Disney World: Our strategies for collecting points and saving money

Updated May 8, 2026
Disney World: Our strategies for collecting points and saving money - Disney-World-2400x1260-01
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. Because Disney is expensive!

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’re more comfortable with credit card management, you can increase the number of credit card subscriptions and bring them closer together over time.

Disney World: Our strategies for collecting points and saving money - Disney-world-3073962_1920

Summary of the strategy

We’ve grouped up to four credit cards in the same table to give you a better idea of 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, pay attention to the spending amounts required to unlock bonuses. Don’t take on too many cards at once if you can’t 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. 212,000 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.

Disney World: Our strategies for collecting points and saving money - mickey mouse

Adult # 2

The following cards accumulate approximately$1,000.

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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 municipal 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 subscribe to these cards earlier, but you need to take into consideration having the card active to benefit from free baggage or to use the companion passes.

Use Aeroplan Points or Reward Points on flights to Disney World? Calculate the number of points required versus the cost of other options to determine which is best!

Flights to Disney World

Each adult could take the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card. The couple would therefore have approximately:

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:

CREDIT CARDBONUSMINIMUM EXPENSESREWARDSANNUAL FEESFINAL POINTS TOTAL
Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points$1,500 over 3 months3,000 points ($1,500 x 2 points minimum)$12053,000 points
Marriott Bonvoy™ Business American Express® Card50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points$1,500 over 3 months3,000 points ($1,500 x 2 points minimum)$ 150 53,000 points
TOTAL100,000 points$3,0006,000 points$270106,000 points

Bottom Line

This strategy is just 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:

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Aline Nguyen
Aline Nguyen
Aline, an experienced traveler and avid photographer, is an Avgeek, a foodie at heart and a mother to two children. An expert in credit cards & rewards programs, including Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy, American Express Membership Rewards, CIBC Aventura, and RBC Avion, she uses points to travel affordably and save in daily life. Having explored all 7 continents and 83 countries, Aline shares her travel passion and insights to help others make the most of loyalty programs.
All posts by Aline Nguyen
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