Disneyland Grand California

[coruth4]

We are in the process of purchasing points from a resale agent for Animal Kingdom villas - just waiting to have Disney's approval!
We are planning on using our points for our first ever trip to Disneyland next May. If I understand correctly - since it is not our home resort we can 7 months out. Having never done this before - how quickly does Grand California fill up? We are looking at a 1 bedroom + studio or a 2 bedroom depending on availability and final travel size - what are the chances of us being able to get either combo?
This will probably be our only trip to that coast & any suggestions would be great. Thank you!

 

[tfc3rid]

We are in the process of purchasing points from a resale agent for Animal Kingdom villas - just waiting to have Disney's approval!
We are planning on using our points for our first ever trip to Disneyland next May. If I understand correctly - since it is not our home resort we can 7 months out. Having never done this before - how quickly does Grand California fill up? We are looking at a 1 bedroom + studio or a 2 bedroom depending on availability and final travel size - what are the chances of us being able to get either combo?
This will probably be our only trip to that coast & any suggestions would be great. Thank you!

Chances will not be good but try and make reservations exactly around the 7 month window and go on the waitlist immediately.

I've had some success on the VGC waitlist but because there are so few room, it is tough.

 

[coruth4]

Thank you for the quick response!
That is a bummer though! None of the other resorts accept DVC points right? Just trying to re-plan our options.

 

[tfc3rid]

Thank you for the quick response!
That is a bummer though! None of the other resorts accept DVC points right? Just trying to re-plan our options.

They all can use DVC points, the point totals are just higher than what you get at the VGC... And they are for regular hotel rooms...

 

[DebbieB]

I'm 3 for 3 at VGC at 7 months. Studios in early May, late September and a 1 bedroom last August. You have to get online right at 8:00am eastern 7 months ahead. Your best chance would probably be a 2 bedroom dedicated.

 

[Breyean]

They all can use DVC points, the point totals are just higher than what you get at the VGC... And they are for regular hotel rooms...

The OP is buying resale points. They will not be eligible for use at any of the DLR hotels. He would have to pay cash for those.

 

[lovetotraveltx]

The OP is buying resale points. They will not be eligible for use at any of the DLR hotels. He would have to pay cash for those.

There's a difference in resale points now? I can do whatever I want with ours.

If you can use them, we really enjoy paradise pier. I know a lot on this board do not agree but you can pay dollars and upgrade to club, (while using your points for the room), which is nice, pretty rooms and such friendly good service. In 2012 we stayed at both and didn't care for front desk staff at vgc at all. Always felt like they were doing me a big favor. Just mho.

Also, have always gotten an awesome park view in paradise pier and can listen to the show on your tv and watch it out the window and watch the fireworks with piped in music out by the pool.

Good luck!

 

[Cinderpamela]

There's a difference in resale points now? I can do whatever I want with ours.

Yes, Breyean is correct, there was a rule instated by DVC back in 2011 that any resale contracts purchased after a certain date (I believe it was around April of 2011?) do not have the ability to be used for Disney Collection Resorts or cruises.
If your resale contract was purchased before that cutoff date then you are "grandfathered in", and can book Disney Collection and Cruises. But resale contracts purchased after that date are not able to.

So in the case of buying a current resale contract... a possible option that is available is to rent your points out for cash (or save them for another trip of course) and do a cash reservation if you cannot get into the DVC resort.


I will add that I have been fortunate to get a 1 bedroom at VGC right at the 7 month mark by being online and ready to book right at 8am EST. It is a great resort!

 

[DebbieB]

The OP is buying resale points. They will not be eligible for use at any of the DLR hotels. He would have to pay cash for those.

Good point

There's a difference in resale points now? I can do whatever I want with ours.

If you can use them, we really enjoy paradise pier. I know a lot on this board do not agree but you can pay dollars and upgrade to club, (while using your points for the room), which is nice, pretty rooms and such friendly good service. In 2012 we stayed at both and didn't care for front desk staff at vgc at all. Always felt like they were doing me a big favor. Just mho.

Also, have always gotten an awesome park view in paradise pier and can listen to the show on your tv and watch it out the window and watch the fireworks with piped in music out by the pool.

Good luck!

Resale points purchased after 3/21/2011 can't be used for the Disney Collection, Adventurer Collection or Concierge Collection.

 

[PatMcDuck]

You might get in at 7 months, I have booked it a couple of times. Even less than 7 months. (which was REALLY lucky, and I booked one night at a time).

I leave in a few weeks, we arrive at VGC on President's Day. For 6 nights, 1BR, and that was booked at exactly 7 months, 8 am. No wait list needed. I took that week, because it is right before the points JUMP up to almost dole the # required.

 

[Breyean]

You might get in at 7 months, I have booked it a couple of times. Even less than 7 months. (which was REALLY lucky, and I booked one night at a time).

I leave in a few weeks, we arrive at VGC on President's Day. For 6 nights, 1BR, and that was booked at exactly 7 months, 8 am. No wait list needed. I took that week, because it is right before the points JUMP up to almost dole the # required.

We'll be there that week as well. Check in Monday, check out Friday morning. The sweet spot between the weekend rates, and right before the points jump for the next season!

 

[coruth4]

Thanks for all the input! Is May a popular travel time for VGC? I am trying to plan it around my son's birthday and finals - but we could be flexible if we need to be.
This will be out first use of DVC and are very excited!!

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Thanks for all the input! Is May a popular travel time for VGC? I am trying to plan it around my son's birthday and finals - but we could be flexible if we need to be.
This will be out first use of DVC and are very excited!!

The first weekend in May, 2015, is the Tinkerbell Half Marathon weekend. Traditionally, demand has been higher at GCV during RunDisney and D23 Expo events. -- Suzanne

 

[sechelt]

A dedicated 2 bedroom is usually the easiest to book at 7 months however if you're hoping go during the Tinkerbell Half Marathon, May 7-10, 2015, it's possible everything will be booked before the 7 month mark even arrives. It's the first time the race has been held in May so previous years' occupancy rates will be different and will no longer apply. Otherwise, May is a beautiful time to visit and one of my favourites.

Hope you get what you're aiming for, and Welcome Home!

 

[TagsMissy]

GCV is so small that all months are popular. They really do need more villas, rumours come and go about more but who knows... they're certainly keeping the demand side high by not offering more.


Good luck to you!

 

[coruth4]

Great advice about the marathon! I was not aware of that. We were looking at May 10 - May 16th. I can easily adjust it by a day though in order to avoid the marathon if needed.
Right now we just need to wait til we hear back from Disney on their ROFR.

 

[Cinderpamela]

Great advice about the marathon! I was not aware of that. We were looking at May 10 - May 16th. I can easily adjust it by a day though in order to avoid the marathon if needed.
Right now we just need to wait til we hear back from Disney on their ROFR.

SO in your original post you had said "next May"..... so I think everyone assumed you meant May of 2015. But your wording above makes me wonder if you are meaning this coming May?

 

[coruth4]

Oh I am sorry - you are right - we are planning May of 2015. Sunday to Saturday.
It appears that we will be all set on our points - possibly needing to borrow a few to make it work.
Thank you everyone for your help!

 

[Cinderpamela]

O good I am glad.... just wanted to double check on that.

If you can avoid the Run Disney event and have some flex in your dates then I think you stand a pretty good chance. Just be online right when you booking window opens at 8am EST sharp with your computer all queued up and ready to book.

Once you get your member number and can use the online booking site explore it so you are familiar.

You will love the GCV nothing beats being so close to the parks!