x points per dollar on dining. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Note that this card has a $695 annual fee. Find out HERE. We have some Disney Springs must-dos for you right HERE! Check here before booking an award fare. Our reporters create honest, accurate, and objective content to help you make decisions. Take either take the stairs or the elevator to the VIP lounge where youll be given complimentary beverages and amazing views of the indoor queue and Advanced Training Lab. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. I know, we just talked about how we love us some elaborate theming at the lounges, so how did the Crews Cup Lounge make the cut? Kraft sponsored The Land, Kodak sponsored the Imagination pavilion, and The Seas, sponsored by United Technologies, featured one of the most elaborate lounges with an acrylic grand piano and floor-to-ceiling glass looking into a huge aquarium. Starwood operates 2resorts on Walt Disney World property, the Walt Disney World Swan and the Walt Disney World Dolphin. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. So what are the best bars and lounges at Walt Disney World? Terminal 1, Domestic. Boasting a lineup of over 200 Tequilas, this small but mighty location will entice even the most critical cocktail connoisseur with a collection of creatively magnificent margaritas. To bring guests into the lounge with you, youll need to pay a per-visit fee or spend heavily on your card to earn guest privileges.