disney grand california sale start 1-25-09 for founding members

[SanDeeKath]

Hi

I am not sure why there is confusion. Every time I call, I am told there is a 100 point minimum. My friends with different guides are told the same thing. Someone must have been told wrong or heard wrong or misunderstood. If ANYONE has managed to buy one contract for less than 100, it would be GREAT if they posted here so we actually have a concrete example!

As for GCV value, the 1BR suites at GC hotel rent for $1065 a night!! So to have points to use (even if you have to save up and bank and borrow) is a fantastic opportunity. I don't think people realize that GCV is the NICEST of any Disney hotel that I have stayed in, including WDW hotels. The service is incredible, the rooms are gorgeous, the spa is fantastic, the location is within 20 steps of CA Adventure, DL and Downtown Disney. I would be hard pressed to find a nicer resort/timeshare anywhere. Perhaps Hawaii if that ever happens, but even there the timeshare is some 15 stories and looks enormous (and would be a disaster to navigate in high season I would think).

I am personally THRILLED to have my 400+ points at GCV. I am even using my bonus points for GCH this Spring just so we can go there and enjoy the fabulous benefits before the Villas open.

Katherine

 

[Grumpygrandpa]

Here's my million dollar (or point - heh) question: Do you think points will be available later on? I would be thrilled if that happens so I can save up to buy more points someday.

I am counting on being able to buy my next GCV points on the resale market. It may be a while, but eventually there will be some.

 

[lisah0711]

I am counting on being able to buy my next GCV points on the resale market. It may be a while, but eventually there will be some.

Yep, they will be there. I heard that there was even a BLT resale out there already and they haven't even been able to stay at their home resort yet! The AKV resales seemed to start right after the resort opened. I'm one of those who thinks there will even be points going to the public after the Founder's window because I just don't think that this economy will support a million plus points selling in 60 days.

 

[tidefan]

Hi

I am not sure why there is confusion. Every time I call, I am told there is a 100 point minimum. My friends with different guides are told the same thing. Someone must have been told wrong or heard wrong or misunderstood. If ANYONE has managed to buy one contract for less than 100, it would be GREAT if they posted here so we actually have a concrete example!


Katherine

One thought. I am not a founding member. My points were bought at WDW and then on DCL (add-on) for SSR. Could it be that the 100 pt minimum is only during the founding member program? I don't know why this would be, but my guide sure seemed to indicate that I could buy less than 40 when I talked to her yesterday. In fact, since we are going to be at WDW in mid-March, we even discussed getting paperwork started while I was there so it could process on the first day it was available to non-founding DVC members, which she told me was on March 26.

One other thing is that everyone seems to think that points are going on sale to DVC members and the public at the same time, but I don't necessarily think that is the case. Reason being is that I seem to remember that Founding Members would have a 90 day period over general sales and then I have seen that they have a 60 day exclusive purchase period. My math seems to think that non-Founding DVC members will have 30 days after March 26 and that public sales would then be sometime in April.

Am I off?

 

[cseca]

One thought. I am not a founding member. My points were bought at WDW and then on DCL (add-on) for SSR. Could it be that the 100 pt minimum is only during the founding member program? I don't know why this would be, but my guide sure seemed to indicate that I could buy less than 40 when I talked to her yesterday. In fact, since we are going to be at WDW in mid-March, we even discussed getting paperwork started while I was there so it could process on the first day it was available to non-founding DVC members, which she told me was on March 26.

I am crossing my fingers that you are right

One other thing is that everyone seems to think that points are going on sale to DVC members and the public at the same time, but I don't necessarily think that is the case. Reason being is that I seem to remember that Founding Members would have a 90 day period over general sales and then I have seen that they have a 60 day exclusive purchase period. My math seems to think that non-Founding DVC members will have 30 days after March 26 and that public sales would then be sometime in April.

Am I off?

And I remember it too!!! I was wondering about that also.

 

[funatdisney]

Hi

As for GCV value, the 1BR suites at GC hotel rent for $1065 a night!! So to have points to use (even if you have to save up and bank and borrow) is a fantastic opportunity. I don't think people realize that GCV is the NICEST of any Disney hotel that I have stayed in, including WDW hotels. The service is incredible, the rooms are gorgeous, the spa is fantastic, the location is within 20 steps of CA Adventure, DL and Downtown Disney. I would be hard pressed to find a nicer resort/timeshare anywhere. Perhaps Hawaii if that ever happens, but even there the timeshare is some 15 stories and looks enormous (and would be a disaster to navigate in high season I would think).

I am personally THRILLED to have my 400+ points at GCV. I am even using my bonus points for GCH this Spring just so we can go there and enjoy the fabulous benefits before the Villas open.

Katherine

I am right with you SanDeeKath. IMHO, there is no better value. I have stayed at the Grand at least once a year (sometimes twice a year). It is the nicest Hotel we have ever stayed at. Every hotel we have experienced is always compared to the GCH, and the Grand is the top of our list. We will be going there for Mother's Day this year (used SSR points) and look forward to going every Oct. My kids have the third week of Oct off from school so that fits in perfectly with our GCV purchase. The models are fantastic and I can't wait to bake my famous brownies in a GCV unit. My guide is going to love me!

 

[Grumpygrandpa]

Has anyone noticed that the member website still does not have a GCV point chart. Are they still tweaking it? Did those of you who have signed papers already get one with your paperwork? Mine should be here by Friday. I wonder why there is no info on the member website regarding the beginning of sales in CA. Has that happened in the past? Seems strange to me. You would think that they would be using the website for marketing.

 

[bethy]

Has anyone noticed that the member website still does not have a GCV point chart. Are they still tweaking it? Did those of you who have signed papers already get one with your paperwork? Mine should be here by Friday. I wonder why there is no info on the member website regarding the beginning of sales in CA. Has that happened in the past? Seems strange to me. You would think that they would be using the website for marketing.

I personally will not sign until I have an actual official point chart in my hands. Of course as we all know it could change in the future . . . I'm figuring one will come with my paperwork.

I did get an email yesterday promoting the resort. I'm guessing DVC has list a mile long of stuff they need to do.

I think the VGC is a great value, too and if I'm not careful can get easily get caught up in wishing I could buy even a few more points. I'm trying so hard to resist though because that feeling will never end. I'd buy 500 if I could! I am just grateful to be an owner at all. The amount of points we have isn't perfect but it will suffice for our typical travel needs. We also keep reminding ourselves that there are many other places to stay at DLR, lol! It's not like if we run out of VGC points in a given year that we can't go to DLR lol! We've only recently even upgraded to the GCH let alone VGC!

I do disagree however on the GCH being the nicest hotel ever. For me the only reason it's so nice is b/c of location. I've been blessed to stay in much, much nicer hotels. And unfortunatley for me the theme is not my absolute favorite. I live in the Northwest and so the woodsy, craftsman style is only OK for me. (For example, I plan to never ever stay at VWL in WDW.) I'm buying for location and because it's the nicest option so close to the park and keeps us inside the magic. Also the service is stellar. I wish they had a Disney character in the Lobby sometimes and better characters at Storytellers in the morning. Ah well!

I do have high hopes that because the resort is so small and is so integrated into the existing hotel that it will be well-maintained and the service will stay top notch.

 

[toocherie]

I did get an email yesterday promoting the resort. I'm guessing DVC has list a mile long of stuff they need to do.

I think the VGC is a great value, too and if I'm not careful can get easily get caught up in wishing I could buy even a few more points. I'm trying so hard to resist though because that feeling will never end. I'd buy 500 if I could! I am just grateful to be an owner at all. The amount of points we have isn't perfect but it will suffice for our typical travel needs. We also keep reminding ourselves that there are many other places to stay at DLR, lol! It's not like if we run out of VGC points in a given year that we can't go to DLR lol! We've only recently even upgraded to the GCH let alone VGC!

I do disagree however on the GCH being the nicest hotel ever. For me the only reason it's so nice is b/c of location. I've been blessed to stay in much, much nicer hotels. And unfortunatley for me the theme is not my absolute favorite. I live in the Northwest and so the woodsy, craftsman style is only OK for me. (For example, I plan to never ever stay at VWL in WDW.) I'm buying for location and because it's the nicest option so close to the park and keeps us inside the magic. Also the service is stellar. I wish they had a Disney character in the Lobby sometimes and better characters at Storytellers in the morning. Ah well!

I do have high hopes that because the resort is so small and is so integrated into the existing hotel that it will be well-maintained and the service will stay top notch.

I also got the email yesterday.

Off-topic (and maybe you could PM me) could you share with me the hotels you think are "better"? I'm truly interested--I haven't traveled much lately so would like to know where to set my sights! And for me--I LOVE the Craftsman theme of the hotel. In fact, the first time I stayed at the GCH there was in-room magazine on that style that included a kitchen I would love to have (and yes, I kept the magazine!) It's kinda funny because I really didn't like that type of decor until I stayed at the GCH and now I would love to have my house done in that style overall (instead of the hodgepodge I have now!)

Cheryl

 

[nunzia]

I also got the email yesterday.

Off-topic (and maybe you could PM me) could you share with me the hotels you think are "better"? I'm truly interested--I haven't traveled much lately so would like to know where to set my sights! And for me--I LOVE the Craftsman theme of the hotel. In fact, the first time I stayed at the GCH there was in-room magazine on that style that included a kitchen I would love to have (and yes, I kept the magazine!) It's kinda funny because I really didn't like that type of decor until I stayed at the GCH and now I would love to have my house done in that style overall (instead of the hodgepodge I have now!)

Cheryl

I love that style too! Of course I live in the southwest so am sick to death of that...We normally don't stay in 'nice' hotels..the one ABD put us up in Hollywood is supposed to be pretty highbrow but I liked the Grand better..I used to work at MGM Grand in LV and have seen most of the strip hotel rooms, and stayed at the Beach Club in WDW and a nice downtown hotel in DC. We also had the presidential suite at an Iberostar...except for the deck with the jacuzzi, the Grand even beat that. So yes, it is my favorite by far. I just hope points are left for lowly me and I wish it would happen already because I am driving myself nuts trying to configure all the possible ways I would like to use points and talking myself out of buying more than originally planned...

 

[bethy]

I also got the email yesterday.

Off-topic (and maybe you could PM me) could you share with me the hotels you think are "better"? I'm truly interested--I haven't traveled much lately so would like to know where to set my sights! And for me--I LOVE the Craftsman theme of the hotel. In fact, the first time I stayed at the GCH there was in-room magazine on that style that included a kitchen I would love to have (and yes, I kept the magazine!) It's kinda funny because I really didn't like that type of decor until I stayed at the GCH and now I would love to have my house done in that style overall (instead of the hodgepodge I have now!)

Cheryl

Cheryl, I just mean hotels chains like Waldorf Astoria, Ritz, Fairmont, some Hyatts and even some Marriotts etc. None of which are right onsite at Disney and none of which are often in my price range anyway (many of these I've only seen b/c of DH's work travel). Fairmont is building a resort on WDW property BTW though. That's not even including independent REALLY nice hotels. Such hotels are one to two or three tiers higher in amenities - especially in the rooms themselves. I'd love to see even some simple upgrades like Duvets on the beds, more luxurious bathrooms, etc. Many of the above hotels have things like much larger rooms, heated towel racks, heated floors, really nice finishing touches and furnishings, are SUPER clean and maintained, really nice robes, etc, etc. The paneling on the walls is real wood. There are attendants at the pool to assist you with every little thing. At the GCH a large part of the price you pay is definitely location and I'm cool with that. If I could pick two things I wish VGC could have that it doesnt' it would be more obvious Disney touches and Duvets on the beds. I REALLY dislike bedspreads.

Now all of this is coming from someone who has stayed and been fine with several of the Harbor Hotels. I'm not high maintenence at all - just saying that the GCH isn't THAT luxurious.

 

[Grumpygrandpa]

I do disagree however on the GCH being the nicest hotel ever. For me the only reason it's so nice is b/c of location. I've been blessed to stay in much, much nicer hotels. And unfortunatley for me the theme is not my absolute favorite. I live in the Northwest and so the woodsy, craftsman style is only OK for me. (For example, I plan to never ever stay at VWL in WDW.) I'm buying for location and because it's the nicest option so close to the park and keeps us inside the magic. Also the service is stellar. I wish they had a Disney character in the Lobby sometimes and better characters at Storytellers in the morning. Ah well!

It is hard for me to separate the service and the location from the other attributes of the hotel. A couple of years ago I stayed at the Wynn in Las Vegas and though the accomadations were nice the service beginning at the sign in process and continuing through out our stay was disappointing. I have had this experience over and over at other premium hotels. I think it is because I have become spoiled by the great service I get at the Grand. I do like the Arts and Crafts design, but I agree that it would be nice to get an upgrade in characters at Storytellers. My DW loves the Spa. If I were to list in order the things I like about the GC, number one would be the location, number two would be the service. Number three would be the design (including the fireplace and the lobby). I do like Napa Rose quite a bit too. But it is hard to break it down to it's individual attributes. I just love the whole magical experience from the moment I walk through those stain glass doors - It is then that I know I've found my happy place.

 

[kerickson]

One other thing is that everyone seems to think that points are going on sale to DVC members and the public at the same time, but I don't necessarily think that is the case. Reason being is that I seem to remember that Founding Members would have a 90 day period over general sales and then I have seen that they have a 60 day exclusive purchase period. My math seems to think that non-Founding DVC members will have 30 days after March 26 and that public sales would then be sometime in April.

Am I off?

Per the Founding Member Addendum, we are to have a 90 day pre sales period. We were notified in the mail on Dec 25 of the upcoming sales event, sales started Jan 25 and will end March 25, so there is the 90 days. That said, they could still give existing members a pre-purchase period as well, but the numbers already add up to 90 days.

 

[Chereya]

Per the Founding Member Addendum, we are to have a 90 day pre sales period. We were notified in the mail on Dec 25 of the upcoming sales event, sales started Jan 25 and will end March 25, so there is the 90 days. That said, they could still give existing members a pre-purchase period as well, but the numbers already add up to 90 days.

Hmmm... I came up with 60 days there.
Jan 25 - 31 = 7
Feb 1 - 28 = 28
March 1 - 25 = 25
7 + 28 + 25 = 60

 

[grizbuzz]

Cheryl, I just mean hotels chains like Waldorf Astoria, Ritz, Fairmont, some Hyatts and even some Marriotts etc. None of which are right onsite at Disney and none of which are often in my price range anyway (many of these I've only seen b/c of DH's work travel). Fairmont is building a resort on WDW property BTW though. That's not even including independent REALLY nice hotels. Such hotels are one to two or three tiers higher in amenities - especially in the rooms themselves. I'd love to see even some simple upgrades like Duvets on the beds, more luxurious bathrooms, etc. Many of the above hotels have things like much larger rooms, heated towel racks, heated floors, really nice finishing touches and furnishings, are SUPER clean and maintained, really nice robes, etc, etc. The paneling on the walls is real wood. There are attendants at the pool to assist you with every little thing. At the GCH a large part of the price you pay is definitely location and I'm cool with that. If I could pick two things I wish VGC could have that it doesnt' it would be more obvious Disney touches and Duvets on the beds. I REALLY dislike bedspreads.

Now all of this is coming from someone who has stayed and been fine with several of the Harbor Hotels. I'm not high maintenence at all - just saying that the GCH isn't THAT luxurious.

I agree that Ritz are nicer -- try Half Moon Bay near SF for a treat! And Kapalua Ritz is great. Haven't been in a Marriott I liked better than GCH. Hyatt Carmel Highlands is fabulous - although I'm not sure the rooms are any better kept up than GCH. And I'm trying Hyatt Huntington Beach this weekend. I'll let you know if that's better.

Some Fairmonts aren't nicer...like I think the one in SF is a bit rundown (although I haven't actually stayed in the rooms, just visited the hotel).

Oh, and I do like the Starwood W hotels. Those are nice

 

[toocherie]

I agree that Ritz are nicer -- try Half Moon Bay near SF for a treat! And Kapalua Ritz is great. Haven't been in a Marriott I liked better than GCH. Hyatt Carmel Highlands is fabulous - although I'm not sure the rooms are any better kept up than GCH. And I'm trying Hyatt Huntington Beach this weekend. I'll let you know if that's better.

Some Fairmonts aren't nicer...like I think the one in SF is a bit rundown (although I haven't actually stayed in the rooms, just visited the hotel).

Oh, and I do like the Starwood W hotels. Those are nice

Jen: thanks! Enjoy Hyatt HB this weekend--the weather down here is supposed to be FAB (very warm--in the 80's--so if you're going to DLR be sure and bring some shorts (but long pants/jackets for the evenings which do get cool anyway). I've seen Hyatt Carmel Highlands on line and it does look wonderful--definitely on my list of "must do's" some day! I've only driven through Half Moon Bay--may have to try that sometime too!

Cheryl

back to our regularly scheduled programming . . .. . .

 

[M4travels]

Just grabbed 150 points split into 2 contracts, 75/75. Very happy at this point.

 

[Grumpygrandpa]

Just grabbed 150 points split into 2 contracts, 75/75. Very happy at this point.

Welcome home neighbor! Congrats!

 

[grizbuzz]

Just grabbed 150 points split into 2 contracts, 75/75. Very happy at this point.

Yeah!! Congratulations!

 

[M4travels]

Yeah!! Congratulations!

Thanks! I'm thinking a dinner celebration might be in order (Marc thinks so too!). Now we'll just have to see if we can work it when you're back down here!

Michael