Grand Californian...

[MissMet]

We're planning our first trip to Disneyland for Jan 2013. My 7 month window opens next month. Hearing about how hard it is to get a villa there I'm trying to find a plan b.

If I am not able to secure our reservation next month, do you think I should bother waitlisting or just rent my points I would have used thru David's rental and use that income to book the trip on cash?

We're trying for a week in a studio or 1-bed the last week of January.

Thanks guys!

 

[disneymayz]

We got our whole week right at the 7 month window. I was on there right on the day. Try it and the ngo from there.

 

[Breyean]

I'd do what the PP recommended. Get on line at 8a and hope for the best. Esp with a 1 bedroom, as they seem to stay open a little longer than studios.

I own at VGC and have gotten several reservations there within 7 months using my OKW points, so it can be done.

 

[sechelt]

I agree with pp's. January is a quieter time at DL and your chances are much better than if you were trying for a busy time, like Easter. The exception is the Tinkerbell Half Marathon weekend, January 18 and 19. Those dates are already booked for both a studio and one bedroom. If that weekend is part of your vacation week, book what you can and waitlist just the two nights. Sometimes runners get injured, or whatever, and have to cancel their plans. Good luck!

 

[MissMet]

Thanks! You guys have made me feel so much better. The stuff I've been reading about securing a reservation there has made it seem impossible. I went with Jan for the reason of low crowds but other posts made it seem like that's what all of DVC does.

No, our trip does not include that weekend, we're the following weekend. I already have my reminder set on my phone for booking day. Hopefully we won't have an issue.

Thank you!

 

[cwdefouw]

Just be sure that you are online right at 8:00 AM Eastern on the day. 5 or 10 minutes late can make the difference between getting exactly what you want and having to waitlist.

 

[aeenser]

Stayed there this past February during Presidents' Day week when many schools are off and was able to secure a one bedroom 7 months out no problem. Good luck!

 

[Msmithmd]

We also are heading (next week woohoo!) to VGC on VWL points, reserved at 8a on the first day window opened at seven months. You should be fine. For curiosity's sake I did check a week after my window opened and I reserved; by that time everything was full for my dates. The early bird catches the worm, or in this case books VGC...good luck!

 

[Minniesgal]

I would waitlist a while i have had good luck with waitlist that went in right at the 7 month window but i wouldn't leave it more than a month or so as if you want to rent the points you have to do it while there is still availability elsewhere.

 

[okworbust]

We tried last year at 7 month mark for August and could not get into anything - SO - we decided to spend our points in the Concierge Level (we did that at the Disneyland Hotel once before and loved it) and it was WORTH IT

The amenities and food were wonderful and so was the free alcohol and don't think it is only available at happy hour - if you want a drink with lunch you just have to ask.

 

[Lucille1963]

We've been to VGC the past two Januarys, this year in a studio and the previous in a 1 BR. I got both reservations the moment they opened the 7 month window. If all else fails, consider staying at The Disneyland Hotel on points. We did that before the VGC opened and loved it!