Grand/Disney Suites

[Mom2Joce]

It's been FOREVER since I've been on the board and in the park. Looking to plan a HUGE trip and didn't know where to get the most for my $$ with a 2bdrm suite. We'd like to stay at the Grand or the DH so I wanted to get as much "current" information as possible.

Where are the $ advantages?
Is there still a Disney Visa (or something like that) that will give a % off the packages?
Is there a travel agency that is better to book through?

If there are threads that I wasn't able to find that someone could direct me that would be great too
LOVE the first hand experiences on these boards!!!
Many, many thanks in advance,
Kelie

 

[Nonsuch]

...Looking to plan a HUGE trip and didn't know where to get the most for my $$ with a 2bdrm suite. We'd like to stay at the Grand or the DH...

You might consider renting a 2 bedroom villa at VGC. (Villa is a DVC timeshare room)
A 2 bedroom villa has many great features
3 full baths, full kitchen, washer/drier, jacuzzi tub...

There are a few disadvantages:
You must plan far in advance (generally at least 7 months).
Cancelling can be very expensive (or not possible).
You must book indirectly, either with a DVC owner or a DVC rental service.

 

[Mom2Joce]

Thanks, I remember the last time we were at the Grand they were trying to sell the units. Whats the best way to go about renting them? Craigslist?

 

[Califlove]

We just booked through David's Vacation Club. His staff have been great. We booked a studio so had to book at the 11 month mark. Not sure how long in advance you need to book for a 2 bdrm

 

[Nonsuch]

...Whats the best way to go about renting them?

David's Vacation Club Rental seems to be the most straightforward and reliable way to rent, but not the cheapest. David does have a nice "price calculator"
There is also the DVC-Rent/Trade forum here on DIS

The DVC link (top of page) has some FAQs on DVC and renting.

As you can tell from my signature, I'm a VGC fan (and owner)

 

[Nonsuch]

...Not sure how long in advance you need to book for a 2 bdrm

Dedicated 2 bedrooms will generally be the easiest type of villa to book.
Studios are the most difficult.

 

[sandysue]

We used David's for the 2bd rm villa and had to wait for the 7 month mark, which is when the villas open to owners who do not have gcv as their "home" resort. Studios go first.