A magical part of the Disney cruise experience is finally returning — and Olaf can't wait
Summer Hull , aka Mommy Points, ran the Mommy Points site for families who want to travel more for less using miles and points for seven years. She now heads up a variety of special projects at TPG when she isn't exploring the world with her own two girls.
Aug. 26, 2022
•
5 min read
A magical part of the Disney cruise experience is finally returning — and Olaf can't wait
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What's the one thing many kids want when they meet Mickey, Minnie and other favorite characters on a Disney Cruise Line ship? A nice warm hug (as Olaf would say).
Though character hugs and autographs have been back in the U.S. Disney parks since April, the interactions with characters on Disney Cruise Line sailings remained distanced. Even on our Disney sailing a few weeks ago, you still had to stand at least 6 feet away from Captain Minnie and Mickey.
The line has been inching back to more normal offerings over the course of the last 12 months since sailings first restarted after the pandemic-related pause in operations. But this one big COVID-era rule has stuck around.
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I've witnessed the heartbreaking scene that unfolds when a kid tries to go toward a character for a hug and that character has to dodge the embrace; it's awkward to say the least. Plus, with so much of the cruise ship experience returned to normal, this level of social distancing feels out of line — and a little sad.
But parents and kids can rejoice because character interactions will be back to normal across the Disney Cruise Line fleet by Aug. 29, as reported by the Disney Cruise Line Blog.
While this is an incremental change on paper, it's one that is likely to warm many hearts and set the stage for the moments that turn into memories. After all, these interactions are a big part of what makes a Disney trip special.
Disney Cruise Line has also announced other changes that will make cruising more accessible and easier for families. Children under 11 and under are no longer required to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination effective Sept. 2, though pre-departure testing requirements remain. Masks are no longer required on Disney Cruise Line ships, and vaccinated guests can now test in advance of the sailing instead of at the port.
Read on to learn more about what it's like to sail with Disney Cruise Line:
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- 7 ways we were surprised by the new Disney Wish
- How to save money when booking a Disney Cruise
- Guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries
- Tips for sailing on Disney Cruise Line
- Everything you need to know about Disney's loyalty program
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Featured image by Matt Stroshane, photographer
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s 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.
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- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
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- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees