Heading to DL in Jan 2025 (Resort recommendations)

[Chuck96]

My friends, lifelong (adult) WDW visitor here, about to try something relatively new. My wife has been to DL (many years ago), but myself and my son (20 now, 21 at time of trip) have never been. We don't expect to make it a habit (owning DVC at WDW), and so want to do it right. I'd rather sleep on the street than pay rack rate, and I don't expect my points to be of much value at the 7 month booking point. So, I'm planning to rent some points for our stay, and the window to do just that will open in about a month.

I'm leaning towards the new VDH, but wanted to ask whether I should opt for the Grand Californian instead? It'll probably just be the three of us, and I'm planning two-three park days (during the week - essentially this week next year) and a Disney Springs day. There is a minor, but not negligible, points (and therefore cost) differential between the two - looking like 79 points for VDH (5 nights, one of which is Saturday) and 90 for GCV. Not a huge difference. We'll "visit" both hotels to see the decor and whatnot, but are there any specific drivers that should shape our choice of home base?

I'll ask for trip advice from the DL experts as we get closer to the trip. But this is the first (earliest) decision we need to make, and we need to figure that part out soon. Thanks in advance!

 

[Rex1993]

VGC all the way! Not even a question. You have to pay the room taxes separately on the VDH so the point difference appears to almost be in favor of VGC for value. The issue is going to be availability at 7 months.

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

In theory the hard refurb will be happening likely starting late 2024 finishing late 2025 for VGC. The rooms are currently pretty outdated and super in need but... the location is so great! VDH is lovely (though farther away). You really probably can't go wrong but given location, not paying the taxes and potentially newly refurbed, I'd probably sway for VGC. Seriously you can be in your room and make it through security and into DCA in 3 mins. VDH... more like 10-15. When we stay at VGC I'm not phased to quickly go to the room to change clothes or drop off some shopping etc. Have a great trip!