How hard is it to get into the Grand Californian?

[Baklava]

In general, for times that are not the super high season, is it difficult to get in 7 months out? We're looking at October, but only if we can use our points.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Very hard. See charts here: http://www.disboards.com/threads/pr...-some-1-bedrooms-vgc-update-10-21-15.3419112/

 

[musical2]

I got in at exactly 7 months for the week of July 4 this coming summer for a 2 BR Villa. I did it online and clicked to reserve at exactly the top of the hour at 8 am Eastern Time. So it can be done.

 

[DebbieB]

I got in at exactly 7 months for the week of July 4 this coming summer for a 2 BR Villa. I did it online and clicked to reserve at exactly the top of the hour at 8 am Eastern Time. So it can be done.

I'm 4 for 4:

Early May studio
Late September studio
August 1 bedroom- twice, Sunday to Wednesday nights before D23.

Early October is gay days, it might be difficult.

 

[illinidp]

We've had good luck getting a 2 BR. Some check-in days are a lot harder to get than others. A few go right away, but for example, July 13, 2016, was available for about two weeks after the 7 month mark for a standard.

 

[Baklava]

I'm 4 for 4:

Early May studio
Late September studio
August 1 bedroom- twice, Sunday to Wednesday nights before D23.

Early October is gay days, it might be difficult.

We're looking at a week later. We honeymooned in DL during gay days (accidentally), so that's a weekend that we're very aware of! (Also, gay days is an awesome time to be all kissy face in DL.)

 

[SuperRob]

It's helpful if you can be flexible with your days. Weekdays are easier to get than weekends, in my experience. So we like to do a Sunday - Thursday in the fall. We've gotten in once, but the next time we tried, we couldn't find dates that would work. Good luck to you!

 

[DizDaD7]

I also was able to score one of the very rare studios overlooking DCA (6th floor) during Presidents week back in Feb. 2014.....So it is possible. Keep your fingers crossed...

 

[SuzanneSLO]

We're looking at a week later. We honeymooned in DL during gay days (accidentally), so that's a weekend that we're very aware of! (Also, gay days is an awesome time to be all kissy face in DL.)

We have gotten a studio for a few nights the second week of October back in October 2013, but we had to waitlist for 2 nights. I consider October to be "high" season for DVC. Gay Days is the first weekend, Columbus Day holiday is the 2nd. UEA is the third. Mid-September will be somewhat easier. -- Suzanne

 

[Anal Annie]

I was able to get a studio for about 3 nights in early August 2 times. You have to be "right on it" tho too book online at 8:00 am.

 

[quinnc19]

I tried to get a studio but ended up with a 1 bedroom the last two Junes. Last year, my WL eventually came through for the studio but it was an accessible one. So, I agree it helps if you are flexible!

 

[suyama]

I was able to reserve a 1 bedroom for 6 nights in mid March with no problem. I booked right at 7 months.

 

[Pixieflip]

We'd like a two bedroom the weekend before Thanksgiving this year. It's marked on my calendar! But, I'm not holding my breath or telling the kids until it happens.

 

[seelyt2]

We were able to get a 1 bedroom for 5 nights arriving Saturday 8/13/16 at 8 a.m. on opening day (7 months out). We were pretty nervous about the whole deal since we heard booking can be dicey - it's our first-time and we're super stoked about heading West! I checked availability the next day (for kicks) and noticed that some of the days we had booked were no longer available for booking. Good luck!!!

 

[Anek0618]

We are heading down for our 3rd visit on Feb 9th. The first two times I was able to get a one bedroom, this time I ended up with a 2 bedroom. I tried a couple days in a row, but no luck on the one bedroom so I splurged and jumped on the two bedroom (which we are now all very excited about!) So, it can totally be done, you just have to be on there at exactly 8am and be ready to be somewhat flexible. It is a great spot, definitely one of our favorites! Good luck!

 

[SuperRob]

I also was able to score one of the very rare studios overlooking DCA (6th floor) during Presidents week back in Feb. 2014.....So it is possible. Keep your fingers crossed...

You mean ONLY studio. There is literally ONE sixth-floor studio that overlooks Paradise Pier.

 

[2boysmommy]

It used to be a lot easier!! We have done 3 trips there but the last was in January 2013. We have tried twice since then and been unable to book at 7 months for the times we want and the wait list has proven futile. I have watched the availability drop on the calendar as it shifts from 11 months to 7 months. And then 'poof'...it's gone.
I wish you all the best...it really is an awesome resort!

 

[DizDaD7]

You mean ONLY studio. There is literally ONE sixth-floor studio that overlooks Paradise Pier.

Uh HUH..It was A M A Z I N G ....World of color right out my balcony...... Talk about pixie dust???

I think there are only 4 rooms on that floor alone...

 

[SuperRob]

Uh HUH..It was A M A Z I N G ....World of color right out my balcony...... Talk about pixie dust???

I think there are only 4 rooms on that floor alone...

I've stayed in that room. It was PHENOMENAL.

Fun story, got woken up at 2AM by bright lights outside the window. When I went to check it out, they were testing new scenes for World of Color. It was kinda neat, but it would have been more neat if it hadn't been 2AM.

 

[DizDaD7]

I've stayed in that room. It was PHENOMENAL.

Fun story, got woken up at 2AM by bright lights outside the window. When I went to check it out, they were testing new scenes for World of Color. It was kinda neat, but it would have been more neat if it hadn't been 2AM.

Hahah...Disney is the only place where that wouldn't get me mad...Anywhere else...I would been like----> LoL
I wish I was there for a longer trip....I wanted to do another one this spring but figured it out just after the 7 month mark, and plane fares weren't that great....