To the point
Here are our strategies for earning reward points to save at Disney World with minimal effort!
In this article, a three-step plan is detailed to earn enough points for a week-long trip to Disney World for a family of four.
For beginners, we recommend starting with one or two credit cards and then spacing out applications by at least 6 to 9 months. Then, once you become more comfortable with credit card management, you can increase the number of credit card applications, and move them closer together over time.
Summary of the strategy
We have grouped up to four credit cards in the same table to better visualize the strategy for Disney World. However, it is advisable to take it slow with two rounds of two credit cards per year, especially for beginners. Travel hacking is a marathon, not a sprint!
Finally, also pay attention to the spending amounts required to unlock the bonuses. You should not take too many cards at the same time if you are not able to unlock the points.
- Number of persons : 2 adults and 2 children
- Planning period: 2 to 4 years
- Disney savings account: approximately $5,000
- Airline tickets: approx. 80,000 Aeroplan points
- Accommodation: approx. 246,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
*The exact amount of cash back and points varies according to current offers.
Planning Step One: Build a Disney Savings Account
Adult # 1
The following cards accumulate approximately$1,500.
Adult # 2
The following cards accumulate approximately$1,000.
Planning step two: Continue to replenish the Disney savings account
Flip! The same strategy is repeated with each adult asking for the other credit cards.
This strategy is based on the fact that you have many purchases to make each year. If you can’t reach these amounts, don’ t invent expenses!
Instead, think about stocking up on gift cards for future expenses (for Disney World or other things like Netflix or gas) or paying your city taxes for example. Indeed, many expenses can be done indirectly by credit card for a fee; to unlock a bonus, it can be profitable!
Third planning step: flights and hotels
The accumulation of points for flights and hotels is delayed because it is effortless to earn them quickly.
Indeed, the following points add up quickly!
You can apply for these cards earlier, but you must consider having the card active to benefit from free luggage or the Buddy passes.
Use Aeroplan Points or Reward Points on flights to Disney World? You have to calculate the number of points required versus the cost of other options to determine which is better!
Flights to Disney World
Each adult could take the TDMD AeroplanMD Visa Infinite* Card. The couple would have about:
- 80,000 Aeroplan points
Accommodation during the trip
Each adult could take co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit cards and then combine the points into a single Marriott Bonvoy account. The couple could therefore earn:
- 246,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
- 4 free night certificates (after renewal)
| CREDIT CARD | BONUS | MINIMUM EXPENSES | REWARDS | ANNUAL FEES | FINAL HARVEST IN POINTS |
| Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card | 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points | $1,500 over 3 months | 3,000 points | $120 | 53,000 points |
| Marriott Bonvoy™ Business American Express® Card | 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points | 5,000 over 3 months | 10,000 points | $ 150 | 70,000 points |
| TOTAL | 110,000 points | $3,000 | 13,000 points | $270 | 123,000 points |
Bottom Line
This strategy is one of many. It’s up to you to tailor them to your specific situation based on your spending habits, your credit rating and your expectations at Disney World!
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For more Disney tips, read on:
