Just booked GCV for MLK week 2012. Time to start planning!

[myxdvz]

I just booked us a 3 night stay at the VGC for MLK Week. I was surprised I got them as I thought GCV villas need to be booked around 10-11 months, but I'll take it!

Now, its time to start planning. I am hoping airfares will cooperate (Chicago to California) and I am thinking of doing a Saturday to Saturday trip so we probably would do non-Disney places as well.

This will be the kids first trip to Disneyland. X visited at 18 months, so that doesn't count. We did DCL Dream Cruise + Magic Kingdom + IoA this year so Disneyland for next year should be a welcome change.


Excited about the planning stages!!!!

 

[bjakmom]

GCV is absolutely gorgeous!! I got to spend a couple of nights last June between a conference and a visit with DS at UCSB. You literally step out the back door and into the park! Have fun planning!!!

 

[DisneyHeather]

I hope you have a blast at my beautiful home resort...and by your signature it appears I'll be at your home resort at the same time. I have a studio at BLT for January 14-21

 

[mdsd8700]

Wow, I am totally jealous!! VGC is gorgeous!! We stayed there last July and I have been in love with the place ever since.

We also just love DLR, so much so that we have been switching between DLR and WDW for the last 4 years. The Disneyland portion of these boards have some really amazing posters that will be able to help you plan. Enjoy!

 

[myxdvz]

Thanks everyone! So far, I've learned that there is no DP or ME, so I need to research a lot for the trip

Airfare should be available in a week or two. I am hoping to get reasonable airfare under $250 pp (might be wishful thinking)!

I have added a request for theme park view, but just read to add a high level floor so I will call and add that request as well.

How's the California weather in January? Are the pools usable? Or will it be cold? Are there special events in DLR around that time?

Time to look at the DLR threads outside of DVC...

 

[suzy021372]

I went last year for MLK weekend, and had so much fun that we called in sick to extend the weekend. I have my VGC ressie for that weekend again. Last year the weather was perfect, highs in the 70's and lots of sunshine. However, when I went in December we got 3 days of cold, constant rain...just keep you fingers crossed.

Have fun!

 

[nunzia]

Thanks everyone! So far, I've learned that there is no DP or ME, so I need to research a lot for the trip

Airfare should be available in a week or two. I am hoping to get reasonable airfare under $250 pp (might be wishful thinking)!

I have added a request for theme park view, but just read to add a high level floor so I will call and add that request as well.

How's the California weather in January? Are the pools usable? Or will it be cold? Are there special events in DLR around that time?

Time to look at the DLR threads outside of DVC...

January can be hit or miss. I've gone twice in January with great success. Once was our ABD Backstage Magic trip and it was hot..not just warm, but hot. We went this past January and had great weather..just a bit cold at night. However, we managed to be there in between bouts of rain, so that's a possibility also. In January you will most likely miss either Small World or Haunted Mansion being down as they take off the Christmas stuff and one or the other is closed at a time. You will be there on the holiday weekend? That may be more crowded than usual January. WOC has been running every night and Fantasmic usually only runs on weekends during that time. WOC is a must see and there is a viewing platform on the 6th floor of the villas you can access to see a different view of the show (you should still see it up close on the pier though also) The view from the platform does not show the projections well, but when we were up there in January there were less than a dozen people up there and we had a great view.
The pools are great..you may be able to use them and the hot tub is super close to the villas entrance

 

[myxdvz]

I booked our airfare too! So this is really happening!!!! whee!!!

The first time I looked, airfare from ORD to SNA was $340pp. AA is still the same, but SWA increased prices already. Ugh! I eventually got ORD to LAX tickes for ~$275pp.

In January you will most likely miss either Small World or Haunted Mansion being down as they take off the Christmas stuff and one or the other is closed at a time. You will be there on the holiday weekend? That may be more crowded than usual January.

No. We will actually get there on MLK (16th, Monday), but won't check in at GCV until 17th (Tuesday), checking out on the 20th (Friday) - maximizing my points usage

I am going to get a different hotel on the 16th and the 20th probably nearer the LAX airport, Universal/Hollywood area. We fly back to Chicago on the 21st (Saturday).

But BOO! on SW or HM being closed. Will they be closed the whole week? Or alternate daily? If I were to choose, better Haunted Mansion since my kids are prob not old enough NOT to be scared by it

I also just got Passport Plus package with my Disney Rewards VISA, so we have 3-day park hopper tickets now + some perks of the package

• Disney Rewards® collectible pin, lanyard and luggage tag (one per person)
• Preferred parade viewing at Disneyland® Park or Disney California Adventure™ Park (Sensational Summer parade)
• Preferred seating at select attractions in Disney California Adventure™ Park (4 shows, Aladdin, Muppet, Tough to be a bug and Animation Academy)
• Complimentary Dreams backpack (one per package)
• Magic Morning Admission into select attractions at designated Disneyland® Resort Theme Park, valid with a 3-Day or longer Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® souvenir ticket

Has anyone gotten this package? Its about $100 than just getting the tickets directly from the site - but it has extra stuff too...

I might upgrade that to a 4 day park hopper if the kids want to stay an extra day. Since the Fireworks will only be on weekends, I am hoping that we get it on the 20th, which just means we'll have to check in late on our last night hotel.