Grand Californian Villas

[DisneyDeb83]

Okay, I am probably posting in the wrong place, but didn't see much in the Disneyland section of the boards that looked helpful.

So, here's my problem. We always go to Disney World, but thought we would try Disneyland for the first time. When at the DW we usually rent points and stay in a villa. I have heard that they recently built villas at the Grand Californian. Where do I go to find owners that have points to rent? I have been searching but have not come up with much luck. Do I just have to search the rent/trade forum under vacation club to try to find someone, or is there a separate area? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Debbie

 

[6bowmans]

Hi Debbie. VGC owners can make reservations 11 months in advance. Since VGC points are new, you won't find many being rented on the DIS Boards. However, any DVC member with available points can reserve a room (depending on room availability) at the Grand Californian up to seven months in advance. Just head on over to the Rent/Trade forum and see what is available.

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=29

 

[nunzia]

You might also check with the board's sponsor David's, DVCREQUEST.COM

Since the villas are very few in number, it might be difficult, but certainly not impossible, to get points rental. If you need to, you can also use points at the Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier.

 

[DisneyDeb83]

Thanks for the help. Another question, is there a separate chart for using points for the other hotels? I seem to remember that if you used points for any of the DW hotels the amount needed per night was pretty high. Thanks again!

Deb

 

[tiggerfied]

Hi Deb - I just saw your post and wanted to let you know that we rented points for a one bedroom villa at the Grand Californian in August and LOVED it! We rented points from someone on the rent/trade section of this forum and I think it ended up costing us around $460/night for the unit. Well worth it when you consider that at the beginning of our trip we had a regular room at the Disneyland Hotel for the same rate (further walk from the parks, less luxurious and MUCH smaller). The GCV are gorgeous - bedroom with king bed, two bathrooms - one has jetted tub, full kitchen, washer/dryer, spacious balcony, living room with sofa bed and Murphy bed. Everything is deluxe. Good luck!

 

[DisneyDeb83]

Thanks tig! We have always rented DVC and have stayed in each one of the DW resorts, but have never even been to DL. (Had the chance to 20 years ago on our honeymoon, but hubby got sick the day we were supposed to go!). Anyway, we love DVC, unfortunately can't afford to get our own right now with 2 kids in college. And looking at pictures of the GC I'm sure it's tremendous! We have to wait til they post the MLB schedule for 2011, as we are trying to combine a trip to Disneyland along with a couple Phillies games. (Living in NJ we don't get the chance to travel so far, so have to do all at once!). So, I'm hoping we will get lucky and find a reservation, as I have been reading that there are not a lot of units to match the high demand. We will need the luck! Thanks again!!

Deb

 

[mdsd8700]

Good luck in renting your points for VGC. We just stayed there in July in a 1BR and pictures simply do not do it justice. It is a lovely resort, first class all the way and you will be very happy if you secure a reservation and stay there. Hope it all turns out just as you want.

 

[DenLo]

Thanks for the help. Another question, is there a separate chart for using points for the other hotels? I seem to remember that if you used points for any of the DW hotels the amount needed per night was pretty high. Thanks again!

Deb

There's a link at the top of the page for Point Charts. But in case you are having trouble finding it. Here it is again: http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-vacation-club/DVCpoints.shtml Just select the DVC resort where you want to stay and the year for your vacation and use that point chart.

 

[DisneyDeb83]

Thanks, I have used the points chart too many times, I am always planning trips. Get home from one, plan the next one the following day! Someone had mentioned that if I can't get VGC that I could also use points at the other two DL hotels. Does anyone know what the points per night would be for the hotels? Would it be comparable to the number of points needed for a studio at the villas?

Deb

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thanks, I have used the points chart too many times, I am always planning trips. Get home from one, plan the next one the following day! Someone had mentioned that if I can't get VGC that I could also use points at the other two DL hotels. Does anyone know what the points per night would be for the hotels? Would it be comparable to the number of points needed for a studio at the villas?

Deb

Using points for a hotel room costs quite a bit more than the studios. Depending on when you are going a VGC studio in 2011 would be anywhere from 17-37 pts/night. A room at PP would be 25-54 pts/night or DLH would be 27-61 pts/night.

 

[DisneyDeb83]

Thanks Kat, that's what I thought. I remember seeing owner's renting points for DW hotels really cheap because the number of points per night was really high. So, if I can't get into VGC I may be better off trying one of the other DL hotels?
I wish I knew the area better, haven't been to LA since 1987, and that was the only time. We are so spoiled going to DW because there are so many DVC resorts and so many people to rent out points. It has been years since we have stayed off property. Even so, we are still pretty familiar with the Orlando area outside Disney. DL is so new to us, if we stayed off property, I wouldn't even know where to go. Maybe I'll post elsewhere to get opinions on nice non-Disney properties out there.

Love the boards...everyone is so helpful!!!

 

[6bowmans]

Thanks Kat, that's what I thought. I remember seeing owner's renting points for DW hotels really cheap because the number of points per night was really high. So, if I can't get into VGC I may be better off trying one of the other DL hotels?
I wish I knew the area better, haven't been to LA since 1987, and that was the only time. We are so spoiled going to DW because there are so many DVC resorts and so many people to rent out points. It has been years since we have stayed off property. Even so, we are still pretty familiar with the Orlando area outside Disney. DL is so new to us, if we stayed off property, I wouldn't even know where to go. Maybe I'll post elsewhere to get opinions on nice non-Disney properties out there.

Love the boards...everyone is so helpful!!!

We have been to DL several times in the last few years and there are many hotels on Harbor Blvd that are closer to the two parks than either DL Hotel or Paradise Pier (because you have to walk through DD from either DLH or PP). We have stayed at several, but still prefer a Disney hotel for the 24/7 Disney atmosphere. Before VGC, we even used points to stay at DLH (not a good use of points I know, but it was just easier to reserve a two-bedroom that way).

 

[DisWitt]

DisneyDeb- I'm a DL local, so I can get you some of that "boots on the ground info" if you need. I think you're right by looking at VGC. You should be fine renting points and booking at the 7-month mark from a WDW owner. During busy seasons VGC can book up, but if you're a little flexible, I'd try it.

As for the other Anaheim hotels, I personally think the DH is the next best but pricey. If you're not going to be "on-property", then there are tons of hotels, but none are quite as cool and convenient as the Disney ones. Truly, no views from those, either. Anaheim views pretty much suck unless they look into the park! I'd try to get a VGC from a WDW owner (book at 7 months) first. If that doesn't work out, you still have PLENTY of time to find an awesome deal at one of the biggies not on property. I think the Anaheim Marriott or Hilton are the best and cater to the most Disney people. The walk from those is bad, but they run shuttles constantly.

On a note about going to a game, if you're going to Anaheim Stadium, look into the Anaheim Trolley when you're getting ready to come. I think it's free and goes from DLR to the stadium. If the trolley doesn't run late enough for your return from the game, a taxi should be cheaper than the stadium parking and quicker.

If you REALLY want to go far out and don't get the VGC, I'd steer you to stay in Newport Beach at the Newport Marriott (not on the water, but views and a golf course) or the Balboa Bay Club (on Newport Bay). Both would probably have rooms at prices lower than VGC and be in SWEET locations -- places that even locals stay.