Grand Cal, seriously $800 .....

[evilmommie]

This forum LOVES to get on the merry go round of the “OMG, the Grand is so expensive!” Is Disney watching this thread for pricing advice? Probably not. You don’t find the value, you don’t stay there. Simple as that.

 

[DizMe]

I absolutely do not care about specific amenities that are often mentioned here that are part of a "luxury" hotel stay. I decline housekeeping everywhere, I really don't care if the towels scrape the top layer of skin off my bum, I can live with sandpaper-style toilet paper, and I really don't care about the square footage of the room as long as I have room for luggage (we pack light).

I loved that they used to pay me to decline housekeeping! I liked not having them in my room and I got paid to boot.

 

[Disneyland1084]

This forum LOVES to get on the merry go round of the “OMG, the Grand is so expensive!” Is Disney watching this thread for pricing advice? Probably not. You don’t find the value, you don’t stay there. Simple as that.

EXACTLY!!!!!

 

[PirateBrigade]

For the record, no one on this thread said they're angry how others spend their money.

There's a very subtle, underlying current of incredulity, though.

 

[HIRyeDVC]

For the record, no one on this thread said they're angry how others spend their money.

“:::sound of keys against paint in parking lot:::”

 

[HIRyeDVC]

I guess the main issue I have with threads like this is that the tone often comes across as scornful of those who DO choose something considered extravagant, like GCH, and can make people feel defensive. I agree, it's a lot of money. I've been at both ends of the argument because my circumstances have changed over the years. Both camps are valid. It's a lot of money. It's probably Disney gouging us. There are nice places to stay that are less expensive and you could spend a whole lot of nights for the price of one GCH night. There are so many other things you could do with that money, and so on. But basically, all of us who vacation at Disney are doing something that the majority of humankind would never be able to afford. I guess it boils down to which degree of conspicuous consumption you support.

This is so spot on. Threads like this indirectly places judgment on people who ARE willing to pay, and the cost is worth the value they receive in return. Add to boot, they proceed by knocking how horrible GCH is, basically insinuating that those who pay these exorbitant prices for such a "substandard" hotel are unwise with their money. All the while, it's really not the hotel that is the problem, but their inability to afford it because if GCH was $300 a night, they would try to book it in a heart beat. I'm sure there are many out there who can't even afford to go to Disneyland, let alone stay in a good neighborhood hotel. To them, those staying at offsite hotels are rich and exorbitant, by being able to stay at the desert inns and suites and eat at Panera. We all love Disney. Can't we all just get along!

 

[JohnR5101]

I haven't felt judged or offended by this thread. I think it is interesting to hear the various perspectives. Actually, the discussion triggers many memories of various trips. We've stayed at many Harbor places, even miles south where we had to use the ART to get to the parks. That was a trip with a friend and her 6 yr old daughter and we could get a suite there. Also stayed at the DLH a couple times and at PP (before it was called that). In recent years we were first able to do GCH when they had some great deals I think back about a decade ago. We liked the proximity most. And the lobby just blew us away.
In recent years as we get older the proximity is more appreciated. We both love it that my wife can go back for a nap (we both walk back to the hotel/room) and then I am right back in CA solo for a couple hours (I'm still going commando style open to close), then go back and get her. So convenient. So now she frowns on staying anywhere else. Have not been back since our anniversary in 2017.
We have a trip planned with our surrogate grandchildren and their mother. Its the kids very first visit. We had planned it for Sept 2020 when they were 5 and 9. So with 3 adults and 2 kids we would have really needed 2 rooms. So I looked into renting VGC and we had that all set up 11 months before the 2020 trip. The cost for a 1 BR (which has 2 sleeping areas and 2 bathrooms) was about the same as one regular hotel room at GCH so it was a no-brainer. We also are Marriott owners so we've have gotten used to the larger facilities of a "villa". As covid trashed all those plans I decided to go ahead and make the full payment for VGC because they said if it did not open then we could use the funds up to 2 years after Sept 2020.
We now have a confirmed res for May 2022 and are really looking forward to that trip, postponed for about 2 years. It is costing us a little more because of the change from "low season" to a "mid season" plus they have increased the cost of points. But since we already have the previous funds to apply, it's not too painful.
I am so looking forward to taking the little one (7 yr old) through his first introduction to a Disney Park. All my young memories are flooding back starting from 1956. We'll start with the grand circle tour on the train, just like my dad used to do with me. I'm getting misty eyed right now just thinking about it.

 

[jandegumas]

For the record, no one on this thread said they're angry how others spend their money.

Its more like a guilt trip. Maybe angry was the wrong choice of word.

 

[JohnR5101]

... I really don't care if the towels scrape the top layer of skin off my bum, I can live with sandpaper-style toilet paper, and I really don't care about the square footage of the room as long as I have room for luggage (we pack light).

Sounds like all that time on a Pirate ship must have toughened you up!

 

[HIRyeDVC]

I haven't felt judged or offended by this thread. I think it is interesting to hear the various perspectives. Actually, the discussion triggers many memories of various trips. We've stayed at many Harbor places, even miles south where we had to use the ART to get to the parks. That was a trip with a friend and her 6 yr old daughter and we could get a suite there. Also stayed at the DLH a couple times and at PP (before it was called that). In recent years we were first able to do GCH when they had some great deals I think back about a decade ago. We liked the proximity most. And the lobby just blew us away.
In recent years as we get older the proximity is more appreciated. We both love it that my wife can go back for a nap (we both walk back to the hotel/room) and then I am right back in CA solo for a couple hours (I'm still going commando style open to close), then go back and get her. So convenient. So now she frowns on staying anywhere else. Have not been back since our anniversary in 2017.
We have a trip planned with our surrogate grandchildren and their mother. Its the kids very first visit. We had planned it for Sept 2020 when they were 5 and 9. So with 3 adults and 2 kids we would have really needed 2 rooms. So I looked into renting VGC and we had that all set up 11 months before the 2020 trip. The cost for a 1 BR (which has 2 sleeping areas and 2 bathrooms) was about the same as one regular hotel room at GCH so it was a no-brainer. We also are Marriott owners so we've have gotten used to the larger facilities of a "villa". As covid trashed all those plans I decided to go ahead and make the full payment for VGC because they said if it did not open then we could use the funds up to 2 years after Sept 2020.
We now have a confirmed res for May 2022 and are really looking forward to that trip, postponed for about 2 years. It is costing us a little more because of the change from "low season" to a "mid season" plus they have increased the cost of points. But since we already have the previous funds to apply, it's not too painful.
I am so looking forward to taking the little one (7 yr old) through his first introduction to a Disney Park. All my young memories are flooding back starting from 1956. We'll start with the grand circle tour on the train, just like my dad used to do with me. I'm getting misty eyed right now just thinking about it.

what a beautiful memory and story. I'm getting misty eyed just reading it! Thank you for sharing and hope you enjoy your stay in 2022!

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

High prices make buying into DVC more marketable! “This 4 night stay would cost you $3200 plus taxes, but with your $15,000 dvc purchase you can stay there every year for the next 40 years…”. Or whatever dvc is going for these days.

 

[HIRyeDVC]

High prices make buying into DVC more marketable! “This 4 night stay would cost you $3200 plus taxes, but with your $15,000 dvc purchase you can stay there every year for the next 40 years…”. Or whatever dvc is going for these days.

I Agree! Except that the price of VGC has gone up quite a bit this year and $15k won't get you that many points anymore.

 

[JohnR5101]

Somewhat off topic. But I just "love it" when the timeshare salesperson uses the reasoning "you will get to stay for free after this purchase". Nah-Nah. There's a little thing called "maintenance fees". Of course, we absolutely love our Marriott Maui villas and we wouldn't get rid of it - love going back there, or wherever (like the villas right outside of WDW, or the ones down in Newport Coast, CA). But I chuckled internally this last week when we attended our "update presentation" down in Newport and the person made it sound like once you purchase you then own free vacations for life.

 

[PirateBrigade]

Sounds like all that time on a Pirate ship must have toughened you up!

Yarrr matey!

Side note, if they offered me the chance to sleep on the ship INSIDE POTC for $800/night, I would absolutely do it.

At that point, GCH is for the peasants!

 

[Malcon10t]

There are a ton of hotels/motels out there with what different people want. I understand those who say "I just need a place to sleep all night after a long day at the park." We are a "large" family, and when the kids were growing up, we stayed off site, simply because it was within my budget as kids liked longer trips, and because we loved the Residence Inn (Now Clementine Hotel and Suites.). But my kids grew up. Once son lives with his spouse and 2 of my g-kids about 3 blocks from the park. And the others get their own rooms. And I have changed. We no longer hit the park from 8am-11pm. I enjoy the room almost as much as the park. While I personally just don't care for the Grand (nothing to do with price) I do love the DLH. People will complain it is sooo far, but reality is it is only 7 mins further. It is the hotel I prefer. I kept trying to like the Grand, we've stayed there a lot. BUT, if someone loves the Grand, that is their choice.

I do get the issue with being made to feel guilty because we pick a hotel someone else feels is over priced. Heck, I have even been told that it would be better if I stayed at a cheaper hotel and donate the extra money to charity. My question to them was how do they know what I already do for charity.

Some people really like the Paradise Pier hotel. I can see why, on some levels. Others like me like the DLH. (BTW - I still like the Residence Inn on Katella too!). And people like the Grand. Luckily, people have a huge number of choices. There is something for everyone. I hope we can get past judgements and realize there is something for everyone.

 

[SherylLC]

I love the Grand! I guess a lot of others do as well or else that price would be dropping . I've never paid $800 per night but I have paid several hundred. I remember when Motel 8 was $8 per night and that's always where I stayed. I remember clearly when a hotel over $100 per night was out of my reach. Situations change, people change....to each his own!

 

[disneegrl4eva]

Look into renting DVC points, just Google it and you'll get several options.

You can stay at the Grand at a really discounted rate.

thats a really good suggestion...just for kicks I checked out 3 places and the average was for a studio room...not sure how big bed is but it sleeps 4 there....it went from $510-$600 ...it was like $15-$19 a point depending on who its through and it ran about 34 points per night

 

[PirateBrigade]

Look into renting DVC points, just Google it and you'll get several options.

You can stay at the Grand at a really discounted rate.

thats a really good suggestion...just for kicks I checked out 3 places and the average was for a studio room...not sure how big bed is but it sleeps 4 there....it went from $510-$600 ...it was like $15-$19 a point depending on who its through and it ran about 34 points per night

Three issues regarding renting VGC points:

1) Availability -- it's exceedingly difficult (practically impossible) to book specific dates with certainty < 7 months ahead, you will need home resort priority months 7-11. If you're flexible and can snag open dates as they come up as cancellation windows come around, it's possible (need lots of luck).

2) Non-refundability -- most sellers will not allow cancellation & refunds due to the nature of DVC points, you will want to obtain trip insurance to cover cancellations. The $800-$1000/night cash rates for GCH automatically include a provision to cancel with full refund up to X # of days prior to the reservation (built-in trip insurance).

3) Cost -- I have seen distressed points and some sellers rent for < $18/pt, but given the cash rates on the hotel side, a lot more VGC owners are independently renting at higher rates, or renting existing stays. For a 25 point/night stay, I personally charge about $600/night, which comes out to $24/pt. Those that sell through brokers usually have a lower cost basis (i.e. original owners).

Example 1, this is a listing for a studio stay at VGC 10/16-10/22 on a point rental site:

$3,472.00
$578.67 PER NIGHT
6 NIGHTS, 1 ROOM
INCLUDES TAXES AND FEES
STUDIO STANDARD - VGC

That is a 124 point reservation, so the cost per point on this one is $28/pt.

Example 2, 11/26-11/28 studio:

$2,072.00
$1,036.00 PER NIGHT
2 NIGHTS, 1 ROOM
INCLUDES TAXES AND FEES
STUDIO STANDARD - VGC

This is a 74 point reservation, so cost per point is also $28/pt.

So I would say, given the three constraints above, it would be very difficult (almost impossible) to get a pre-planned trip 7-11 months in advance for <$20/pt. GCH pricing drives VGC pricing, but you really might get lucky by an unsuspecting DVC owner who just dumps their points with a rental site and doesn't ask any questions.

 

[Nonsuch]

Somewhat off topic. But I just "love it" when the timeshare salesperson uses the reasoning "you will get to stay for free after this purchase". Nah-Nah. There's a little thing called "maintenance fees". Of course, we absolutely love our Marriott Maui villas and we wouldn't get rid of it - love going back there, or wherever (like the villas right outside of WDW, or the ones down in Newport Coast, CA). But I chuckled internally this last week when we attended our "update presentation" down in Newport and the person made it sound like once you purchase you then own free vacations for life.

You are right on topic. Many of the exaggerated claims made by timeshare salespersons have actually come true for VGC owners. The increases in GCH room rates has driven similar increases in the value of VGC points. Points could be purchased for below $100, when VGC opened in 2009. Resale prices are currently close to $300. Combined dues since 2009 are about $70. VGC owners from 2009 can sell now and make a large profit with all stays at VGC for a decade "free". Of course this is a very simplified analysis and ignores the opportunity cost of the money used to purchase.

 

[Aurora0427]

It is. People seem to love the Grand but I haven’t been able to tell why exactly it’s “worth” so much more. The rooms seem about the same size from pictures. The location is a little closer, but not all that much closer (not $250+ closer). You can make use of the restaurants and stuff even if not staying there…

Like if the Grand literally had a monorail stop in it/directly outside it and you could use that for Early Morning hours to get in the park, AND you were able to pull a boarding group for new/highly popular rides before the general public, and maybe if they gave 30 days earlier booking for Chefs Counter at Napa Rose… maybe then the Grand would be worth the extra price.

But as it stands, the DLH has beautiful grounds (even if you don’t swim, they look wonderful walking around), possibly better general views since the towers are taller (I’m not talking about $1000+ theme park view rooms at the Grand), Trader Sam’s, pretty good location (full bubble, no walking along a parking lot like PP)…

I could see Grand having certain rooms being more expensive by a decent amount (view rooms, etc) but I’m a little surprised the lowest rooms aren’t more like +$50/night over DLH instead of such a huge jump.

I love this post. We’ve only stayed at the DLH once, never at the GCH. Every time we go in , neither one of us can figure out what the big deal is. We prefer DLH. I love the grounds, the pool, the rooms, the views, and Trader Sam’s!