Other than the hotel point transfers ,how do you plan to get the miles on DL or United? If flying UA (or *A partner) you might want to look into the UA visa.
I think the going deal is 15K for $60. On the DL front...I think that there is no annual fee this year on the DL AMEX Gold card, which would net you 10K.
I hope you write a trip report so we can all share in your trip


Edited for spelling and stuff

[This message has been edited by El Boocho (edited 01-21-2003).]