A WDW Fan Tackles DLR in California - A DVC TR

[stopher1]

I have also read reports that it takes something like 15 minutes to walk from the DLH to the park. Maybe if you are strolling and taking pictures along the way. If you walk at a normal pace--not really hustling and not meandering--it might be a 5-7 minute walk, if that. I am pretty sure we did it in less than 5. And yes, I walk fast. But I had three kids in tow, so we weren't booking it, by any means. We didn't miss the monorail a bit--other than we love it and it would have been fun to ride it. But we certainly didn't *need* it.

When at the World, we never, stop and "take a break" to go back to our resort for an afternoon swim as so many other people do. We might park hop, but we don't give up half the afternoon to do that because it just takes so long to a) exit the parks, b) wait for your bus, boat or monorail, c) exit your transportation and walk way back to your room & change, etc, etc, d) repeat to go back to the parks. At Disneyland - sure, we do. We've stayed in all 3 of the DL hotels, and all are just a short walk as you've said. We were at the DLH in July '08, and yeah, we actually did take a couple of different afternoon swim breaks. Easy, easy, easy.

I'm so glad you all enjoyed your trip. Your report was awesome, and loved the pics too.

 

[nunzia]

When at the World, we never, stop and "take a break" to go back to our resort for an afternoon swim as so many other people do. We might park hop, but we don't give up half the afternoon to do that because it just takes so long to a) exit the parks, b) wait for your bus, boat or monorail, c) exit your transportation and walk way back to your room & change, etc, etc, d) repeat to go back to the parks. At Disneyland - sure, we do. We've stayed in all 3 of the DL hotels, and all are just a short walk as you've said. We were at the DLH in July '08, and yeah, we actually did take a couple of different afternoon swim breaks. Easy, easy, easy.

I'm so glad you all enjoyed your trip. Your report was awesome, and loved the pics too.

ack....will I ever get the courage up to return to WDW?

 

[curiouslittleoyster]

I looooved reading your trip report and seeing all your great piccies! Sounds like you had an awesome time in DL! Thanks for sharing!

 

[lisaviolet]

Love your review and pictures.... Can't wait for more.

Isn't it great! And this is my second time reading it - I was blessed with a sneak preview (got it live!) - and I'm still LOVING IT.

Love your happy family pictures

Yep, potentially the best part of her TRs.

What a great TR!
.

AND it was great to see a DL lover get candy after candy after candy. I bet this TR ruled for you.

The very first time my DW and I stayed at the GCH we had a DTD view room. We were practically above the DTD entrance way, just a few doors down. It was so cool to be able to sit on the balcony and watch all the excitement going on downstairs -

Heaven Those rooms seem like heaven.

Day 4


Hearing that we had even been this minorly inconvenienced was all it took—next thing I knew, our bar tab for the afternoon had been taken care of! Again, Disney’s way of trying to make up for the miscommunication and the hassle of having to move.

This again spurred my husband to start the conversation about adding on more points!






I mean, check out this view!!! Yes, this is the view from our room! Holy crap! (Note: Slight zoom was used in the first picture, but no zoom in the next ones.)

Evening was also downtime. Just a light dinner in the villa followed by a stroll through DTD. And we were so in love with our view, that we were happy to just sit on the balcony and watch the park go to sleep.

]

HELLO!

Bar tab paid - two bedroom for a one bedroom - husband suggests add-on. OMG.

What a freakin' fabulous day, eh?

And the view - to die for. Holy cow. Why am I reading this AGAIN? k

Envy is attacking me.

OMG, I had no idea this even existed! If I am interpreting this correctly, I could go on a power walk through CA before it is open to the public? Get my exercise in AND have a private tour of the park?!?! I am DYING that I didn't know this before!

I SO waited for this reply.

Oh, and I must have edited out the perfect TR line. Something about how most love ADRs and such but you simply adore hanging out and that's why you bought DVC.

Yes, yes and let me see.....YES!

Loving it Erika.

 

[bellazachmom]

I have just finished your TR and have to say that I enjoyed it immensley!!

I haven't been to DL since HS and can't wait to go again.

We are also a family of 5, but our kiddos are a bit younger at 6, 4 and 2. Hubby is a golfer, which is how I get him to DW once a year!

Might look into DL sooner the later thanks to your wonderful report and pictures.

Thanks again!

 

[princessbride6205]

I just finished your trip report - LOVED IT! DH and I totally love DL - we went there together twice before we ever did a trip to WDW (I had been to WDW many times as a child). Grand Californian is my absolute favorite Disney resort on either coast. However, we more often vacation at WDW now, so I don't know. We've been looking at an AKV add-on, but since VGC is nearing its final selling phase and your amazing TR, I'm ready to add on at VGC!

I'm glad you guys had such an amazing DL trip!

 

[3DisneyKids]

When at the World, we never, stop and "take a break" to go back to our resort for an afternoon swim as so many other people do. We might park hop, but we don't give up half the afternoon to do that because it just takes so long to a) exit the parks, b) wait for your bus, boat or monorail, c) exit your transportation and walk way back to your room & change, etc, etc, d) repeat to go back to the parks. At Disneyland - sure, we do. We've stayed in all 3 of the DL hotels, and all are just a short walk as you've said. We were at the DLH in July '08, and yeah, we actually did take a couple of different afternoon swim breaks. Easy, easy, easy.

I'm so glad you all enjoyed your trip. Your report was awesome, and loved the pics too.

Thanks, Christoper! And yes, going back to the room and taking a break in the middle of the day (when at World) is just SUCH a hassle. We don't do it. Instead, we get to a park at rope drop and then leave by 3-ish (at the latest) so that we can still have some pool time. It isn't a Disney Day without cocktails poolside!

I looooved reading your trip report and seeing all your great piccies! Sounds like you had an awesome time in DL! Thanks for sharing!

We DID have an awesome time! Thanks for reading along. I still have two more days to post--San Diego Zoo and Sea World.

Isn't it great! And this is my second time reading it - I was blessed with a sneak preview (got it live!) - and I'm still LOVING IT.

My children have all but adopted Lisa. Every now and then they get a package from the Great White North--or a post card when she is down in WDW. Oh, how they adore Lisa! And now every time a package arrives, the first question is..."Is it from Lisa?!?" Or "Look at the address, is it from Canadia??" (Because my littlest calls Canada "Canadia.")

I have just finished your TR and have to say that I enjoyed it immensley!!

I haven't been to DL since HS and can't wait to go again.

We are also a family of 5, but our kiddos are a bit younger at 6, 4 and 2. Hubby is a golfer, which is how I get him to DW once a year!

Might look into DL sooner the later thanks to your wonderful report and pictures.

Thanks again!

Thank YOU for your kind words. And you know, with younger kids, I would think that DL would be ever better than WDW. So much easier to go back and rest when needed. And no humidity!

I just finished your trip report - LOVED IT! DH and I totally love DL - we went there together twice before we ever did a trip to WDW (I had been to WDW many times as a child). Grand Californian is my absolute favorite Disney resort on either coast. However, we more often vacation at WDW now, so I don't know. We've been looking at an AKV add-on, but since VGC is nearing its final selling phase and your amazing TR, I'm ready to add on at VGC!

I'm glad you guys had such an amazing DL trip!

I am STILL struggling. We just added on at BLT--expecting that big ol' Fed Ex box to arrive tomorrow. And I still think I might switch to VGC. It truly is where my heart is.

Not sure if anyone is interested, but I have written up the last two days of our trip (San Diego Zoo and Sea World), so I will post them. True, the DL portion is over, but it is still SoCal, and I think a lot of East Coasters who head out to DL also do other parts of SoCal. So stayed tuned.

 

[3DisneyKids]

Day 5 – Part 2

Driving down to San Diego was easy peasy. Based on everything I read, I expected it to be horrible with the traffic. Nope. We zipped right down. We actually stayed in Carlsbad. I wanted to be close to SD without necessarily being right there—I wanted to be ON the beach and that didn’t really seem doable as we wanted a timeshare style place. (Again, DVC spoils you!)

I booked us in a Hilton Vacation Club property. I did NOT use points or trade in through RCI or anything. Booked on cash. $125 per night for a 2 bedroom! I thought this was a great deal! Full kitchen, big Jacuzzi tub in the master bath, but no washer/dryer in the room (but onsite). They also boasted 3 pools—an adult pool, a family pool, and a kiddie pool with splash area. Based on the price, description, and location (ON the beach), we thought it would be perfect. It also had a game room/community center/activities and things like that. There was even a working gas fireplace in the unit! Plus it was a Hilton, so I felt good about it.

And then we arrived.

WOW, all I can say is that DVC really does spoil us! Yes, this definitely had all of the space and amenities that it stated. But we were completely underwhelmed. It was clean, so that was good. And I have to say that the staff was VERY friendly. But it was…well….basic, I guess you would say. My husband called it “utilitarian” and I think that is a good word, too. Very institutional, if that makes sense. I wish I had taken pictures, but it was so bland and unimpressive that I didn’t even consider it. I can’t really point to anything particularly negative—other than it was just BLAH.

At some point I am going to see if this is a resort that we COULD trade into. Because if this place would cost 220 points for a week (which I think is the going rate for a 2-BR trade), then OMG, totally not worth it. But honestly, I don’t know that I have the “right” to be disappointed in the accommodations considering the price point.

For those who have stayed at other timeshare resorts—is this the norm? I mean, are Disney resorts just that much better than the rest? Or does Hilton Vacation Club have different levels of “quality” and we ended up with Value as opposed to Deluxe?

The bonus, though, of this place is the view. We were right ON the Pacific, and that is worth a lot.

We were beat from being in the parks and driving down, so we found a great Italian place and had an awesome meal. SO good with LOTS of Chianti!

Next up—San Diego Zoo!

 

[3DisneyKids]

DAY 6

Today we slept in a bit—both went for a run—and then loaded into the car to head to the zoo. It was so nice that it didn’t open till 10—the extra time in the morning was awesome. Weather was only so-so. Mid-60s and overcast. But at least I was able to go for a comfortable run—and I went straight to the beach. Got a nice, long, uninterrupted run in…ending with these babies!

Jeff and I were both skeptical as we had heard so much hype about the San Diego Zoo…and we just couldn’t believe that any zoo could be that exciting. I am happy to say that we were wrong! We really loved it.

So beautifully done. There were some exhibits that were a bit too “zoo-like” (cages, etc.) for our tastes, but most habitats were really well done. And lots of lush, tropical, exotic plantings.

There were definitely some things that Animal Kingdom does much better, like the huge savannahs. But this has just so much to see. I won’t go through everything step by step, but here are some pics of the day:

I would definitely recommend the Zoo to anyone visiting the area. It is worth it. The cost is reasonable. They offer a AAA discount. And for the kids, we had purchased the Southern California pass, which includes 3 days of DL hoppers, SD Zoo (or SD Wildlife Park—one or the other), Universal Hollywoord, and Sea World. We didn’t even use the Universal Day and it still saved us money. And while we didn’t eat a lot there, the CS meals looked GOOD. Lots of choices (lots of healthy choices, too, in addition to the standard theme park fare) at reasonable prices.

We spent about 4-5 hours there and then walked through famous Balboa Park (kind of like NYC’s Central Park) and then we went to the Gas Lamp District in downtown San Diego. This section of the city is all restaurants and clubs and shops—all right on the bay. Very touristy and quaint. One thing that we both really wanted from this part of the trip was GREAT Mexican food. And we definitely found that.

We ended the day with a swim in the pool and a movie. SO nice. Just a really good family day.

Next up--our last day--Sea World!

 

[3DisneyKids]

DAY 7

Today’s plan was Sea World. Again, they didn’t open till 10 which was perfect for us. Got there and the place was EMPTY. I mean no one. We heard one employee say that there were less than a thousand people in the park! Can you imagine?!!?

I hadn’t been to Sea World in decades and the kids and Jeff had never been. We first saw some friendly folks…

We headed straight to the ray area. The girls and I were all about the touch tank. Riley and Jeff…not so much. They wouldn’t touch a single thing all day! It was hilarious!

I cannot express how empty the park was. Seriously, there were times when we had entire sections to ourselves. And the kids kept asking, “Are we allowed to be here? Is this section closed?” Because it was just so desolate! This is the queue for one of the thrill rides there…a simulator (similar to Star Tours, different theme).

There were a couple of other water rides that they considered “thrill rides”, but we weren’t interested in getting wet, so we passed. There were also all of the Sesame Street rides, but the kids turned their noses up! Too funny! We certainly could have had that whole area to ourselves had we chosen. We didn’t see any of the SS characters out and about, though. Maybe because it was so empty? Even though the kids are beyond the Sesame Street years, I am willing to be they would have wanted their pictures taken with that crew. Heck, even *I* would want a picture with Big Bird!

We saw and did EVERYTHING, though often it was hard to get pics. There were a couple of highlights from the day. The Shamu show, of course. No surprise there. Stadium had so few people in it!

We loved the penguins, beluga, sea lion, sea otter, and shark exhibits. These were all indoor pavilions with glass partitions, so it was pretty tough to get good photos.

The other big highlight of the day was the dolphin area, of course. (For those who don’t know, I used to work with dolphins in the Keys when in graduate school and so I have serious issues with these animals in captivity. Which is why it has been forever since going to a place like Sea World.) Of course, the girls and I got up close and personal while the guys….again, not so much.

Since we had the park to ourselves, we had done everything—and spent as much time as we wanted to with everything—in about 4 hours. Seriously! So we decided to head out and hit the Cheesecake Factory for dinner, which is right down the road from SW. It was Jeff’s birthday and that was his choice. YUM. We all love it there. Certainly not a special “California restaurant,” but it was what the birthday boy wanted.

For those that are interested in Sea World but never seem to get around to it when visiting WDW, I highly recommend doing it as part of your SoCal trip, assuming you are there off-peak an on a week-day (we were there on a Monday). As I said, the kids’ tickets were already covered, and I purchased the adult tickets with a AAA discount. Um, can you say cheap?! $45! I still think maybe she made a mistake. The posted price was $69, and I thought we got a 10% discount with AAA. But we got about 25% off! Yowza!

Anyway, even though the FL park as Manta (which looks really cool, I must say)—we had NO crowds and NO smokin’ hot temps. And again, it was cheap! Maybe if you do the FL one in January you might have this experience? Not sure.

After rolling out of Cheesecake Factory, it was back to the resort for some quality pool time, of course. And also time to pack for our early departures the next day. SAD!

Overall, it was an outstanding vacation and one I would recommend to any Disney family whole-heartedly! We definitely learned a lot and would do things differently next time. Most importantly, we wouldn’t split the week (half in Anaheim and half in SD). Instead, we would stay the whole time at VGC and then spend our days at DL and other area attractions. Maybe Universal Hollywood. And certainly do the LA area—the beaches, Hollywood, Rodeo Drive shopping, etc.

It is impossible for me to see which is “better” – DLR or WDW. They really are different animals. Both are wonderful in their own way. But without a doubt, part of my heart belongs to DLR.

Thanks for coming along!

 

[kikiq]

What a great trip report. First looking at Disneyland and VGC through a newbie's eyes, loved it. Then you headed to our family's old stomping grounds. Loved hearing about the zoo and Sea World. (Next time go out to the Wild Animal Park) You all come back to So Cal soon!!!

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

It is a power walk just short of some people's jog. I thought I powered walked but the CM and my DH strides were so long that I was jogging. Looking at last week's schedule, it was scheduled at 7:30 am on Wed (May 26), Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Mon. On Sun and Tues (Jun1), pilates at 8 am.

"Meet one our Guest Activities coordinators and participate in a very brisk Power Walk. Walk while enjoying the sights and sounds of Disney's California Adventure Park before it comes to life. The walk will begin promptly at the time listed. Appropriate aerobic workout attire is recommended (15 minute mile pace) Minimum age to to participate is 14 years. There is no fee for this activity. Please contact Guest Services to sign up, space is limited."

We've done it twice. Both times ended up being the only 2 people walking. It was like a private tour. It was the same CM both times (different stays) and he shared a lot of interesting details about the park. Didn't do it this time, wanted to sleep in

I just did this Power Walk on Friday and Saturday. It was amazing!!!!!!! Yes- near to a jog- so a nice workout. Friday it was 3 of us (myself,my friend, and another guest) but Saturday it was just my friend and I with the guide. Our guide, Dave, was fantastic. He gave us so much information and dug that I was a Disney geek. We saw the famous Disney park cats, and got to find out all about them and how Disney cares for them. We also saw the Vice President of DLR out in the park, looking over all the construction. She said hello

I still can't believe the Power Walk is free. What a fantastic perk. People pay big bucks for personal tours!

The TR was great!! You had great pictures. I agree, VGC is the best. resort. ever. I just got back from a weekend there and our experience was much like yours. It is stunning to be so close to the parks, pool time, etc. Plus the resort is beyond words!! And we have stayed in some very, very nice hotels as well. SO glad we added on there!! It is a huge part of my heart, now I think it will be very difficult to get into at 7 months so OP, take that into consideration.

 

[nunzia]

Thank you for such a great report! We are going to Sea World next week..hope the crowds are way down when we go also. My DGS (7) is completely in love with dolphins and wants to be a marine biologist (right now anyway) so it should be exciting. We haven't been in many years. The new show looks fabulous and the usual things are fun too. DGS and my daughter are doing a Dolphin Encounter thing (not in the water..he is too young) and all of us are doing a backstage thing. We're also hitting Legoland for a day and none of us have ever been. Thanks for including Sea World in your report

 

[RadioFanatic]

where did you get the kids' so cal tix? and do they have an adult version? We're planning a california trip next year and that might be a good option.

 

[stopher1]

Wow - three updates since looking last night!

I love that you were able to score a place right on the Pacific. That's so cool. My FIL owns a condo on a bluff literally overlooking the Pacific (open the living room and dining room blinds and bingo - there it is!) in San Clemente not all that far from Carlsbad, really. We love when we stay there each time we head west. Can't wait to be there again in December. Before moving to the midwest it was a great weekender location! Those stairs you showed sure remind me of where he's located. The public access down to the beach from his place has 102 steps. Very steep. They're lots of, um, fun - yeah, that's it, fun.

I haven't been to the San Diego Zoo in at least a dozen years, but I do remember it's awesome. There's certainly a reason they call it the "World Famous San Diego Zoo"! Do they still have the skyway type ride where you can go over some of the habitats (and hills?)

DAY 7

Today’s plan was Sea World. Again, they didn’t open till 10 which was perfect for us. Got there and the place was EMPTY. I mean no one. We heard one employee say that there were less than a thousand people in the park! Can you imagine?!!?

I hadn’t been to Sea World in decades and the kids and Jeff had never been.

We headed straight to the ray area. The girls and I were all about the touch tank. Riley and Jeff…not so much. They wouldn’t touch a single thing all day! It was hilarious!

Oh man Erika! That's so cool. We took our kids on a Sea World excursion in FL last fall for the first time in all the years we've been going to FL. The rays were our favorite part there too - that and riding Manta! Touching anything and everything we could at the beginning of the day and the end of the day.

For those that are interested in Sea World but never seem to get around to it when visiting WDW, I highly recommend doing it as part of your SoCal trip, assuming you are there off-peak an on a week-day (we were there on a Monday). As I said, the kids’ tickets were already covered, and I purchased the adult tickets with a AAA discount. Um, can you say cheap?! $45! I still think maybe she made a mistake. The posted price was $69, and I thought we got a 10% discount with AAA. But we got about 25% off! Yowza!

Sweet!

Anyway, even though the FL park as Manta (which looks really cool, I must say)—we had NO crowds and NO smokin’ hot temps. And again, it was cheap! Maybe if you do the FL one in January you might have this experience? Not sure.

Any time of year you go you won't have quite the smokin' hot temps as you get in FL in the summertime, especially being in San Diego vs. the more inland areas of the LA Basin. I do recall being at SW in years past and it was hot - but the humidity factor is nowhere the same as in Orlando, so it's a very different kind of feel. My best memory from Sea World though, is when I was a Sr. in HS - our school gave all of the seniors the final week of school off as a Senior Skip (no finals - we got to skip them). Anyway, our Sr. Skip was to San Diego. We stayed at the then called Pacific Princess Resort (think the Love Boat - it was the same company as the ships used on that show) there on Mission Bay pretty much across the street from Sea World. We went to the park two days, the zoo another and enjoyed San Diego the other day. It was pretty cool.

Overall, it was an outstanding vacation and one I would recommend to any Disney family whole-heartedly! We definitely learned a lot and would do things differently next time. Most importantly, we wouldn’t split the week (half in Anaheim and half in SD). Instead, we would stay the whole time at VGC and then spend our days at DL and other area attractions. Maybe Universal Hollywood. And certainly do the LA area—the beaches, Hollywood, Rodeo Drive shopping, etc.

It is impossible for me to see which is “better” – DLR or WDW. They really are different animals. Both are wonderful in their own way. But without a doubt, part of my heart belongs to DLR.

Thanks for coming along!

Oh Erika - you hit the nail on the head! What you said is so true. Both are "better" in some ways, and then neither one is. They are both wonderful and need to be experienced for what they are and truly not be compared. WDW is a fabulous destination, there's no doubt about that - but it would never have even existed without Disneyland. Walt and his team learned alot from that fun little proving ground on those former orange groves. And 55 years later - it still is a magical little kingdom. I absolutely cannot wait to be out there again in November & then again in December - but I also can't wait to be at WDW tomorrow too!

I really enjoyed your report.

 

[lisaviolet]

from the Great White North
!

]Don't make me say it Erika! Don't make me say it! Don't make me say that Toronto is further south than Maine (and many other US states) . Yes, I'm quite aware that I'm annoying.

I am STILL struggling. We just added on at BLT--expecting that big ol' Fed Ex box to arrive tomorrow. And I still think I might switch to VGC. It truly is where my heart is.

I can imagine that you are. I AM too - reading this TR again. I know not much help but I understand.

DAY 6

!

Gorgeous, gorgeous pictures.

DAY 7




For those that are interested in Sea World but never seem to get around to it when visiting WDW, I highly recommend doing it as part of your SoCal trip, assuming you are there off-peak an on a week-day (we were there on a Monday). As I said, the kids’ tickets were already covered, and I purchased the adult tickets with a AAA discount. Um, can you say cheap?! $45! I still think maybe she made a mistake. The posted price was $69, and I thought we got a 10% discount with AAA. But we got about 25% off! Yowza!




It is impossible for me to see which is “better” – DLR or WDW. They really are different animals. Both are wonderful in their own way. But without a doubt, part of my heart belongs to DLR.

Thanks for coming along!

Sweet on the discount.

As for the last part. SO TRUE. Perfectly said. I've only been there twice and not since the 90s but it was so quaint. Almost indescribable in some ways. To say that the DL part is JUST the MK doesn't really cut it. It's beautiful.

It is stunning to be so close to the parks, pool time, etc. Plus the resort is beyond words!! And we have stayed in some very, very nice hotels as well. SO glad we added on there!! It is a huge part of my heart, now I think it will be very difficult to get into at 7 months so OP, take that into consideration.

Lovely.

I so want to go.

 

[lisaviolet]

DAY 6

ADORE these two pictures.

 

[stopher1]

I am STILL struggling. We just added on at BLT--expecting that big ol' Fed Ex box to arrive tomorrow. And I still think I might switch to VGC. It truly is where my heart is.

Oh Erika - I know you struggled with this decision, but as I tried to encourage you in your other thread - I personally think VGC is the better choice. Sure you go to FL more often, but just think of VGC and DL. And reading through your various comments in this report, especially
a) about your DH's reactions (he was the one saying he wanted to add more points while you were on site)
b) all of the various praises you've given to the exclusive gate into DCA (just remember that 30 sec walk to Soarin' and that exclusive Power Walking tour before park hours)
c) the walking distance to everything on-site, and the quick access to DTD from the Grand
d) the fact that Southwest does give some great airfare prices from NH to LAX from time to time - even better than FL for your March trip, if I'm remembering correctly - so you COULD in theory be out there every couple of years or so if you really wanted to (ps. I love SWA, fly them almost exclusively, and MHT. What a great little airport! I love flying in to it when I'm up in your neck of the woods on business.)
e) the ease of the transport from LAX to DL
f) as you mentioned at the end of your posts about your San Diego days - there are still so many other wonderful things in So Cal to see and do - and using VGC as a homebase is a great option
g) at the 7 month mark points are points, and you can always use your VGC points at WDW...but
h) remember that it IS the absolutely smallest DVC resort, and as WOC opens and ramps up, and the rest of the improvements to DCA come on line over the next 3 years... that 11 month priority window will be very important, if not critical to actually being able to stay at VGC. You very well might be shut out at the 7 month mark trying to get VGC. No one knows for sure yet, but it is entirely likely. What is that so many others on these boards say... buy where you want to stay? I know you want to stay at WDW - but I can't even count how many times in this report you praised VGC and said you'd love to be back.... it sure seems to me like you, and your family, definitely want to stay at VGC.

I'm sure there's more - and having lots of points is great...heck that's why we have 3 different resorts in our portfolio (would love to add VWL into ours as well to make it 4), but right now our next add-on, probably this weekend in fact, will be more points at VGC (which would be our 2nd add-on at that resort alone). We're only out there as a family once a year now but staying at VGC will definitely be on our to-do list each time, even if just 2 or 3 nights. And having those points also makes it nice for me to tack on a night or two for a studio when I'm out there on business.

That's just my little plug for VGC. There will always be resale options, but with the resort now officially having entered the sellout phase - I would encourage you to change your mind and switch from BLT to VGC. Ultimately of course it's up to you and your DH...but that would be what I would do in a heartbeat if it were my call to make.

 

[TyRy]

Thanks for such a great report on DL (San Diego too). I think we'll be headed next May to DL for my first trip and my DH's first trip in about twenty years.

The DL Hotel looked amazing and I think we'll be staying there (since we are in perpetual borrowment with out points for our WDW trips ). Though I would love to get him to upgrade. Can I ask how you got your discount code? Same way people usually get them for WDW?

It was great that your DH wanted to stay longer...mine did the same thing once at WDW and we had no luck with anything being open at a Value or Moderate (we were in college and didn't have DVC/couldn't afford deluxe). I don't think that has happened since though

Ty

 

[lisaviolet]

Oh Erika - I know you struggled with this decision, but as I tried to encourage you in your other thread - I personally think VGC is the better choice. Sure you go to FL more often, but just think of VGC and DL. And reading through your various comments in this report, especially
a) about your DH's reactions (he was the one saying he wanted to add more points while you were on site)
b) all of the various praises you've given to the exclusive gate into DCA (just remember that 30 sec walk to Soarin' and that exclusive Power Walking tour before park hours)
c) the walking distance to everything on-site, and the quick access to DTD from the Grand
d) the fact that Southwest does give some great airfare prices from NH to LAX from time to time - even better than FL for your March trip, if I'm remembering correctly - so you COULD in theory be out there every couple of years or so if you really wanted to (ps. I love SWA, fly them almost exclusively, and MHT. What a great little airport! I love flying in to it when I'm up in your neck of the woods on business.)
e) the ease of the transport from LAX to DL
f) as you mentioned at the end of your posts about your San Diego days - there are still so many other wonderful things in So Cal to see and do - and using VGC as a homebase is a great option
g) at the 7 month mark points are points, and you can always use your VGC points at WDW...but
h) remember that it IS the absolutely smallest DVC resort, and as WOC opens and ramps up, and the rest of the improvements to DCA come on line over the next 3 years... that 11 month priority window will be very important, if not critical to actually being able to stay at VGC. You very well might be shut out at the 7 month mark trying to get VGC. No one knows for sure yet, but it is entirely likely. What is that so many others on these boards say... buy where you want to stay? I know you want to stay at WDW - but I can't even count how many times in this report you praised VGC and said you'd love to be back.... it sure seems to me like you, and your family, definitely want to stay at VGC.

I'm sure there's more - and having lots of points is great...heck that's why we have 3 different resorts in our portfolio (would love to add VWL into ours as well to make it 4), but right now our next add-on, probably this weekend in fact, will be more points at VGC (which would be our 2nd add-on at that resort alone). We're only out there as a family once a year now but staying at VGC will definitely be on our to-do list each time, even if just 2 or 3 nights. And having those points also makes it nice for me to tack on a night or two for a studio when I'm out there on business.

That's just my little plug for VGC. There will always be resale options, but with the resort now officially having entered the sellout phase - I would encourage you to change your mind and switch from BLT to VGC. Ultimately of course it's up to you and your DH...but that would be what I would do in a heartbeat if it were my call to make.

Too funny Christopher. I got off here this morning and went straight over to our WISH thread and tried to convince her to reconsider as well. She is getting lovingly bombarded with VGC love.

Your A was my strongest point. Look - VGC has the power to sway minds. And she ADORES it.

Erika, reading this TR again - well - hmmmm - ummmm - sighing.

Your poor head. But your heart is there Erika. It's obvious.