Help! Anyone stay at GF using points?

[doubletroublemom]

We're trying to decide if we should change from BWV to GF in October. We are planning to spend most of our time at MK and Epcot, and our girls will be doing the Wonderland Tea Party and Pirate Cruise. We just love the thought of the convenience eventhough it's only one room. When using points, what is the "standard" room? Can I request a tower room, water view, etc...I've looked at the floorplans and have seen some photos, but I'd love to hear about DVC members experiences. Thanks!

 

[robinb]

Sorry, I've never done this. It just doesn't make a lot of sense to me. The GF is 30/53 (Weekday/Weekend) in October and the BWV is 18/42 for a standard view and 24/47 for a preferred view for a one bedroom. Yes, you have some activities planned in the MK area but think about how much more comfortable you will be at BWV. Room size alone makes a big difference: GF = 440 sq ft, 1 BR at BWV 712 sq feet. Plus, you have a full kitchen and a cool pool.

If you really want to be in the MK area, why don't you stay at VWL? That'll get you to the MK easier and the T&TC is a short bus ride away.

 

[wdwoldtimer]

We've occasionally traded out points for stays at the non-DVC Dis resorts, including the GF. OUr experiences have been that it seems that they give you the better rooms/views when you use points. I don't know the official policy on this, but every time we've done it, we didn't request anything special, yet got the higher end standard room i.e better view, king bed instead of doubles, balcony instead of no balcony etc.
No, you won't get a tower room, they are NOT standard...look at the difference in cash/rental price!! Yikes!

Yes, you can request views. At the GF, we like either pool view or lagoon view towards MK. As far as which is better GF or BWV, it depends on what's important to you. GF is the flagship..it has that air about it too. It's very convenient to the MK. The rooms are beautiful as well as the grounds. You have the beach too. Guests there can sometimes be a bit stuffy IMHO.
BWV is very close in overall "classiness". It is very convenient to EPCOT. The rooms are also fantastic and there are great views as well. The pool is better. There's just more to do at BWV, especially in the eves.

Still, if you haven't stayed at the GF before, it really is something you'll enjoy. And it's nice to try other resorts besides our DVC's from time to time.

 

[princess angel]

I have stayed at the GF 4 times on dvc points!
first off, all GF rooms have balconies, and they have 2 queen beds or one King (not double beds).
the views are either garden view or lagoon.
You cannot use points to book a tower room though, if one is available at check in, you can ask to pay the difference, they'll figure it out, or if you get lucky, they'll upgrade you for free! hay, you never know!!! same goes for concierge.

all 4 times I stayed at the gf with points, we got a fabulous lagoon view! 3 out of the 4 times we had a MK/Castle view that was absolutely fantastic! we could not have been in a better location. one time we had a great lagoon view, but no MK view.
each time I faxed in my request 4 days in advance, and they always honor them!!!

the one time we didn't get MK view, I hadn't requested it (stupid!) I only requested lagoon view, and that's what they gave me!
A lot of people think that if they use points at a deluxe resort, that they're going to get the standard view (which at the GF is gorgeous anyway!) but they will give you the great views if they can.

I'm sure sometimes a dvc member will get the standard view, but not because they're dvc, just because that's what's available!

Be sure to fax in your request! Do not assume that they will give you a better view b/c you are dvc!

you will love the GF if you stay there, it is so gorgeous and the ultimate in luxury and amenities!!!

If you can spare the points, then I say definately go for it!!! It's so much fun trying out different resorts!

someone suggested the VWL if you want to be convenient to MK, but I don't find the WL resort convenient to anything! I've taken the ferry from Mk to WL to go for dinner, and it is slow!!! it certainly can't compare to the convenience of the GF!

anyway, have a great time!!!

Laura

 

[wdwoldtimer]

Before we close this repetitive thread, I have another question...

We're trying to decide if we should change from BWV to GF in October. We are planning to spend most of our time at MK and Epcot, and our girls will be doing the Wonderland Tea Party and Pirate Cruise. We just love the thought of the convenience eventhough it's only one room. When using points, what is the "standard" room? Can I request a tower room, water view, etc...I've looked at the floorplans and have seen some photos, but I'd love to hear about DVC members experiences. Thanks!

 

[antnee]

We did it last December and enjoyed 7 luxurious days at WDW with a waterview of the MK Great Service too.
Go for it

 

[doubletroublemom]

Well, I think we've decided to go for the GF. But because of when the MNSSHP is, and some other guidelines my DH has given me, I need to try to get a room when that golf tourn. is there. Wish me luck!

Princess angel: Do I send the fax to the GF or to DVC MS?

 

[princess angel]

hi doubletroublemom!
I just PM'd you!
I always faxed my request directly to the GF, 4 days in advance!
seemed to work for me everytime!!
Laura

 

[disney queen]

we have booked the GF for 2 nights using an AP rate. is it possible to switch to points? or would i be better off sticking to what i have booked? thanks!!