Split stay - DVC/cash rooms in Disneyland Hotel & Grand Californian

[ambula603]

This may get more traction on the DVC board, so feel free to move it!

We are going to Disneyland for the first time March 30-April 3, 2024 (Easter weekend ). Staying 4 nights before we get on board the Wonder in San Diego. Will get 3 days of park hopper tickets. Have never been to DL and want to take in as much history and ambiance as possible!

We can rent 60 DVC points from my best friend and that would get us 2 nights. I would like to do a split stay with Disneyland Hotel and Grand Californian since we have to move either way.

I can't see the cost of cash rooms yet so I am just trying to figure out what is our best option. Which order would you stay in these hotels? And which would you do for DVC or cash rooms? I know Disneyland has the new DVC tower and that is tempting...but I have never stayed in the original DL hotel so that appeals to me, as well (we have daughters who would love the headboard!) I am not sure if DVC GC rooms are different than the cash option?

I plan to book 4 nights on a cash basis and then try to get my DVC booked in one week when my 7-month window opens. As of right now, both resorts have availability but I know that is subject to change! Then I can adjust the cash room as I need to. Side question - booking opens tomorrow for DL hotels, is that something I need to do the second it opens or will there be availability for a long time? Not sure how rushed I need to be to make this decision! I have always used DVC at WDW so this is new to me.

Any input is appreciated!

 

[starry_solo]

I would have your friend try for the DVC room at the Villas at Disneyland Hotel because there are more rooms available there than Villas at Grand Californian. Your friend should be able to check availability for both later this month

 

[calilou]

I don't think which hotel you stay at first matters really, but the ideal would be Disneyland Hotel in terms of it being the OG and just an overall magical first impression. If it were me, I would do two nights for cash at DLH, if you're certain you want to stay in one of the original towers and not the new villas, and then use the points at the Grand. Generally, room rates are less expensive at DLH. Also, I think I would go ahead and book two reservations for the four nights, one at each resort, so that you have more flexibility once points booking opens up. Then cancel the one you don't end up needing.