Points required for Grand Californian reasonable???

[momtofour]

We are considering a trip to California in December of 2005. We would love to be able to stay at the Grand Californian hotel during our stay at Disneyland. The point usage of 39 points per night seems very reasonable to me. (I just checked the rack rate and was coming up in the $360.00 range plus tax!!) What do others think? We would be going around December 21st or so. I don't think I can count on a code or discounted room at this time. Thanks as always for the advice!!!!

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

I may be in the minority about this hotel but I didn't love it as much as most people seem to. I did enjoy staying there (we stayed one night on points) but it was nothing outstanding to us.

We do DL lots - have annual passes - and stay overnight ofter there. I usually just book a hotel on Harbor just across the street from DL. They are much cheaper and we don't spend much time in the room at all. Usually we leave the room very early in the AM to get to the parks at opening.

The GC does have a nice pool, fun scavenger hunt for the kids and beautiful sitting area with fireplace and paino player nightly making the atmosphere very nice.

Would I pay it again - no when I can get a nice suite for 100.00 at another hotel.

 

[FreeTime]

Anyone else? We also are planning on going to DL next year and I can't decide whether to use my points or deal with the hassle or renting. Does anyone know if you use points if the parking fee is included? Do the good neighbor hotels allow early entry? Which DL resort do you think is the best value on points?

 

[disneyeveryyear]

We went last year for DH's conference in Anaheim (in February).

I really liked the GC. I was able to get an AP discount (found out about at LaughingPlace.com). I paid $139/night for a room (with balcony) overlooking DTD. It made it worth it to buy an AP.

I think The GC reminds me of the WL.

It was a great hotel for $139/night, but I am not sure it would be worth 39 points to me. I equate that to $390/night, and I don't think I would pay that for it. Of course, I don't think I would pay that for any hotel room.

You may want to check for AP discounts when it gets a little closer. I guess you could book with points now and then as long as you cancel before 30 days you are okay (right?).

 

[DisneyWatchMan]

We are going there in June and we are using our points. It is a really beautiful hotel, very much like the WL, and while we will spend most of our time at the parks, it is a great place to come home to. I have never rented my points, but I bought them so I had one less thing to worry about when it came time for my vacation. While I could find a less expensive hotel elsewhere, I certainly feel that it is worth it for my vacation to be right in the middle of the action. I bet it will be very pretty at Christmas time.
I say go for it!!!

 

[JimC]

We are staying at GC in September on points. When I booked it, the best rate I could get was $265 per night CA view on the internet (equivalent to their rack rate for a standard view room). The points worked out to about the same effective rate (using our cost basis).

While I was talking with MS, the cast memeber told me they have concierge level available so I upgraded to that. The points worked out to about a 20% discount.

Yes we could have rented our points and ended up with an even better deal, but did not think it was not worth our time and effort to do so.

We have stayed their twice before and love the resort. It is as good as AKL or WL at WDW for theming and better than any WDW resort for proximity to the action.

 

[SEC]

This is a beautiful hotel, we used points for three nights in June 2003 and though it was worth it and are considering going back on points during the 50 year celebration. The room we had overlooked DTD and had two queen size beds and was a nice sized room. It was a 5 minute walk to the parks!

 

[winjos]

We used points for a two night stay, concierge level, DCA view (the bear). The view was spectacular, the cast members were very accommodating, the concierge lounge was spectacular, but I must say that the room itself was just o.k. We paid 104 points and when I checked to confirm the reservation, the cast member said that the rack rate was $356 per night!! Ouch! Talk about a beating we took pointwise. However, in our defense, we had a three month old and we used points we had banked the previous year (too tired to try and rent and we have annual passes to DL).

Pluses: Great pool, nice cast members, nice ambience, and the entrances to both DTD and DCA are fantastic! It was nice and convenient to come back to the room during the day!

SUPER PLUS: The concierge lounge was terrific!! We spent little money eating at the parks because we snacked (or should I say grazed) at the lounge!

Noticed the time of year you want to go... The parks will be busy. If you will be taking a break anytime during the day, the GC, PP, or DLH would be convenient. The parking structure is a tram ride plus a hike if you're parked in the back. If you stay off site and they have a bus, it may be inconvenient for you to go back to the room, then back to the parks.

We have tried several times to go back to the GC, however it has always been booked solid! I guess everyone else is trying to go during the off season.