*Benefits vary by partner. 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. 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. For more information please visit americanexpress.com/travelterms. TPGs March 2023 monthly valuations, Cruise giant Carnival goes Texas-size big with new sailings from Galveston. The rates for the Dolphin start at 10,000 Starwood points per night, while the Swan starts slightly higher at 12,000 Starwood points per night. 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. is a senior reporter at TPG. Both lounges limit six people per card and you must purchase tickets directly from Universal Studios. We love to be immersed in the atmosphere and plied with clever cocktails, and youll find both at Ogas. Create your own Sangria. You wont want to miss some of the out-of-this-world snacks and drink options when you are visiting Disney Star Wars Galaxys Edge. 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. 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. We have partnerships with advertisers such as American Express, Brex, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo and Discover. 1. Do you have a favorite use of AMEX Membership Rewards points for Disney? The menu has some real standouts, but you cant go wrong with the Tiffins Bread Service. How to access American Express lounge benefits. 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. The highlight at this outdoor lounge is the famous Cobb Salad, a beautiful plate of finely chopped goodness topped with your choice of chicken, shrimp, or lobster. 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. Disclosure Policy 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. Even if you earn fewer points, that might be a worthy trade-off to keep money in your pockets. Well worth the visit, the list of luscious libations is enough of a selling point to entice you to join in the fun. First, you can pay with your points when you book travel through the American Express Travel Portal. Priority Pass Select lounges. We do love us some Trader Sams Tiki Mugs come see this beauty! 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. 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. And if youre looking for some kid-free time, youll find it here after 8PM. 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. 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. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. The bar has a bright, tropical feel with some comfy seating options, and the eats here are pretty darned delicious. Here are the BEST Read this before hitting the parks with your MagicBand+! If you think youve seen everything there is to see of Spaceship Earth, youre wrong! Youll want to keep this in mind to avoid usingyour AMEX Membership Rewards points now on a hotel stay if you could get much better value out of them in the future. Hilton, Marriott, and Starwood all have 5th Night Free programs where youll get your 5th night free when you book 4nights using points. In the past, we have seen Amex Offers for Universal Studios and Undercover Tourist. Entertainment will no longer be a bonus category on that card. You can almost feel the beach breeze. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. 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. A better option will usually be to transfer AMEX Membership Rewards to Starwood and then from Starwood to Marriott. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. California Grill Lounge watch the Magic Kingdoms fireworks from here! If Italian wine is your jam, EPCOTs Italy Pavilion has a real hidden gem for you. Unfortunately Le Cellier does not have a separate lounge. Airspace lounges. Privacy Policy These Are the Best. This is obviously less than the 1 cent you get by booking air travel through the portal (and way less than some international business class flight redemptions), but it will sometimes be the best value you can get using AMEX Membership Rewards points to book hotels. For official Disney information, visit Disney directly. Each advertiser is responsible for the accuracy and availability of its ad offer details, but we attempt to verify those offer details. Often, theme park tickets will code as entertainment purchases, but that isn't always the case. Photo Credit: Courtesy of American Express American Express ranked No. Was wondering if there is a lounge associated with LeCellier? Past Disney World and Disneyland Food and Wine Festival Coverage. Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. $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. Remember, Gold Card Members staying 2+ nights receive: Awaken to every element of luxury at this brilliantly reimagined resort in Phoenix. DFB Video: The ULTIMATE Guide to EPCOT in 2023. 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. 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. Through our unique partnerships with Avis/Budget, Christie, Coca-Cola, Edgewell Personal Care, Haagen Dazs, Macy's and Niagara guests can enjoy exclusive offers and benefits. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Plus, it will often be better to book a hotel through the AMEX Travel Portal than to transfer points to that hotels chain. Citi ThankYou points are transferrable to airline partners and are currently valued by TPG at 1.7 cents each, giving you a return of 3.4 to 5.1 cents in rewards in categories where you earn 2 - 3 points per dollar spent. Use code CHEFS for a 20% Discount! The card also provides 2% cash back in the eligible category you spend the second most in that month, making it a pretty solid option for when you take a big theme park trip. Feeding Frenzy at Jock Lindsays Hangar Bar. #1 Does Disney have an Amex lounge (or any lounge for certain card holders) like Universal does? Many, but not all, of the offers and clickable hyperlinks (such as a Apply Now button or Learn More button) that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. Where You're Staying Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. When you return to the lounge, check out the conference room, which has floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Test Track entrance, the external acceleration test area, and Spaceship Earth as well as the Imagination Pavilion and The Land. Since early in the Starwood-Marriott merger, youve been able to transfer your Starwood points to Marriott points at a 1:3 ratio. 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. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. Plus Ups are excluded. What could be better than listening to Polynesian music while sipping a fruity tropical drink out of a pineapple? The best credit card to use for theme park ticket purchases depends heavily on how the purchase will code on your credit card. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. To get a 5th night free at Hilton, you have to be a an elite member. Learn more. 5:00am - 12:00am . Find Out More. Walk along the colorful road and youll be treated to floor to ceiling windows with panoramic views of Future World. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Eligible travel purchases include all travel purchases made with your Membership Rewards program-enrolled American Express Card on amextravel.com, including air, prepaid hotels, prepaid car rentals, vacation packages (flight + hotel packages) or cruise reservations, minus returns and other credits. Terminal 1, International. I see that there are lounges at Epcot - what are the requirements to get in them? There's a NEW Magic Kingdom park map with a big change! Thus an Annual pass or DVC membership wont get you in. One of the perks of the recent Hilton changes is the introduction of a pay your way points and money option. Your email address will not be published. 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. We can help! 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. Theme park tickets are not generally a clearly spelled-out credit card bonus category in the same manner as gas or grocery stores. Some of that content may also contain ads, including links to advertisers sites, and we may be paid on those ads or links. If your schedule isnt flexible or award flights arent available, this might be the best option for a given flight. The one piece of Disney World advice you want to take when you get here is this look up. 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. 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. Marriott has some great locations near Walt Disney World, allowing for some of the better redemptions weve seen: With these award nights, youll be getting a value of between 0.7 and 0.9 cents per point. What about an annual pass? Sign up for our free daily newsletter! Guest Post Guidelines How do I Redeem Membership Rewards Points. Get access to the American Express Lounge In Universal Studios when you buy any Universal Orlando Multi-Park Ticket or Annual Pass with any American Express Card. American Express offers a calculator to help you with that math. Hows that for some Disney magic? These Are the BEST. In most cases youll get more value from transferring AMEX Membership Rewards points to airline partners than to hotel partners. *Value of Rewards based on TPG valuations and not provided by the issuer. Original Poster. Related reading: Which purchases count as travel with Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve? OPEN NOW. For more information visitwww.americanexpress.com/travelterms. Theres jerk chicken and a bright, fresh Sebastians Salad with Grilled Shrimp, so put yourself on island time and stay awhile. Take a relaxing break during your afternoon and enjoy complimentary light snacks, drinks, a full-time concierge and more. Does only one have to have an annual pass for that lounge? Love your videos and info! Ever since his parents took him to the Magic Kingdom on a family vacation as a youngster, he has had an interest in the magic that Disney creates for families. The club will take you right to the heart of Bourbon Street, with live jazz music playing several nights a week (usually Thursday through Monday), and NOLA famous cocktails like the Southern Hurricane and the Sazerac. 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. Not quite a pool bar, Geyser Point Bar and Grill is just near the main pool at Disneys Wilderness Lodge. Our reporters create honest, accurate, and objective content to help you make decisions. American Express Lounge. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. Disney World can be expensive. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Here's why. See membershiprewards.com/terms for the Membership Rewards program terms and conditions. WDWMAGIC.COM is an unoffical Walt Disney World fan site and is in no way part of The Walt Disney Company. Youll find this lounge tucked behind the great fireplace at Disneys Wilderness Lodge. Theres a unique feature at Ogas that you wont find at most of the bars and lounges at Walt Disney World. With options like Crab Macaroni and Cheese, Artisanal Cheese Selection, and the famous Truffle Fries, you wont even miss the Grey Stuff the whole menu is delicious. MADE IN ENGLAND. With the celebration of DVC's 25 th Anniversary, Disney added a second DVC Member Lounge! Outside of the current welcome bonus, youre only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so its not a great card for other spending categories. Related: Is the Amex Platinum worth the annual fee? Send Money & Split Purchases: Venmo and PayPal, Credit Intel Financial Education Center. 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. 2023 The Disney Food Blog. Weve Eaten at Every EPCOT Restaurant. Children can visit Camp Dolphin in the evenings for movies, arts and crafts, video games, board games, and more. 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. Authorized users on the Business Platinum cost a whopping $350 per year each (see rates and fees). Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. You can get a minimum of ~0.7 cents per point when you pay with points. So for every 1,000 AMEX Membership Rewards points you transfer, youll get 1,500 Hilton points. How do I Earn Membership Rewards Points? If its a full-on prime rib dinner youre looking for, youve found it here. The menu varies seasonally, so you are likely to find a seasonal soup, plus theres always a charcuterie and a mouth-watering dessert. Doing it at the Tambu Lounge at Disneys Polynesian Village Resort. Note that this card has a $695 annual fee. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Using AMEX Membership Rewards points for hotel stays is often not a great use of points. Related: Amex adds live capacity indicators for Centurion Lounges. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Learn more. 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. Heres what you should know about the change in guest policies at Centurion Lounges effective today. 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. I dunno about the AE lounge but the sponser lounges (GM at Test Track, HP at Mission Space, etc.) Trader Sams Grog Grotto brings to light Sams devotion to drinks, his mad love for mixology. 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. Want more travel news and credit card advice from TPG? Lets take a look at these hidden treasures. This page may include: credit card ads that we may be paid for (advertiser listing); and general information about credit card products (editorial content). Epcot. You know how we love a good cheese option on a menu, and Territory Lounge offers up a Chardonnay fondue, a slightly boozy, super creamy snack option that comes served with practically perfect pretzel bread. For 2023 guest privileges, your 2022 spending is the deciding factor. California CST#1022318, Washington UBI#600-469-694, Iowa TA#669. Enrollment required. If you don't want to overthink things, this card is a really good bet. American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., when acting solely as a sales agent for travel suppliers, is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. Children under two, however, can enter for free when accompanying an adult. Platinum and Business Platinum Card Members are only eligible for 1 additional point on cruise reservations. American Express Lounge. Gen Z vs. millennials -- not all Disney adults are the same! TPG values it at $1,600. Marriott and Starwoods 5th night free programs are available to anyone booking with hotel points. Even if a Disney resort isnt your top choice, the AMEX Travel Portal can be used to book a wide variety of hotels. If you have an Amex EveryDay Card product, additional points awarded under this offer will not be included in the extra points benefit. But you wont get consistent good value when you transfer AMEX Membership Rewards points to hotel partners. You can add up to three Platinum authorized user cards to your primary personal Platinum account for a total fee of $175 per year (see rates and fees). Find out HERE. It automatically awards 3% back in the category you spend the most in that month -- and two options are for entertainment and travel. Universal Studios American Express Lounge. Thread starter macefamily; Start date Dec 5, 2018; M. macefamily Well-Known Member. Additionally,Starwood offers a Cash & Points option. If you believe this has occurred, please contact us by calling the number on the back of your Card. The lounge features seasonal specialty cocktails, martini and margarita flights, and a full complement of wine and beer. The Hotel Collection (THC) benefits are available for new bookings of two consecutive nights or more made through American Express Travel with participating properties and are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Gold Card, Platinum Card and Centurion Members (Delta SkyMiles Gold and Platinum Card Members are not eligible). Guys, you can get a SANGRIA DIPLOMA. The compensation we receive and other factors, such as your location, may impact what ads and links appear on our site, and how, where, and in what order ads and links appear. Related: The ultimate guide to American Express Centurion Lounges. Is the Amex Platinum worth the annual fee? Instead the statement credit may be applied to your Pay in Full balance. This means transferring AMEX Membership Rewards points to Marriott for Walt Disney World stays is often better thanpaying with points! I thought they had one below the DVC Lounge.. (Above Imageworks) But Maybe I'm Wrong. For many families, the dream is tostay at a Disney resort. Minimum redemption 5,000 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. Click here to see the latest new menu items coming to California Grill! And because this is the Grand Floridian, you won't find pub grub here. Tucked into a back corner of Disneys Polynesian Village Resort, this lounge is a little crazy and a lot of fun. Most cardmembers no longer have free guest privileges. Insider Tip When you're not at the theme parks, take advantage of the hotel's daily scheduled activities. But just because your airline of choice isnt a transfer partner of AMEX doesnt mean you cant use your AMEX Membership Rewards points to fly with them! 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. I'm afraid that I don't know what the original requirements for entry were, but American Express no longer sponsors The American Adventure, so the former lounge is now mainly used for private and cast functions. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: $450 annual fee. The ultimate guide to American Express Centurion Lounges, solo travelers may be thrilled by a reduction in lounge guests, Amex adds live capacity indicators for Centurion Lounges, Authorized users on the Business Platinum. Disney World tickets bought online from Disney: Entertainment. JavaScript is disabled. So what are the best bars and lounges at Walt Disney World? Three to consider are: Since the Hilton nightly rates vary by hotel and date without a published table, it can be challengingto find sweet spots. Since all guests get a FastPass to the ride, you can create your vehicle then use your MagicBand to test it during the ride. The menu has excellent options for the foodie in the family, with crispy salmon croquettes and a bison burger being stars of show. California CST#1022318; Washington UBI#600-469-694; Iowa TA#669. Banana Cabana at Disneys Caribbean Beach Resort. Weve Eaten at Every Magic Kingdom Restaurant. Check out the big expansion planned for Disneys Polynesian Village Resort! If you're going to drink one drink from each EPCOT pavilion, these are the drinks We're ranking ALL of the Disney World hotels! Okay, we may be a little too excited, but what an incredibly unique experience, and one of the big reasons Three Bridges makes our favorites list. We are all about the food here at DFB, and nothing goes better with food than a yummy cocktail and some awesome atmosphere. Check out the secret bathrooms of Disney World! For those who cant or wont spend $75,000 per year on their Platinum card, a potential solution is adding authorized users to your Platinum card. 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. Terms of Service For more information visit membershiprewards.com/terms. 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. Transferring AMEX Membership Rewards points to airline partners is often a great option for flights to Disney. We are an independent publisher. We're taking you through ALL the food in Disney's Hollywood Studios! here Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation. at DFBStore.com. It's also a pretty good card to use for theme park lunches since it awards 2x points per dollar on dining. AmEx lounge access may include Sky Clubs when flying Delta. How do I Redeem Membership Rewards Points? We're here with the TOP restaurants from Disney Springs! Content provided by Loungebuddy (opens in a new window) Terms & Conditions Thats actually better than booking air travel and paying with points! $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. 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. Experience a transformative getaway with refreshing pools, spa, golf, pickleball, delectable dining and more. 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. Using Pay with Points, the best rate is 208,195 AMEX Membership rewards points. American Express has expanded The Centurion Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. These lounges are tucked away and likely unnoticed by those that don't know to look for them. You are using an out of date browser. Independent Walt Disney World Vacation Information. All Rights Reserved, BonusTracker: Best credit card bonus offers, When to use miles or points vs. paying cash (using our points calculator with newly added features! Here's your road map to maximizing theme park ticket purchases by using the right credit card. You can enjoy a full meal here in the small, 96-seat dining room. If you believe this has occurred, please contact us by calling the number on the back of your Card. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. For example the American Express lounge? 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. The lounge at the American Adventure was for AmEx employees and their guests. You can avoid this charge by spending $75,000 on your Amex Platinum or Amex Business Platinum Card each calendar year or adding authorized users to your card. If points redeemed do not cover entire amount, the balance of purchase price will remain on the American Express Card account. You are using an out of date browser. There are 2 ways to book hotels with AMEX Membership Rewards points. Youll first enter a holding room, which is decorated with construction photos and concept art from the attraction. Please Review. Benefits for AmEx lounges include much more than Centurion Lounges. And ask your server if you can get the Ohana style bread pudding. While the average ticket price varies dramatically from park to park, per person tickets often top $100 per day in some locations. :wave: The lounge at the American Adventure was for AmEx employees and their guests. 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 anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. 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. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Benefits are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion Card Members (Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card Members are not eligible).