Golden State DVCers: Let’s share the love for our DVC and the Wonderful State of CA!

[franandaj]

So I’ve noticed other folks from other states that have threads going in the DVC section. I thought it was time that we got a thread going for Californians since we live in such a wonderful place. Whether you were born here, grew up in the state, or moved to California later in life, once a Californian, always a Californian!

Let’s share our stories of our great state, our love for all things Disney and especially DVC! We are lucky folks in that we live so close to where the magic all began. While many of us are already well acquainted, it would be interesting to share some things about ourselves and our DVC. Here’s a few questions you can think about when replying or just tell us about yourself and your family!

• Where was your first DVC purchase, when did you buy in, and why?
  
• Do you own at the VGC? What was your motivation for purchasing this property?
  
• How far do you live from Disneyland and how often do you visit?
  
• What other resorts do you call home? How often do you visit you other “homes” and WDW?
  
• What do you love most about our beautiful state? What would you recommend as a “must do” for our friends around the country who come to see Disneyland, but want to “plus” their vacation?

 

[franandaj]

I’ll start it off here….

We bought into SSR four years ago after a very expensive trip to WDW where we stayed in a 1 bedroom Concierge level suite at AKL and then switched to the GF. I didn’t know what we were buying at the time, but it was Disney so that was OK. We took a trip to our “home” a year later and enjoyed eight nights in a 1 BR. We bought into SSR because they had the onsite spa, the point costs were right, and it seemed like a nice resort to get away.

The following year we had to postpone our trip twice, and by the third time we rescheduled, it was in the subsequent UY, but we still had about 120 points in the current UY that I had banked the previous year. We decided to use them up staying three separate nights at the GCH during the F&W Festival when we had scheduled events that might involve a lot of alcohol. After the last of the three nights, I was thinking about how nice it was to come back to the room and not have drive the 20-25 minutes home. The more I thought the more I realized that my SSR points would not get me into the VGC at 7 months during F&W and the only way to repeat this enjoyment would be to own points, at this resort!

The next day we were in our guide’s office discussing a contract for 150 points. Turns out, by the time we were ready to purchase, the price had dropped slightly and for the same amount of money we could get 15 more points! We skipped WDW the following UY, but that was good because we needed all our SSR points for extra things that came up at DLR.

When my FIL passed and we found ourselves with more cash we decided to add on another 125 at VGC, plus BCV and VWL. Our plans for the future are to use our VGC points only at the VGC for weekends, or special events here and there. We’ll probably visit WDW twice a year or bring some friends along and get a larger unit for a once a year trip. I may also rent some of the points to friends I’ve met here on the DIS.

I really love living in California, I think we have one of the best climates in the US. I think about that while all my North East Coast friends are freezing in the snow in the Wintertime. I also think about it when the people at WDW report record heat and humidity in the summers! Long Beach has such a temperate climate, I feel blessed to be living here.

If I were to recommend additional vacation ideas for people visiting from out of state, I would suggest that they go somewhere to appreciate the natural beauty of our state. There are many regions, ocean, desert, forest and more where one can take in the majesty of this state. Probably not all in one vacation, but there are plenty of places near and far to enjoy the scenic wonders that are California!

 

[ACDSNY]

We weren't sure DVC would be for us since we normally go to DL instead of WDW. We visited WDW in 2000 Disney Institute & 2003 OKW 2 bedroom units so we were already spoiled. We were notified in May 2005 we won a trip to WDW from Alamo so we rented points to extended the stay.

In doing the research for the point rental we decided to purchase our first contract for SSR via the resale market to test the waters in Sept 2005. We came home from the WDW trip we won from Alamo and preceeded to add on more SSR points. We were hooked.

As the rumors were flying around about VGC we decided to sell our SSR points and purchased AKV points to be VGC Founding Members in a different UY that works better for our travel times. Of course we then added VGC points as soon as we could and again later down the road. I think I'm finally cured of add-on-itis.

We love treating our extended family and friends when they join us on our DVC trips. We've used DVC to exchange to Kauai when we could go through II for an awesome week.

Wow, it's hard to pick one or two great things about CA when there are so many wonderful places. We love the Mendocino area long the north coast, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, San Francisco, San Diego and Monterey. We lucky in that we're about 2 hours from SF or Lake Tahoe and 7 hours from Disneyland! We love our CA weather too even if it's not quite as good as your So Cal weather.

 

[conciergekelly]

Keep em coming! My husband got a job at Apple and we are most likely moving to Northern California. This is so helpful to me because it not only gives me information about your beautiful state but the ever important question....how will this move effect my Disney World addiction? HaHa!

 

[La2kw]

Where was your first DVC purchase, when did you buy in, and why?


DW and I are California Natives and love living here. We have been plenty of other places, but are so glad to live in L.A. We first bought OKW when OKW was Disney Vacation Club. I still feel that every resort built since OKW has been a step down. We bought in 1994 and have spent many years vacation at WDW and at OKW. We also have stayed at every DVC resort built since and there are a few others we enjoy, but they all still pale in comparison to OKW. We did add on at SSR when that opened because we also liked the laid back feel of the resort. We have no interest in points at the DVC resorts attached to hotels. We like vacation homes, not hotels.

Do you own at the VGC? What was your motivation for purchasing this property?

We do not own at VGC. We save our points for WDW. At Disneyland, there are lots of great hotels within walking distance of the parks and they are much cheaper. At WDW, you have to stay on site and their hotels are way overpriced, so that's where we use our points. We love the GCV and have stayed there before. I can usually priceline a room near Disneyland for less than 50 bucks a night. We go to Disneyland often, so that works for us.

How far do you live from Disneyland and how often do you visit?

We live about 90 miles from Disneyland and visit about every other month. We usually go for two days minimum.

What other resorts do you call home? How often do you visit you other “homes” and WDW?

OKW and SSR. We visit WDW every year.

What do you love most about our beautiful state? What would you recommend as a “must do” for our friends around the country who come to see Disneyland, but want to “plus” their vacation?

We love the weather, the variety of activities we have, the national parks, beaches, and culture of the cities. We love the attitude of Californians and the fact that our state is pretty open minded and intelligent.

I always recommend that visitors do things other than Disneyland when here. L.A. has some great things to do, great food, and lots of history. I recommend Universal Studios because it's a real movie studio, not a them park like in Florida. I also recommend visiting Hollywood and Downtown L.A. I also recommend our favorite local restaurants.

 

[minnieandmickey]

Where was your first DVC purchase, when did you buy in, and why?
SSR 2006 Been going to Disney for years and loved the thought of DVC

Do you own at the VGC? What was your motivation for purchasing this property?
I wish! Unfortunately can't afford it at this time.

How far do you live from Disneyland and how often do you visit?
6 hrs away about once a year, but maybe more now that we can make payments on the AP's

What other resorts do you call home? How often do you visit you other “homes” and WDW?
Just SSR, which we have yet to stay at. We've stayed at WLV, AKV, and OKW

What do you love most about our beautiful state? What would you recommend as a “must do” for our friends around the country who come to see Disneyland, but want to “plus” their vacation?
Where I live it's 2 hrs to Yosemite (a must see for anyone visiting CA), 2 hrs to the ocean, and 2 hours to the snow. San Francisco is obviously one choice. The Redwoods would be a great stop, I don't think they grow anywhere other than CA.

 

[taaren]

Unfortunately, we are not currently living in Cali, but we do own a home/pay property taxes there (other than VGC). DH and DS were born there, and adopted it as my home state when I spent my 20's there, so Northern California is home as far as we're concerned.
Where was your first DVC purchase, when did you buy in, and why?
We bought in at VGC in 2009, basically as soon as we heard it was available we booked a trip to go talk to the DVC guides at DLR. Had done the tour when AKL was new, and told my guide at the time, if you build a DVC at Disneyland, call us and we will buy in.
In 2009, we had the cash, had never stayed on-site, and absolutely fell in love with the Villas at the Grand since we were DLR addicts. Still am awed by the fact that we can afford such luxurious accommodations.

Do you own at the VGC? What was your motivation for purchasing this property?
Yep, that's where we go, since its currently only 1 plane ride away, and when we move back home in a year or two it'll be a 5.5 hour drive away again. Plus all our friends also live in the West Coast so none of us like buying expensive plane tickets every year when we can just drive to the original park.

How far do you live from Disneyland and how often do you visit?
Currently ~3K miles? Possibly 2012, maybe later depending on the job climate in our fields in the Bay Area at that time, we will be living about 250 miles from there. We usually go 2-3 times a year, one big trip: at least a week, one three-day and often we add a 'layover' day trip on the way to somewhere else if we're driving/flying through LAX. Darn those AP's!

What other resorts do you call home? How often do you visit you other “homes” and WDW?
Since we haven't been to WDW since the early 90's, we haven't any other resorts we call home (yet). Possibly when we go in 2012 we might be tempted to add on at either BCV or BLT, a very small contract to use every 3 years at most, possibly only every four or five and rent out the points from the off-years. There's other places we go that we have to fly, so don't want to commit to having to purchase more airline tickets annually for awhile.

What do you love most about our beautiful state? What would you recommend as a “must do” for our friends around the country who come to see Disneyland, but want to “plus” their vacation?
The energy and the diversity. You can do just about anything in California from beach to skiing, Hollywood to the Redwoods. The main thing non-West Coasters seem to be under-aware of is that NorCal and SoCal are so spread out geographically that they almost could be separate states, and for the purpose of trips, probably should be considered that way. Our 'must-do's near DLR tend to involve food, usually hole-in-the-wall taquerias or other eateries DH's SoCal cousins have shown us that we keep having to go back to. Its harder to find more fresh or delectable produce than California's, since its the world's fruit basket.

 

[bwvBound]

San Diegans, checking in.

* Where was your first DVC purchase, when did you buy in, and why?
Saratoga Springs, May 2004, because our employer quit paying for our annual stay at the Yacht Club.

* Do you own at the VGC? What was your motivation for purchasing this property?
No, not yet, not sure we ever will. We own two other timeshare w/in walking distance of Disneyland and tend to use those instead. Although the Grand Californian is spectacularly beautiful ... we can't justify the costs (compared to our other solutions) and tend to only plan "last minute trips" to the Anaheim area. Given the late booking habit, owning GCV would be silly when our SSR points work just as well.

* How far do you live from Disneyland and how often do you visit?
92 miles. We visit the Downtown Disney area at least twice a year but rarely the parks unless Costco had a really great deal on park passes.

* What other resorts do you call home? How often do you visit you other “homes” and WDW?
Worldmark the Club, Warner Springs Ranch and Grand Pacific Palisades. We visit WDW annually (usually staying at BWV), the Worldmark properties at least every other month, Warner Springs Ranch every-weekend-we-aren't-somewhere-else and Grand Pacific Palisades once-every-ten-years-or-so.

* What do you love most about our beautiful state? What would you recommend as a “must do” for our friends around the country who come to see Disneyland, but want to “plus” their vacation?
If visiting during the early spring months, I'd recommend a trip out to the Anza Borrego Desert to view the wildflowers. Rent an off-road vehicle and GPS to explore the Badlands. Of course, this triggers a thought: try to find all the places shown in Soarin'!!

 

[Longhairbear]

We bought into VWL in 2003. At the time Vero Beach, and BWV were still for sale, but the theme of VWL was our favorite. We go to WDW once a year, however we used to go twice a year. That changed once VGC opened. We use our points there too. The economy took its slump right when we intended to buy points at VGC, so we didn't add on. We will buy more points if DVC ever adds another DVC at DLR.

 

[franandaj]

I just love all the different folks we have here, our choices, our resorts and how we travel.

Longhairbear - i didn't realize you didn't own at VGC, I love hearing your stories about the lavish meals you cook and people you entertain. Hopefully they will give us another resort so it's not so tough to get in!

BWVbound - what an awesome suggestion about visiting all the places in Soarin'!

taaren - Hopefully you will soon you will be back in your home.

minnieandmickey - I hope you get to visit more often and get those APs!

La2kw - after our last trip, I understand completely about OKW, those rooms are bigger than my first apartment! And the jacuzzi tub is to die for! I can't wait to try the villas there again. We definitely want to plan a relaxing vacation there, not one that we're running off to the parks.

conciergekelly - I hope enjoy your relocation to CA, it might be harder to feed your WDW addiction, but you'll find that the DLR one works in a pinch.

ACDSNY - Glad you found the right resorts and UYs that work for you and your family!

 

[Pakey]

Another non VGC owner here:

• Where was your first DVC purchase, when did you buy in, and why?
  
  First purchase was in the 90's, when Beach Club Villas was first offered. We had been traveling every year to WDW for awhile and decided that DVC was a way for us to share the experience with our children for many years.
  
• Do you own at the VGC? What was your motivation for purchasing this property?
  
  No, my points are all at WDW resorts.
  
• How far do you live from Disneyland and how often do you visit?
  
  We are 3 hours north of Disneyland. We seldom venture there as we much prefer WDW. We did stay at VGC last year to try it out.
  
• What other resorts do you call home? How often do you visit you other “homes” and WDW?
  
  I have 2 contracts at Beach Club Villas, a third at Saratoga Springs, 500 points total. We go to WDW at least once a year. We used to go twice. Now we give points to friends/family in an attempt to use them all each year.
  
• What do you love most about our beautiful state? What would you recommend as a “must do” for our friends around the country who come to see Disneyland, but want to “plus” their vacation?
  
  What I love most about California is the cultural diversity. My favorite things about California are the ocean and the national parks. I would recommend both to visitors.

 

[kikiq]

Thanks for starting this thread...

Where was your first DVC purchase, when did you buy in, and why?

Our first purchase was SSR in 2007. I asked my DH where he wanted to go for our anniversary. He said DLR and WDW. We had dinner at Napa Rose on our anniversary and we were strolling in DTD passing the DVC kiosk. My DH stopped and started asking questions. Booked a presentation but my DH ended up in meetings all day so he didn't go. At first, I resisted because we had walked away from timeshares in Hawaii and Colorado, so I was thinking this was the same. But it was different, it was Disney and it was flexible. We made another appointment for my DH to see the presentation. We were all set to buy SSR, but our guide said to wait and tour all the properties while we were at WDW. THEN come back and decide. So off we went to WDW, staying at the Poly, toured all the DVC properties, and found out that my DH really didn't want to go anywhere else but Disney on his vacations. Who knew...I thought I was the Disneyaholic. Purchased SSR 200 points.

Do you own at the VGC? What was your motivation for purchasing this property?

Yes, we own 150 points at VGC. At first, we attempted to use our SSR points. But after several failed attempts to book specific weekends at 7 months, we decided we needed a small VGC contract for those weekends.
Plus we put our adult DDs on these contracts.

How far do you live from Disneyland and how often do you visit?

We can be listening to the swing bands on Saturday within the hour. My DH has timed it numerous times. 25 minutes from our driveway to the parking lot trams when there isn't any traffic. We visit at least twice a month. I'm sometimes there with my DGD during the week if I'm not teaching.

What other resorts do you call home? How often do you visit you other “homes” and WDW?

We own SSR and VGC. My DH hugged me when we arrived at SSR last May and said, "It's good to be home." Made me cry, he's a workaholic and it was good to see him relax and find his happy place. In the last 3 years, we have made so many trips to WDW that I think we spoiled ourselves. Our youngest was accepted to the WDW CP in 2009. Up to then, we had decided once a while was good plus every other year, we would invite the family. During her CP June 09-Jan 10, we or I went 4 times , last year we went 3 times and so far this year only once. But the year is not over and we love SSR. We're fine with a studio or one bedroom there at the last minute.

What do you love most about our beautiful state? What would you recommend as a “must do” for our friends around the country who come to see Disneyland, but want to “plus” their vacation?

We love the weather and the cultural diversity. My DH is a San Diego native and I'm a Mountain View native (home of Google). We would both recommend taking the time to experience the diversity of what California has to offer. Make time to drive to San Diego, visit the California missions, and instead of racing up highway 5 to San Francisco, take your time driving up highway 101. Enjoy the Central Coast, enjoy the beautiful Pacific ocean views, stop at a few wineries, go to Morro Bay, visit Hearst Castle and if you see a road side stand of produce, stop. If you continue up the coast on highway 1, you might see stands selling fresh picked artichokes and brussels sprouts on the stalk. The San Francisco bay area is so different from the LA basin. Then drive up into the wine country, Napa Valley and the northern coast area. Don't even get me started on the food

 

[rentayenta]

Can I play? I'm from So Cal and still identify myself as a Californian even though I live in Utah.

 

[franandaj]

Can I play? I'm from So Cal and still identify myself as a Californian even though I live in Utah.

Sure! I know there are a number of folks out there in that situation, the more the merrier!

 

[rentayenta]

Sure! I know there are a number of folks out there in that situation, the more the merrier!

• Where was your first DVC purchase, when did you buy in, and why?
  
• Do you own at the VGC? What was your motivation for purchasing this property?
  
• How far do you live from Disneyland and how often do you visit?
  
• What other resorts do you call home? How often do you visit you other “homes” and WDW?
  
• What do you love most about our beautiful state? What would you recommend as a “must do” for our friends around the country who come to see Disneyland, but want to “plus” their vacation?

Our first and only purchase up to date is at SSR. We bought in May 2009 during an amazing trip with friends. We bought because we love Disney, both Land and World, and will continue to take trips long after the kids are in college.

We don't currently own at GCV but that is where my first add on will be. I love that resort. I don't know how often I'll be able to book at 11 months but could usually book before the 7 month mark. I've been pretty lucky thus far with booking at and after the 7 month mark but would still love to call the GCV home.

We live in Utah but visit yearly. I am originally from Cypress and grew up going to Disneyland. We moved here in 1993 and have been here almost 18 years.

No other other "homes" yet but I'd love to add on at the GCV first and then either the BWV or AKV.

I love the beach most of all. I miss it so much it hurts especially in the summer. Lakes just don't cut it and the Great Salt Lake is gross. Asidee from the beach and the culture it brings, I love the food. I miss the food. Utah has some great places in SLC but we are about 30 minutes from the city.

 

[hjgaus]

Where was your first DVC purchase, when did you buy in, and why?
Our 1st DVC purchase was in early 2008 for BCV at 300 pts and then thought it might not be enough so purchased another 150 pts with a different UY. Our very 1st time to the "world" was fall 2005. My husband had a work conference out there and they would cover some expenses. We had the best time!! Another chance with the same circumstance came around once again in fall 2007 and after that trip we seriously discussed becoming DVC members.

Do you own at the VGC? What was your motivation for purchasing this property?
Yes we own 160 pts at VGC & originally I thought that was silly since I lived close by but I was wrong! LOL It was a way to take mini staycations (very relaxing) & bring extended family without the large airfare. Although we do miss WDW at times.

How far do you live from Disneyland and how often do you visit?
We live 20 minutes away (no traffic & 30 with) I have gone many times as a kid since raised in So Cal but as a parent just a few special times when my sons were younger then we had our 1st AP's in 05 and only recently became PAP holders. My kids have been able to go to DL for various educational trips through school or marched in parades with school bands and my newly graduated son (class of 2011) for Grad Nite as I did in 1984! the last few years we have used most of our points to get the 3 bed grand villa in VGC for our extended family to enjoy and have not been to BCV since Christmas 2009! our recent VGC (grand Villa) was just this early in May & upcoming trips include THIS 4th of July in the DL hotel(overnighter) and 3 nights VGC (2 bed) a few days before Thanksgiving! Could still be planning for here but considering using them for Aulani at 7 month out ressie. The kids know they can go anytime they want but they are not sure of their schedules (14 yr old starting HS & in band & 18 yr old will start college) Only a few of their friends have AP's but we made the choice for AP's due to being local DVCer's.

What other resorts do you call home? How often do you visit you other “homes” and WDW?
I believe my answer is noted in last question but I will extended on it by saying "If we had the $$ to add on for Aulani we would but just not now." We do however own (3 weeks) with another timeshare in La Jolla CA (San Diego) which is also local for us (almost 2 hr drive) so we can have some beach time & joined RCI exchange program so I am trying to get back into DVC @ WDW without using my DVC points! Our last exchanges gave us 2 weeks in Kauai!! I will not say that DL is better than WDW but I can say that both places are my home & I LOVE coming HOME!!!

What do you love most about our beautiful state? What would you recommend as a “must do” for our friends around the country who come to see Disneyland, but want to “plus” their vacation?
What I love most about California is our weather!! Sometimes it gets crazy but most of the time it's what you would expect and that makes it easy to do anything almost anytime!! I couldn't recommend a "must do" cuz there really is so much you CAN do but the choice is ultimately YOURS! Sorry that was not too helpful.

 

[DisneyHeather]

Where was your first DVC purchase, when did you buy in, and why?


My first purchase was VGC in January 2010. I planned on getting pregnant that year and knew being a single mom DVC would be a way for me to take my child on vacations throughout their life. I also knew if I waited I'd have excuses as to why I couldn't afford it. I had done the DVC tour twice and then still ended up not joining until about 10 days after I'd gotten home from my New Years trip.

Do you own at the VGC? What was your motivation for purchasing this property?

Yes I own 160 pts there. I chose VGC because as much as I love Disney World I knew cost wise it would be easier to get to Disneyland more often. I wanted the 11 month booking window. I also figured with so many DVC properties at WDW it would be much easier to book there at 7 months.

How far do you live from Disneyland and how often do you visit?

I live about 12 hours away and try to get there at least once a year. I usually fly out of Sacramento as I don't want to drive that far.

What other resorts do you call home? How often do you visit you other “homes” and WDW?

As of now I've only stayed at VGC and while I have a trip booked to BLT in January I don't have plans to buy at any other properties any time soon.

What do you love most about our beautiful state? What would you recommend as a “must do” for our friends around the country who come to see Disneyland, but want to “plus” their vacation?

I live up in Northern CA and would say that if someone has a chance they should come see it up here. It's so pretty with all the trees and mountains all around. I love how there are so many different things to see and do here. You can go to the beach or go skiing or hiking.