A Disney family vacation is a classic American pastime that promises an escape from reality and a dose of magic and happiness. However, the cost of a Disney vacation can often be a shock to the wallet. While it may never be inexpensive, there are ways to make it more affordable, such as using credit card points to cover Disney park tickets.
The cost of Disney tickets varies depending on factors such as guest age, date of visit, number of days visited, parks visited, and whether park-hopping is desired. Generally, the more days you visit in one trip, the less your per-day cost will be. It is more cost-effective to fit as much Disney as possible into a single trip rather than taking multiple short trips. For example, a single-day, one-park ticket to Disney World can range from $109 to $184, but a longer trip of up to 10 days can have a per-day cost as low as $62 at certain times of the year.
When it comes to redeeming points for Disney tickets, it is important to note that it is generally impossible to get an exceptional return for your points. However, there are still ways to use points to make your Disney vacation more affordable.
One of the best options for securing Disney tickets with points is through Bilt Rewards. With Bilt Rewards and the Bilt Mastercard, you can earn points that can be used for Disney tickets directly on their travel platform at a rate of 1.25 cents per point. This is a better return per point compared to other options available.
Another option is to use Chase points for Disney tickets. In the past, Chase Ultimate Rewards points could be redeemed directly for Disney tickets, but this option was unavailable for several years. However, it has now made a comeback with some limitations. While the prices in the Chase travel portal may be slightly higher than purchasing directly from Disney, it can still be a decent option, especially if you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve card and can use the annual $300 travel credit towards Disney tickets.
Capital One miles can also be used for Disney tickets. They can be transferred to hotel and airline partners or redeemed at a fixed rate of 1 cent each towards travel purchases made with the card. However, it is important to note that Disney tickets purchased directly from Disney may not code as a travel charge, so it is recommended to purchase tickets from a reputable third-party site like Undercover Tourist to ensure they code as travel.
If all else fails, flexible points can be redeemed as cash-back rewards to offset the cost of Disney tickets. For example, Bank of America Preferred Rewards points earned from the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card are worth 1 cent each. This card offers high earning rates on non-bonus transactions, travel, and dining purchases, making it a rewarding cash-back card option.
In conclusion, while a Disney vacation may never be inexpensive, using credit card points to cover Disney park tickets can make it more affordable. Options such as Bilt Rewards, Chase points, Capital One miles, and flexible points can help offset the cost and make your next family vacation to Disneyland or Disney World a magical experience without breaking the bank.