When you click on that hyperlink or button, you may be directed to the credit card issuers website where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer. We have partnerships with advertisers such as American Express, Brex, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo and Discover. This matters because if you paid with the Chase Sapphire Reserve and your $500 ticket purchase coded as travel, you'd earn 1,500 Ultimate Rewards points -- and you could even use the card's annual $300 travel credit towards the charge. If Italian wine is your jam, EPCOTs Italy Pavilion has a real hidden gem for you. Disneyland Restaurants, Menus, and DINING REVIEWS The person who used to staff the lounge was also an AmEx employee, not a Disney CM. ), How much are Amex points really worth? In the past, we have seen Amex Offers for Universal Studios and Undercover Tourist. Strategically using one of the best credit cards for theme park tickets will mean that you can earn bonus cash back or some extra miles and points to put toward the next family vacation. A Red Ventures Company. A light and fresh Caprese salad really hits the spot on a hot day. Room upgrade is subject to availability and is provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. Since the lounge is on the second floor, youll take either the elevator or a spiral staircase to the lounge where youll have access to complimentary beverages. The lounge area itself is bright and modern with shades of blue accentuated with geometric shapes. *Value of Rewards based on TPG valuations and not provided by the issuer.The information for the Amex Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. 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.Most cardmembers no longer have free guest privileges. 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. There is currently no corporate sponsor for the Seas, leaving the lounge to be used only for Disney special events and as a venue for Disney Weddings. Plus, expansions are also underway in Seattle (SEA). Our preferred partners are hand-selected to fit yourtravelneeds. The Platinum Card from American Express offers an abundance of perks in addition to its lounge access. American Express Lounge. The Ultimate Guide to Eating in Disneys Hollywood Studios, The 1 Drink You Should Get From Each EPCOT Pavilion. And because this is the Grand Floridian, you wont find pub grub here. AMEX Membership Rewards points transfer to Hilton points at a 2:3 ratio. 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. 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. I had a chance to speak with the woman who held the post when AmEx's sponsorship ended. Independent network lounges include Priority Pass lounges, Loungebuddy and the Global Lounge Network. And if youre looking for some kid-free time, youll find it here after 8PM. Bonuses you may receive with your Card on other purchase categories or in connection with promotions or offers from American Express may not be combined with this offer, such as 5X bonuses for Platinum and Business Platinum Card Members. Content provided by Loungebuddy (opens in a new window) Terms & Conditions First, you can pay with your points when you book travel through the American Express Travel Portal. Even if youre set on using your points for a hotel stay, it can be difficult to find sweet spots transferring points to hotel partners. One of the perks of the recent Hilton changes is the introduction of a pay your way points and money option. The Mandara Spa is a Balineseinspired oasis, with a full menu of body therapies, massages, facials, and beauty treatments. Hi Rebecca! To book flights on American Airlines or Alaska Airlines. This favorite, located at Disneys Yacht Club Resort, is just a cozy little lounge, but the menu features some of the most amazing food from the adjacent Yachtsman Steak House. 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. Of course, this hasn't been a normal year. The high annual fee is only worth it if youre taking full advantage of the cards benefits. The one piece of Disney World advice you want to take when you get here is this look up. Starwood operates 3 hotels very close to Disneyland. When you order through my link, it helps me to continue to offer you free stuff. (Enrollment required for select benefits.). Minimum redemption 5,000 points. AMEX Membership Rewards points transfer to Starwood points at a 3:1 ratio. They have a visa lounge at Epcot during food and wine that's it. Theres a large window that overlooks the brake testing section of the attraction and two design-your-own-vehicle stations. Most of them are private and not open to the public, but if you want a taste of the VIP life, check out the Chase Lounge in World Showcases American Adventure, which used to be the private American Express lounge. Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. Each advertiser is responsible for the accuracy and availability of its ad offer details, but we attempt to verify those offer details. But one of the real draws of this bar is the location. Privacy Policy, Recommended Disney World Restaurants for First-Timers, Recommended Disneyland Restaurants for First-Timers, BIG Change Comes to Magic Kingdom Park Map, The PROBLEM You Might Have When Renting an ECV in Disney World. Ordering a Cake in Disney World Please share it! #1 Does Disney have an Amex lounge (or any lounge for certain card holders) like Universal does? We do love us some Trader Sams Tiki Mugs come see this beauty! Find out where you'll find the Can't decide where to eat in Magic Kingdom? Additional Amex perks include 10% off merchandise purchases of $75+, 10% off some quick-service dining and a bonus photo with eligible photo packages. EPCOT International Food And Wine Festival, Butterfly Garden Opens At 2023 EPCOT Flower And Garden Festival, Live Video Enchanted Tales With Belle at the Magic Kingdom, 2023 EPCOT Flower And Garden Festival Topiaries, Josh Gad: New Jungle Cruise Skipper at Disneyland Resort (Video), Disneys Typhoon Lagoon Reopening in March. 4. JavaScript is disabled. Extra points will be credited to the Card Members Membership Rewards account within 8-12 weeks after completion of the PDV travel. Weve Eaten at Every EPCOT Restaurant. Of course you do -- we've Universal Parks & Resorts is building a NEW theme park experience in Texas! Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Learn More About Cruise Offerings and Plan Your Trip Today. It may not display this or other websites correctly. We are excited to see whats in store when this resort and hopefully this lounge is back up and running. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. They are: You can expect to get a value of between 0.6 cents and 0.8 cents per AMEX Membership Reward point when you transfer and bookthese hotelswith Starwood points. Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Disneys Coronado Springs Resort is the home of Sangria University where an actual sangria sommelier will educate you on sangria. Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Benefits cannot be combined with other offers unless indicated. Like the Siemens Lounge, only HP employees and guests and Make A Wish participants are allowed access to this lounge. This means there are easily billions of dollars spent annually on theme park tickets alone, not to mention all the other related costs. For official Disney information, visit Disney directly. Go next level with your knowledge of Disneys Animal Kingdom, Check out our review of the Connections Cafe in EPCOT, See what other sips were sweet on at Ogas Cantina. How do I find and add Amex Offers to my Card? See membershiprewards.com/terms for the Membership Rewards program terms and conditions. Some parts Copyright The Walt Disney Co. Find all of our DFB E-Books and Heres what you should know about the change in guest policies at Centurion Lounges effective today. 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. 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. A Definitive Ranking of EVERY Disney World Hotel! document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); American Express. Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. Inside Test Tracks gift shop, theres a door that leads to a long hallway featuring concept art of the reimagining of then Wonders of Motion in 1998. Book a Cruise Through American Express Travel and Sail Away on the Adventure of a Lifetime. 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. Youll find this lounge tucked behind the great fireplace at Disneys Wilderness Lodge. Warm wood, cozy seating, and soft lighting arent the only highlights of the Territory LoungeAnd while a lot of the top bars and lounges on our list get there based on elaborate theming or unique drinks, Territory Lounge is a standout when it comes to lounge eats. For many families, the dream is tostay at a Disney resort. 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. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Tropical landscaping and classic architecture create a stunning landmark at this lively locale. Its always worth taking a few minutes to do the math to see if a transfer to a partner is a better option than using pay with points. Check here before booking an award fare. Independent Walt Disney World Vacation Information. In most cases youll get more value from transferring AMEX Membership Rewards points to airline partners than to hotel partners. *Benefits vary by partner. We'll run a soft credit check to find special offers, but it wont affect your credit score. Hilton has a variety of hotels on or near Walt Disney World property. When purchasing park tickets directly from the park itself, it's most likely the charge will code as an entertainment purchase on your card. Authorized users on the Business Platinum cost a whopping $350 per year each (see rates and fees). Theres a unique feature at Ogas that you wont find at most of the bars and lounges at Walt Disney World. 2X Membership Rewards Points: Membership Rewards-enrolled Card Members get at least 1 Membership Rewards point for every eligible dollar spent on their Membership Rewards program-enrolled American Express Card. OPEN NOW. 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. Come here for the music and the drinks, but stay for the food. Often, theme park tickets will code as entertainment purchases, but that isn't always the case. If youre granted access, the door will open and fog will cover the entryway. The most important trick to using AMEX Membership Rewards points to book flights is knowing which transfer partners can book flights on which airlines. Instead the statement credit may be applied to your Pay in Full balance. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. So Ive asked them to share their tips on booking trips toWalt Disney World and Disneyland using AMEX Membership Rewards points. 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. As the story goes, Indiana Jones long-trusted pilot discovered this waterfront gem while hunting for the Fountain of Youth in Florida. Certain suppliers pay us commission and other incentives for reaching sales targets or other goals and may provide incentives to our travel counselors. These Are the Best. is a senior reporter at TPG. Hippopotomai-Tai at Trader Sams Grog Grotto. 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. This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. The Citi Premier Card awards 2x Citi ThankYou points per dollar on entertainment charges and 3x ThankYou points per dollar spent on travel charges. Although these lounges no longer host guests, there are still a few VIP lounges that welcome guests daily. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. These Are the BEST. Even if a Disney resort isnt your top choice, the AMEX Travel Portal can be used to book a wide variety of hotels. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. There are Mickey-shaped WHAT at this Wilderness Lodge restaurant? Universal Studios American Express Lounge. With more than 95 years of travel experience, we can help you turn thats our dream into thats our plan.. , aka Mommy Points, ran the Mommy Points site for families who want to travel more for less using miles and points for seven years. They may be able to get it for you after 5 PM. We're here with the TOP restaurants from Disney Springs! Marriott has a large number of hotels around Disneyland, but youll get less value per point than at Walt Disney World. She said it was the best job she'd ever had. For example, if youre flying JetBlue, Delta, or Virgin America, you can transfer your points directly to that airline. Eligible travel purchases do NOT include non-prepaid car rentals, non-prepaid hotels, ticketing service or other fees, or interest charges. Transferring AMEX Membership Rewards points to airline partners is often a great option for flights to Disney. Was wondering if there is a lounge associated with LeCellier? 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. How do I Earn Membership Rewards Points? 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. At Universal, your Amex credit cards can get you some special access extras. This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. As with Marriott and Starwood, this is a good way to save on cash or extend your points, but youll need to make sure youre getting good value for the points you save! Youre in Walt Disney World, but youre in New Orleans. Ask a worker where it is if you can't find it. Many, but not all, of the offers and clickable hyperlinks (such as a Next button) that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. Credit ranges are a variation of FICO Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application. To continue your theme park vacation planning: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Children under two, however, can enter for free when accompanying an adult. When Epcot opened in 1982, the eight Future World pavilions were sponsored by large companies. Some of that content may also contain ads, including links to advertisers sites, and we may be paid on those ads or links. With the3:1 transfer ratio, youd need 120,000 AMEX points for this redemption. Here are three of the better options: Youre only getting between 0.5 and 0.7 cents per point booking these with AMEX points transferred to Marriott, so youll usually be better off booking through the AMEX Travel Portal. The most likely bonus categories for theme park tickets are entertainment or travel. Our travel experts and partners have the destination expertise and the inside access to book everything from a day of sightseeing to your entire trip, including flights, lodging, and even dining reservations. Plus, it will often be better to book a hotel through the AMEX Travel Portal than to transfer points to that hotels chain. If you can peel your eyes away from the beautiful views, you might notice that all of the furniture is white. I see that there are lounges at Epcot - what are the requirements to get in them? 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? Your email address will not be published. If you believe this has occurred, please contact us by calling the number on the back of your Card. Find the right card for you. 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 card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. Take a relaxing break during your afternoon and enjoy complimentary light snacks, drinks, a full-time concierge and more. $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Related: The ultimate guide to American Express Centurion Lounges. Youll notice that we take ALL of the opportunities to talk about La Cava del Tequila in the Mexico pavilion at EPCOT, but we promise, its with good reason. Ken and his wife Emily write about using points and miles (and saving money) on Disney trips at Mousehacking.com. Disney World can be expensive. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. Platinum and Business Platinum Card Members are only eligible for 1 additional point on cruise reservations. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. 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. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Does only one have to have an annual pass for that lounge? I thought they had one below the DVC Lounge.. (Above Imageworks) But Maybe I'm Wrong. Weve tried ALL the places at Walt Disney World where you can score a delicious drink and amazing appetizers, and these are the places we think are the top bars and lounges at Walt Disney World. And occasionally AMEX has transfer bonuses, so check your account for current offers. We also have a handy workaround to get your guests into the lounge for free. Pineapple-Coconut Bread Pudding will almostmake you forget the Ohana bread pudding (the recipe was created by a chef from Ohana, so its not like youre cheating or anything if you love this one just as much). California CST#1022318, Washington UBI#600-469-694, Iowa TA#669. Learn more. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). However, youre going to get the most value out of a transferon stays of at least 5 nights at Hilton, Marriott, and Starwood hotels. Pay with Points: To use Pay with Points, you must charge your eligible purchase through American Express Travel to a Membership Rewards program-enrolled American Express Card. While there are ways to get value of over 1 cent per point (and well cover some), youre generally only going to get between 0.5 and 0.8 cents per point using your AMEX points this way. World of Walt is in no way part of, endorsed or authorized by, or affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or its affiliates. If youre staying at one of thesix hotels weve listed, youll be getting a value of between 0.5 cents and 0.7 cents per Membership Rewards point when you transfer points to Hilton to book Disney trips. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. What is in these lounges? Jungle Cruise fans will remember Trader Sam from his days as the head salesman in the jungle, but you gotta love his side hustle. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. For example: Check out this post on the best ways to use AMEX Membership Rewards points for flights in the US. When Epcot opened in 1982, the eight Future World pavilions were sponsored by large companies. Want more travel news and credit card advice from TPG? 1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd. By cutting free guests, Amex is seemingly working to reduce overcrowding. But it's tricky. 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. Find the right card for you. Find Out More. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu. Instead the statement credit may be applied to your Pay in Full balance. 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. 5:00am - 12:00am . The type of experience credit varies by property; the experience credit will be applied to eligible charges up to $100. 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. With the celebration of DVC's 25 th Anniversary, Disney added a second DVC Member Lounge! We love to be immersed in the atmosphere and plied with clever cocktails, and youll find both at Ogas. Like this post? Related: Amex adds live capacity indicators for Centurion Lounges. 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. Youll first enter a holding room, which is decorated with construction photos and concept art from the attraction. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Take some time to explore our favorites, then enjoy finding a few of your own. The menu varies seasonally, so you are likely to find a seasonal soup, plus theres always a charcuterie and a mouth-watering dessert. Epcot. Even more tastes of the tropics can be found in the Hawaiian Mule or the Polynesian Mai Tai, but if youre looking for a bite, youre in luck. And ask your server if you can get the Ohana style bread pudding. If you want to be extra sure, price your tickets from Undercover Tourist as they have always coded as travel for me. This page may include: credit card ads that we may be paid for (advertiser listing); and general information about credit card products (editorial content). DISCLOSURE: I may be an affiliate for products that I recommend. 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. 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. This tough ratio can make it hard to get great value using your AMEX Membership Rewards points this way, but youll occasionally find Starwood hotels that make it worth it. Disney Food Blog does not claim to represent the Walt Disney Company in any way and is not employed by or affiliated with The Walt Disney Company. You can enjoy a full meal here in the small, 96-seat dining room. There is a huge plus to the California Grill Lounge. However, because all of this is clear as mud, we have received some reports of theme park ticket purchases with the Savor card coding as travel. DFB Video: The ULTIMATE Guide to EPCOT in 2023. At TPG, we want you to get the best deal on theme park tickets and use the right credit card to earn as many rewards as possible. Tutto Gusto has a wine list of over 200 Italian wines, and to accompany your wine selection, there is a menu of Italian favorites that are truly delizioso. Use code CHEFS for a 20% Discount! Platinum and Business Platinum Card Members Platinum Travel Service 800-525-3355 1. The Snakebite Sliders answer the Whyd it have to be snakes? question, and washed down with something from the secret drinks menu, youll never want to leave! Past Disney World and Disneyland Food and Wine Festival Coverage. BREAKING: Universal Is Building a NEW Theme Park Experience in Texas! A lounge based on a love story? If its a full-on prime rib dinner youre looking for, youve found it here. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Does Disney have an Amex lounge (or any lounge for certain card holders) like Universal does? Additional reporting by Joseph Hostetler and Ryan Smith. Plaza Premium lounges. 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. 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. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads. These Are the BEST. Set in Disney's 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. We are all about the food here at DFB, and nothing goes better with food than a yummy cocktail and some awesome atmosphere. Terms of Service Theres jerk chicken and a bright, fresh Sebastians Salad with Grilled Shrimp, so put yourself on island time and stay awhile. Original Poster. Find Out More. 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. Banana Cabana at Disneys Caribbean Beach Resort. Trader Sams also serves up some awesome apps with those delicious drinks, and dont leave empty-handed order your drink in a souvenir glass when they are available. Have you overlooked THIS Walt Disney World steakhouse? Children younger than 13 cant be added as authorized users, so this is a noticeable devaluation for families who must shell out $30 to bring each kid into the lounges some of which have dedicated family rooms. New locations are planned for Washington National (DCA), Newark Liberty (EWR), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) airports. 5:00am - 12:00am . All rights reserved. You can get a minimum of ~0.7 cents per point when you pay with points. Herb is the founder, author, webmaster, chief executive, and chief bottle washer for World Of Walt and he is the Disney enthusiast who put this site together. Participating suppliers and PDV benefits are subject to change. You are using an out of date browser. 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.