Grand Californian

[cubes]

How hard is it to use points to stay at the Grand Californian? Does it book up quickly? How about the week before Easter? I'm soon to close on a DVC purchase, and have some points that need to be burned soon.

 

[GoofyasGoofy]

I do not have a lot of experience, but from some of the other posts in other threads, it is not that difficult. It will be much easier to get a good room once they finish the California DVC villas!

 

[SandyCA]

Congratulations on closing! I have stayed there twice already and will be doing so again 11/11/07 - all on points. I have not had any trouble booking GCH.

 

[HUFF590]

We booked about 6 mon ahead of time, no problems at all. And its a great place to stay, walk out the door your in the park.

 

[dwelty]

I agree, fairly easy to book. just call a few months before a busy period.

 

[bnlbebes]

I think that you are competing more with guests paying cash for available rooms than with other DVC members using points. Cash guests pay more and tend to book at a later date than DVC members, IME. Therefore, I don't think it is a problem booking at the GC as long as it isn't at the last minute.

I'll be curious to see if anyone has NOT been able to get a reservation there with points.

 

[cubes]

Thanks everyone for the comments. Hopefully it won't be a problem.

 

[Iggipolka]

We just got back from a trip to DL and stayed on points at the GC. It was wonderful and we had a fantastic time.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

We just got back from a trip to DL and stayed on points at the GC. It was wonderful and we had a fantastic time.

Can you post a trip report? I have never been but am making plans!

 

[Iggipolka]

I would, but I leave tomorrow for a cruise.

 

[funhouse8]

I stayed here and it was wonderful I tried to book PP trying to save points (cheap) and they were full so I had to take GC but boy am I glad I did. We had direct access to the park and Hotel guest were able to go into the park before it opened to do a power walk with a CM. It was wonderful to be in the park before it opened. Watching all the CM opening the shops and hosing down the streets. We spotted many of those park cats strolling around. LOL What a way to start our morning. But wait it gets better being a hotel guest you get to go into the park 1/2 hour earlier to ride Soring. (Never seen this at the hotel but read it on these boards.) There was maybe 15 of us waiting to get into the park early. We had front row. It was the begininng to an amazing day. Have a magical trip!

 

[nunzia]

I always feel out of the loop when everyone is discussing WDW since I've only been once and my family calls it the nightmare trip. However, DLR I know! You will find the GC the best place hands down to stay. Out of the three DLR hotels I'll only stay at the GC. Mainly because it is beautiful, and the access to DCA is amazing. Have a little breakfast at Whitewater Snacks (HUGE burrito, enough for 2 people) walk around the corner about 30 steps and you are in.
The park view is wonderful..watching everyone get the park ready, sitting on your little balcony with the coffee and fluffy robe. Even the DD view is nice..twinkly lights and you can hear the musicians in your room.
Easy to get to DL also, no tram or anything, just walk across DD and you are there. Very easy side entrance, quick and pretty walk. Certain floors have the stairs exit right at the La Brea bakery. (we stayed on the fifth and it was great...excpet for the last day when we popped out and the Disney employee was shocked because she thought we'd walk right out into the marathoners who were racing by. So..we ended up having to call somoeone in our party to come down (in bathrobe) and open the door for us. You can get out of the door, but not in!)
I love DLR. The new things at DCA will be nice, but I really like it even now.
And DL is so cozy and has such neat meandering walk ways. Walt's land. I love it.

 

[drag n' fly]

I always feel out of the loop when everyone is discussing WDW since I've only been once and my family calls it the nightmare trip. However, DLR I know! You will find the GC the best place hands down to stay. Out of the three DLR hotels I'll only stay at the GC. Mainly because it is beautiful, and the access to DCA is amazing. Have a little breakfast at Whitewater Snacks (HUGE burrito, enough for 2 people) walk around the corner about 30 steps and you are in.
The park view is wonderful..watching everyone get the park ready, sitting on your little balcony with the coffee and fluffy robe. Even the DD view is nice..twinkly lights and you can hear the musicians in your room.
Easy to get to DL also, no tram or anything, just walk across DD and you are there. Very easy side entrance, quick and pretty walk. Certain floors have the stairs exit right at the La Brea bakery. (we stayed on the fifth and it was great...excpet for the last day when we popped out and the Disney employee was shocked because she thought we'd walk right out into the marathoners who were racing by. So..we ended up having to call somoeone in our party to come down (in bathrobe) and open the door for us. You can get out of the door, but not in!)
I love DLR. The new things at DCA will be nice, but I really like it even now.
And DL is so cozy and has such neat meandering walk ways. Walt's land. I love it.

We are staying at the GC in 13 days.....oooooh your post really got me in the Disney mood now!

 

["Got Disney"]

I have booked 3 weeks out and got when I wanted. I booked 2 weeks ago for 5 days over new years....Guess depends on when you want to go.

Love the hotel

 

[TLinden16]

I've stayed at the Grand Californian twice on points and had no problem either time. I booked the room about six months out both times. I agree with those who say to book it early since you are planning on going around Easter.

 

[TinkerKell-ey]

We leave Wednesday to stay at GC using points - 7 nights. I made the reservation early summer and didn't get my first choice week - the full week before Thanksgiving. I thought it odd, as this is a slow week at WDW and I expected the same at DL. Per a CM, there are lots of conventions/trade shows/etc. in the area and they very frequently take up lots of Disney hotel space-which is whats happening the week I wanted to go. I had to tweek the week I have too, I think I wanted Fri to Fri instead of Wed to Wed and the two last days weren't available. Sooooo....my experience wasn't easy and perfect, but hey, I'm going to DL in 4 days!!!

 

[drag n' fly]

We leave Wednesday to stay at GC using points - 7 nights. I made the reservation early summer and didn't get my first choice week - the full week before Thanksgiving. I thought it odd, as this is a slow week at WDW and I expected the same at DL. Per a CM, there are lots of conventions/trade shows/etc. in the area and they very frequently take up lots of Disney hotel space-which is whats happening the week I wanted to go. I had to tweek the week I have too, I think I wanted Fri to Fri instead of Wed to Wed and the two last days weren't available. Sooooo....my experience wasn't easy and perfect, but hey, I'm going to DL in 4 days!!!

Yes! there is a SPE conference down there during the week before Thanksgiving. Dh is there on the 11-14th and we arrive the 14th. There was room but they were blocked for people attending the conference. Dh managed to find a room at PP for 149 a night and then will meet us at GC on the 14th.