Grand Californian DVC rental

[disneylarks]

Hi there! I'm looking for people who have experience renting DVC points to stay at the Grand Californian, if it was worth it, who they rented through, and any other information that might help me understand how this system works and if it would be a good choice for our family. Thank you in advance!

 

[Nonsuch]

The Rent Trade Forum here at DIS should have most of the answers you are looking for.
The VGC Superthread should also be helpful.

VGC reservations must be made far in advance (generally at least 7 months), and rentals cannot be cancelled (no refunds).

 

[MikeRx]

Well worth it, awesome view from our studio. Hard to get even at 7 months due to limited numbers and high, high demand. Our reservation in December 2014 was about $180 night through our connection vs. >$400 through Disney or >$250 with a meeting room discount (National convention rate). In our opinion, If you can get a dvc room go for it! We are trying for October, but have had no luck

 

[wanderlust7]

Agree with the previous post, I thought it was totally worth it. We rented 2 weeknights over spring break with an VGC owner I found on the Rent Trade Forum. We got the exact dates we wanted a little less than 11 months in advance. We paid $260/night for a studio, which is a lot cheaper than Disney's rate for a hotel room. Plus we got free self parking and lucked out with the most amazing Paradise Pier view.

 

[disneylarks]

How do people find such cheap rates? I've looked through two agencies and am still coming up with close to 500 dollars a night in the off season!

 

[wanderlust7]

How do people find such cheap rates? I've looked through two agencies and am still coming up with close to 500 dollars a night in the off season!

Wow! Are you looking at a studio? The one bedrooms are almost double the price. Or maybe it's not as off season as you thought. Our April weeknight was 20 points/night. David's DVC rental is $16/point with the VGC premium, still only comes to $320.

 

[Disney_Alli]

Check the DVC calendars for the seasons. We're staying in a villa August 17-20 and it's the second highest points of the year after on Christmas and New Years so just because it's low season for the other hotels that doesn't necessarily translate to low DVC points.

 

[disneylarks]

Wow! Are you looking at a studio? The one bedrooms are almost double the price. Or maybe it's not as off season as you thought. Our April weeknight was 20 points/night. David's DVC rental is $16/point with the VGC premium, still only comes to $320.

I have been looking at one bedrooms, we are a party of six. Four adults, two children. Although I have been trying to figure out if the baby really needs to be included

 

[wanderlust7]

I have been looking at one bedrooms, we are a party of six. Four adults, two children. Although I have been trying to figure out if the baby really needs to be included

I think the occupancy limit for a one bedroom is 5, plus one child under 3 in a pack-n-play. See this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/threads/dvc-occupancy-thread-part-2.2894661/