How to Redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards for Disney World Resort 2025
Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.
Chase Ultimate Rewards Disney World
Disney Fan looking to plan your next Disney Trip? Dreaming of a Disney Vacation? You’re not alone—millions visit Walt Disney World Resort every year, it’s a must-do family vacation. But let’s be real: a family vacation to Walt Disney World Resort can get expensive fast.
The good news? Chase Ultimate Rewards can help cover a big chunk of the cost of a Disney vacation—if you know how to use them right. By strategically using travel credit card points, your everyday purchases can save you thousands on flights, hotels and even some park expenses. Imagine your weekly trip to the grocery store earning points for your next Disney World Vacation. You can redeem points for flights, park tickets and hotel stays.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using Chase Ultimate Rewards for a Disney vacation, including which credit cards to use, how to maximize your redemptions and the best strategies to redeem points for flights, hotels and Disney tickets. A budget-friendly Disney Vacation can be within your reach using Chase rewards points.
Chase Ultimate Rewards Credit Cards For a Disney Vacation
There are several travel Chase credit cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points, each catering to different spending habits and travel goals. Here’s a quick breakdown of travel Chase credit cards that earn Ultimate Rewards, including how you can redeem points for discounts, specifically for purchasing admission tickets to Disney parks through travel reward programs:
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card is good for beginners. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns:
3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs), streaming services and dining purchases.
5X points on travel booked through Chase Travel.
1X point on other purchases.
25% redemption bonus when booking through Chase Travel Portal.
$50 in annual statement credits per account anniversary for hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel Portal.
Reasonable annual fee and strong travel protections.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card
This Chase rewards Credit Card earns:
5X points on flights and 10X points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel (after using the $300 annual travel credit).
3X points on other travel purchases and dining.
Priority Pass - Select airport lounge options and Chase Sapphire Lounges
1X point on other purchases.
Up to $120 in annual statement credits for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS fees.
Access to Chase Sapphire Lounges and Priority Pass longes can elevate the airport experience. Having airport lounge options is very helpful for frequent travelers, especially for families.
A top pick for small business owners, this card earns 3X points on travel, shipping, advertising and select business expenses, with a high welcome bonus and the ability to transfer points to travel partners.
Chase Ink Business Cash & Chase Ink Business Unlimited
These no-annual-fee business cards technically earn cash back, but their rewards can be converted to Ultimate Rewards points when paired with Chase credit card listed above. This makes them valuable additions for business owners looking to maximize their points strategy.
Each of these cards offers unique perks, but their true power comes when combined. By strategically using multiple Chase cards, you can maximize your earnings and unlock valuable travel redemptions.
How to Maximize Chase Ultimate Rewards Points for Disney World
1. Earn Points Through Sign-Up Bonuses
New cardholders can earn 60,000+ points welcome bonus by meeting minimum spend requirements.
If possible, have a spouse or partner ("Person 2") apply for their own Chase card to double your household’s points (you each can qualify for a welcome bonus).
Use Chase’s refer-a-friend program to earn extra points.
2. Use Chase Cards for Everyday Spending and Bonus Points
Always use a travel rewards card instead of a debit or cash-back card to earn more value per dollar spent. If you pay cash, you are missing out on earning points and miles on that spending. Using cash for everyday purchases does not earn you anything for your dollars spent. Using a travel rewards card earns you free travel for every dollar you spend. That money spent could have been used towards a welcome bonus on a new card or to earn bonus points if spent at certain stores.
To earn the most bonus points possible, keep track of bonus categories and use those cards accordingly. Also monitor spending on new cards to make sure you meet the minimum spend requirements for the welcome bonus. The threshold to earn a welcome bonus will vary for each card. Tracking bonus points and welcome bonuses will be key to earning the most points no matter the credit card program you are affiliated with.
Using Chase Ultimate Rewards for Flights to Walt Disney World Resort
1. Booking Flights Through the Chase Travel Portal
1.25X value with Chase Sapphire Preferred.
1.5X value with Chase Sapphire Reserve.
2. Transferring Points to Airline Partners (Best Value Option)
To maximize value, consider transferring points to one of Chase’s 11 airline partners, and purchasing your airline tickets directly from the airline using miles. Using miles through a Chase transfer partner is usually a better redemption rate for Chase Ultimate Rewards points than booking through the Chase travel portal. Remember being flexible with travel dates may be helpful when using award flights or miles.
Southwest Airlines: Use the Low Fare Calendar for flights under 4,000 Rapid Rewards points.
JetBlue: Find affordable fares using the Best Fare Finder.
United, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines: Consider co-branded airline cards for free checked bags and lounge access.
Companion Pass Strategy with a Southwest Airlines co-branded airline card:
The Chase Southwest airlines credit card can help you earn a Companion Pass, allowing one person to fly free (plus taxes/fees). The Southwest Companion Pass can even be used with tickets booked using Southwest Rewards, which can allow you to get two award flights for approximately $12. Some Southwest cards also offer annual statement credits for Southwest purchases. These annual credits would easily cover the taxes and fees for award bookings.
Another co-branded airline card with companion passes are some of the Amex Delta cards, however there are more restrictions on that such as the base ticket must be purchased using cash.
Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
The Southwest Rapid Rewards program is by far one of the most popular airline miles programs. Highly consider co-branded airline credit cards to pair with your travel rewards credit card to maximize reward points for your Disney vacation. Some popular co-branded airline credit cards include the Southwest airlines credit cards. The co-branded Southwest Airlines cards earn large sign up bonuses of Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards. The co-branded Southwest Airlines Card also gives you a boost toward earning the highly coveted companion pass.
Tip: Be flexible with your travel dates to maximize award redemptions.
Using Chase Ultimate Rewards for Hotels near the Disney Parks
While you can’t redeem points to book official Walt Disney World Resorts, there are plenty of great alternatives. One of the best options is the Marriott-run Swan, Swan Reserve, and Dolphin hotels, which are located on Disney World property. Though they aren’t officially Disney Resorts, they offer many of the same perks as Disney’s Deluxe Resorts, including early entry to Disney parks, early access to Lightning Lane selections, and extended evening hours. Beyond these options, many hotels near Walt Disney World can be booked using Chase Ultimate Rewards, either through the Chase Travel Portal or by transferring points to hotel partners like Hyatt, Marriott, and IHG.
Chase Ultimate Rewards For Disney Hotels
1. Chase Travel Portal
Points from Chase cards can be used to book hotels through the Chase Travel Portal. This provides flexibility to choose from a variety of properties near Disney without needing to transfer points. This is often not the best redemption rate, and it’s often better to transfer points directly to the hotel partners. Transferring to hotel partners also allows you to combine points, free night awards and status you earn on co-branded hotel cards. The sign up bonuses on co-branded card can easily earn you enough points for your hotel stay. Check the card details for any bonus points categories you spend most on for your everyday purchases.
2. Transferring Points to Hotel Partners
Chase travel partners have hotels which are a quick drive or shuttle ride from the Disney theme parks. Within just a quick 10 minute drive... you can start your magical day at the theme parks.
Hyatt Hotels
Hyatt offers some of the best redemption rates for hotels near Disney. Check out our list of Hyatt hotels near Disney. The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is a fan favorite and worth considering for your next Disney trip. The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress has wonderful amenities, sure to keep you and your family happy on your non park days.
World Of Hyatt Credit Card
If you have the Chase World of Hyatt credit card, you can earn a Category 1-4 free night award every year. Plus, spending $15,000 annually on the card earns an additional free night—potentially covering multiple nights for your Disney trip. There are several Category 1-4 hotels near Disney that you can use a category 1-4 free night award including Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Hyatt Place Orlando/Lake Buena Vista and Hyatt Place across from Universal Orlando Resort.
Marriott Bonvoy & IHG One Rewards
You can transfer Chase points to Marriott Bonvoy or IHG One Rewards and book properties such as SpringHill Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista South, Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs, and JW Marriott Bonnet Creek.
Staying on Disney Property with Chase Rewards
For those who want the perks of Disney hotels without the Walt Disney World Hotel price tag, the Walt Disney World Swan, Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, and Walt Disney World Dolphin hotels are great options. These Marriott properties allow you to use Marriott Bonvoy points and offer benefits like: ✔️ Early theme park entry ✔️ Early Lightning Lane access ✔️ Extended theme park evening hours
The Walt Disney World Swan, Swan Reserve and Dolphin hotels also have easy transportation to all the Disney parks and Disney Springs.
If you’re looking to maximize your Marriott points, consider Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards from Chase or American Express. These cards come with:
Generous welcome bonuses to boost your Marriott points
Free night awards
Elite status perks
Free night credits
Bonus points for bonus categories such as purchases at gas stations, grocery shopping and dining
Check the details with the credit card issuer for specifics of bonus categories, perks and free night awards for each card.
Another reason to transfer Chase points to Marriott instead of booking through the Chase Travel Portal is Marriott Bonvoy also offers a 5th-night free benefit when booking five consecutive nights with points. Use any free night awards in conjunction with the 5th night free benefits to maximize your points. Remember to use Person 2 to maximize free night awards and sign up bonuses.
By using Chase Ultimate Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy benefits strategically, you can enjoy a Disney World stay with top-tier perks—without the steep price of Walt Disney World Resorts!
Using Chase Ultimate Rewards for Walt Disney World Tickets
Chase Ultimate Rewards does not offer a good way to purchase Disney theme park tickets. The Chase Travel portal sometimes lists Disney tickets, but they are often more expensive than buying directly from Disney or third-party sellers like Undercover Tourist. For the best deals on theme park tickets, keep an eye on when Undercover Tourist has sales. They often have Adult Disney tickets at children prices, or other deals throughout the year.
1. Use the Chase Travel Credit
If you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the $300 annual travel credit can be used for Disney tickets if purchased from an authorized third-party site like Undercover Tourist. To be considered a travel expense, Disney tickets must be purchased from a third-party site that will code as travel. If you purchase Disney Tickets directly from the Walt Disney World website, your Disney tickets will not code as travel.
2. Use Other Rewards Programs for Disney Tickets
American Express Membership Rewards For Disney Park Tickets
If you’re an American Express cardholder with accrued Membership Rewards points, you have options to offset the cost of Disney tickets. American Express has partnered with PayPal, allowing you to use your points for purchases wherever PayPal is accepted, although this is not the best use of American Express membership rewards, it’s still a better option than using points for a statement credit.
While redeeming Amex Membership Reward points via PayPal will help offset the cost of Disney ticket purchases, keep in mind that you will get a higher conversion rate for Amex Membership Reward Points when transferred to travel partners (such as Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors) or used through the Amex Travel Portal than PayPal checkout. However, many people need to just reduce the upfront costs of Disney travel expenses to be able to afford their Disney trip, this can be a convenient option.
Note that the Disney website does not allow you to pay via Paypal for Disney tickets, you must use a third-party site for this option.
There are several Amex cards such as the Platinum American Express Card and the Amex Gold Card that earn American Express Membership rewards These premium cards have higher annual fees, however they do offerer premium rewards and many credits to offset the annual fees. The Platinum American Express has a high annual fee, but the card offers 200 dollars in annual hotel credits, $240 digital entertainment credit (select streaming services), $200 airline fee credit, a credit for eligible delivery services, and a statement credit for Saks Fifth Avenue. Another Amex card to consider is the Amex Gold Card which offers 4x membership points for dining purchases and grocery shopping. It also offers bonus membership points for airline travel booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel. Often cards with higher annual fees, have enough credits or perks to offset those costs.
Capital One Venture Rewards for Disney Ticket Purchases
Capital One Venture Rewards can also be used to statement credits for travel purchases (remember to be considered a travel expense, park tickets must be purchased from a third-party site that will code as travel. Disney tickets purchased from Disney directly will not code as travel).### 3. Buy Disney Gift Cards Strategically
Disney Gift Cards
Buy Disney gift cards to cover the cost of Disney Tickets at grocery stores or other places that earn bonus points. Disney Gift cards don’t have to be used only for Disney Tickets, you can also use them at the parks. Since you earn bonus points for purchasing these gift cards, you can earn points faster to use for your Disney vacation. Discounted gift cards are sometimes also available at stores such as Costco or Sam’s Club.
Final Tips for a Budget-Friendly Disney Trip with Chase Points
✔ Use multiple Chase cards to earn more points faster. ✔ Transfer points to airlines & hotels for the best redemptions. ✔ Use sign-up bonuses and referrals to maximize your balance. ✔ Consider Disney-area hotels like the Swan & Dolphin for on-property perks. ✔ Use third-party vendors for discounted Disney tickets. ✔ Be open to staying off property, there are many hotels in the Disney Springs and Lake Buena Vista areas.
By using Chase Ultimate Rewards and being flexible with travel dates you can greatly reduce the cost of a Disney trip—while getting premium travel perks.
Start planning today, and make your Disney trip dream a reality!
