DVC Owners from California?

[jxgriffi]

Just noticed this thread and thought I'd jump in. We are also in Orange County (Fullerton to be exact) and are looking into a 200pt OKW right now through DVC (we get a better rate through DVC than a resale...both of us are CM's). We are going out in January to see if we can get into SSR since we can't buy SSR in CA, but aren't sure right now if we want to do SSR or stick with OKW. It will be our DS6 and DD2 first trip to WDW!

As far as airfare, if you don't mind LAX, we are flying Frontier (complete with DirecTV at every seat) for $198 R/T in January! It has a layover in Denver which is perfect for us because the kids can't do the non-stop. They are similar to JetBlue but it flies from LAX to MCO...not LGB through JFK. They also fly out of SNA and ONT, but the price is a little higher and the schedule is a little more difficult.

Normally, I fly United for business and take the non-stop when I'm going out on business, but for the family, we need the layover.

j

 

[jmatias]

Can I join in this group ....this is the group closest to us and I've never seen another Hawaiian on this board

We love WDW...yes the flight over is a tough one but worth it to us.

 

[bwvBound]

Welcome, Hawaii!

 

[amee]

We are in Seattle and have owned since 2002......it has really been terrific! The only drawback is the long ride there.......normally we leave on the earliest flight possible and check into a moderate(PO) for the first night....seems like no matter what, we arrive at DW around 7-8pm.........the next day we have our goods transferred to OKW and head to the parks. We do always get a car...just makes for more efficient moving about.

We've had amazing luck with finding great airfares so far......i subscribe to a and Expedia and Travelocity service that updates(via email) when fares to destinations you pre-pick have changed. Today i got a $103 RT from Seattle to Orlando. While Hawaii is lovely, we went there last August for a wedding and paid close to $450 each!

We have 200 points....have gone 2 times(once gifting my brother and family with 5 nights......and have had little trouble renting andy extras to finance closer trips.

All in all, if you are a disney fan, it is easy to make it work......despite the fact that your friends may think you are nuts!

 

[FireatWill]

For those of us Socal DVCers ( Which looks like we are few)

I have flown Song Airlines (operated by Delta) to WDW three times this past year, each time I flew out of LAX. Each time with direct flights, no hassles, and around $200.00 or less. Although LAX is LAX I enjoy the direct flights.

Of course I bought an AP last November knowing I was coming back in Feb. with DW and DDs. I got such a great airfare in May that my DW and I spure of the moment called and got a room at OKW. What a treat. This is the resort to stay at for a relaxing time.

We happened to be at WDW for the open house at SSR. What a great job they did in showing us around. The Grand Villas are awesome.

Do any of you out there have friends ask you why are you going all the way to Florida when Disneyland is so close?

Although I live 10 minutes from Disneyland and have been an AP since 1984. The Resorts at WDW are so beautiful and the restaurants and activities are so numerous it keeps calling me back. Just booked my flight for November.


CBR NOV '01
VWL & WONDER NOV '02
BWV NOV '03
BWV FEB '04
OKW MAY '04

 

[jweiss]

Concord CA here. Are the other Concord/Pleasant Hill/Walnut Creek/Lafayette people still around??? We should have a local DIS Meet!!!

 

[LeftCoaster]

Originally posted by FireatWill

Do any of you out there have friends ask you why are you going all the way to Florida when Disneyland is so close?

Although I live 10 minutes from Disneyland and have been an AP since 1984. The Resorts at WDW are so beautiful and the restaurants and activities are so numerous it keeps calling me back. Just booked my flight for November.

Yes, I do get that too. I usually end up educating most people about how massive WDW is. Once they realize that htere's much more than 4 amusement parks, they realize why there's always something new there for me. At work, most are "jealous" of me going twice a year because they see how much fun I have on vacation and they want to have fun like me. haha. It's all in your attitude.

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

Hello feloow DVC'ers

We live in Simi Valley which is in Ventura County. We are 1 hour North of Disneyland (without traffic) and just returned tonight from a two day trip there. We have AP's.

We have stayed on points once this past July. Currently have 300 total (150 BCV & 150 OKW) Plan to go once each year or trade for another location and/or HAL cruise.

The only issue I see living in CA is what has been mentioned several times. The flight and time change. We like non-stop flights. My kids are 6 & 8 and have no problem flying. LAX is our only real choice and though we hate LAX it is the least expensive choice. We have taken AA the past two years after using Delta and United other times too. I would love to know how to put a 'request' on Expedia for the cost. I usually check the airlines websites daily (often more) for the rates. When I see something that works for us I book it directly on their website. July we flew for 218 RT. Last year it was closer to 350 RT. We will prpbably head back again next July but airlines have not posted the prices yet I don't think.

 

[stings]

Good afternoon fellow SoCal DVC'rs,

We are in Claremont which is 30 miles east of Los Angeles and about that distance from DL.

We have been going yearly since 1998. We buy PAPs and so save on the park admissions to a great extent.

We always shuttle to LAX for the morning non-stop to MCO, and return on the 5 pm flight two weeks later.

 

[bigsmooth]

Another poster from Seattle here. Not a owner yet, but considering.

Just got back from the pitch at SSR. Love the fact that Alaska flys direct to Orlando now out of Seattle.

I've noticed quite a bit of talk re Hawaii. How many people have successfully used their DVC points to trade into a Hawaii resort? I asked this question on another topic- someone there suggested buying into Worldmark. I definitely would consider that, but just want to budget one purchase right now. Has anyone had any luck trading for Hawaii resorts? I'm looking at going to DW every other year.