Renting points for WDW vs. DLR

[Jujubee727]

I have rented points for WDW several times and we are looking into renting for our first visit to DLR. I noticed in the Renting forum that points for DLR are more expensive then those for WDW. Most of the points I am seeing for the Grand Californian are going for $16/pp. Can someone who holds points for WDW not book VGC? Why are the points for VGC more expensive?

 

[momto3pirates]

Grand Californian is very small and hard to get at 7 months. being able to book at 11 months commands a premium.

 

[skier_pete]

My studies show that you can get into the VGC as a member most times of the year prior to the 7-month mark, but the second the 7-month mark hits, you better be quick. Especially for a studio, which is usually gone the same day as the 7-month mark. The 1-bedrooms last a bit longer sometimes, but not much.

If you have firm dates, you are better off paying the extra premium for the points to get a sure thing booked.

 

[bethy]

There are 23 two bedroom lock-offs and 2 GV's. That's it. No other DVC's in DLR. Limited supply.

 

[bellablue2]

also, these point are among the most expensive on the resale market. owners have to invest more initially to buy and have points for rent.

 

[cmrdgrs]

I have rented points for WDW several times and we are looking into renting for our first visit to DLR. I noticed in the Renting forum that points for DLR are more expensive then those for WDW. Most of the points I am seeing for the Grand Californian are going for $16/pp. Can someone who holds points for WDW not book VGC? Why are the points for VGC more expensive?

Hi jujubee727 - you and I talked briefly on the "other" board. The other thing to keep in mind is that if you are working with a non-VGC owner, although 1 or 2 studios may be available when the 7 month window opens, the non-VGC owner must be willing log-on to the DVC online tool literally the second the window opens for your dates. I tried many, many times to book at VGC with non-VGC owners only to be disappointed more than once because I found owners weren't diligent, were not willing to get up early to book my room, and guess what? I didn't get my dates and was back to scrambling for what I needed. These experiences actually prompted me to buy at VGC because I was tired of counting on others or non-owners to get me a room. Even at the premium price you are still saving money over a "regular" GCH room. I know the price is high, but if you want to stay at the Grand, you will still be saving money and you will be staying at the Grand.

Good luck with your plans. October, November and Christmas dates are still in the VGC owner window, if you can consider alternate dates for your trip.

 

[Jujubee727]

Thank you all for the enlightening responses! I had no idea that VGC was so limited! I guess I should have started looking sooner, as Carolyn has informed me that my dates are not available.
We are most likely going to go with a good neighbor hotel at this point. We are planning this trip for our sons 5th birthday, so we really want to stick with the dates that we picked. Plus we already have a Disney cruise booked for our daughters birthday in December.
Thanks again for all the info!!

 

[skier_pete]

I have to say that if you've never been to DLR - you can't believe how close the hotels on Harbor Boulevard are to DLR. We actually stayed at the Tropicana Inn & Suites, and the walk to Disneyland is actually shorter than the walk from the Grand Californian. (Though the walk to DCA is no comparison, as there is an entrance from the GC right into DCA.) I mean, the hotel was definitely no frills, but it was clean and well kept and we had no problems with it - such that on our 2nd visit - which we spent 3 nights at the GC, we spent an adder night at the Tropicana. I mean, the walk from these hotels are probably about the same as the walk from the Contemporary to Magic Kingdom, to give you an idea how close they are.

 

[Jujubee727]

I have to say that if you've never been to DLR - you can't believe how close the hotels on Harbor Boulevard are to DLR. We actually stayed at the Tropicana Inn & Suites, and the walk to Disneyland is actually shorter than the walk from the Grand Californian. (Though the walk to DCA is no comparison, as there is an entrance from the GC right into DCA.) I mean, the hotel was definitely no frills, but it was clean and well kept and we had no problems with it - such that on our 2nd visit - which we spent 3 nights at the GC, we spent an adder night at the Tropicana. I mean, the walk from these hotels are probably about the same as the walk from the Contemporary to Magic Kingdom, to give you an idea how close they are.

That is great! The Tropicana is one of the ones we are considering, as well as the HoJo (for the little water park). Thanks for the reassurance on the good neighbors!

 

[skier_pete]

That is great! The Tropicana is one of the ones we are considering, as well as the HoJo (for the little water park). Thanks for the reassurance on the good neighbors!

More FYI - The HoJo with the water park is up the block and around the corner. Not a LOT farther, but probably more like a 12 minute walk than the 7 minute walk from the Tropicana. If you are going at a hot time of year, that may still be worth it. The Tropicana pool is fine, but it is not really big or anything. We were there in July and it had a decent crowd both mid-day and in the evening, not unsafe levels but definitely was a good crowd. I was actually debating on the HoJo, but I thought that the water park would actually attract DD so much she wouldn't want to the parks, which would've annoyed me. (What she doesn't know won't hurt her.)

 

[Jujubee727]

We are planning for end of July, so yes it will be a hot time of year.
So many different things to consider!

 

[starry_solo]

Good luck with what you decide (for non-Disney hotels).

Also, you mentioned going in July - I assume for the 60th Anniversary? Point costs for that week around the 60th anniversary are pretty high!

 

[Jujubee727]

I think the official anniversary is the 17th? We are planning 22nd-29th. Our sons birthday is the 27th, so that's what we are more focused on.

 

[cmrdgrs]

Jujubee727 - with a little one you might really like the Howard Johnson's over other choices. With the 60th anniversary underway, don't delay, get yourself locked in for your dates! I have never stayed there, but I hear good things and I hear it is very close to the park. If you haven't been to DL it is a whole different experience from WDW. Everything is so, close and compact, but in a good way. Have a great trip!

 

[tasha99]

More FYI - The HoJo with the water park is up the block and around the corner. Not a LOT farther, but probably more like a 12 minute walk than the 7 minute walk from the Tropicana. If you are going at a hot time of year, that may still be worth it. The Tropicana pool is fine, but it is not really big or anything. We were there in July and it had a decent crowd both mid-day and in the evening, not unsafe levels but definitely was a good crowd. I was actually debating on the HoJo, but I thought that the water park would actually attract DD so much she wouldn't want to the parks, which would've annoyed me. (What she doesn't know won't hurt her.)

We've stayed at both Hojo and VGC at Disneyland. Hojo's is much farther than the Disney hotels and a little farther than other Harbor Blvd hotels. The problem I have isn't with the Hojo's itself--it's a great value. Last time we went though (September), there were a lot more homeless people sleeping near the bus stop than I remember from a few years ago. I have young adult/teen kids, but it would have really bothered me if my kids were young walking at night (one adult and little ones vs. basically 3 adults walking in a group).

As for the points being more expensive--it's more expensive to buy into VGC. We just bought 2 small contracts 75 pts at VGC and 150 pts at SSR. SSR was only slightly more, even though it's twice as many points. We decided to buy VGC points and only ever use them there because it's often difficult to get in at 7 months--last trip we had a Hojo/VGC split stay because there weren't enough available nights at VGC. Doing both in a row really highlighted the difference to me--staying onsite at Disneyland isn't as necessary for distance/convenience as it is at WDW, but it's much more so for ambiance and mood.

 

[ncgator]

tasha99 - I have almost the same set-up, 150 points at SSR and 60 at VGC. Being in NC, we visit Disney World much more often, but I wanted to be able to spend some time at Disneyland in a 1 bedroom every few years with banking/borrowing.

 

[Minniesgal]

We've stayed at both Hojo and VGC at Disneyland. Hojo's is much farther than the Disney hotels and a little farther than other Harbor Blvd hotels. The problem I have isn't with the Hojo's itself--it's a great value. Last time we went though (September), there were a lot more homeless people sleeping near the bus stop than I remember from a few years ago. I have young adult/teen kids, but it would have really bothered me if my kids were young walking at night (one adult and little ones vs. basically 3 adults walking in a group).

As for the points being more expensive--it's more expensive to buy into VGC. We just bought 2 small contracts 75 pts at VGC and 150 pts at SSR. SSR was only slightly more, even though it's twice as many points. We decided to buy VGC points and only ever use them there because it's often difficult to get in at 7 months--last trip we had a Hojo/VGC split stay because there weren't enough available nights at VGC. Doing both in a row really highlighted the difference to me--staying onsite at Disneyland isn't as necessary for distance/convenience as it is at WDW, but it's much more so for ambiance and mood.

I have to say I agree with you walking around Anaheim at night made me very nervous. One reason we like to stay onsite, and the main reason we bought VGC points.

 

[Snurk71]

There are 23 two bedroom lock-offs and 2 GV's. That's it. No other DVC's in DLR. Limited supply.

Small correction - you didn't mention the 23 dedicated 2brs. IIRC, there are 48 total units (counting the lockoffs as 1 unit).