is a senior reporter at TPG. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). 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. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Sorry! Second, you can transfer your points to an AMEX hotel partner, and then use hotel points to book your stay. As you enter the discreet door, the first area you see is a foyer where guests enter a pin or press the call button. Airspace lounges. 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. You may have to hunt a bit to find Tutto Gusto, but look for the red Wine Cellar awning at the back of the Italy Pavilion. Mission: Space was first sponsored by Compaq, but when HP acquired Compaq in 2002, HP took over the sponsorship. 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. The menu takes your average bar food and makes it both elegant and enticing. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Take a relaxing break during your afternoon and enjoy complimentary light snacks, drinks, a full-time concierge and more. Find the right experience for your trip, budget, or travel style. 2023 DFB Guide to Walt Disney World Dining, 2023 EPCOT Food & Wine Festival Details and Events, 2022 EPCOT Food and Wine Festival Booths and Menus. Top 16 Bars and Lounges at Walt Disney World Guest Post Guidelines We really want to try the maple crme brulee. And dont forget, you can also get 1 cent per point when you bookflights through the AMEX Travel Portal and pay with points. Both lounges limit six people per card and you must purchase tickets directly from Universal Studios. 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. Additional reporting by Joseph Hostetler and Ryan Smith. A light and fresh Caprese salad really hits the spot on a hot day. Related: Is the Amex Platinum worth the annual fee? Guys, you can get a SANGRIA DIPLOMA. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads. All rights reserved. If you purchase those items through my links I will earn a commission. Here's your road map to maximizing theme park ticket purchases by using the right credit card. Often, theme park tickets will code as entertainment purchases, but that isn't always the case. And because this is the Grand Floridian, you won't find pub grub here. At Universal, your Amex credit cards can get you some special access extras. Was wondering if there is a lounge associated with LeCellier? 3. We're taking you through ALL the food in Disney's Hollywood Studios! Love your videos and info! Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. For more information please visit americanexpress.com/travelterms. 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. 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). 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. Benefits are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion Card Members (Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card Members are not eligible). Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. 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! If its a full-on prime rib dinner youre looking for, youve found it here. New locations are planned for Washington National (DCA), Newark Liberty (EWR), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) airports. Do you have a favorite use of AMEX Membership Rewards points for Disney? 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. Jungle Cruise fans will remember Trader Sam from his days as the head salesman in the jungle, but you gotta love his side hustle. 5:00am - 12:00am . But you wont get consistent good value when you transfer AMEX Membership Rewards points to hotel partners. Being able to take advantage of AMEX offers and stacking that with a discount from your AP, DVC, or Tables in Wonderland makes Disney prices a little more bearable. OPEN NOW. 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. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost. Disney World tickets bought online from Disney: Entertainment. 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. Having fun at a theme park is pretty easy, but finding the best deals and maximizing the benefit of your expenses are more nuanced tasks. 2019 American Express Company. To support our work, we are paid for providing advertising services. 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. We strive to keep our information accurate and up-to-date, but some information may not be current. PDV-eligible Card Members that are Membership Rewards program-enrolled will receive one (1) extra Membership Reward point per eligible dollar spent on PDV bookings; separate airfare and other charges associated with PDV bookings are not eligible. If you believe this has occurred, please contact us by calling the number on the back of your Card. You are using an out of date browser. 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. Please share it! Jocks has become known for holiday specialties, so you want to look for seasonal menu items and festive decor. New American Express Centurion Lounge opens in Seattle Not quite a pool bar, Geyser Point Bar and Grill is just near the main pool at Disneys Wilderness Lodge. So it may be the best option of all, though I can't yet confirm.The information for the Citi Prestige card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. 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. Participating suppliers and PDV benefits are subject to change. Priority Pass Select lounges. These Are the BEST. Full list of Disney Dining FAQ Pages, Staff & Regular Contributors Tropical landscaping and classic architecture create a stunning landmark at this lively locale. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, My first cruise to the Galapagos: The good, the bad and the absolutely adorable, 14 best all-inclusive hotels and resorts in Europe, From servicing bar carts to emergency landings: A day in the life of an aspiring flight attendant. To qualify for complimentary guest privileges, you must spend $75,000 on your Amex Platinum or Amex Business Platinum Card each calendar year. Find out HERE. Spend the day exploring the theme parks, with complimentary shuttle service available to all Walt Disney World parks. 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. The cocktail menu features the timeless classics well made, like an Old Fashioned, but the food really shines here. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Call American Express Travel. The new Centurion Lounge guesting policy comes as Amex is working hard to expand and renovate its existing network of outposts. This means youre usually going to find better rates for Hilton Hotels by paying with points through the AMEX Travel Portal. 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. Lufthansa lounges. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. Doing it at the Tambu Lounge at Disneys Polynesian Village Resort. Epcot. Destination Experiences - American Express In most cases youll get more value from transferring AMEX Membership Rewards points to airline partners than to hotel partners. Experience a transformative getaway with refreshing pools, spa, golf, pickleball, delectable dining and more. These Are the BEST. I had a chance to speak with the woman who held the post when AmEx's sponsorship ended. A Definitive Ranking of EVERY Disney World Hotel! The American Express Global Lounge Collection includes several lounge products like the Centurion Lounges and Escape Lounges but also airline-operated lounges, like Delta Sky Clubs. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. That means for every 1,000 AMEX Membership Reward points you transfer, youll get 333 Starwood points. Our preferred partners are hand-selected to fit yourtravelneeds. 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. Register on WDWMAGIC. I see that there are lounges at Epcot - what are the requirements to get in them? It may not display this or other websites correctly. Feeding Frenzy at Jock Lindsays Hangar Bar. The lounge area itself is bright and modern with shades of blue accentuated with geometric shapes. Related: The ultimate guide to American Express Centurion Lounges. When your travels take you to Disneys Animal Kingdom, wander on over towards Pandora The World of Avatar, and just before you get there, youll find the wonderful oasis that is the Nomad Lounge. Past Disney World and Disneyland Food and Wine Festival Coverage. It's hidden on the West side of Shrek (Mummy side). An expanding network of airport lounges, the American Express Global Lounge Collection is dedicated to offering Platinum Card Members more lounge options than any other card on the market*. They have a visa lounge at Epcot during food and wine that's it. 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. 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. Accommodations may include balconies or offer views of the fireworks each night. The menu varies seasonally, so you are likely to find a seasonal soup, plus theres always a charcuterie and a mouth-watering dessert. Find all of our DFB E-Books and Make the Brown Derbys grapefruit cake at home! 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. American Express Lounge: We used this several times. How I Did A $4,000 Disney Trip for Just $1,600 - NerdWallet Which Character Meal is Right For You? Pretty sure there is no Amex, they don't partner with them, they partner with Chase. Before you decide which credit card to use for your theme park tickets, be sure and check for any Amex Offers that might save you money. Corporate Lounges - WDWMAGIC The Citi Premier Card awards 2x Citi ThankYou points per dollar on entertainment charges and 3x ThankYou points per dollar spent on travel charges. Most cardmembers no longer have free guest privileges. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. What is in these lounges? BREAKING: Universal Is Building a NEW Theme Park Experience in Texas! Hippopotomai-Tai at Trader Sams Grog Grotto. We want you to be aware that certain suppliers pay us commissions and other incentives for reaching sales targets or other goals, and may also provide incentives to our travel counselors. American AdventureBackstage Magic TourCast MembersEPCOTEPCOT Flower And Garden FestivalEPCOT International Food And Wine FestivalFastpassFuture WorldImagination!MagicBandMission: SpaceMission:SpaceNightclubs & LoungesSpaceship EarthTest TrackThe American AdventureThe LandThe SeasToursWorld Showcase. We do love us some Trader Sams Tiki Mugs come see this beauty! Like the Siemens Lounge, only HP employees and guests and Make A Wish participants are allowed access to this lounge. The lounge is first come, first served, and as you can imagine, people tend to try to get a table around fireworks time. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline. Remember, Gold Card Members staying 2+ nights receive: Awaken to every element of luxury at this brilliantly reimagined resort in Phoenix. here Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation. Terminal 1, International. You can almost feel the beach breeze. There's a NEW Magic Kingdom park map with a big change! Because the AMEX Travel portal offers ~0.7 cents per point pretty consistently when you pay with points forhotel bookings,youll need to carefully compare these options depending on the specifics of your stay. Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. We can help! Independent network lounges include Priority Pass lounges, Loungebuddy and the Global Lounge Network. So what are the best bars and lounges at Walt Disney World? This allows you to pay for some of your stay with cash and some with points. 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." American Express Lounge | The DIS Disney Discussion Forums - DISboards.com Lets take a look at these hidden treasures. 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. To get a 5th night free at Hilton, you have to be a an elite member. 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? So Ive asked them to share their tips on booking trips toWalt Disney World and Disneyland using AMEX Membership Rewards points. Children can visit Camp Dolphin in the evenings for movies, arts and crafts, video games, board games, and more. Check out our Disney Recipes There are even more places your Platinum Card can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks. Plaza Premium lounges. Youll first enter a holding room, which is decorated with construction photos and concept art from the attraction. Create your own Sangria. Note that this card has a $695 annual fee. Tucked into a back corner of Disneys Polynesian Village Resort, this lounge is a little crazy and a lot of fun. 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. Advance reservations are recommended for certain experience credits. 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. All this greatness is yours for the taking without having to first secure a reservation at the California Grill. Well show you the best ways to visit Disney with American Express Membership Rewards points! The AMEX Travel Portal can be used to book hotels at most chains, but here are some sample redemptions for Disney resorts: At most hotels, you can expect to get a value of~0.7 cents per point when you pay with points. Delta Sky Club lounges. American Express Lounge Choose from grab-and-go options at Fuel, Java, or Picabu. 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. Try the Fuzzy Tauntaun, and see what all the buzz is about, or opt for a non-alcoholic Blue Bantha, which is the famous blue milk topped with a yummy cookie. 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. Because AMEX Membership Rewards points are so valuable, its important to make the most of them when you book travel. 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. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. The most important trick to using AMEX Membership Rewards points to book flights is knowing which transfer partners can book flights on which airlines. Consider a sample stay for 5 nights at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, a Starwood resort in October. This is one of the most popular spots to beat the heat at Disneys Animal Kingdom, but increase your chances of snagging a seat by getting there when they open. If you didnt spend at least $75,000 on your card last year, you cannot bring complimentary guests into the lounge from now on. Weve Eaten at Every Magic Kingdom Restaurant. For many, this is unfortunate news to go along with shelling out $695 each year for the Platinum card (see rates and fees). 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. *Value of Rewards based on TPG valuations and not provided by the issuer. From Disney World in Florida to Universal Studios Hollywood, from Dollywood to Knott's Berry Farm in California and beyond, there are typically more than 500 million annual visits to theme parks worldwide in a normal year. JavaScript is disabled. The Important Secret About Your MagicBand+, Details for the 2023 Sip and Savor Food and Wine Pass at Disney California Adventure, 7 Discounts Annual Passholders Forget About in Disney World. Corporate Card Members are not eligible for the additional point. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Once that happens, the best option may be the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card for 4% back on entertainment expenses. Siemens has a private lounge situated on the second floor right above the Project Tomorrow exhibit space. These Are the BEST. Take either take the stairs or the elevator to the VIP lounge where youll be given complimentary beverages and amazing views of the indoor queue and Advanced Training Lab. How do I Redeem Membership Rewards Points? Google+. 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. Thats a value of less than 0.7 cents per point. 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. See membershiprewards.com/terms for the Membership Rewards program terms and conditions. Eligible purchases through American Express Travel exclude non-prepaid car rentals and non-prepaid hotels. Even if a Disney resort isnt your top choice, the AMEX Travel Portal can be used to book a wide variety of hotels. He writes travel and product reviews, deep dives into loyalty programs, news about the airline industry and more. This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information. But it's tricky. She said it was the best job she'd ever had. And for Disneyland, your best bets are John Wayne Airport (SNA) or Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). These havent been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. SAVE MONEY WITH BUNDLES Plus, it will often be better to book a hotel through the AMEX Travel Portal than to transfer points to that hotels chain. Theres jerk chicken and a bright, fresh Sebastians Salad with Grilled Shrimp, so put yourself on island time and stay awhile. 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.