PP's have already given you the main link that you'll need, Hydroguy's thread.
If VGC is unavailable for your dates, which is entirely possible since there are only 48 2-bedroom equivalents (23 studio, 23 1 bedroom, 23 dedicated 2 bedrooms, and 2 GVs), wait list. Its not unheard of for waitlists to come through since a lot of Californians/West Coasters make tentative plans, book during our 11 month window, then cancel if we can't make it when it gets closer (For example, I'm still not 100% that I'm going to keep my June reservation, still waiting for a few things to fall into place).
If your wait list doesn't come through at about a month out, then you can use your points for DLH, GCH, or PPH. I've only stayed at DLH and the Villas but have heard they're all very nice, you get Magic Mornings with all three, and can use the private entrance from GCH into DCA which is important to us now as DVCers. However, the points are steep and they are reservation points which you can't convert back to regular DVC points so I'd do it as a last ditch effort, as DLH/PPH rooms are usually available on points during most seasons until the last minute (not sure about Xmas or high summer, but I've gotten a DLH room on points within 2 days of check in in late May). There is no $95 fee to make the booking and no last 4 months of UY restriction (so expiring-soon points work well here!).
Alternately you could rent out your points and pay cash for the room, which would probably be more cost effective but require more effort.
There is no ME at DLR. Depending on where you fly into and how many people you have it can be cheaper to taxi or Supershuttle than to take the
Disneyland Express bus run by Greyhound ... I only take that if I'm going solo from LAX. From SNA it can be cheaper to cab if you have several people. (SNA is a much smaller/nicer/convenient airport than LAX. Sometimes flights are more expensive going into there, sometimes not.)
Skiingfast has said that there are times when the Dining Plan might be useful (ie if you want a
lot of Character meals), but I haven't found a use for it as mostly they're just vouchers that you either use the whole amount or lose value on. Most regular DLR regulars don't use them.
And btw, no need to make ADR's at 180 days. You can make Priority Seating reservations at 60 days, but the only time I've done that was when we had a party of 20+ and needed a private room and cake for a party. Otherwise we usually make reservations a week or two ahead of time and can get a table at a time we like. You can also just walk up to restaurants but at mealtimes might have to wait a bit (think 1/2 hour to an hour).
Can anyone give me the ins/outs of booking a room using DVC points? We've only used them at WDW before.
