Editor’s note: This guide has been updated with the latest information.
Rocking and rolling is not how most people prefer their cruise ships. However, if you’re sailing on a music-themed cruise, rock ‘n’ roll is the vibe you want as you soak up some sun and cruise the world with thousands of like-minded music fans.
Music-themed cruises cover a wide array of styles, including rock, metal, country, Broadway, disco and blues. They offer a complete immersion into the world of each genre. You’ll enjoy close-up encounters with your favorite artists during performances and meet-and-greets and find a sense of community from being with other fans for multiple days at sea. (Not to mention, you’ll get to visit beautiful destinations in the process.)
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Note that these specialty music cruises sell out — often as soon as cabins are made available. All sold-out cruises we’re featuring offer a waitlist you can join. You’ll be notified if someone cancels, as well as be among the first to be alerted of on-sale dates for future sailings.
Below are 11 music-themed cruises in 2024 and 2025 that are bound to create epic memories, whether your vibe is crowd-surfing during a rock show or belting out show tunes with Broadway’s best.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, cruise fares are per person, based on double occupancy, and include cruise basics like meals, select nonalcoholic beverages (water, juice, coffee and tea) and use of the fitness center, hot tubs, pools and casino, among other onboard amenities.
Soft drink and alcohol packages are available for an extra fee. Theme cruise events, such as concerts, are included, though some limited-access special events often cost extra. Fares were valid as of writing but are subject to change based on availability.
The good ol’ days can now be found sailing the Caribbean on the Malt Shop Memories Cruise. Set to take over all decks of Holland America‘s Nieuw Amsterdam, the ’50s and ’60s music cruise will sail from Fort Lauderdale to Phillipsburg, St. Maarten, and Tortola, British Virgin Islands, with four days at sea.
Favorites set to perform on board include The Beach Boys, The Four Tops, Chubby Checker, The Coasters, Darlene Love and The Chantels. Highlights among the ship events range from a senior prom and a sock hop to game shows and karaoke.
The Malt Shop Memories Cruise is filling up fast. Rates for available cabins start at $2,349 per person for an inside cabin.
How to book: Reserve a cabin for this cruise on the Malt Shop Memories Cruise website or by calling 844-855-6258. If your preferred cabin category is currently sold out, you can join the waitlist here.
Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise
Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise. FACEBOOK
Cruise ship: Independence of the Seas Date: Dec. 9-14, 2024
Maybe one stop in Jamaica isn’t enough, and reggae vibes are calling your name. If so, the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise might appeal to you. This five-night cruise on Royal Caribbean‘s Independence of the Seas, organized by Jamrock Productions and Rose Tours, will travel round trip from Miami to Montego Bay and Ocho Rios in Jamaica.
The entire list of performers for the December 2024 voyage hasn’t been released as of this writing but so far will include Stone Love, Steelie Basement, Westafa, Seani B and Spexdaboss.
You can also take part in themed parties, soccer and domino tournaments and Jamaica-themed film screenings when you’re not enjoying ship amenities like a FlowRider surf simulator, a rock climbing wall, waterslides and a bar arcade.
Welcome to Jamrock’s prices start at $1,359 per person for an inside cabin, not including $399 in additional fees and taxes.
How to book: Reserve a cabin for this cruise on the Rose Tours website or by calling 215-663-8800.
For fans of rock and metal music, ShipRocked is a popular sailing organized by Ask4 Entertainment. The 2025 edition aboard Carnival Cruise Line‘s Carnival Magic will start in Miami and include stops in St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay, the line’s private island in the Bahamas.
There will be multiple stages for performances throughout the ship. The 2025 lineup will be announced soon, though top bands like Dead Poet Society, Black Stone Cherry, Highly Suspect and I Prevail performed during past cruises. Fans can enjoy one-on-one time with their favorite groups at scheduled meet-and-greets with all the bands.
Prices for ShipRocked’s 2025 cruise start at $1,600 per person for an inside cabin. The fare includes access to all performances and meet-and-greets with artists.
How to book: Although this cruise is sold out, there is a waitlist. For future sailings, book through the Ask4 Entertainment Reservations portal or by calling 888-402-2754. A deposit is required to secure your spot. Ask4 Entertainment strongly suggests buying travel insurance.
Groove Cruise
Groove Cruise. FACEBOOK
Cruise ship: Allure of the Seas Date: Jan. 23-27, 2025
Electronic dance music fans 21 and older can turn up on this early 2025 Whet Travel sailing from Miami aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas. The cruise visits the line’s private beach, Labadee, in Haiti.
The lineup for the EDM sailing hasn’t been announced, but previous performers include major headlining acts Tiësto, Diplo and John Summit, plus a remarkable list of dance music stars, such as Aly & Fila, Boris, Craig Connelly, Disco Lines, Haliene and Joel Corry.
Along with multiple music sets, Groove Cruise hosts fun theme party nights focusing on everything from an ’80s prom to fire and ice.
Cabins on Groove Cruise start at around $1,549 per person for an inside cabin.
How to book: At the time of writing, the ship was mostly sold out, with fewer than 200 cabins available to book. To add your name to waitlists and be among the first to know about future sailings, head to Whet Travel’s website or call 877-438-9438.
Adding more than a bit of boot-scootin’ country to the cruise life, The Country Music Cruise takes over Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam for a weeklong jamboree at sea. The voyage leaves from Fort Lauderdale, with stops in Key West, Florida, and Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.
The artist lineup of country music favorites includes John Michael Montgomery, Deana Carter, The Bellamy Brothers, Neal McCoy and Lacy J. Dalton. This is your chance to meet and greet the country stars, join in on jam sessions and attend panel discussions. If you like to kick up your heels, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for line dancing, Texas swing and two-stepping.
Cabins for The Country Music Cruise are sold out, but you can add your name to the waitlist. Rates start at $2,399, plus taxes and additional fees totaling $365, per person for an inside cabin.
Wrestling and rock fans will love this Sixthman cruise with wrestler and musician Chris Jericho. For the fifth installment of Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea, cruisers will sail on Norwegian Cruise Line‘s Norwegian Gem from Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
The 2025 lineup hasn’t been announced yet beyond two musical guests, Fozzy and Kuarantine. The sailing will offer autograph sessions and host four days of wrestling matches featuring wrestlers from All Elite Wrestling.
Rates for Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea cruise start at $1,100, plus taxes, per person for an inside cabin.
How to book: Cruisers eager to jam and sit ringside can learn more on Sixthman’s website or by calling 877-379-9174.
Outlaw Country Cruise 9
Outlaw Country Cruise. FACEBOOK
Cruise ship: Norwegian Gem Date: Feb. 22-28, 2025
If you’re a little more country than rock ‘n’ roll, maybe a cruise with a country twang is the right vacation for you. In February, Norwegian Gem will host the ninth installment of the popular Outlaw Country Cruise. This Sixthman voyage will sail from Miami and stop in Nassau, Bahamas, and St. Thomas.
The ship features five different venues where notable country acts like Old Crow Medicine Show, John Hiatt, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle and Carlene Carter will perform. Along with endless concerts, passengers can enjoy activities like yoga classes and film screenings.
The cruise is sold out and is waitlist only. Rates start at $1,465 per person for an inside cabin.
How to book: For more information or to join the waitlist, check out Sixthman’s sign-up page or call 877-379-9189.
Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea X
Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea X. FACEBOOK
Cruise ship: Norwegian Gem Date: March 21-26, 2025
For blues and jazz fans, Sixthman also offers the Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea X cruise, which sails from Miami and stops in Harvest Caye, Belize, and Costa Maya, Mexico. Aboard Norwegian Gem, passengers will have access to ship amenities like pools and a casino in addition to special music events.
The lineup for the cruise features musicians like Joe Bonamassa, Samantha Fish, Eric Gales, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Larkin Poe and Thunderstorm Artis. More artists will be announced closer to the sail date.
There will also be collaboration shows from some of the artists on board, as well as autograph sessions for fans to meet their favorite musicians.
Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea X is sold out and waitlist only. Join the waitlist, as cancellations do occur. You’ll also be among the first to be alerted about future sailings. The rates for the 2025 cruise start at $1,630 per person for an inside cabin.
Cruise ship: Norwegian Gem Date: March 31-April 4, 2025
Tony Award-winning Broadway stars are coming aboard for Sixthman’s third Broadway Cruise, which will sail round trip from Miami to Cozumel, Mexico. Aboard Norwegian Gem, passengers will have access to ship amenities like pools and a waterslide, a climbing wall and a casino, plus many special concerts, events and insider panels.
The lineup for the 2025 Broadway Cruise hasn’t been announced yet, though last year’s cruise featured Tony Award winners like Christian Borle, Matt Doyle and Santino Fontana, as well as Broadway A-listers Phillipa Soo, Norm Lewis and Daphne Rubin-Vega.
Expect plenty of fun Broadway-themed events, including a Broadway pub crawl and show tune singalongs, plus autograph sessions for fans to meet their favorite Broadway stars.
Prices are not published as of this writing, but expect them to hover around $1,600 per person for an inside cabin.
Cruise ship: Celebrity Summit Date: March 15-22, 2025
The best of the ’70s lives on as music icons from that rockin’ era show they’ve still got it on the ’70s Rock & Romance Cruise. This weeklong getaway on Celebrity Cruises‘ Celebrity Summit, organized by StarVista Live, will sail from Fort Lauderdale to Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico.
The lineup of ’70s rock legends includes Air Supply, Kansas, The Guess Who, Melissa Manchester, The Family Stone and Dire Straits Legacy. They’ll be performing, hosting events and attending special meet-and-greets.
The top-tier music acts join a long lineup of rock ‘n’ roll icons. The cruise will feature days filled with concerts, artist Q&A sessions, panel discussions and game shows.
Available rooms start at $2,449, plus taxes and additional fees of $365, per person for an inside cabin.
Cruise ship: Norwegian Pearl Date: Feb. 19-25, 2025
Jam out at sea to the greatest disco anthems as Ultimate Disco Cruise and Beyond returns for a fifth year in 2025. The six-night cruise is an immersive, nonstop music festival with legendary music acts performing and hosting events throughout Norwegian Pearl. The round-trip itinerary from Miami includes port stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.
The 2025 lineup includes Kool & The Gang, Shalamar, Lisa Lisa, George McCrae, Boogie Wonder Band, Rose Royce and other classic disco acts. In addition to more than 40 live performances, entertainment will include dance and costume parties, theme nights, dance contests and game shows. Passengers will appreciate the opportunity to go behind the music as artists sit for intimate Q&A sessions, panel discussions and meet-and-greets.
Prices for Ultimate Disco Cruise and Beyond start at $1,799 per person for an inside cabin, not including $300 per person in taxes and port fees.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Citi is a TPG advertising partner.
For many travelers, airport lounge access is crucial as it allows a space where you can either relax before a journey or be productive and get work done.
This is where American Admirals Club lounges come in — over 50 of them exist all over the world, and you can get access by purchasing a daypass for a fee or using AAdvantage miles.
However, the best way to access Admirals Clubs is through one specific credit card: the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) — which is the only card that can get you into Admirals Clubs. While it does come with a $595 annual fee, the exclusive lounge access might make it worth adding to your wallet.
In fact, managing editor Matt Moffitt’s main reason for opening the Citi AAdvantage Executive card was for Admirals Club access.
If you can’t get access to an Admiral Club from elite status or the class of service you’re flying, one option is to purchase a membership. Here is annual pricing broken down by AAdvantage level:
1. Cheaper than paying for an Admirals Club membership
However, the best way to guarantee entry into Admirals Clubs is to have the Citi AAdvantage Executive card. You’d actually save money by having the card versus paying for any of the membership options.
For instance, say you were considering purchasing an Admirals Club membership as a general AAdvantage member (no elite status). Instead of paying $850 for access per year, you’d be better off applying for the Citi Executive card and paying the $595 annual fee per year, plus getting other credit card-specific perks.
THE POINTS GUY
The card currently offers a sign-up bonus of 70,000 AAdvantage miles after you spend $7,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening, worth $1,106, based on TPG’s most recent valuations.
The Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard allows you to add up to 3 authorized users for $175, then $175 for each additional authorized user. Authorized users can also access Admirals Clubs.
This applies whether the primary cardholder is flying with that person or not, a fantastic perk that is notably different from similar premium cards offered by other U.S. carriers.
Note that while primary cardholders have access to all Admirals Clubs (over 50 worldwide) and partner lounges (about 60 worldwide), authorized users only get access to American Admirals Clubs. However, both the primary cardholder and each authorized user can bring immediate family members or up to two traveling guests into the lounge.
With this Citi card, you’ll also earn 10 miles per dollar on eligible hotels booked through aa.com/hotels and eligible car rentals booked through aa.com/cars.
In addition, cardholders earn 4 miles per dollar on eligible American Airlines purchases, up to $120 in statement credit for eligible Grubhub purchases (up to $10 per month) and up to $120 statement credit on Avis or Budget car rentals each calendar year.
The card comes with Group 4 priority boarding and your first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation.
American Airlines requires a same-day boarding pass for American or one of its partners to access an Admirals Club lounge before or after a flight. While this move is said to reduce overcrowding in the lounges, it’s undeniably a devaluation for elite members and paying customers alike.
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
This new rule was instituted regardless of how you earned access — whether through a credit card or paid outright for an annual membership. That means you’re not disadvantaged with this Citi AAdvantage Executive card over other club members.
The Citi AAdvantage Executive card is unique in that you can spread the benefit of the annual fee with friends and family in a way that you can’t do with just an Admirals Club membership by adding authorized users and paying a moderate fee.
As a frequent AA or Oneworld alliance flyer, this is the best card for Admirals Club access in addition to many other perks such as statement credits, Loyalty Point bonuses, and decent earning rates.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
If you want to earn a few extra Hilton Honors points on dining purchases, you’ve come to the right place.
Hopefully, you’re already earning credit card rewards on restaurant spending with one of the best dining credit cards. However, many major hotel and airline loyalty programs offer dining rewards programs that let you earn rewards while dining out.
There are many types of rewards you can earn through these programs. We’ll dive into how you can use the Hilton Honors Dining program to earn Hilton points.
The Hilton Honors Dining program allows you to earn Hilton Honors points when you dine at select restaurants. These points are on top of the rewards you’d normally earn through your credit card or the restaurant’s rewards program.
To get started with the Hilton Honors Dining program, you need to join the program, enroll at least one card and then search for eligible restaurants. The remainder of this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Go to the Hilton Honors Dining website to join the Hilton Honors Dining program. You’ll fill out a short form with your first name, last name, ZIP code, Hilton Honors number, email address and desired password.
You’ll also need to agree to the program’s terms and conditions. You’ll likely want to opt in to emails to maximize your earning potential.
The last step required to join Hilton Honors Dining is to link a card to your account. When adding a card to Hilton Honors Dining, it will automatically be removed from any other dining programs you’ve registered it with. For example, within a few minutes of adding a card to my Hilton Honors Dining account, I received an email noting that the card had been removed from my Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Dining account.
Once you’ve joined Hilton Honors Dining, you’ll want to search for restaurants, bars and clubs near you that participate in the program. You can do so by using the search function. Type your city into the search bar to see a wide range of results.
HILTONHONORSDINING.COM
Each time you dine at an eligible restaurant, bar or club and pay with a card you’ve registered with Hilton Honors Dining, you’ll automatically earn bonus points.
Note that you can only enroll each credit card in one Rewards Network-operated dining program at a time. So, if you add a card to another Rewards Network-operated dining program, it will be automatically removed from Hilton Honors Dining.
Your earning rate with the Hilton Honors Dining program varies based on several factors. Specifically, you’ll earn:
8 bonus points per dollar if you dine 11 or more times a year and agree to email notifications from Hilton Honors Dining. This earning level is referred to as the VIP level, and you maintain it for the year you earn it and the year after.
5 bonus points per dollar if you dine 10 or fewer times a year and opt to receive email notifications from Hilton Honors Dining. This earning level is referred to as the Select level.
2 bonus points per dollar if you don’t opt for email notifications. This earning level is referred to as the Basic level.
Based on TPG’s valuations, Hilton Honors points are worth about 0.6 cents each. So, earning 8 points per dollar would get you a 4.8% return on your spending. Meanwhile, 5 points per dollar would equate to a 3% return, and 2 points per dollar would provide a 1.2% return.
As such, it’s worth opting in to receive email notifications if you plan to use the Hilton Honors Dining program. You’ll get emails about once a week, and they will provide restaurant recommendations and alerts when new restaurants in your area join the program.
If you didn’t initially choose to receive email notifications, you can do so now by logging in to your Hilton Honors Dining account. Click on the “profile” tab and then check the box stating: “Yes, I want to earn Hilton Honors Bonus Points dining at participating restaurants. Email me occasionally about restaurants in my area, special offers and bonus opportunities to earn Bonus Points.”
You’ll ideally enroll one (or more) of the best cards for dining when you set up your Hilton Honors Dining profile. Here are some of the best currently available cards to use:
American Express® Gold Card: 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
If you’re looking to accrue Hilton Honors points quickly for an upcoming redemption, you may want to enroll a Hilton card in the Hilton Honors Dining program. If you enroll and use the Hilton Amex Surpass Card for dining at an eligible U.S. restaurant, you’ll earn 6 Hilton points per dollar due to the card’s bonus category; you’ll also earn up to 8 Hilton points per dollar from Hilton Honors Dining.
As with all dining rewards programs, knowing which nearby restaurants participate in the program is the best way to maximize Hilton Honors Dining. However, you’ll only earn at the highest rates if you have VIP-level status.
While dining rewards programs are free to join, you should consider whether the Hilton Honors program is the best dining rewards program for you. After all, you can only enroll each credit card in one Rewards Network dining program at a time.
Based solely on TPG’s valuations, some airline dining programs may provide better value than the Hilton Honors Dining program. Ultimately, it comes down to which points and miles you’re most interested in earning now.
With four iconic theme parks, more than five decades of history, innovation and nostalgia to consider, and over 50 rides to choose from, naming anything the “best” at Walt Disney World is no easy task … but we gave it a try anyway.
The best rides at the Most Magical Place on Earth are the ones that deliver incredible thrills, groundbreaking technology and mind-blowingly immersive theming — so this ranking is based on a combination of storytelling, thrill factor, innovation, emotional response and old-fashioned nostalgia.
So buckle up, tug on the yellow strap and enjoy your tour of the best rides at Walt Disney World.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. MATT STROSHANE/DISNEY
Location: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Height requirement: 40 inches
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance — the centerpiece attraction in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — is such an epic, visceral experience that it feels reductive to call it merely a ride. During the nearly 20-minute adventure in a galaxy far, far away, guests become recruits, enlisted to join the Resistance in the fight against Kylo Ren and the First Order.
There’s no other Disney attraction that can compete with the scale of Rise of the Resistance and its four different ride systems, vast cinematic sets, upward of 65 Audio-Animatronics, original score by John Williams, and audio and visual media featuring the original “Star Wars” cast.
The queue, pre-show and ride experience blend seamlessly, forming a cohesive narrative journey that is enhanced by technology but never overpowered by it. The attraction makes you forget the real world — but not because you’re stuck in a dark space staring at a screen. In fact, Disney cast members doubling as Resistance heroes or First Order captors appear at key moments during the attraction, bringing a tangible reality to the experience that deepens the immersion.
Rise of the Resistance is a fully realized attraction that also still feels aspirational — new rides have opened since, but none have been quite so ambitious or delivered as Rise does. The bar has been set, and Rise is holding strong.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmid Rewind. DISNEY
Location: World Discovery, Epcot
Height requirement: 42 inches
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind — Epcot’s first-ever roller coaster and Walt Disney World’s first Marvel ride — definitely wins the “most fun” award. The fact that it’s still using a virtual queue nearly two years after opening is a testament to its popularity.
The galaxy’s fate is at stake, and the Guardians need help. Coming to their aid, guests board a “starjumper,” a 360-degree rotating ride vehicle that reverse-launches into a high-speed indoor roller coaster journey through time and space.
One of six randomized ‘70s and ‘80s pop-rock classics provides the soundtrack for the silky smooth ride that feels like a swinging, soaring dance party through space. Like Space Mountain, the ride is in near darkness but enhanced with elaborate projections and some physical set pieces.
Everyone has a favorite song, and predicting which one you’ll get adds to the fun, making the ride even more repeatable.
Bonus points go to the physical queue, which winds through the Wonders of Xandar pavilion, formerly “Universe of Energy,” and tells a story that feels like classic Epcot but with plenty of Guardians banter.
Ride vehicles rotate to direct attention to a mix of screens and physical set pieces, and though it’s a controlled rotation, those prone to motion sickness are likely to be affected by this ride. The negative effects can be minimized by avoiding looking at the screens and keeping your eyes pointed in the direction of the track.
Avatar Flight of Passage
A scene from Avatar Flight of Passage. DISNEY
Location: Pandora – The World of Avatar, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Height requirement: 44 inches
You don’t even need to see an “Avatar” film to be wowed by your first ride on Avatar — Flight of Passage.
The breathtaking 4D experience simulates a flight over Pandora’s Valley of Moara. A motorcycle-like ride vehicle creates the sensations of soaring, swooping and diving on the back of a banshee, which you can feel breathing and flapping its wings beneath you.
The stunning score, gorgeous visuals and effects like scents, mist and wind combine to make this one a top must-do, but it also comes with one of the heftiest wait times — still regularly clocking in at two or more hours, nearly seven years after opening.
Luckily, the standby queue is one of Walt Disney World’s best, winding through alien flora, mysterious caves, an RDA bunker and a bioluminescent forest before entering an ACE laboratory that includes a stunning full-size Avatar moving inside a tank.
Interesting though the queue is, we still only recommend waiting in it when wait times are manageable, typically at rope drop or as late as possible in the evening.
For most Walt Disney World guests, time is money, so purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane is a smart way to skip the line.
Haunted Mansion
Haunted Mansion. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Liberty Square, Magic Kingdom
Height requirement: None
An opening-day attraction that never gets old, Haunted Mansion adds more fans to its cult following every year. 2023 brought the debut of a new film inspired by the ride and the announcement that the mansion’s 999 happy haunts would soon be hitting the high seas in Haunted Mansion Parlor, opening when the Disney Treasure sets sail this December.
This Ghost Host-led tour aboard a Doom Buggy weaves through the cavernous mansion and its grounds. It’s spooky but not too scary for most kiddos — just remind timid little ones that these grim-grinning ghosts are having a big party, and everyone’s invited to the swinging wake.
You don’t need a new reason to keep this one high on the list, but last November, the Walt Disney World ride did get a long-awaited addition of the legendary Hatbox Ghost, already part of Disneyland’s version.
Expedition Everest — Legend of the Forbidden Mountain
Expedition Everest at Dinsey’s Animal Kingdom. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Asia, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Height requirement: 44 inches
Expedition Everest — Legend of the Forbidden Mountain at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a great roller coaster on its own, but like the other top rides on this list, its immersive theming is as strong as its thrills.
From Serka Zong village in the Himalayan foothills, an old steam-engine tea train operated by a tour and expedition company brings climbers to Mount Everest base camp — if they’re brave enough to ignore the warnings that a mysterious yeti stalks the mountain, that is.
The tallest “mountain” of any Disney park at 199 feet, this is definitely one of Walt Disney World’s more intense rides. There’s a sizable drop and some big surprises, but there are no inversions, and it’s well paced, giving you time to catch your breath during the scenic ascent and dramatic pauses.
This is one of the better picks at Animal Kingdom if you have to do the standby line — it moves quickly, and the immersive queue sets the stage for the adventure, passing through the village tourism office, the Yeti Museum, and even an internet cafe and inn for trekkers.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Frontierland, Magic Kingdom
Height requirement: 40 inches
The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness combines family-friendly thrills, nostalgia and immersive theming. Hold on to your hats and glasses as you take off on a runaway mine train, weaving among the iconic towering buttes that reach 197 feet at the highest point.
The bumpy ride is laugh-inducing, sending riders sliding into each other as the train rounds tight turns. A fan favorite since it opened in 1980, the oldie-but-goodie still stands up to Disney’s newer coasters in both theming and fun, and at nearly 3 1/2 minutes, it provides a much more satisfying length than many of the newbies.
Three main ascents are followed by gentle drops and thrilling turns that aren’t overly stomach-churning. For the wildest ride, sit in Row 15 in the back of the train.
An enhanced backstory and new character, Barnabas T. Bullion, were introduced to the ride in 2013, along with an updated interactive queue. Owner and president of the Big Thunder Mining Company, Bullion is also a member of the Society of Explorers and Adventurers, a fictional mythology spanning stories and attractions across Disney parks worldwide.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Pirates of the Caribbean. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Adventureland, Magic Kingdom
Height requirement: None
Constructed in just 15 months after guests expressed disappointment when Magic Kingdom opened without the popular Disneyland attraction in 1971, Florida’s version of the (mostly) slow-moving, dark boat ride absolutely deserves a top spot on this list.
Housed behind the facade of an old Spanish fort, El Castillo del Morro, the entrance and queue take their design inspiration from a fortress in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Many people would argue Disneyland’s version is better, but Walt Disney World’s queue is far more immersive. Depending on whether you use the standby queue or Lightning Lane, you’ll pass through either the soldiers’ quarters or the dungeon, where a famous scene dreamed up by famed Walt Disney Imagineer Marc Davis shows two skeletons frozen for eternity staring at a chessboard stuck in a no-win configuration.
The ride includes one gentle but exciting plunge in the darkness, followed by some of the most iconic scenes, music and Audio-Animatronics on any Disney ride.
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Sunset Boulevard, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Height requirement: 40 inches
It’s hard to imagine Disney’s Hollywood Studios without the iconic Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, but the attraction didn’t open until 1994, along with the Sunset Boulevard area of the park.
Once the site of a glamorous Tinseltown hotel, the ominous 199-foot-tall tower casts an aura of foreboding over the decaying grounds. Overgrown landscaping and eerie big-band jazzy tunes help set the stage in the immersive queue, which becomes even more impressive upon entering the abandoned, cobweb-covered lobby.
As the story goes, on a fateful night in 1939, five hotel quests disappeared when lightning struck the hotel elevator. Today, guests visit the abandoned site — riding in a still-functioning service elevator that enters the fifth dimension, launching riders on a series of dramatic drop sequences.
Not for the faint of heart (or stomach), this ride is both scary and nausea-inducing for some, but a runaway fan-favorite thrill ride for many. Even if you hate the freefall sensation, it’s worth trying to experience some of Disney’s best-ever ride theming and storytelling.
Tron Lightcycle / Run
Tron Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom
Height requirement: 48 inches
A must for thrill-seekers, Tron Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom is now the fastest roller coaster at Walt Disney World. Inspired by the 1982 “Tron” and 2010 “Tron: Legacy” films, the indoor-outdoor coaster adds more thrills and gorgeous nighttime lighting to Tomorrowland.
We love the unique body positioning that really makes you feel like you’re on a bike (especially in the front row!) and the silky smooth ride.
Many Tron fans will tell you night rides are superior — and with lighting after dark, they’re not wrong — but unless you’re willing to pay for a timed Individual Lightning Lane after sunset or are eligible for the 6 p.m. virtual queue drop during extended evening hours for Deluxe Resort guests, you’ll have to settle for the virtual queue return time you’re assigned.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. DISNEY
Location: Hollywood Boulevard, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Height requirement: None
Walt Disney World took nearly 50 years to open its first ride starring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, so it had to be good. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opened March 4, 2020, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, replacing The Great Movie Ride in the Chinese Theatre.
The innovative dark ride blends a little bit of everything — trackless ride technology, digital projections, Audio-Animatronics, a catchy original theme song and original animation based on the newest generation of Mickey Mouse shorts.
The pre-show features an original Mickey Mouse short called “Perfect Picnic,” after which guests find themselves on a train ride driven by Engineer Goofy through Runnamuck Park.
The ride is packed with hidden Mickeys and Easter eggs. For example, the original whistle used in Disney’s 1928 animated short film “Steamboat Willie” was used to create the train whistle sound on Runaway Railway.
Each “train” comprises four trackless ride vehicles, which split apart and shuffle positions during the attraction, with each car providing a slightly different ride experience.
Pro tip: Keep your eyes peeled. In addition to a secondary storyline involving poor Pluto’s desperate attempt to reunite himself — and a picnic basket — with his owners, a curious little crab appears in each scene, giving you even more to look for during repeat rides.
Spaceship Earth
Epcot’s Spaceship Earth. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Location: World Celebration, Epcot
Height requirement: None
Housed in a geodesic sphere that’s arguably as iconic to Walt Disney World as Cinderella Castle, Spaceship Earth opened with Epcot on Oct. 1, 1982.
The 16-minute, slow-moving dark ride follows the development of human communication from prehistoric times to the computer age and beyond. From the invention of the alphabet to classical Greece to the Industrial Revolution, key periods and moments are represented with detailed sets, animatronic figures and narration by Dame Judi Dench.
The attraction has received a few updates through the years, but if you love the current version, thank the Phoenicians it’s still around. While it might not be a physically thrilling ride, it’s quite the thrill to make the “rounds” inside such a legendary structure.
Jungle Cruise
Jungle Cruise. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Adventureland, Magic Kingdom
Height requirement: None
This opening-day attraction is always a good time; if you don’t believe me, you’re in de-Nile.
The “10-minute, 10,000-mile” boat ride down the rivers of Asia, Africa and South America first debuted on Disneyland’s opening day in 1955 as a straightforward, educational attraction. It took shape as the joke-filled version we know today in 1960, when Walt Disney Imagineer Marc Davis stepped aboard to skipper the story in the comedic direction that made it the “World Famous Jungle Cruise” it is today.
A 2021 reimagining to address cultural insensitivities in certain scenes introduced new characters, animals and scenes to the ride and established a more elaborate backstory that deepens the ride’s connections to the Society of Explorers and Adventurers.
Pro tip: We love pairing a ride on Jungle Cruise with a meal at the Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen restaurant across from the ride. This Easter egg-packed restaurant serves some of the best table-service food in Magic Kingdom (along with plenty of puns courtesy of Skipper servers).
Kilimanjaro Safaris
Kilimanjaro Safaris. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Africa, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Height requirement: None
The next best thing to a real African safari, Kilimanjaro Safaris is in many ways the realization of Walt Disney’s original vision for Jungle Cruise, which was to have wild animals in true-to-nature environments. You can spot more than 30 different animal species during the 18-minute open-air drive across 110 acres of savanna — nearly as much space as all of Magic Kingdom park.
Given the unpredictability of live animals, no two rides are the same. Through the years, we’ve experienced so many memorable moments, from a giraffe coming right up to our vehicle and keeping us there until he was ready to move along, to watching a 2-month-old baby elephant run around on her first day on the savanna.
Pro tip: Many of the animals are most active early in the morning and at sundown, so aim for those times. And don’t shy away from a rainy ride — some animals seem to love it, and you’ll stay (mostly) undercover.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Height requirement: 38 inches
“Star Wars” fans simply can’t pass on the chance to take the controls in the cockpit of the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy by joining Hondo Ohnaka’s flight crew for an important smuggling mission aboard the Millennium Falcon.
For “Star Wars” fans, the queue is as bucket list-worthy as actually taking a seat at the controls. After first passing the life-size Millennium Falcon from the front as you enter the queue, you’ll get to see it from additional angles and from multiple levels, getting a closer look at the iconic ship from different perspectives as you wind through the Easter egg-packed queue.
Flight crews of six are assigned the positions of pilot, gunner or engineer and get a few minutes to explore the main hold and take a seat at the centerpiece dejarik table before heading to the cockpit.
Once in your seats at the controls, it’s time to work as a team to put the bucket of bolts to the test and see if you can complete your mission — and get back to Batuu with the Falcon in one piece. Pilots steer, gunners defend and engineers perform repairs, and at the end of your mission, Hondo will let you know how well you’ve done — and what your cut of the credits will be.
Pro tip: Young riders who just make the 38-inch flight requirement often struggle to reach all of the controls in the pilot position. If they have their heart set on piloting, consider putting the longest-armed adult in the other pilot position so they can reach over and help.
Slinky Dog Dash
Slinky Dog Dash. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Toy Story Land, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Height requirement: 38 inches
When guests enter Toy Story Land, they “shrink” to the size of one of Andy’s toys from the films. It’s easy to look at Slinky Dog Dash, which Andy has “built” in his backyard by combining his Slinky Dog toy with a Mega Coaster Kit, and assume it’s a coaster for little kids a la Magic Kingdom’s The Barnstormer.
But this coaster is tons of fun and worth the ride, even without kids. The ride vehicle mimics Slinky Dog’s springy body — launching then seemingly springing along, bobbing up and down over gentle but exhilarating hills, and winding among Andy’s toys. You’ll also glimpse some wonderful vistas across the theme park. A second, more thrilling launch, narrated by Slinky Dog, sends riders seemingly straight up into the sky, giving a brief feeling of weightlessness.
Grown-ups will get a nostalgic kick out of the classic toy boxes used to construct portions of the queue and load area too.
Pro tip: Slinky Dog Dash is the most popular Genie+ Lightning Lane at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so make sure to grab this one first at 7 a.m. The ride also frequently goes down due to weather, so if you’re opting for the standby queue and only have one day to ride it, make sure you don’t save it until the end of the night if the sky looks threatening.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. RYAN WENDLER/WALT DISNEY WORLD
Location: Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom
Height requirement: 38 inches
Like Slinky Dog Dash, this is another true family coaster that’s not just for kids. Opened in 2014 as part of Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland expansion, this gentle but exciting coaster ups the thrill factor just enough to engage adults and bigger kids without scaring less daring littles.
The ride vehicles are modeled after mine carts and sway back and forth along the otherwise smooth track, which ventures into the diamond mine where the seven dwarfs famously whistle while they work.
Bright, reflective gemstones (look out for the Hidden Mickey!); cheerful, singing dwarf animatronics; and an earworm rendition of “Heigh-Ho” as you make your ascent up the main hill make it impossible not to smile on this ride.
One drawback — there’s only one main show scene and a second brief final scene, making the ride feel over a little too quickly given its consistently long wait times.
The ride is available via standby queue (an interactive queue helps keep kids busy) or Individual Lightning Lane. The price may not be worth the cost for thrill-seekers, but it could definitely be worth it with antsy younger kids.
Star Tours — The Adventures Continue
Star Tours — The Adventures Continue. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Echo Lake, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Height requirement: 40 inches
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge might get more of the attention lately, but Walt Disney World’s first “Star Wars” ride has been going strong since 1989.
Opened first as Star Tours and later updated to Star Tours — The Adventures Continue in 2011, this 3D flight simulator ride takes guests on an unpredictable adventure across a galaxy far, far away in a Starspeeder 1000 ship helmed by reluctant pilot C-3PO and trusty navigator R2-D2.
Every adventure includes four randomized main scenes, introducing potential variability of characters, including classic original trilogy characters like Princess Leia and Darth Vader and destinations like the planets Tatooine and Hoth.
Updates through the years have added new characters and destinations as new “Star Wars” films have been released and ahead of the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. On April 5, 2024, Star Tours got its latest galactic glow-up — new scenes and characters from the Disney+ series “Ahsoka,” “Andor” and “The Mandalorian.” Now, guests could get an urgent transmission from Ahsoka Tano, Cassian Andor or the Mandalorian and Grogu.
For a limited time, all guests will visit a new destination, the planet Seatos from “Ahsoka,” where the Starspeeder joins Ahsoka’s T-6 Jedi Shuttle in a dogfight amid a pod of purrgil, massive space whales first introduced in the animated series “Star Wars Rebels.” After this phase of introduction to the new characters and scenes, the ride will reenter a “random play” mode, as Walt Disney Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald called the ride’s eventual fully randomized sequencing, and will increase the ride’s total potential storyline variations to more than 250.
Peter Pan’s Flight
Peter Pan’s Flight. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom
Height requirement: None
One of Disney’s most nostalgic and iconic dark rides, with a soundtrack that can instantly unlock childhood memories, Peter Pan’s Flight opened with Magic Kingdom in 1971 and to this day remains one of the park’s most popular Genie+ Lightning Lane attractions — with a correspondingly hefty standby wait.
Board a pirate ship and take off from the Darling family nursery, flying over the rooftops of London then off to Neverland. Fly past scenes like a miniature Mermaid Lagoon below and a life-size swordfight between Peter Pan and Captain Hook overhead.
If you do end up in the standby line, the interactive queue through the Darling family home helps pass the time. Look out for twinkling signs of Tinkerbell’s trail of pixie dust, and you might spot her rattling around and even getting stuck in tiny places around the house.
Space Mountain
Space Mountain in Tomorrowland. MATT STROSHANE/DISNEY
Location: Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom
Height requirement: 44 inches
This Walt Disney World original, which opened Jan. 15, 1975, was so popular that it inspired new versions in four more parks worldwide. Fitting for Tomorrowland, it was the first roller coaster ever to be controlled by a computer.
The iconic structure encloses two almost identical tracks, Alpha and Omega, which each launch spaceship-themed ride vehicles on their ride through space. The nearly total darkness makes the coaster feel much faster as it makes sudden sharp turns and drops.
An attraction that definitely feels its age, this coaster doesn’t have any inversions or extreme drops, but it’s definitely one of Walt Disney World’s rougher rides.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at Epcot. MATT STROSHANE/DISNEY
Location: World Showcase, Epcot
Height requirement: None
Pixar meets Paris in a whimsical extension of Epcot’s France pavilion that gently transitions from the real-world architectural grandeur of the City of Light to Pixar’s more playful and exaggerated animated version, setting the stage for Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure.
You’ll shrink down to rat size and board rat-shaped trackless vehicles for a 4D dark ride that has you scurrying through Gusteau’s restaurant.
The multisensory ride combines screens and physical sets, enhanced with scents and some other surprise effects we won’t spoil, and makes wonderful use of the film’s excellent soundtrack.
Located at the opposite end of Epcot from most of the park’s other rides, Remy’s is a welcome reward for kids who lose steam making their way around Epcot’s World Showcase.
The ride is equally enjoyable for adults and kids, but it may bother some guests prone to motion sickness.
Frozen Ever After
Frozen Ever After. MATT STROSHANE/DISNEY
Location: World Showcase, Epcot
Height requirement: None
A reskin of the Viking-themed Maelstrom boat ride attraction in Epcot’s Norway pavilion, Frozen Ever After takes guests on a cruise through Arendelle past scenes inspired by the original “Frozen” film.
Audio-Animatronic characters sing abridged versions of songs from the film, modified to support the ride’s storyline. Light thrills include a gentle reverse drift during “Let It Go” and one thrilling drop that’s not too scary to keep little kids off the ride — but just nerve-wracking enough to generate some hilarious expressions on the Disney PhotoPass ride photos.
This ride continues to be extremely popular and breaks down a lot, so if it’s a top priority, try to pick up an early Genie+ Lightning Lane or rope drop it.
Toy Story Mania
TOY STORY MANIA. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Toy Story Land, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Height requirement: None
Toy Story Mania opened in 2008, long predating the opening of Toy Story Land, which better established the ride within the world of Andy’s toys. The 3D carnival game-inspired attraction remains extremely popular, is endlessly rerideable (that is, until your arm gets too tired) and the game aspect of the ride even edges out newer game-focused rides like Web Slingers at Disneyland.
Ride vehicles seat two passengers side by side at spring-action shooters and whip and spin players from game to game.
Toy Story characters, including Woody and Jessie, Rex and Trixie, and the Green Army Men, host a series of five carnival-style 3D games on screens. Players ultimately compete against each other, but can also work together to unlock secret targets worth more points.
You either love or hate this rough, dark and downright terrifying (for some) blast to the past. Guests board a Time Rover with a mission to travel back to the Cretaceous period to retrieve an iguanodon and bring it back for research before the extinction-causing meteor strikes.
The fan-favorite preshow features Dr. Marsh (Phylicia Rashad), director of the Dino Institute, and Dr. Grant Seeker, a goofy, passionate scientist who briefs guests on the mission and frantically narrates during the harrowing attraction.
Loosely based on the 2000 film “Dinosaur,” this attraction parallels Disneyland’s Indiana Jones Adventure with respect to ride vehicle and layout. Unlike Indy, however, Dinosaur relies more on extreme darkness and jump scares than cinematic sets and impressive effects.
Kids who love dinosaurs and don’t scare easily love this ride.
Dinosaur fans should get their rides in while they can. While no official retheme has been confirmed, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro began teasing potential rethemes of DinoLand, first in 2022 at D23 Expo, then again in 2023 at Destination D23, by playing “Indiana Jones” theme music, teasing a possible “Indiana Jones”-themed update in the area. More recently, D’Amaro confirmed that work is “well underway” for this project, with teams already going on research trips to Mexico.
Living with the Land
Living with the Land. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Location: World Nature, Epcot
Height requirement: None
A prime example of Epcot edutainment, this “voyage of discovery and awareness” aboard slow-moving boats is part dark ride, part greenhouse tour.
Situated in Epcot’s The Land pavilion, the dark ride portion showcases a variety of ecosystems — the tropical rainforest, desert and American prairie — before cruising through the pavilion’s four working greenhouses.
It might sound dull, but guests of all ages will find themselves captivated by the array of different edible crops growing on display — from familiar tomatoes, cucumbers, salad greens and strawberries, to the more exotic banana trees and giant melons, to cacao and peanuts. Fish farms and hydroponic and aquaponic farming methods are also showcased.
Get a taste of the end products by dining at Sunshine Seasons or Garden Grill Restaurant, also in the Land pavilion. Both restaurants use produce and seafood farmed in the greenhouses in some of their dishes.
If you visit Epcot during the holiday season, be sure to wait until after dark to ride, when a holiday overlay bathes the greenhouses in the warm glow of festive colored lights.
Pro tip: Want to learn more? Book a Behind the Seeds walking tour — a one-hour tour of the fish farm and greenhouses.
Soarin’ Around the World
Soarin’ Around the World. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Location: World Nature, Epcot
Height Requirement: 40 inches
This flight simulator attraction gives riders a hang gliding sensation as they “soar,” feet dangling up to 40 feet above the ground, through screen-based scenes.
The ride originally debuted as “Soarin’ Over California” in 2005. In 2016, it was replaced with the current “Around the World” version, which visits some of the world’s most famous natural wonders and manmade landmarks, including the American Southwest, the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower and the Great Pyramids of Egypt.
Recognizing fans’ love for the original “Over California” attraction, Disney has begun bringing it back for limited runs. At Walt Disney World, it returned during the Disney100 celebration, and at Disney California Adventure, it’s been making an annual return during the park’s yearly Food & Wine Festival.
Pro tip: The farther you sit from the center of the screen, the more distorted some images appear — the Eiffel Tower in particular appears dramatically curved for guests sitting on the far sides. The best section and row for the least distorted image and no feet hanging in your view is B1.
Navi River Journey
Navi River Journey. KENT PHILLIPS/DISNEY
Location: Pandora — The World of Avatar, Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Height requirement: None
Navi River Journey can’t compete with Flight of Passage in the thrill department, but it does fully immerse guests in a beautiful, tangible Pandoran setting.
During the slow-moving (indoor) nighttime journey in Pandora’s bioluminescent rainforest, boats float through the lush jungle, seemingly alive with the glowing sights and sounds of the planet’s otherworldly creatures. Screens and projections are combined with physical sets, motion and sound to create impressively realistic effects, like alien creatures hopping from giant leaf to leaf overhead.
Ethereal music swells during the journey, reaching a crescendo as the boat approaches the massive Navi Shaman of Songs, a lifelike animatronic that is the most advanced Walt Disney Imagineering has ever created.
Navi River Journey gives those who don’t meet the height requirement or are unable to ride Flight of Passage a great opportunity to experience Pandora’s beautiful theming and detail.
“It’s a small world”
“It’s a small world.” TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Fantasyland, Magic Kingdom
Height requirement: None
Who wouldn’t want to hop aboard “the happiest cruise that ever sailed”? An opening day attraction at Magic Kingdom following a successful debut at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, then at Disneyland in 1966, this nostalgic classic celebrates a message of peace, understanding and friendship by sharing a look at the world through the eyes of a child.
Different countries and cultures worldwide are represented by costumed Audio-Animatronic dolls designed to look as though they’ve been created by a child using papier-mache and other craft materials.
The lyrics to the timeless theme song by Robert and Richard Sherman, sung in the native languages of the represented regions, have become synonymous with calls for peace, empathy and acceptance. In an ongoing effort to honor the ride’s message of inclusivity, a doll in a wheelchair was added to the ride last March.
Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
Views from the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Tomorrowland, Magic Kingdom
Height requirement: None
An oldie but goodie that’s enjoyed a new wave of appreciation and popularity in recent years, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover takes guests on an elevated, narrated tour of Tomorrowland.
The magnetically powered tram takes passengers behind the scenes for a different perspective of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and travels right through Space Mountain. The ride also provides stunning views of Cinderella Castle, the canopy of Tron Lightcycle / Run and an overhead look at Tomorrowland Speedway.
There’s no Lightning Lane but the standby queue moves quickly and is rarely longer than 20 minutes.
Test Track
Test Track. MATT STROSHANE/DISNEY
Location: World Discovery, Epcot
Height requirement: 40 inches
The current iteration of Test Track gets high marks for thrills but lands this low spot for seriously lackluster theming, especially when compared to a sister ride at Disney California Adventure Park. Radiator Springs Racers uses the same ride vehicles and mechanisms but adds the stunning backdrop of Ornament Valley, a heartwarming dark ride component, and a head-to-head race at speeds of up to 65 miles per hour to the finish for extra fun.
With the right theming, this could be a top-tier ride like Radiator Springs Racers — and the good news is, a retheme is in the works. Test Track will close June 17, 2024, for its reimagining, which will take inspiration from the original World of Motion. We can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. TARAH CHIEFFI/THE POINTS GUY
Location: Sunset Boulevard, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Height requirement: 48 inches
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is a high-speed roller coaster ride in the near darkness, save for neon signs, with Aerosmith music blasting the whole time.
The premise: After meeting Aerosmith in the recording studio, guests are invited to the band’s concert on the other side of town and have to get through LA traffic in a super-stretch limo to get there.
This ride can be rough, but that doesn’t stop it from being perpetually popular.
Note: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is currently closed for refurbishment, with plans to reopen in summer 2024.
Although the airline’s headquarters are in Utah, most of its operating bases are in eastern airports like Charleston International Airport (CHS), Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Norfolk International Airport (ORF).
While Breeze flights can be relatively inexpensive to book compared to flights on other U.S. airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, can you save money by using points and miles to book Breeze Airways flights?
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about earning and redeeming Breezy Rewards points.
Breezy Rewards (formerly known as the BreezePoints Rewards program) is the loyalty program of Breeze Airways. BreezePoints, its currency, do not expire.
Overall, it is a simple loyalty program with fixed earning and redemption rates when flying Breeze. The program currently does not have airline partners, does not belong to an alliance and has no elite status levels.
Breeze offers four fares — the cheapest, basic No Flex fare and then Nice, Nicer and Nicest bundles that correspond with coach, extra-legroom coach and first-class, although each fare comes with different benefits like luggage allowances and included snacks.
You can join Breezy Rewards online for free. BreezePoints are earned on Breeze Airways cash fares as follows:
Earn 5 points per dollar on Nicer and Nicest bundles (excluding fees and taxes).
Earn 2 points per dollar on Nice bundles (including taxes and fees).
Earn 1 point per dollar on No Flex fare purchases (including taxes and fees).
Breezy Rewards members will earn 5 BreezePoints per dollar spent on add-ons like carry-on and checked baggage, seat selection, and pet-in-cabin purchases.
The information for the Breeze Easy credit card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
How to redeem BreezePoints
ETHAN KLAPPER/THE POINTS GUY
To redeem points, log in to your Breezy Rewards account when booking your trip.
On the payment page, you will be given the option to use your BreezePoints to cover some or all of the cost of your travel.
You may only book using BreezePoints from one account at a time.
BreezePoints are currently worth 1 cent per point toward fares or other purchases with Breeze; however, the airline hopes to improve the program over time to offer more ways to earn and redeem the points, which may lead to some more lucrative redemption options.
One major plus of using BreezePoints is that you can redeem points to also pay for taxes and fees, a rarity among airline loyalty programs. Additionally, if you don’t have enough points or don’t want to redeem all of your points, you can adjust how many reward points you’d like to spend.
While Breezy Rewards is not a transfer partner of any major credit card programs, it has a cobranded credit card.
The Breeze Easy Visa Signature Credit Card, issued by Barclays U.S., has an $89 annual fee and earns:
10 BreezePoints per dollar spent on Nicer and Nicest fare bundles, along with add-on purchases (5 points per dollar when the flight is purchased and 5 additional points per dollar once the flight is completed)
4 BreezePoints on Nice fare bundles (2 points per dollar when the flight is purchased and 2 additional points per dollar once the flight is completed)
2 points per dollar on grocery store and restaurant purchases
1 point per dollar on everything else
The card offers priority boarding and free inflight Wi-Fi on equipped planes for the cardholder and all passengers on the same reservation.
New cardholders can get a signup bonus of 50,000 BreezePoints after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days of card membership, along with 7,500 bonus anniversary points each year that they spend at least $10,000 on the card.
Cardholders can also upgrade to a Nice or Nicest bundle one-way with every $15,000 spent on the card per year, with no limit to the number of upgrades they can earn.
Breezy Rewards is still a very young program for a newer airline. If you live near a Breeze operating base (or find yourself flying to one) and like the low-cost Breeze model, it is a no-brainer to join its loyalty program and earn BreezePoints.
While there are currently no ways to get outsize value from your points, they are fairly easy to earn and redeem if you fly Breeze regularly, especially with the bonus of the cobranded credit card.
If you want to fly in premium classes to foreign destinations with your airline points, you may consider an airline with a larger loyalty program.
Boeing mounted a vociferous defense of its 777 and 787 Dreamliner wide-body programs Monday, days after a whistleblower alleged that the plane-maker had taken manufacturing shortcuts that introduced potential structural flaws to both aircraft types.
On Monday, Boeing held an unusual media briefing from its Dreamliner assembly plant in North Charleston, South Carolina, where it detailed the specifics of how it assembles the 787 from several parts that are built and delivered disassembled, such as the fuselage, wings and tail section, and the structural testing each component undergoes.
In refuting the allegations and characterizations presented by the whistleblower, Boeing offered a sharp contrast from the conciliatory and concessional tone it’s presented this year through the ongoing 737 MAX crisis, which ultimately led to the ousting of the company’s CEO.
The whistleblower, a Boeing engineer named Sam Salehpour, alleged last week that hundreds of 787 and 777 jets were at risk of structural failure from damage caused by fatigue. The allegations were detailed in The Seattle Times.
He also said that he was harassed by Boeing as a result.
Salehpour’s 787 allegations surrounded tiny gaps between fuselage sections that remain after Boeing joined them together.
The spaces were first discovered in 2020, which led Boeing to halt deliveries of the long-haul jet for nearly two years. The Federal Aviation Administration investigated Boeing’s manufacturing program and approved a fix, and currently inspects each individual 787 before approving it for delivery to an airline customer.
Salehpour alleged, however, that the problem was not actually fixed, and that Boeing used excessive force to push the pieces together, making it appear as if the gaps were gone, rather than using small pieces of filler material to fill them — a practice known as “shimming.”
Part of the assembly line at Boeing’s Charleston 787 assembly plant in December, 2022. DAVID SLOTNICK/THE POINTS GUY
Shimming is used to fill gaps larger than five-thousandths of an inch, which prevents pieces from moving around during flight and bearing excess stress.
On the 777, Salehpour alleged that fuselage panels were delivered from a vendor that did not fit properly, and said that factory workers jumped on pieces of the fuselage to jam them into place, potentially deforming them. He claimed that he was moved to the 777 program as retaliation after raising concerns about the 787.
Boeing last week was quick to refute Salehpour’s claims by arguing that all of its 787s meet specifications required for certification.
“These claims about the structural integrity of the 787 are inaccurate and do not represent the comprehensive work Boeing has done to ensure the quality and long-term safety of the aircraft,” Boeing said in a statement last week provided to TPG. “The issues raised have been subject to rigorous engineering examination under FAA oversight. This analysis has validated that these issues do not present any safety concerns and the aircraft will maintain its service life over several decades.”
On Monday, Boeing engineers outlined the production process in specifics, including the stress testing that it says proves everything on the 787 is within its specified parameters.
“Extensive design analysis and testing that validates all of the decisions we’ve made,” said Steve Chisholm, a vice president and functional chief engineer of mechanical and structural engineering at Boeing.
Chisholm also said that Boeing encourages employees to speak up about problems or concerns they observe, and said that such reporting is key to the company’s safety processes.
“Having the voices of our employees heard is of utmost importance,” he said. “We do believe this makes us stronger. And it’s something we’ve really been leveraging and emphasizing.”
Part of the assembly line at Boeing’s Charleston 787 assembly plant in December, 2022. DAVID SLOTNICK/THE POINTS GUY
In addition to an ethics hotline, Boeing employees can use a system called “Speak Up” to report issues anonymously, Lisa Fahl, a Boeing vice president of airplane programs engineering, said Monday.
“You have full visibility to the FAA, and that’s a system where we go through and we do an investigation and an evaluation must be performed and documented to support anything that’s brought forward,” she said.
The FAA is investigating Salehpour’s claims, according to The New York Times.
In response to questions from TPG, an FAA spokesperson said that the agency continued to enforce its prescribed fixes for the shimming issue, which includes issuing ongoing Airworthiness Directives (ADs) regarding inspection and repairs, along with inspecting all newly built aircraft before they are delivered.
“Every aircraft flying is in compliance with the ADs. Boeing has either completed or is working on long-term corrective actions. The FAA continues to issue Airworthiness Certificates for every Boeing 787 before they enter service.”
An FAA spokesperson also noted that Boeing investigates all whistleblower reports.
“Voluntary reporting without fear of reprisal is a critical component in aviation safety,” the spokesperson said. “We strongly encourage everyone in the aviation industry to share information.”
Whether you’re fascinated by American history, culture and cuisine, or you’ve enjoyed river cruising in Europe but are now looking to explore closer to home, U.S. river cruises are an easy and enjoyable vacation option.
Choose from two main waterways for your U.S. river cruise: the Mississippi River — which flows through nine states from St. Paul, Minnesota, to New Orleans — or the Columbia and Snake rivers in Oregon and Washington. Some cruise lines also venture onto three smaller, lesser-known rivers: the Ohio, the Cumberland and the Tennessee. You can also explore New York’s Hudson River on a fall foliage cruise.
For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter.
Your choice of cruise line is equally limited. Just two companies offer multiple itineraries on U.S. rivers. American Cruise Line sails all the waterways mentioned above, while Viking offers itineraries solely on the Mississippi. Additionally, Lindblad Expeditions has introduced a food-and-wine-centric river cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers.
Read on for our picks of the seven best U.S. river cruises. They range from seven to 15 nights and visit destinations in 16 states; itineraries take you through the colonial-heritage-rich Northeast, America’s agricultural heartland and the pioneer routes of the Pacific Northwest.
American Cruise Lines’ 8-night Music Cities Cruise
AMERICAN CRUISE LINES
From Memphis blues and Elvis Presley’s “Blue Suede Shoes” to Kentucky bluegrass and New Orleans jazz, American Cruise Lines’ eight-night Music Cities Cruise sails you through a chronology of the U.S. music scene. You’ll traverse three rivers (the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland) en route from Memphis to Nashville, or vice versa.
In Tennessee’s two famous music cities, you’ll have a chance to visit Elvis Presley’s Graceland, stroll blues club-lined Beale Street and check out the Grand Ole Opry. You’ll also visit Paducah, Kentucky, and Dover and Clarksville in Tennessee, where experiences include whiskey and bourbon tasting, tours of landmark art murals and, of course, Civil War history.
While cruising, you’ll enjoy nightly entertainment that celebrates the region’s musical heritage. American Cruise Lines offers this itinerary on four ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships — American Melody, American Symphony and American Serenade — are 180-passenger modern river ships launched in 2021, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The fourth, American Splendor, is a 180-passenger paddlewheeler that debuted in 2016.
Want the total Mississippi experience? You can cruise the entire length of this mighty river as you visit 14 cities in seven U.S. states on Viking’s two-week sailing.
Available three times a year (in July, September and October), the America’s Great River cruise begins in Minnesota (either St. Paul or Red Wing) and concludes in New Orleans, allowing you to experience an intricate tapestry of American history and culture.
There’s eagle spotting in Red Wing and agricultural innovation in Quad Cities, Iowa. You’ll enjoy Mark Twain lore in Hannibal, Missouri, and architectural landmarks, such as the soaring Gateway Arch, in St. Louis. As you cruise the lower Mississippi, you’ll delve into civil rights history in Memphis; Civil War battles and historic architecture in Mississippi’s Vicksburg and Natchez; Cajun and Creole music in Baton Rouge; and the legendary culinary treats and jazz of New Orleans.
All sailings are aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi. Launched in 2022, it’s currently the largest river ship in the U.S. and features three restaurants and an aft infinity pool.
American Cruise Lines’ 8-Night Columbia & Snake River Cruise
AMERICAN CRUISE LINES
If your vacation preferences favor mountain landscapes, wine tasting and pioneer lore, consider American Cruise Lines’ eight-night Columbia & Snake River Cruise. You’ll explore the Pacific Northwest from Portland, Oregon, to Clarkstown, Washington (or vice versa).
On the Pacific end of your voyage, you’ll visit Astoria, Oregon — the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. This coastal city at the mouth of the Columbia River is known for its Victorian homes, wineries, brew pubs, and Lewis and Clark heritage. Next, from Kalama, Washington, you can join an excursion to visit the remnants of the area around Mount St. Helens, which suffered a devastating eruption in 1980.
In The Dalles, you can enjoy a sommelier-led tasting of Columbia Valley wines, visit Multnomah Falls or get adventurous on a river kayak tour. During a call on Richland, Washington, you can admire the scenic beauty around the confluence of the Columbia and Snake rivers at Sacajawea State Park. More wine tasting or outdoor adventure awaits on the way to Clarkstown.
American Cruise Line offers this itinerary on five ships from April to October 2024, 2025 and 2026. Three of the ships (American Song, American Jazz and American Harmony) are 180-passenger modern river ships launched from 2018 to 2020. American Pride is a 150-passenger paddlewheeler launched in 2012, and American West is a 110-passenger veteran paddlewheeler launched in 1995.
If you’ve never visited New Orleans, or it’s been a while, take a Mississippi River cruise that sails round-trip from the Big Easy. They offer time before or after the cruise to enjoy the city’s food, music and iconic architecture — plus the ease of a round-trip flight booking. Viking’s seven-night New Orleans & Southern Charms itinerary focuses solely on ports in Louisiana and Mississippi, with an emphasis on historic architecture, Cajun culture and Civil War landmarks.
From Darrow, Louisiana, you’ll stroll beneath canopies of towering live oak trees to visit historic mansions or glide through the bayou. More historic architecture, along with bird-watching, awaits in St. Francisville, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi. Vicksburg, Mississippi, is home to one of the Civil War’s most famous battlefields. Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s capital, has something to satisfy every interest, from Cajun cuisine to tours of the restored World War II-era USS Kidd.
The cruise, which is available in November and December 2024 and January, November and December 2025, ends with a full day of exploration back in New Orleans before one last night aboard the 386-passenger Viking Mississippi.
American Cruise Lines’ 7-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise
RUDY SULGAN/GETTY IMAGES
Not only is the autumnal landscape in New York’s Hudson Valley visually captivating, but the small cities and towns that line the river’s shores are filled with fascinating early American history dating back more than 400 years.
Cruise the Hudson round-trip from New York City on American Cruise Lines’ seven-night Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise. You’ll visit Catskill, home to the Hudson River School Art Trail and the Olana Historic Site, or explore more actively at the Hudson River Skywalk and Kaaterskill Falls. In Albany, founded in 1609, you can tour the newly renovated New York State Capitol building, built in the late 1800s; you can also visit the New York State Museum, which dates to 1836. Feel like apple-picking? That’s an option here, too.
Next, during a call at Kingston/Hyde Park, you can tour the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, home to the 32nd U.S. president’s library and museum. You can also head to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, featuring an American Beaux-Arts mansion completed in 1899. The United States Military Academy at West Point, founded in 1802, is also on the itinerary, as is Sleepy Hollow. The Sleepy Hollow legend comes to life during a tour of the local cemetery where author Washington Irving is buried. Back in the Big Apple on day seven, you’ll have time to explore before saying farewell to your ship.
Sailings are available from late September to early November 2024, 2025 and 2026. Sailings are onboard either the 100-passenger American Eagle, American Liberty, American Glory or American Legend (all built in 2023 or 2024), or the older 90-passenger American Star and American Independence, launched in 2007 and 2010, respectively.
Lindblad Expeditions’ 7-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History Cruise
DAVID VARGAS/EXPEDITIONS
Nature-focused cruise line Lindblad Expeditions has partnered with Food & Wine magazine to offer a new seven-night Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine and History cruise on multiple dates in April, September and October 2024; there are also sailings in March, April, September and October 2025. The voyages will sail between Portland, Oregon, and Clarkston, Washington.
Complementing the itinerary will be gourmet Pacific Northwest cuisine and more than 40 regional wines curated by an onboard culinary team. All ingredients will be sourced from within 250 miles of the ship’s route. A naturalist, historian and geologist will be on hand to guide you on excursions by foot, kayak, Zodiac and jet boat.
Off-ship experiences include sampling local beer and oysters in Astoria, Oregon; visiting Multnomah Falls or hiking Beacon Rock; and having a private vineyard visit and downtown wine walk in Walla Walla, Washington.
These sailings occur on two identical Lindblad ships: the 62-passenger National Geographic Sea Lion and National Geographic Sea Bird.
American Cruise Line’s 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise
AMERICAN CRUISE LINES
Did you know that you can cruise from Pittsburgh to St. Louis? If exploring the central U.S. — Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri — without driving is appealing, consider the 15-night Grand Ohio River Cruise offered by American Cruise Lines. You’ll enjoy regionally inspired dining and eclectic landmarks along the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as you sail.
Over two weeks, you’ll visit Native American burial grounds and archeological sites in West Virginia and learn about the underground railroad in Ohio. You can taste bourbon and explore the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory or the Kentucky Derby Museum & Horse Park in Louisville. Take time to appreciate American artistry at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky. Rest up from your portside adventures during five days of scenic river cruising.
This itinerary is available from June to August 2024, 2025 and 2026 on the 180-passenger modern river ship American Melody and the 150-passenger paddlewheeler American Heritage.
If someone asked me to pick an ideal food, I’d almost certainly go with pizza. It’s tasty, portable and easy to prepare, and just about everyone likes it. That’s why it’s unsurprising that it’s one of the most popular foods on cruise ships.
Carnival Cruise Line is known for having some of the best pizza at sea. In fact, it’s so good I find myself enjoying a slice or two almost daily when I sail. Here’s a guide to where you can find it, what’s on the menu and how much a pie will cost you.
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What are the names of the pizza places on Carnival ships?
Coastal Slice pizzeria on Carnival Jubilee. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
Carnival offers nearly round-the-clock pizza on every one of its vessels, so you’re never far from cheesy goodness when you’re on board.
Almost all ships — 25 of the 27 in the fleet — have either Pizza Pirate or Pizzeria del Capitano. The other two vessels, which are part of the line’s new Excel Class, have something similar but with a different name: Miami Slice on Carnival Celebration and Coastal Slice on Carnival Jubilee.
The one thing they all have in common is that you can order either by the pie or by the slice, and you won’t pay an extra cent. The pizzerias are also all set up as walk-up counters. Be warned: The pizzas are so good there’s likely to be a line more often than not.
Carnival cruise pizza menus
A crew member serves a slice of pizza at Pizza Pirate on a Carnival cruise ship. CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
Each of Carnival’s pizza outposts features a selection of five pizza types, three of which are core options that appear on all menus across the fleet and two of which can change from ship to ship.
Note: Menus were accurate at the time of publication but are subject to change without notice.
Pizza Pirate menu
The menu from Carnival Cruise Line’s Pizza Pirate. CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
On the Pizza Pirate menu, Carnival offers five different types of pies:
Margherita: Tomato sauce, basil and fresh mozzarella
Pepperoni: Tomato sauce, pepperoni and fresh mozzarella
Quattro Formaggi: Gorgonzola, provolone, Parmesan and fresh mozzarella cheeses with roasted garlic
Funghi: Tomato sauce, mushrooms and fresh mozzarella
Prosciutto: Roasted garlic, rucola, prosciutto and fresh mozzarella
Pizzeria del Capitano menu
The menu from Carnival Cruise Line’s Pizzeria del Capitano. CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
The menu at Pizzeria del Capitano includes the same five options as the one at Pizza Pirate:
Margherita: Tomato sauce, basil and fresh mozzarella
Pepperoni: Tomato sauce, pepperoni and fresh mozzarella
Quattro Formaggi: Gorgonzola, provolone, Parmesan and fresh mozzarella cheeses with roasted garlic
Funghi: Tomato sauce, mushrooms and fresh mozzarella
Prosciutto: Roasted garlic, rucola, prosciutto and fresh mozzarella
Miami Slice menu
The menu from Carnival Celebration’s Miami Slice pizza joint. CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
Miami Slice’s menu offers the three staple types, plus two that you can only find on Carnival Celebration:
Margherita: Tomato sauce, basil and fresh mozzarella
Pepperoni: Tomato sauce, pepperoni and fresh mozzarella
Quattro Formaggi: Gorgonzola, provolone, Parmesan and fresh mozzarella cheeses with roasted garlic
La Habana: Ham and chorizo with gouda, mozzarella and manchego cheeses
Picadillo: Ground beef and sazon with gouda and mozzarella cheeses
Coastal Slice menu
The menu from Carnival Jubilee’s Coastal Slice pizza joint. CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
Coastal Slice features the three core varieties, as well as two different selections that you can only find on Carnival Jubilee:
Margherita: Tomato sauce, basil and mozzarella
Pepperoni: Tomato sauce, pepperoni and mozzarella
Quattro Formaggi: Gorgonzola, provolone, Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses with roasted garlic
Barbecue chicken: Barbecue chicken with alfredo sauce, red onion, scallions, and mozzarella and gouda cheeses
Tex Mex: Bacon, corn, bell peppers and jalapenos with mozzarella and cheddar cheeses
Carnival cruise pizza prices
Pizzeria del Capitano, Coastal Slice, Miami Slice and Pizza Pirate prices are all the same — free for all passengers.
Which Carnival ships have pizza?
A four-cheese pizza from the Coastal Slice pizzeria in The Shores zone on Carnival Jubilee. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY
All ships in the Carnival fleet have dedicated pizza joints on board. The breakdown is as follows:
Pizza Pirate: Carnival Breeze, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Elation, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Glory, Carnival Legend, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Pride and Carnival Valor
But of all the ways to earn Alaska miles, the Alaska Mileage Plan Shopping portal remains one of the most important for many travelers’ earning strategies.
If you’re hoping to learn more about earning Alaska miles online via the Mileage Plan Shopping portal, here’s what you need to know.
Alaska Mileage Plan Shopping portal basics
Online shopping portals are one of the easiest ways to earn extra miles on your purchases. They’re free and easy to use, so there’s no excuse not to use a shopping portal before you purchase items online. Many loyalty programs offer online shopping portals, but this guide is about the Alaska Mileage Plan Shopping portal.
To use the Alaska Mileage Plan Shopping portal, head to its website. Once there, you can sign in using your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan credentials. After you do so, you’ll earn bonus miles when you shop with eligible retailers.
The exact amount you earn will vary by retailer and when you purchase. Some offer a fixed number of miles per purchase (such as 1,000 miles for a purchase of $50 or more), but most offer a multiplier based on the amount you spend (such as 2 miles per dollar).
MILEAGEPLANSHOPPING.COM
The earning rate for most retailers will increase periodically. So, it may be smart to wait to make non-urgent purchases when the Alaska Mileage Plan portal earning rates are elevated for a specific merchant.
How to use the Alaska Mileage Plan Shopping portal
The Alaska Mileage Plan Shopping portal includes more than 1,100 retailers. So, if you’re buying something online, there’s a good chance that you can earn bonus miles through the carrier’s shopping portal.
Start your shopping trip by visiting the Alaska Mileage Plan Shopping portal site. Enter your desired merchant’s name into the search box, browse the available merchants and choose one. Click the heart to make the merchant a favorite, and click the “Shop Now” button once you’re ready to visit the merchant’s website and make your purchase.
MILEAGEPLANSHOPPING.COM
Clicking “Shop Now” will open a new tab for your desired merchant. From there, you shop and check out as normal. It’s important to note that if you close out of the tab for any reason, you’ll need to go back and start the entire process again. Otherwise, your miles might not post correctly.
You may also see in-store offers through the Alaska Mileage Plan Shopping portal. Link the offer to the credit card you plan to use in-store for these offers. Then, head to the physical store and use your linked card when checking out.
MILEAGEPLANSHOPPING.COM
Finally, if you don’t want to forget to earn Alaska miles while shopping online, you can install the Mileage Plan Shopping button via a Chrome browser extension. Once you do so, the browser extension will pop up a small window when you’re on a site that participates in the Alaska Mileage Plan Shopping portal. You can click a button to activate the portal to earn rewards through Mileage Plan Shopping on your purchases with that merchant.
Best credit cards to use with online shopping portals
Shopping portals don’t change how your purchase is coded. As such, the charge on your credit card statement will still be from “Adidas” whether or not you use the Alaska Mileage Plan shopping portal. Many online merchants don’t fall into standard credit card bonus categories, so you’ll often want to use one of the best cards for everyday spending.
Some of the best everyday spending cards include cards that earn more than 1% cash back or 1 point per dollar. For example, the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) earns 2% cash back on purchases: 1% when you buy and 1% as you pay. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns at least 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases.
XAVIER LORENZO/GETTY IMAGES
Of course, you’ll want to pay specific attention to merchants that will likely code as a bonus category on one of your cards. If you’re making a purchase you expect might break just outside its warranty, you may want to use a card that offers extended warranty protection — even if it earns fewer rewards than other cards.
If you’ve decided to make an online purchase, you might as well earn more rewards through an online shopping portal. If you need more Alaska miles, the Mileage Plan shopping portal can be a great way to increase your return.
Earning Alaska miles from the Mileage Plan Shopping portal and credit card rewards is already a huge win. Still, it’s sometimes possible to do even better with a credit card merchant offer or another rebate. So, carefully consider how you might be able to maximize your earnings before making your next online purchase.
Before you sign off for the weekend, know that Southwest Airlines is offering 25% off flights across its network for travel through September.
The one catch to keep in mind is that this discount only applies to flights booked with Southwest Rapid Rewards points.
Deal basics
SOUTHWEST.COM
Airline: Southwest Routes: Valid for travel across the Southwest network How to book: Directly with the airline using the promo code “SAVE25NOW” Travel dates: April 15-Sept. 30 Book by: Monday, April 15, at 11:59 p.m. PDT Blackout dates: May 23-24 and 27; July 7, 14, 21 and 28
Fares purchased through this sale are limited based on availability. They apply to nonstop travel when available or a single connecting service. The discount does not apply to $5.60 in taxes and fees each way.
Sample flights
Because Southwest does not generally publish its sale routes, the quickest way to search this deal is by using its Low Fare Calendar to search your desired route with the promo code “SAVE25NOW” added.
SOUTHWEST.COM
For example, you could book a round trip from Chicago’s Midway International Airport (MDW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) in August for 26,160 Rapid Reward points plus the aforementioned $11.20 in taxes and fees. For this particular booking, you could save 8,720 points through this sale.
Sale fares are available for Wanna Get Way and Wanna Get Away Plus fares, which allow travelers to bring two free checked bags and two carry-on items. These fare types are cancelable up to 10 minutes before departure for free. Wanna Get Away fares that are canceled will receive a flight credit in lieu of a refund; they also include free inflight entertainment and messaging.
This sale includes flights across the Southwest network for travel through September. Search your desired routes for possible sale fares up to 30% off.
Maximize your purchase
If you book this deal, use a credit card that earns bonus points on airfare purchases, such as:
American Express® Gold Card: 3 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through amextravel.com
The Platinum Card® from American Express: 5 points per dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)
The information for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Bottom line
This sale is unique in that it only applies to Southwest Rapid Rewards points bookings, which TPG currently values at 1.37 cents apiece. If you have points to use and are planning on taking a trip this spring or summer, this deal is worth considering. As with all deals, compare the value of this deal in points and cash, which you can do using TPG’s calculator.
