Reservation Wanted, But I Have Questions...

[Queen Elisabeth]

I am new to this whole points thing, and I perused through the read-me posts, but I have a few questions.

I am looking to secure a reservation for 4 or 5 days for my family of six (2 adults and 4 kids, ages 14, 12, 6, and 5) during August 2010 at the Grand Californian. How do I find out how many points that costs so that I know how many dollars pp I can afford?

Do I have to pay for the whole reservation upfront, or a percentage?

If I find a seller, is there a way to call Disney or DVC directly to verify that they are legit?

This whole buying points thing seems like an incredible bargain compared to even discounted rates. Is there some sort of drawback that I'm not aware of? Why doesn't everyone on the Dis do this?


Any help would be appreciated, and mods feel free to move or scold me if I've posted in the wrong place.


Thanks!

 

[javaj]

Disneyland point charts are on dvcmember.com -- I'm not sure they're readily available anywhere else on the internet. Provide your dates and I can look it up (or someone who might respond faster than me!).

Do I have to pay for the whole reservation upfront, or a percentage?

Depends on the member renting you the points. Probably upfront, since the member has to use up points for the reservation.

If I find a seller, is there a way to call Disney or DVC directly to verify that they are legit?

Not exactly. DVC will only talk to members. However, all deeds are recorded in FL and I think you can look up property records to see if the member is truly a member. You can also ask for references, etc. But this is really a trust based transaction

Why doesn't everyone on the Dis do this?

As mentioned above, trust is a factor. You have to be pretty definite with your plans. It isn't always the best deal, depending on discounts available.

 

[Queen Elisabeth]

Thanks for your response!

I am flexible with dates. I just would like to go anytime in August 2010, preferrably mid-week for anywhere from 3 to 5 nights.

 

[javaj]

I just realized that you meant 2010 - I don't think Grand Californian Resort will be available on points any longer in 2010 since the Villas at the Grand Californian will be available.

Here's the Villas at Grand Californian points chart for Aug 2010 (points are Sun-Thu/Fri-Sat/Weekly):

Studio 23/40/195
1BR 46/80/390
2BR 62/110/530
Grand Villa 134/235/1140

 

[lawgs]

the availability will be very limited since they only have a "few" number of villas....and GVC owners can start to book for next August ( prime season at DL ) starting in september....

law of supply and demand is gonna make this a "hard to get" resort

the villas there are like nothing we have ever seen before....we were able to preview the model two bedroom when we were there in march....all i can say is WOW.....nothing like it in the DVC anywhere.......

 

[johnpethick]

The grand villa sounds great, but $11,040 per week ($10 pp), wow. I will have a go next year.

 

[lawgs]

The grand villa sounds great, but $11,040 per week ($10 pp), wow. I will have a go next year.

you just have to remember that you get a "billiards table" in the parlor/drawing room....tongue in cheek

many will seek but few will find......

smilawgs

 

[funatdisney]

Please also consider that you may have to book a two bedroom or the three bedroom. Member Services (the reservation line that DVC members use) may consider your 5 year not young enough to consider him/her as an infant. I just booked a GCV one bedroom for a family of 6. The youngest were 2 year twins. I was able to book the one bedroom, since the maximum requirement for the room was 5 adults and one infant. One of the twins was considered an infant. Otherwise, I would have had to booked a two bedroom.

 

[lawgs]

Please also consider that you may have to book a two bedroom or the three bedroom. Member Services (the reservation line that DVC members use) may consider your 5 year not young enough to consider him/her as an infant. I just booked a GCV one bedroom for a family of 6. The youngest were 2 year twins. I was able to book the one bedroom, since the maximum requirement for the room was 5 adults and one infant. One of the twins was considered an infant. Otherwise, I would have had to booked a two bedroom.

since you own there, you probably will not have many restrictions.....

just wonder how many "owners" are going to give up the magnificent "villas" that will show up for others during the 7 month window....


will be interesting to see what transpires

they are exceptional units...well done with all the extra touches