Grand Californian Studio or Hotel Room

[Anek0618]

We are heading to the Grand Californian next March before continuing on to Aulani (we went for Easter this year and I couldn't wait to book the next trip...amazing place )

We are a family of four so a studio will work, but our kids refuse to sleep in the same bed!! So, I am wondering if it is possible to fit a blow up mattress in there or if I should book a hotel room with the bunk beds? I know hotel rooms are not considered a good use of points, but it seems to have a better bedding layout for us.

We have never stayed at GC so any input is great. Since I have to book at the 7 month mark (Aulani is home ) I don't even know if I'll be able to get my hands on a studio, or any DVC room for that matter A one bedroom is a few too many points since we are going just before Easter in high season.

 

[hjgaus]

We are heading to the Grand Californian next March before continuing on to Aulani (we went for Easter this year and I couldn't wait to book the next trip...amazing place )

We are a family of four so a studio will work, but our kids refuse to sleep in the same bed!! So, I am wondering if it is possible to fit a blow up mattress in there or if I should book a hotel room with the bunk beds? I know hotel rooms are not considered a good use of points, but it seems to have a better bedding layout for us.

We have never stayed at GC so any input is great. Since I have to book at the 7 month mark (Aulani is home ) I don't even know if I'll be able to get my hands on a studio, or any DVC room for that matter A one bedroom is a few too many points since we are going just before Easter in high season.

YES, this can be done! We have 2 very tall teenage boys who do not like to share a bed either so we bring our queen sized raised up air mattress which WILL fit either in the studio or an average size 2 bed hotel room. It's just a matter of getting crafty with your given space at hand. In the hotel room (actually in the Grand) we pushed the other 2 beds out towards the wall or sliding glass door or @ the DL hotel at the foot of the 2 beds. In the studio @ BCV (it's been a while) I think we move the coffee table in the hallway by the front door; push the small dining table and chairs close to the wall and I think we did not pull the bed from the couch but rather had one kid just sleep on the couch with extra sheets over the couch while the other kid on the air bed. It can be a chore inflating/deflating daily but that's the price they paid if they cannot share a pull out couch.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

We are heading to the Grand Californian next March before continuing on to Aulani (we went for Easter this year and I couldn't wait to book the next trip...amazing place )

We are a family of four so a studio will work, but our kids refuse to sleep in the same bed!! So, I am wondering if it is possible to fit a blow up mattress in there or if I should book a hotel room with the bunk beds? I know hotel rooms are not considered a good use of points, but it seems to have a better bedding layout for us.

We have never stayed at GC so any input is great. Since I have to book at the 7 month mark (Aulani is home ) I don't even know if I'll be able to get my hands on a studio, or any DVC room for that matter A one bedroom is a few too many points since we are going just before Easter in high season.

If your heart is set on the GC, the points for a 1BR are only slightly lower than for a hotel room. For 2012, the hotel room at GCV is 57/71 and the 1 BR is 62/76. For 5 points more per night, you will be much more comfortable in a 1 BR (which has 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen and laundry). -- Suzanne

 

[taaren]

If your heart is set on the GC, the points for a 1BR are only slightly lower than for a hotel room. For 2012, the hotel room at GCV is 57/71 and the 1 BR is 62/76. For 5 points more per night, you will be much more comfortable in a 1 BR (which has 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen and laundry). -- Suzanne

Second this vote. The 1 bedroom has both a couch bed + a pull-down murphy that is built into the entertainment set that's comfy, so they'd even be sleeping on opposite sides of the room from each other! And at 876 square feet more than twice the square footage of the standard GCH room at 359 square feet.

 

[Hunnypaw]

Second this vote. The 1 bedroom has both a couch bed + a pull-down murphy that is built into the entertainment set that's comfy, so they'd even be sleeping on opposite sides of the room from each other! And at 876 square feet more than twice the square footage of the standard GCH room at 359 square feet.

Great reasons to stay in a 1 bedroom.

 

[DebbieB]

I agree, I would get a 1 bedroom before a hotel room. The 2013 hotel rates are not out yet but 2012 for peak season are just slightly lower than a 1 bedroom, will probably be more next year.

March 22-31: Studio 30/37, 1 bedroom 62/76, Standard Hotel (2012 peak): 57/71.

 

[Breyean]

Has anyone mentioned the second bathroom in the 1 bedroom?

 

[Anek0618]

You all have very valid points to go for the one bedroom. This would definitely be my preference, but I am at least one night short on points...does anyone have any idea what the cash rate would be for a one bedroom?

 

[Breyean]

You all have very valid points to go for the one bedroom. This would definitely be my preference, but I am at least one night short on points...does anyone have any idea what the cash rate would be for a one bedroom?

How short are you? Maybe the 24 points you can rent from Disney w/b enough ($15/point)? It would work since you'll be booking at 7 months (they won't sell them to you at the 11 month mark).

 

[Tinker mommy]

Grand Californian is our home resort and we have stayed in both the hotel rooms and studios. There is not enough room for an air mattress once the couch is folded out, unless you put a single mattress in the hall by the door, which is awkward. I will say though that if you stay in the DVC, you have a good chance at getting an awesome view of California Adventure park. Also, you can see the World of Color show from some of the DVC rooms. It might be worth it to stay there just for the view.

 

[boiseflyfisher]

You all have very valid points to go for the one bedroom. This would definitely be my preference, but I am at least one night short on points...does anyone have any idea what the cash rate would be for a one bedroom?

We own at VGC. From what we have seen, cash rates for the villas are very rarely available anymore if at all.