IS there a time of year one has a better shot at booking Grand Californian at 7 months?

[Jennasis]

We would like to try for a Disneyland trip some time. Is there a time of year we should attempt to go where we will have a shot at booking a studio at 7 months out or is it wishful thinking?

 

[bobbiwoz]

We got 3 nights in a studio in early June in 2014. We had taken DCL's Westbound Panama Canal cruise and did some California sightseeing afterwards. We thought the hotel was wonderful and hope to stay there again!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I was able to get a studio for 3 nights during the first week of May. It was the last studio. Called 9am when MS opened. That was before all of the online booking.

 

[drusba]

VGC can have issues throughout the year but chances are somewhat better the last part of Jan (after the race weekend in mid-Jan) to just before Memorial Day weekend, excluding holiday periods during that time. Also, throughout the year chances are somewhat better if seeking 1BR or 2BR rather than a studio. Booking at exactly 7 months out at 8 a.m. online is often necessary when something, particularly a studio, is open.

 

[Cinderpamela]

On 2 separate occasions I have gotten a room at the 7 month window. A 1 bedroom, and then a studio, for 5 day trips over Thanksgiving weekend, it took being online right at the opening of the 7 month window. If you can avoid all runDisney events and other special Disney Fan things such as the D23 convention you will have better luck. Also mid week arrival can usually be easier to get in than weekend.

 

[Baklava]

We were going for a 2 BR, so slightly easier than a studio, but we booked a week in December with no fuss. October and November were not available.

 

[PatMcDuck]

I have done February twice, before the points required shoot up, including once over President's Day (1 BR). Also have booked it in September (studio). My friend booked us a few times the week before D23 in August. It is not impossible at all.

 

[leslieh]

Waitlisted for 7 months plus a day I did the call and online exactly, one night was available, June 21, 2 br so now we are checking in for one night and out for three to an area hotel. OKW is my home resort did this same trip two years ago and got for four nights in a 1 br. Why is it so hard now. Leslie H.

 

[mac_tlc]

I have twice gotten 1 bedrooms at 7 months, for April. Will be trying for a 2-bedroom for July 2017, would like a lock-off, but those are even harder.

 

[keishashadow]

We were able to get studios there 3 times

no luck: last year during Gay Days in Oct.

Thinking fact we usually spend Sat & Sun in Las Vegas on way out, arriving for stay Monday to Friday helps as we aren't looking for weekend dates.

Success: once after the January race, February after Super bowl & June (coincided with start of CA pass blackout days as I recall)

The resort is lovely, but honestly love the vibe better @ the DLH.

 

[holcomb-mania]

Mid-June 2013 I got a 1br for one night and 2br for next 3 nights. Maybe I got lucky but I don't remember having difficulty other than needing the 1br for the first night. Being flexible and avoiding the weekend may help.

 

[mcuoghi]

Maybe I was just lucky, but I was able to get 5 nights in a studio this August. No wait list. I booked the moment I was able to at 7 months out. Good Luck!

 

[alldiz]

Hmmm.... Next year I'm planning Hawaii and was planning on stopping at Disneyland on they way for 2 nights.

Been so obsessed hoping I get an ocean view in Hawaii... Wasn't even thinking about availability at VGF.

Maybe I won't be stopping in California after all. I would need prob a fri, sat night end of July
Kerri

 

[illinidp]

Hmmm.... Next year I'm planning Hawaii and was planning on stopping at Disneyland on they way for 2 nights.

Been so obsessed hoping I get an ocean view in Hawaii... Wasn't even thinking about availability at VGF.

Maybe I won't be stopping in California after all. I would need prob a fri, sat night end of July
Kerri

Late July isn't always too bad. You miss the July 4 and anniversary crowds. This year 2br were available for about 2 weeks after the 180 day mark.

 

[sunryzez]

I'm hoping for 4 nights Mon- Thurs before our Aulani vacation for June 2017. 2 studios would be ideal but since I heard they are gone within seconds I am just going to try to book a 2 bedroom and hope for the best!

 

[alldiz]

Late July isn't always too bad. You miss the July 4 and anniversary crowds. This year 2br were available for about 2 weeks after the 180 day mark.

I would definately need a studio. On a budget for points.

 

[Syndrome]

VGC can have issues throughout the year but chances are somewhat better the last part of Jan (after the race weekend in mid-Jan) . Also, throughout the year chances are somewhat better if seeking 1BR or 2BR rather than a studio. Booking at exactly 7 months out at 8 a.m. online is often necessary when something, particularly a studio, is open.

This ..............
I grabbed a 1bdrm for a week straight for late January 2017 this morning . Studio was also available, but we really want the 1 bdrm , so it was an easy 7 month grab at 8am.
So ............... depending on the time frame, it can be very easy, or very hard !

 

[Disn3yVision]

I called right at 9am today and studios, 1bedroom, and 2 bedroom all had full availability from Jan 22-26th at 7 months out. I booked a studio.

 

[Shellyred8]

We would like to try for a Disneyland trip some time. Is there a time of year we should attempt to go where we will have a shot at booking a studio at 7 months out or is it wishful thinking?

We got a Studio for the first week of November. I had to book right at the 7 month window, right away in the morning. Later that day, there was nothing available. Good luck!!

 

[aavila]

I just booked a two bedroom for late January, last night for 3 days. Just got online access and was booked within 15 minutes. Probably helped that the days I searched were available. My dates were open for a 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom dedicated or 2 bedroom lock-off.

on a side note...This is my first DVC booking (closed late may). I am surprising my 3 daughters and my wife. So excited I can't wait and not sure if I can keep it secret for 7 months