Guess What Came in the Mail!

I'm always excited whenever I receive an envelope with the words "Rewards Center" or anything similar on the outside. When yesterday's arrived, I was struggling to remember what rebate I might have sent in or what points I might have redeemed recently--and I just couldn't think of what it might be.

 



I was thrilled when I opened it to find my $100 Disney gift card--my "reward" for opening a new Chase Premier Disney Visa account. (I actually thought it was going to be a credit to my account, not a gift card--and not nearly as fun, IMHO, since I can't put a credit directly into our Disney fund jar!) This card has already more than paid for itself (it does have a $49 annual fee, while the Chase Disney Rewards Visa does not have an annual fee)--at least for the next 2 years. And since I get 2% back in rewards for all purchases at restaurants, gas, and groceries--my three most common purchase categories--I'm sure it will continue to pay for itself well beyond the first two years.

NOTE: While I am a big advocate of earning rewards via credit cards, I am firmly against going into debt to take a vacation--even a Disney vacation. I use credit cards as a convenience, and I never use a credit card unless I have the cash in the bank to cover the purchase. So please don't view my rave review of the Chase Disney Premier Visa as a license to spend money that you don't have. If you have credit card debt, I highly recommend Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace, as well as his other books and programs. Don't let your money "own" you!

Learn About DVC and Get Free Stuff

Yesterday, I was surprised when FedEx stopped by our home to deliver a letter. (I didn't remember ordering anything that small recently...what could it be?) I went from surprised to excited when I saw that the letter was from Disney...and then I remembered! It was my $25 Disney gift card from the Disney Vacation Club.



For years, I have been considering...planning...even hoping to tour one of the DVC properties while on vacation at Walt Disney World. But when it comes down to it, the lure of the Parks is too strong--I'm just not willing to give up my precious touring time to see what it's all about. But a couple of weeks ago, I got an email inviting me to learn more about the DVC from the comfort of my very own home. For my time, I would be rewarded with a $25 Disney gift card. Of course I called the number right away!

No matter how you dress it up, the DVC is a timeshare. So, honestly, I was expecting a hard sell. Not so. In fact, I probably asked a few questions that made my presentation last a bit longer than average. (I actually did want to know more about the program!) And while I wasn't keeping an eye on the clock, my best estimate is that I was on the phone with the DVC representative about 10 minutes. Really. He offered to send me more information on the actual price breakdown of everything--which I accepted--but there was absolutely no pressure to make any sort of decision or move forward in any way. This was probably the most low-key sales presentation I've ever experienced.

All that to say, while you may not have the opportunity to do a DVC presentation over the phone like I did, you might consider popping over to one of the many DVC kiosks on Disney property the next time you visit. In the past, I have been offered everything from Disney gift cards to special FastPasses to tour one of the DVC properties. Most of the time, the actual tours take a couple of hours--but the rewards tend to be greater (I was offered a $75 gift card on one occasion--sadly, our schedule was packed).

If you want to maximize your chances of being offered a phone tour of the DVC, consider requesting information about it. Also, it helps if they know you are a regular visitor to Walt Disney World. To learn more about DVC and order your informational DVD, click here.