Disneyland and DVC

[AndreAggie]

(If this belongs on the DVC page, please move it accordingly)

We recently joined Disney Vacation Club and are planning on staying at Grand Californian next May. We've been to Disneyland once. It's a year+ away, but I'm just trying to get some preliminary ideas for our trip which includes multi-generations. I know folks staying at Grand Californian have their own entrance to the parks. I plan to have grocery delivery service for breakfast, sandwich stuff, and snacks. What else do I need to consider? What other perks are there at Dinseyland for DVC members?

 

[Nonsuch]

...We recently joined Disney Vacation Club and are planning on staying at Grand Californian next May. We've been to Disneyland once. It's a year+ away, but I'm just trying to get some preliminary ideas for our trip which includes multi-generations. I know folks staying at Grand Californian have their own entrance to the parks. I plan to have grocery delivery service for breakfast, sandwich stuff, and snacks. What else do I need to consider? What other perks are there at Dinseyland for DVC members?

You will find lots of helpful information in the GCH Superthread and VGC Superthread.
There are hundreds of pages, but just quickly skim through.

Booking at exactly 7-months is generally possible, except for studios. Some flexibility with dates also helps.

 

[AndreAggie]

What time of day does the 7-month mark open? Is it like the cruise line at midnight on your booking day, or later in the day?

 

[DisneyMaleficent50]

Booking window opens at 8am est

 

[dr&momto2boys]

What discounts are available for DVC? I think last time we went we got a discount at stores if we spent $50+. Restaurants?

 

[AZMermaid]

What discounts are available for DVC? I think last time we went we got a discount at stores if we spent $50+. Restaurants?

If you bought direct from Disney or resale before... maybe two years ago, yes there are discounts. They are similar to the AP discounts. 10% food and merchandise I believe. You have to show your blue card and ID.
OP- just FYI in case you're looking for Mother's Day weekend.... I'd avoid that weekend. There's a race and race weekends are hard to book even at 11 months.

 

[kurts mom]

If you bought direct from Disney or resale before... maybe two years ago, yes there are discounts. They are similar to the AP discounts. 10% food and merchandise I believe. You have to show your blue card and ID.
OP- just FYI in case you're looking for Mother's Day weekend.... I'd avoid that weekend. There's a race and race weekends are hard to book even at 11 months.

YES!!! about being hard to book during a race. My daughter is running the half in Sept, and she called at 7 months and no rooms avail super disappointed

 

[bumbershoot]

I know folks staying at Grand Californian have their own entrance to the parks.

Separate entrance to California adventure. Along with people with reservations at the sit down restaurants, I believe. And I hope they can get their security act together and allow access for dlh and pph people again bc it's ridiculous that it changed.

I wouldn't bet on getting the villas you need unless you own at the Grand and can book 11 months out.