DisneyLand Hotel vs Grande Californian

[mopee3]

OK Here is a question for you all. We have points at Grande Floridian that we rarely use. Thinking of selling them and buying Grande Californian. We live on West coast and its a 3 hr flight to Disney Land so it makes sense to own there. BUT it also seems to be a bit hard to go to VGC on a moments notice, even 60 days out. Where as we could go to Disney Land Hotel for not much more and get in there much easier.

So the question, who has stayed at the Hotel and did you really miss VGC that much? I know the location of both and love staying a VGC, BUT that last minute thing is really bugging me, and I think we could put up with the studio type situation at the Hotel. I am typically a 11 month planner, but occasionally we just like to take off and go.

Thanks for all you input.

Moe

 

[TheDisneyFour]

I love the Disneyland Hotel. They did a great job with renovation and the pool and food offerings are really good. Of course it'll cost you more to stay there than the Grand. But you can often make those reservations on short notice.

 

[mopee3]

Thanks, did you stay on points?

 

[TheDisneyFour]

I have stayed at all three properties using points. I know many people don't think it's a very good use of points, and it may not be, but the Grand does fill up quick and it's an option. Paradise Pier is also nice. I like their character buffet the best, not as busy as the others and it has Mickey.

 

[mopee3]

Maybe my bride and I need to just go see for ourselves. Alaska Airlines often has some really cheap rates at the last minute.

M

 

[mopee3]

Point wise its seems to be about 2X but that ability to go on moments notice can make up for a lot.

m

 

[TheDisneyFour]

Point wise its seems to be about 2X but that ability to go on moments notice can make up for a lot.

m

When I stay there, I do my best to minimize the cost, so view, weekday, anything I can control. But we bought the points to use them and we don't always use them all up in a Disney World trip and we find that most of our Disneyland trips are more spontaneous. I never feel bad about using our points for that type of stay.

 

[MouseOfCards]

My understanding is that you can only use points at Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier if you purchased DVC direct, and not resale. Is this correct?

 

[ivanp91]

My understanding is that you can only use points at Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier if you purchased DVC direct, and not resale. Is this correct?

That's correct. For contracts purchased after March 2011, you must have bought direct through Disney to be able to use points for both the Disney and Concierge collections.

 

[sgtdisney]

We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel twice on points. In 2006 and then again in 2014. We loved it there. I used to go there as a child many years ago and have always really enjoyed the hotel. The new Monorail pool is a hit with the kids (and adults too). There is a Trader Sams there between all three towers and also Tangaroa Terrace. The rooms are pretty big too, at least in the Adventure and Frontier towers. The points were high, but it was worth it to me as we don't do it often. Never stayed at GCV so can't compare it, walked through the lobby though. I would like to try there sometime if I can get in at 7 months. HAHA.