To the point
Here are our strategies for earning rewards 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: $8,800
- Flights: 115,000 Aeroplan points
- Accommodation: 218,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
Planning Step One: Build a Disney Savings Account
Adult # 1
| CREDIT CARD | BONUS | MINIMUM EXPENSES | REWARDS | ANNUAL FEES | FINAL VALUE |
| TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card | 145,000 TD Rewards points | $5,000 | 40,000 points | No annual fee the first year + $100 Expedia credit |
$925 |
| HSBC World Elite® Mastercard® | 90,000 HSBC Rewards Points | $1 | 3 points | $49 (thanks to the $100 credit ) |
$450 |
| American Express Cobalt® Card | 30,000 Membership Rewards | $6,000 spread over the first year |
30,000 Membership Rewards points | $155,88 | $600 |
| RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card | 35,000 RBC Rewardspoints | $0 | 0 points | $120 | $525 |
| TOTAL | 300,000 points | $11,001 | 70,003 points | $224,88 | $2,500 |
With this strategy, you earn $2,275 in net worth ($2,500 – $225) on $11,001 in expenses or a 20.68% return.
Adult # 2
| CREDIT CARD | BONUS | MINIMUM EXPENSES | REWARDS | ANNUAL FEES | FINAL VALUE |
| CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card | $250 | 2,500 over 4 months | – | with no annual fee the first year |
$250 |
| National Bank’s World Elite Mastercard® | 70,000 points (or $700) |
$12,000 over 12 months | 60,000 points (or $600) |
with no annual fee the first year + $150 annual travel credit |
$1,300 |
| Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card | $100 | 1,000 over 2 months | – | with no annual fee | $150 |
|
TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card
|
$290 | 3 500 $ | – | with no annual fee the first year |
$290 |
| TOTAL | $1,340 | $19,000 | $600 | + $150 | $1,990 |
With this strategy, you earn $2,140 in net worth ($1,990 + $150) on $19,000 in expenses for a return of 11.26%.
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 $30,000 in purchases each year ($2500 per month). 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
| CREDIT CARD | BONUS | MINIMUM EXPENSES | REWARDS | ANNUAL FEES | FINAL HARVEST IN AEROPLAN POINTS |
| TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite® card | 50,000 Aeroplan points | $7,500 | 7,500 Aeroplan points | No annual fee the first year |
57,500 points |
Each adult could take this card and then combine the points through Aeroplan Family Sharing. The couple would therefore have :
- 115,000 Aeroplan points
Accommodation during the trip
| 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 | 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points | $3,000 over 3 months | 6,000 points | $ 150 | 56,000 points |
| TOTAL | 100,000 points | $4,500 | 9,000 points | $270 | 109,000 points |
Each adult could take these two cards and then combine the points into one Marriott Bonvoy account. The couple could therefore earn:
- 218,000 Marriott Bonvoy points
- 4 free night certificates (after renewal)
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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