Disneyland Hotels- using points

[gumby5657]

I had heard that if we couldn't get in at the Grand Californian, we can use our points at either of the other two disneyland hotels?

 

[Maddysdaddy]

You can, provided you purchased direct or purchased resale before 2014? (I think), but the points per night are very high and there is limited availability - I know, because I used points to stay at the DLH last year when I couldn't get into VGC. It was over a busy period so there wasn't much upside to me renting my points out and paying cash for the room, but I would think that if you are looking for off-season dates, you may want to explore what gives you the biggest bang for your buck.

 

[DebbieB]

I had heard that if we couldn't get in at the Grand Californian, we can use our points at either of the other two disneyland hotels?

You can, provided you purchased direct or purchased resale before 2014? (I think), but the points per night are very high and there is limited availability - I know, because I used points to stay at the DLH last year when I couldn't get into VGC. It was over a busy period so there wasn't much upside to me renting my points out and paying cash for the room, but I would think that if you are looking for off-season dates, you may want to explore what gives you the biggest bang for your buck.

You can only use resale points if purchased prior to 3/21/2011.

You can use points for hotel rooms at all 3 DL hotels. Once you book, the points become reservation points and cannot be used for a DVC room if you cancel. Points will expire at the end of the use year if you cancel.

 

[kapicka]

If you purchased after 3/21/2011 resale and feel like you are missing out be sure to check the number of points it would take to book a standard hotel room at the other 2 resorts. That always makes me feel better since they can be 2x or 3x as much and you don't get a kitchen/kitchenette and are further from the parks.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

And if you bought resale after 2011, renting your points and making a cash booking with discounts remains an option. A darn good option, when you crunch numbers.

 

[kapicka]

And if you bought resale after 2011, renting your points and making a cash booking with discounts remains an option. A darn good option, when you crunch numbers.

Yes, good point. Do be sure to account for taxes and parking if you are making a cash (non DVC) reservation.

 

[Canadian Disney Mom]

Plus there is the $95 fee. I looked into staying at Paradise Pier on points the last time I went but it just wasn't worth it when you looked at the fee and the points. I lucked out and pulled together the stay at VGC through waitlisting and stalking. If I had no, I would have either rented my points and paid cash at a DL resort or stayed offsite.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Plus there is the $95 fee. I looked into staying at Paradise Pier on points the last time I went but it just wasn't worth it when you looked at the fee and the points. I lucked out and pulled together the stay at VGC through waitlisting and stalking. If I had no, I would have either rented my points and paid cash at a DL resort or stayed offsite.

There is no fee to book the DL hotels. They are exempt from the $95 and also the rule of 4 (ie, you are allowed to book and stay in the last 4 months of your UY).

 

[Canadian Disney Mom]

There is no fee to book the DL hotels. They are exempt from the $95 and also the rule of 4 (ie, you are allowed to book and stay in the last 4 months of your UY).

Is that a new rule (the $95 part)? I am positive they told me I would be charged the $95 when I looked into doing it. If its not new, maybe I just got an inexperienced rep who did not know it was different.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Is that a new rule (the $95 part)? I am positive they told me I would be charged the $95 when I looked into doing it. If its not new, maybe I just got an inexperienced rep who did not know it was different.

Nope, not new. It does sound like you spoke with someone not experienced with DL.

 

[Maddysdaddy]

Definitely didn't pay $95 when I used my points for a stay at the DLH last November.

 

[Disney mac]

I hope this isn't some violation, but at that point I would just pay cash and stay at a good neighbor hotel. We've stayed twice at the Fairfield inn. I can tell yo we counted it...less steps to the front door of Disneyland than either paradise pier or Disneyland hotel.

 

[ScubaCat]

at that point I would just pay cash and stay at a good neighbor hotel.

Agree 100%. It's not like WDW where you're miles away if you're not on property. Heck, we save our points for BCV and stay at embassy suites Anaheim South when we do DL. VGC point costs are pretty high in comparison to BCV and not nearly as many amenities or perks.

As to the original question, I'd rent points and pay cash if you really want to stay on site though. Just my $.02