In this episode, Jess and Alex are sharing all the magic, insights, and travel tips they brought back from a recent media event at Walt Disney World. From exclusive behind-the-scenes tours to exciting new ticket and resort updates, they’re joined by Megan—Travel Mom Squad’s Disney expert—to talk about how to make a Disney trip more affordable, less stressful, and extra special using points and miles.

What’s New at Disney World? Big Updates & Summer Deals

During the media event, Jess and Alex sat in on a panel with Disney execs and Imagineers who revealed upcoming changes and summer promotions—like 50% off tickets for kids (ages 3–9) and free dining plans for guests booking resort packages. They also shared how Disney is working to simplify the experience, with improvements to the Lightning Lane system and new family-focused resort programming.

Why Staying On-Property Might Be the Best Deal

One of the biggest takeaways? Staying at a Disney resort may cost less than you think—especially when you consider perks like free transportation, early park access, and even character visits right in the hotel. The team shares highlights from a private resort tour, including a peek at value resorts like Art of Animation (with family suites for six!), the moderate Coronado Springs, and the deluxe Boardwalk Inn. Megan also breaks down recent stays at the Swan and Dolphin, All-Star Music, and off-property Hyatts—and why she’s team Disney all the way.

Making Disney More Affordable with Points & Miles

Jess, Alex, and Megan walk through the credit cards they recommend for offsetting the cost of Disney, including the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card for erasing ticket purchases and American Express® Gold Card for dining. They also explain how to book hotels using points for on-site stays.

Park Tips, Lightning Lanes & Planning Strategies

From early-entry tips to the best times to ride Peter Pan (hint: before 9am), this episode is packed with practical Disney advice. Megan also shares how she used the Southwest® Companion Pass to cut flight costs and why her family skipped Lightning Lanes altogether on some trips.

Planning a Disney trip this summer? This episode is packed with what you really need to know—straight from the Travel Mom Squad’s latest Disney adventure. Hit play or share it with a Disney-loving friend! 🎢🏰✨

Overwhelmed at the thought of planning your own Disney vacation? Travel Mom Squad has partnered with Mouse Counselors, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, to help community members maximize their Disney and travel experiences!

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad
• Disney Offers: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers
• Get Away Today affiliate link: Get Away Today - Discount Disney Vacations & Beyond
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: https://travelmomsquad.com/capital-one-venture-rewards-credit-card
• Cash-Back Card: https://travelmomsquad.com/cibpremier

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Behind-the-scenes insights from Disney’s media event
• 08:00 – Major summer deals: 50% off kids’ tickets & dining plan updates
• 14:00 – Disney resorts overview: value, moderate, and deluxe picks
• 30:00 – Megan shares on-property vs. off-property comparisons
• 40:00 – Tips for early entry, Lightning Lanes, and maximizing park time
• 45:00 – Using points and credit cards to make Disney more affordable
• 51:00 – Final thoughts and favorite takeaways

New Zealand has been high on so many of your travel wish lists—and for good reason! In this episode, Pam shares details from her recent two-week adventure on the North Island of New Zealand, including how she booked business-class flights, multiple free hotel nights, and even covered rental cars and excursions—all using points and miles (and one fortuitous mistake fare). From kayaking Cathedral Cove to digging out hot tubs at Hot Water Beach, it’s a trip full of unforgettable experiences and major travel inspiration.

Finding Flights to New Zealand: A Challenge (and a Win!)

Getting to New Zealand in business class is no easy feat, but Pam pulled it off. After struggling to find availability, she scored two one-way business-class award tickets from Dallas to Auckland. The return flight was a mistake fare in United Polaris for just $1,000 cash (normally $3,800+).

Points-Powered Luxury: Park Hyatt Auckland & More

Pam raved about the Park Hyatt Auckland, calling it one of her favorite Park Hyatts ever. For just 25,000 Hyatt points per night, she enjoyed stunning views of the harbor, incredible Globalist breakfast, and unbeatable service. She also used Capital One Venture X credits to cover stays at boutique resorts.

The Itinerary: Coastal Drives, Kayaks, and Tiny Houses

• Bay of Islands: Booked via Capital One credits, with a scenic boat tour to Hole in the Rock
• Cathedral Cove: Kayaking through crystal-clear waters to one of New Zealand’s most famous spots
• Hot Water Beach: Digging hot tubs in naturally heated sand
• Rotorua & Lake Taupo: Rafting a 21-foot waterfall, visiting Maori villages, and relaxing in Hilton luxury
• Bonus Stay: A tiny house Airbnb—Pam’s dream come true!

The Total Cost Breakdown

Using a mix of points, miles, Capital One credits, and cash, Pam calculated her total out-of-pocket costs at around $3,000—a fraction of the $28,000+ retail value for flights and hotels. With ten nights of free hotel stays, complimentary breakfasts, and first-class flight experiences, it was an unforgettable journey made possible by smart planning and strategic redemptions.

Links:

• How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free - https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation
• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad
  

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Why Pam did New Zealand: Take 2
• 03:00 – Booking flights with AA miles and a United mistake fare
• 08:30 – Pam’s advice for finding flights to New Zealand
• 13:00 – Park Hyatt Auckland + Waiheke Island day trip
• 18:00 – Bay of Islands and boutique hotel stay
• 21:00 – Tiny house stay and Cathedral Cove
• 26:00 – Rafting a waterfall and Maori village experience
• 31:00 – Hilton Lake Taupo and relaxing
• 35:00 – Flying United Polaris home + final night at Grand Hyatt DFW
• 38:00 – Cost recap and final thoughts on why Pam can’t wait to return
  
  

Thinking about a trip to New Zealand? This episode will show you it’s totally possible with points and miles—and that even Grandma can conquer a 21-foot waterfall! 🛶🌿✈️

Not sure how to maximize your points? In this episode, we break down the top three ways to use each of the four major flexible points currencies—our favorite points currency (IYKYK), American Express Membership Rewards®, Capital One Venture Miles, and Citi ThankYou® Points—so you can book travel smarter.

Our favorite points: Best for Hyatt & Flights

It's easy to see why our favorite kind of points are just that! They're a gold mine for Hyatt stays, which offer the best value per point. Transfers to United Airlines can be great for international flights, and Flying Blue (Air France/KLM) often has solid award deals to Europe.

✔️ Top 3 Uses:

1. Hyatt transfers – Best hotel value in points & miles
2. United Airlines – Easy redemptions for family travel
3. Flying Blue transfers – Discounted flights to Europe

Capital One Venture Miles: Airline Sweet Spots & Simple Redemptions

Capital One has grown into a top travel program. Air Canada Aeroplan and Turkish Airlines have some nice redemtpion sweet spots, and using Venture Miles to get a statement credit (often referred to as a "purchase eraser") for travel purchases gives you incredible flexibility.

✔️ Top 3 Uses:

1. Air Canada Aeroplan – Great for international flights
2. Turkish Airlines – Cheap flights to Hawaii & Europe
3. Purchase Eraser – Easiest way to redeem miles

American Express Membership Rewards®: Best for Bonuses & Luxury Travel

Amex regularly offers transfer bonuses, making points stretch further. British Airways is great for booking American Airlines flights, Flying Blue offers discounted business-class redemptions, and Hilton transfers shine for aspirational stays.

✔️ Top 3 Uses:

1. British Airways for AA/Iberia flights – Cheap awards to Europe
2. Flying Blue transfers – Business-class deals to Paris
3. Hilton transfers – High-end redemptions like Conrad Bora Bora

Citi ThankYou® Points: Hidden Gems & Future AA Transfers

Citi’s best partners include Turkish Airlines, Choice Hotels, and Avianca LifeMiles. American Airlines transfers coming in 2026 make Citi even more exciting!

✔️ Top 3 Uses:

1. Turkish Airlines – Best deal for United flights to Hawaii
2. Choice Hotels – 1:2 transfers for premium stays
3. Avianca LifeMiles – Cheap business-class tickets

Final Thoughts: Which Points Currency Is Best?

Each program has its strengths! One dominates for Hyatt, American Express is best for transfer bonuses, Capital One shines with easy redemptions, and Citi has exciting future potential. Not sure where to start? Hit play now for all the details and our best strategies!

Links:

• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad
• Transfer Partner Cheat Sheet: Transfer Partner & Airline Alliance Master List - https://travelmomsquad.ck.page/transfer-partners
  

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Why flexible points are so valuable
• 02:00 – Our favorite points: Best ways to redeem for hotels & flights
• 06:45 – Capital One: Airline sweet spots & easy redemptions
• 12:30 – American Express: Transfer bonuses & luxury redemptions
• 20:00 – Citi: Hidden gems & the future of AA transfers
• 26:00 – Final thoughts & which program fits your travel goals

Ready to make the most of your points? Listen to the full episode now and start booking smarter! 🚀✈️