There's no place like home, a December 2011 DVC pre-trip. 12/2 p56 DL and WDW updates

[rentayenta]

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[jordanyosh]

I could go on and on about the pros of each but I won't bore you to death. I will share some though

Disneyland is the park I grew up with so for me, it's nearest my heart. As far as attractions, their Fantasyland is far superior to WDW's- not just the rides but the whole way it looks. Also DL's Space and POTC are much better. I also like Soarin' while in CA better for some reason. DL's Tiki Room is the original. It also had Toad, Indy, Matterhorn, Strybook Boats, and Alice which are all big hits for my family. Their ToonTown is also cooler.

WDW's Peter Pan is better and has Philharmagic. It also has 2 more parks which is a bonus. It has EE, Test Track, and WS which are all amazing. The food at WDW is SO much better- there are tons more choices which is good for longer trips. WDW had CoP too which I enjoy and the old PeopleMover.

DL is more intimate but you still forget Anaheim is right outside the gates.

I like how all inclusive WDW is.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[rentayenta]

And really I'm not a big IASW fan...sorry, it's true, but Small World Holiday is soooo awesome!

It is so awesome. I truly believe only those with a dead cold heart could not appreciate Disneyland's IASW Holiday.

Yes, I am a planning mad woman right now trying to figure out how many times we will get back to DL/ GCV using our APs this year. So far I have:

Dec 6-9th, 2009- 2 bdrm Villa at GC w/ my Parents (Disneyland at Christmas is my FAVORITE!)
May 9-11th, 2010- Studio Villa at GC, Happy Mother's Day to ME trip
Early Sept/ Disneyland 1/ Marathon OR late Sept 2010- This will be at the tail end of our APs but if we go for the 1/2 marathon (my dh is running his 1st 1/2 marathon this Dec so he is interested in the DL one) we will be in the "magic" season for points so that really prices us out of the Villas unless we want to switch hotels on race day so I am thinking of just booking a Hojos "pirate" themed suite instead for that weekend as the AP rate is really reasonable OR stay at Paradise Pier on points as Labor day weekend is strangely in the "Super Value" category here. The Hojos really makes more sense AND would allow me to bank my remaining 2010 points but staying on property, even in DL, really enhances the "magic" for me.

2011- WDW
2012-Hawaii

My last 2 will likely require us to add on points to make them a reality but my dh is loving the DVC life so maybe a stay at Hojos is just what is needed to secure a nice 50-100 point add on. (NO offense to Hojos fan, it is really great and the new suites look awesome, he just likes the Disney on property magic a little more than he would care to admit and ometimes needs a little reminder of this )

I need to make some countdowns- you put me to shame!!

Your plans sounds terrific! When in 2011 are you thinking of WDW? Are you going to use DVC when you go to Hawaii? I am curious how outrageous the points will be.

GCV is pretty high for points. I couldn't imagine going during magic season. It would wipe me out for 3 years. I like your HoJo plan! If we ever stay off property again, it will be at the HoJo. I was sooo bummed when we drove by and saw the pirate pool off Harbor. And then we kept driving and driving and driving to the HGI. Mile away my booty!

Let me know if the HoJo trick works and you get to add on. I agree that staying on property totally enhances the magic!!! How many GCV points did you buy? I am hoping for a 100 point add on after our stay next June. I'd love to see your point break down for your trips. Mine is:

• Mexico March 2010 160 pts- 1 bedroom, ocean view, full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, 7 nights
• Disneyland June 2010 225 points- 2 bedroom, 5 nights
• Disneyland October 2010 170 points- 1 bedroom, 5 nights
• WDW December 2011 258 points- 1 bedroom, 11 nights

Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[rentayenta]

20 days until California!!! ​

27 days until GCV DVC ressie for June 2010 trip!!! ​

137 days until GVC DVC ressie for Oct. 2010 trip!!! ​

148 days until Mexico!!! ​

188 days until PS for June Disneyland trip!!! ​

248 days until Disneyland in June!!!​

291 days until PS for October Disneyland trip!!! ​

351 days until Disneyland!!! ​

452 until THV/SSR ressie!!! ​

606 days until ADRs!!! ​

786 days until WDW!!! ​

 

[Native NYer]

I haven't been to DL since 2004. I'm thinking of a trip to DL and Las Vegas instead of WDW in December. I LOVE WDW, but it's so much $$$ for the holidays. I'd rather use that money at the craps table at the MGM Grand

 

[rentayenta]

I haven't been to DL since 2004. I'm thinking of a trip to DL and Las Vegas instead of WDW in December. I LOVE WDW, but it's so much $$$ for the holidays. I'd rather use that money at the craps table at the MGM Grand

Five five no field five....................We craps!!!! And the MGM Grand.

WDW is spendy during the holidays. December is off season in Vegas. We have been able to score killer cheap rooms. I take you as a GCH kinda gal and Decmeber is $$$. I am telling you, you need to buy DVC.

 

[Native NYer]

Five five no field five....................We craps!!!! And the MGM Grand.

WDW is spendy during the holidays. December is off season in Vegas. We have been able to score killer cheap rooms. I take you as a GCH kinda gal and Decmeber is $$$. I am telling you, you need to buy DVC.

I def need to buy DVC. I saw your post to my question on the DL board. I can't believe the most expensive hotel has the smallest rooms. What's up with that?

 

[rentayenta]

I def need to buy DVC. I saw your post to my question on the DL board. I can't believe the most expensive hotel has the smallest rooms. What's up with that?

I think it's because they can. There is truly no competition off property. Other than the Howard Johnson's that has a pirate pool and comfy beds and top notch customer service, there is really no where off property, that is close enough to walk from, that compares to even WDW's Values as far as having that Disney feeling. There are so many small hotels to choose from but they don't have the Disney feel so if you want that, you have to stay on property.

 

[rentayenta]

19 days until California!!! ​

26 days until GCV DVC ressie for June 2010 trip!!! ​

136 days until GVC DVC ressie for Oct. 2010 trip!!! ​

147 days until Mexico!!! ​

187 days until PS for June Disneyland trip!!! ​

247 days until Disneyland in June!!!​

290 days until PS for October Disneyland trip!!! ​

350 days until Disneyland!!! ​

451 until THV/SSR ressie!!! ​

605 days until ADRs!!! ​

785 days until WDW!!! ​

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.


I have a terribly busy day ahead.

• Kids' Hebrew school
• Walmart
• Kohl's
• haircuts
• diorama for Chloe's book report
• dinner
• organize week ahead
• walk dogs
• shoe shopping

Looks like bikram won't happen today.

 

[Native NYer]

I think it's because they can. There is truly no competition off property. Other than the Howard Johnson's that has a pirate pool and comfy beds and top notch customer service, there is really no where off property, that is close enough to walk from, that compares to even WDW's Values as far as having that Disney feeling. There are so many small hotels to choose from but they don't have the Disney feel so if you want that, you have to stay on property.

I def won't stay at the Hilton Garden Inn after your report. I've stayed at the Anabella on Katella Ave right across the street. It wasn't too bad, but it definitely doesn't have that Disney feel. Right now, I'm thinking the Disneyland Hotel. I cannot spend more money on the GCH for a smaller room

Hope your busy day goes well

 

[rentayenta]

I def won't stay at the Hilton Garden Inn after your report. I've stayed at the Anabella on Katella Ave right across the street. It wasn't too bad, but it definitely doesn't have that Disney feel. Right now, I'm thinking the Disneyland Hotel. I cannot spend more money on the GCH for a smaller room

Hope your busy day goes well

How many people will be there?

 

[jordanyosh]

I haven't been to DL since 2004. I'm thinking of a trip to DL and Las Vegas instead of WDW in December. I LOVE WDW, but it's so much $$$ for the holidays. I'd rather use that money at the craps table at the MGM Grand

Would love to have you out here during the holidays~

 

[Native NYer]

How many people will be there?

3 adults 2, children. Possibly 5 adults, 2 children. If that's the case, we'll need 2 rooms.

Would love to have you out here during the holidays~

I'd love to spend the holidays in CA. There's a sushi place near the Santa Monica pier that I LOVE!! I can never remember the place, but they make the best crunchy spicy tuna rolls ever. And I love having lunch at the Farmer's Market That is the once place I'd move if I ever decided to leave NYC. I miss California.

 

[rentayenta]

3 adults 2, children. Possibly 5 adults, 2 children. If that's the case, we'll need 2 rooms.

If you have 5, I think only the PPH legally sleeps 5 and even then I think the 5th is a pullout. I need to do some research though. I haven't stayed on Disney property in years.

Why not rent points for the GCV?

 

[rentayenta]

18 days until California!!! ​

25 days until GCV DVC ressie for June 2010 trip!!! ​

135 days until GVC DVC ressie for Oct. 2010 trip!!! ​

146 days until Mexico!!! ​

186 days until PS for June Disneyland trip!!! ​

246 days until Disneyland in June!!!​

289 days until PS for October Disneyland trip!!! ​

349 days until Disneyland!!! ​

450 until THV/SSR ressie!!! ​

604 days until ADRs!!! ​

784 days until WDW!!! ​

 

[justkeepswimmin]

Your plans sounds terrific! When in 2011 are you thinking of WDW? Are you going to use DVC when you go to Hawaii? I am curious how outrageous the points will be.

GCV is pretty high for points. I couldn't imagine going during magic season. It would wipe me out for 3 years. I like your HoJo plan! If we ever stay off property again, it will be at the HoJo. I was sooo bummed when we drove by and saw the pirate pool off Harbor. And then we kept driving and driving and driving to the HGI. Mile away my booty!

Let me know if the HoJo trick works and you get to add on. I agree that staying on property totally enhances the magic!!! How many GCV points did you buy? I am hoping for a 100 point add on after our stay next June. I'd love to see your point break down for your trips. Mine is:

• Mexico March 2010 160 pts- 1 bedroom, ocean view, full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, 7 nights
• Disneyland June 2010 225 points- 2 bedroom, 5 nights
• Disneyland October 2010 170 points- 1 bedroom, 5 nights
• WDW December 2011 258 points- 1 bedroom, 11 nights

I love your plan! Was it easy to switch points to RCI? I keep hearing horror stories. We would be interested in doing this sometimes.

Where are you thinking of staying in WDW for Dec 2011? I would LOVE to do WDW for Christmas but with dh working retail, we are lucky when he can sneak away to DL for a few days in December and since I need at least a week in WDW there is just no way it will happen .


Sadly, we got the minimum, 160 point contract, thinking it would be enough as we generally only do 3-4 night stays in DL. We realy did not consider how much owning DVC would want to make us travel there more, get APs etc. (Well, I considered it but knew I would have little luck convincing dh ) If we had it to do over again, we would have started with 2 100 point contracts for 200 total VGC points.

That said, here is our point breakdown:

160 2009 June UY points
160 2010 June UY points

-45 Sept/Oct 2009 trip (3 nights VGC Studio)
-135 holiday trip Dec 6-9, 2009 (3 nights 2 bdr lockoff/ VGC)
-34 Mother's Day mini trip May 9-11, 2010 (2 nights VGC studio)

-0 Sept 3-7, 2010 Disneyland 1/2 marathon (or as I am now referring to it, "Operation Add on" ) -Hojos Pirate Suite (4 nights)

Total points used 2009/2010: 214
Points banked for 2011: 106

Now, if I can stick to this banking thing, this will give us some extra points for our 2011 and 2012 use years for our trips to:

October 2011 WDW 1 week stay at either-
BLT (1 bdrm std view) 217 points OR
BCV (1 bdm) 211 -not holding my breath for this one as 7 month ressies here during F&W is a long shot.

For this I will use all 106 banked 2010 points + 111 2011 points which will allow me to then bank 49 points for

Spring OR Fall 2012 (depending on when Hawaii's value season falls )-

1 week stay at 1 bdrm at NEW Hawaii DVC
I am guessing this will set us back at least 200 points (probably more like 250) so I with only 209 available in 2012, I will probably need to borrow 40 or so 2013 points to make this happen UNLESS my Hojo plan next year results in the add on I want.

Now, aren't you sorry you asked?

 

[rentayenta]

I love your plan! Was it easy to switch points to RCI? I keep hearing horror stories. We would be interested in doing this sometimes.

The process was easy but availability is limited. Basically you have to wait until an RCI member trades into DVC the same week you want. I think I was on the wait list about a month. I had 5 different weeks we could travel so I think flexibility is key with RCI. Can't wait to see how the resort measures up. Where are you wanting to go?

Where are you thinking of staying in WDW for Dec 2011? I would LOVE to do WDW for Christmas but with dh working retail, we are lucky when he can sneak away to DL for a few days in December and since I need at least a week in WDW there is just no way it will happen .

Ah glorious retail during the holidays. We will stay SSR. DH it and he a little anxious to stay there. We'll do a one bedroom which should still be okay but depending on how the kids grow and if I have an add on by then, maybe a 2 bedroom.

Sadly, we got the minimum, 160 point contract, thinking it would be enough as we generally only do 3-4 night stays in DL. We realy did not consider how much owning DVC would want to make us travel there more, get APs etc. (Well, I considered it but knew I would have little luck convincing dh ) If we had it to do over again, we would have started with 2 100 point contracts for 200 total VGC points.

There is nothing sad about that!!!! We got 170. We would have done the same thing; 100 at GCV and 100 at SSR. Live and learn. A GCV add-on would be perfect. When we bought, going to Disneyland and getting APs wasn't even a thought.

That said, here is our point breakdown:

160 2009 June UY points
160 2010 June UY points

-45 Sept/Oct 2009 trip (3 nights VGC Studio)
-135 holiday trip Dec 6-9, 2009 (3 nights 2 bdr lockoff/ VGC)
-34 Mother's Day mini trip May 9-11, 2010 (2 nights VGC studio)

Looks great!

-0 Sept 3-7, 2010 Disneyland 1/2 marathon (or as I am now referring to it, "Operation Add on" ) -Hojos Pirate Suite (4 nights)

If you do a trip report the title has to be Operation Add-on!!!

Total points used 2009/2010: 214
Points banked for 2011: 106

Now, if I can stick to this banking thing, this will give us some extra points for our 2011 and 2012 use years for our trips to:

October 2011 WDW 1 week stay at either-
BLT (1 bdrm std view) 217 points OR
BCV (1 bdm) 211 -not holding my breath for this one as 7 month ressies here during F&W is a long shot.

I don't know that BCV is that hard to get during F&W anymore. I have read about a bunch of folks calling at 7 mos and scoring and also wait lists coming thru!!!

For this I will use all 106 banked 2010 points + 111 2011 points which will allow me to then bank 49 points for

Spring OR Fall 2012 (depending on when Hawaii's value season falls )-

1 week stay at 1 bdrm at NEW Hawaii DVC
I am guessing this will set us back at least 200 points (probably more like 250) so I with only 209 available in 2012, I will probably need to borrow 40 or so 2013 points to make this happen UNLESS my Hojo plan next year results in the add on I want.

Now, aren't you sorry you asked?

Nope, not sorry at all. I love to see the details! I am dying to know the Hawaii points. When is Hawaii's peak season? Or is it all peak?

 

[jordanyosh]

I know with Westin Hawaii timeshares it's all peak season...I think...

 

[rentayenta]

I know with Westin Hawaii timeshares it's all peak season...I think...

I was afraid that Hawaii wouldn't have an off season. Most places don't anymore. Must be global warming.

 

[winkers]

I'll be in Utah Dec 20 till Jan 2nd.....want to try to meet up?