How hard is it to book Disney's Grand Californian 7 months out?

[Sheryl Moroschak]

We would like to take our girls to Disneyland, 9 & 5; however, it seems that the Grand Californian Villas are always booked. We are wanting to go for fall break, October 2017. Can you usually get something 7 months out?

 

[CarolynK]

We've got a 1BR booked for the week right before Christmas, booked at exactly 7 months. I honestly didn't think we'd get it. Actually, we'd been stalking the DVC website for weeks before, and saw lots of availability for 2BRs but spotty availability for 1BRs so we were resigned to booking a 2BR - which would have to mean staying somewhere offsite for a couple of days due to lack of points. But, when our day came, a 1BR was available (there are 4 of us, and DD 20 is willing to sleep on the Murphy bed) so we took it but are waitlisted for a 2BR.
So, yes, it IS possible!

 

[DebbieB]

I'm 4 for 4.

May 2011 - studio
Sept 2012 - studio
August 2013 - 1 bedroom
August 2015 - 1 bedroom

The two 1 bedrooms were Sunday to Wednesday nights before D23, studios were not available for all nights.

 

[Chic]

If you have enough points to book a 1-Bedroom or 2-Bedroom Villa, your chances are pretty good at the 7 month window as long as you try to book online immediately at 7:00am EST. Studios are the first units to book up but I've been successful booking Studios at the 7 month window. Regardless, be sure to book as soon as the 7 month window opens. If you aren't successful, I strongly recommend waitlisting the room right away and you should have a fair chance.

 

[seelyt2]

We were able to book a 1 Bedroom Villa for August 13 of this year exactly 7 months out at the opening time. Just be ready to hit the mouse button when it's time

 

[clm10308]

I tried to get a 1-bedroom for a stay in mid June. I finally gave up on the wailing and used our points to get a jolted room instead. The first time we went to DL, we were able to get a reservation at 7mos for a two bedroom in late May. I am guessing that the demand for DVC rooms is much higher when schools are on break

 

[loveswdw]

I snagged a studio for 5 nights for this Oct at the 7 month window. We are checking in on Mon, checking out on Sat. I watched availability each day prior and everything booked up as soon as the window opened.

On my booking day, I logged in early and bypassed the availability tool altogether and went directly to the booking window. Had everything set up for what I wanted then when 8 am rolled, I hit book this accommodation. It worked. Got my studio. Went back in immediately after finalizing and all studios were gone so I guess I got the last one. I felt like I'd won the lottery!