GCV - will it be difficult for Jun 2010?

[Minnie824]

So, we're planning a trip to CA for June 2010. I was hoping to be able to stay at the GCH, but alas, its not an option now that the villas are there. So, we'll be at the villas. Since its not our home resort, how difficult do you think it will be to get in at 7 months? We'd actually prefer a 2 bedroom, but will take what we can get. What do you think? Is one size more difficult than another?

 

[lark]

I think you have some things working in your favor. First, except for the Grand Villas, every unit in the VGC is a two bedroom -- either a lock off or a dedicated. That makes me believe it's the studios and one bedrooms that will go more quickly, because there is only half as many of each as there are two bedrooms. (So, just for example, assume there are 25 dedicated 2 BRs and 22 lockoffs. Even if 25 people have already booked 2 BRs for your dates, they should be able to still give you one, since the lockoffs can go either way -- locked off or not locked off.)

The other thing I think you have going in your favor is that the points for VGC stays are high. I think many WDW DVC owners will have a bit of sticker shock. So, while you're sure to have competition at the 7 month window, I think it will be manageable. Your chief competition is going to be how much inventory is left over after the home resort folks have made their reservations during the 7-11 period. Some think that very little is going to be available at the 7 month window. Others are not sure. It's too early to say. I think we'll start getting a sense really soon since the 7 month window is going to open soon for spring break time.

You have one thing really working against you too. The points differences between June and July at VGC are extreme. I think this is because many California schools go into the second week in June. But you're looking at a difference of about 145 points between June and July at VGC for a week in a 2BR. I think what this means is that California, Arizona and Nevada families looking for a summer week and who have school done by June will mostly opt for June instead of July to take advantage of the much lower points.

If I had to guess -- and it's just a guess -- my hunch is that booking July at 7 months will be easier than June and that June will be tough. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see something of a point reallocation in future years between June and July seasons.

 

[Quilter007]

June 2 bedroom is 530 points -- that's a LOT. I think if you've got enough points you'll be OK. Hey -- ummm, it's June -- You know it will be crowded? Just checking! Have fun!

 

[lark]

June 2 bedroom is 530 points -- that's a LOT. I think if you've got enough points you'll be OK. Hey -- ummm, it's June -- You know it will be crowded? Just checking! Have fun!

Actually, June 1-27 is 385 points for a 2 BR. It doesn't go up to 530 until June 28.

 

[Quilter007]

Oh -- you're right -- a bargain!! We're going in January...... It'll still be hot! And, in June they get this thing called June Gloom....it stays grey and kind of sticky all day.....but maybe you'll get lucky & it won't happen this year!

 

[Minnie824]

Thanks for all the info...I know, a lot of points, but we're actually only doing 4 nights so not as bad. Then 3 nights we're going to go to beverly hills/hollywood/beach...somewhere else. We actually are pretty flexible too, so if we can't get June, we'll try for July. Thanks!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Thanks for all the info...I know, a lot of points, but we're actually only doing 4 nights so not as bad. Then 3 nights we're going to go to beverly hills/hollywood/beach...somewhere else. We actually are pretty flexible too, so if we can't get June, we'll try for July. Thanks!

I hope you do not mind mind me posting here but I am very curious. I am not a member and would like to stay at the GVC mid August of 2010 for 6 nights.
Can someone please direct me how I may accomplish this.

After reading the posts here I am very confused about how points=$$$. I will at the Grand next week, is there a place I may inquire about the possibilities.

Thanks to all,

Jack

 

[chalee94]

I hope you do not mind mind me posting here but I am very curious. I am not a member and would like to stay at the GVC mid August of 2010 for 6 nights.
Can someone please direct me how I may accomplish this.

After reading the posts here I am very confused about how points=$$$. I will at the Grand next week, is there a place I may inquire about the possibilities.

1) here is a link to the point chart for 2010. you can figure how many pts you need to stay for those 6 nights.

2) look at the rent/trade board. pts tend to rent for $10-14 per night. (well, you are not technically renting "points" - the DVC owner is making a reservation and you are renting that reservation.)

3) owners at the GCV can book aug 2010 starting next month. other DVC owners would have to wait till january...and by then availability may be iffy.

4) read this for more information on renting.

 

[lark]

I hope you do not mind mind me posting here but I am very curious. I am not a member and would like to stay at the GVC mid August of 2010 for 6 nights.
Can someone please direct me how I may accomplish this.

After reading the posts here I am very confused about how points=$$$. I will at the Grand next week, is there a place I may inquire about the possibilities.

Thanks to all,

Jack

A couple of options. First, disney has not yet sold out of the villas. When a new resort goes on sale, not all of the rooms are immediately available to DVC members. This means that some of the rooms are retained by disney and are availble for reservations where you pay for the room just as you would any resort. So, your first step would be to call the disneyland reservation line and see if they are taking reservations for the villas, and what they are charging.

Your second option would be to rent a reservation from a member who owns points at VGC. Members who have VGC points can make reservations 11 months in advance, and you'll probably want to try to get a reservation that far ahead. For an August 2010 trip, this means reservations can be made starting next month. Your first step is to figure out how many points you need for your stay. To do that -- go here: http://dvcnews.com/content/view/776/232/

You will see that the number of points needed depends on the days of the week you want to stay and the size of the unit. So, for example, for 6 days in August in a 1 bedroom, it would be either 310 or 344 points, depending on whether you're staying one weekend night or two.

Now, you need to find a member who can "rent" you 310 or 344 points. Going rate is $9 to $12 a point. For a new resort where you need someone to call for you pretty quickly, figure the higher end of that spectrum. Go to the "rent/trade" board here on disboards to find someone to rent to you.

 

[tjkraz]

VGC 7-month bookings could remain a real crapshoot for years to come. It's a numbers game.

If BLT is 50% booked by owners before the 7 month window, there are still 140+ rooms available.

If SSR is 50% booked by owners, there are still 400+ rooms available.

But if VGC is 50% booked by owners, only 24 rooms remain for booking at 7 months. And only a fraction of those rooms may meet what individual guests are actually seeing (Studio, 1B, Grand Villa, etc.)

VGC point sales may be slower than DVC anticipated, but rooms may still go quickly once opened-up to 350,000+ DVC members.

Unless you have an alternate plan ready, I would recommend against booking any airfare or committing to other arrangements until the room is confirmed. If possible, consider multiple dates rather than just a single week to give yourself some options.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I would suggest to the OP to plan a trip for early June, before most CA schools are out. After that, I would expect that there will be high demand for June up until the Season changes on June 28. The rest of the Summer is Magic Season and your best bet may be late August, when the points are high at DVC but most other hotel options are comparatively cheap.

For example, at the end of this month, most nights at the GCH are $269 per night for AP holders, dropping to $209 for the last night of the month. And this is for a period when AP holders are complaining that there are fewer good discounts than in the past!

Best of luck -- Suzanne