Grand Californian Super Thread

[funatdisney]

I think most of us bought our points knowing that everything would be booked at 7 months. Many owners live within driving distance so it makes it a very affordable trip, especially if you already own an AP, my points are all gone for 2010 UY and I've already started on using up 2011.

All but 22 points of my 2011 year are booked. I wasn't able to buy more points when we bought, so I am able to get one good vacation out of my VGC points. The rest of our stays are dependent on my SSR points. I have had no trouble booking at the 7 month, but I think that will change this year, since this is the first year after VGC sold out. I already thinking of how to get more, which I am sure I am not alone.

 

[Dobie]

I am older and tend to spend more time in the room. Can you tell me how extensive the channels are. At WDW they are not very extensive.

GCH has such a lovely lobby, that you might find yourself wanting to rest there, with a good book, some of the time! Ask for a room by the lobby elevators, otherwise you will have a long hike.

 

[kailuagirl]

GCH has such a lovely lobby, that you might find yourself wanting to rest there, with a good book, some of the time! Ask for a room by the lobby elevators, otherwise you will have a long hike.

I so agree!!! I love love love love the lobby!!! But as for the channels, I don't think I've ever stayed in a hotel with better channels anywhere, or should I say the most channels. I recall it being pretty good )

 

[garada3]

GCH has such a lovely lobby, that you might find yourself wanting to rest there, with a good book, some of the time! Ask for a room by the lobby elevators, otherwise you will have a long hike.

Are room requests given much consideration?

Is a room near the elevators considered standard view?

What's better - a lucky standard room assignment (not over looking the front entrance) or a DTD view with a potentially long walk?

Thanks.

 

[meg8182000]

All but 22 points of my 2011 year are booked. I wasn't able to buy more points when we bought, so I am able to get one good vacation out of my VGC points. The rest of our stays are dependent on my SSR points. I have had no trouble booking at the 7 month, but I think that will change this year, since this is the first year after VGC sold out. I already thinking of how to get more, which I am sure I am not alone.

I don't own at GCV (wish I did) but own at AKV and BLT. I'll be at DL prior to the D23 Expo for a few nights and was prepared to pay for a room with cash (not looking forward to it as we were quoted at $1876 for 4 nights in August). I was really hoping to use my points at the 7 month mark but not counting on it as I just figured it would be a busy time and most owners would already have grabbed the villas up at the 11 month mark. I was very happy to find when I called that I was able to get a 1 bedroom for all 4 nights with no waitlist. OK - I was looking for a studio to save on points but that was a no go BUT was very surprised to find that they even still had 2 bedrooms available as well as 1 Grand Villa left.

Who knows maybe as the years go on it may be harder to get in at the 7 month mark but maybe not. I've stayed at the GCH twice and this will be my first time staying in a villa and I can't wait!

 

[Dobie]

Are room requests given much consideration?

Is a room near the elevators considered standard view?

What's better - a lucky standard room assignment (not over looking the front entrance) or a DTD view with a potentially long walk?

Thanks.

I have had a standard view overlooking the parking lot, and a theme park view overlooking GCA, each very close to each other. It depends on which side of the hall you are on.

Whether or not you think one is better depends on whether you are willing to trade convenience (to the pool, the lobby, restaurants, the parks) for a nice balcony view.

 

[kikiq]

I think most of us bought our points knowing that everything would be booked at 7 months. Many owners live within driving distance so it makes it a very affordable trip, especially if you already own an AP, my points are all gone for 2010 UY and I've already started on using up 2011.

That's what tip the scales for us. We couldn't book our birthday or anniversary weekends 7 months out with our SSR points. So we bought 150 VGC points. Our 2010 points are done and only have 50 points left in 2011. We booked a VGC 2 bdrm for Memorial Day weekend for the family. We saving our SSR points for a big family holiday WDW visit in 2012.

 

[blackjackdelta]

I have had a standard view overlooking the parking lot, and a theme park view overlooking GCA, each very close to each other. It depends on which side of the hall you are on.

Whether or not you think one is better depends on whether you are willing to trade convenience (to the pool, the lobby, restaurants, the parks) for a nice balcony view.

Dobie is spot on. We have had various room configurations and sometimes the walk may seem a bit much at the end of the day but it is well worth staying at the Grand. One of the reasons we work many jobs to pay for the luxury.

Jack

 

[godalejunior]

Dobie is spot on. We have had various room configurations and sometimes the walk may seem a bit much at the end of the day but it is well worth staying at the Grand. One of the reasons we work many jobs to pay for the luxury.

Jack

You mentioned you need points for August...how many do you need for your stay?

 

[blackjackdelta]

You mentioned you need points for August...how many do you need for your stay?

I will need between 260-324 depends on if we stay a Friday. My oldest daughter is getting married down there and her plans keep adjusting but for the most part it is 324.

Jack

 

[godalejunior]

I will need between 260-324 depends on if we stay a Friday. My oldest daughter is getting married down there and her plans keep adjusting but for the most part it is 324.

Jack

I was hoping I could help but I don't have that many available...

 

[blackjackdelta]

I was hoping I could help but I don't have that many available...

Thanks for the thought.

Jack

 

[funatdisney]

I don't own at GCV (wish I did) but own at AKV and BLT. I'll be at DL prior to the D23 Expo for a few nights and was prepared to pay for a room with cash (not looking forward to it as we were quoted at $1876 for 4 nights in August). I was really hoping to use my points at the 7 month mark but not counting on it as I just figured it would be a busy time and most owners would already have grabbed the villas up at the 11 month mark. I was very happy to find when I called that I was able to get a 1 bedroom for all 4 nights with no waitlist. OK - I was looking for a studio to save on points but that was a no go BUT was very surprised to find that they even still had 2 bedrooms available as well as 1 Grand Villa left.

Who knows maybe as the years go on it may be harder to get in at the 7 month mark but maybe not. I've stayed at the GCH twice and this will be my first time staying in a villa and I can't wait!

Well I am encouraged and will see what happens. The studios are very hard to get and would expect the 11 month booking definitely would give the member an advantage. I was able to book a studio for the 4th of July weekend last week, but it was purely luck. It had just been canceled and I happened to be inquiring. We, for the most part usually book a one bedroom. Just so happens that I have three studios bookings this year. One for one night next month, one for July (two nights) and the other for August (one night). Highly unusual for us. In fact the first time we will stay in a studio will be next month.

You will love the one bedroom. We cook when we vacation and I just love the lay out of the kitchen table. Feels like a real family home.

SO you are going to the D23 Expo. I got a membership for xmas, but it hasn't arrived yet. Have you gone before? How was it? I am considering on going, but don't know much about it.

 

[garada3]

I have had a standard view overlooking the parking lot, and a theme park view overlooking GCA, each very close to each other. It depends on which side of the hall you are on.

Whether or not you think one is better depends on whether you are willing to trade convenience (to the pool, the lobby, restaurants, the parks) for a nice balcony view.

Thanks for the input.

After seeing a current DLH guest's "preferred premium" view of a plastic wrapped building, we have switched to the GC.

We have a DTD view - the long walk will help burn off the treats

 

[Nonsuch]

We have a DTD view - the long walk will help burn off the treats

The fire stairs will save lots of time going toward the Disneyland main gate

 

[Dobie]

The fire stairs will save lots of time going toward the Disneyland main gate

You know, the long walk to Disneyland is not the problem. It is the long walk back that kills ya!

 

[Disney Princess]

I think most of us bought our points knowing that everything would be booked at 7 months. Many owners live within driving distance so it makes it a very affordable trip, especially if you already own an AP, my points are all gone for 2010 UY and I've already started on using up 2011.

Yes, that is why we bought at the VGC - we wanted the 11 month window. I just think many owners aren't renting out the points.

Blackjackdelta - I hope that if you have to wait until the 7 month window, you will be able to get what you want. Here's hoping! And after making our May reservations for us and the in-laws, we don't have enough points to help you out - sorry!

 

[DmaxHawk]

You know, the long walk to Disneyland is not the problem. It is the long walk back that kills ya!

Think you hit it right on the head!

The walk to the park always seemed to go much faster but at the end of the day, it was a different story.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Think you hit it right on the head!

The walk to the park always seemed to go much faster but at the end of the day, it was a different story.

We usually stay later in the evening to avoid the mass stampeed at a snails pace out the gates after the fireworks.

Jack

 

[DmaxHawk]

We usually stay later in the evening to avoid the mass stampeed at a snails pace out the gates after the fireworks.

Jack

Thats exactly what we decided to do last year