Using DVC points at Disneyland Resorts?

[CCM MusicEd]

Next summer my partner and I are interested in booking a week at one of the Disneyland resorts not only to do Disney, but also take some day trips around Southern California. We became DVC members only a few weeks ago and were curious to see if anyone else has used their points to book at Disneyland and how it worked out? Would it be better to rent our points out and pay cash for the hotels or is it a good value to use our points there? Thanks for all you assistance!

 

[marksniles]

We did use our points to stay at Paradise Pier. It was great! Literally a 10 min walk from your hotel room to the gates of the two parks. You might want to call Member Services and see what the status is of the DVC rooms at the Grand California. I know construction has started but I don't know when they will be finished. It might be "cheaper" to use your points at a DVC location instead of trading them in at the hotel. Anyway, we had no trouble checking in, checking out, etc.

Later,
Mark

 

[CCM MusicEd]

Thanks for the information!

 

[JPS439]

I just stayed at the Grand Californian on points june 16 to 20. It was a really awesome hotel, beautiful lobby and rooms and a direct entrance into california adventure and downtown disney.

I also checked out the Disneyland hotel and Paradise Pier while there. Disneyland hotel has a much cooler looking pool as opposed to the grand californian. The Disneyland hotel also has a really nice outside bar. Paradise Pier is kinda narrow but also very nice inside, didn't see the pool area.

I'd vote to use your points instead of renting and booking cash. Ofcourse if the DVC portion is available that would be the best value, but I'm doubtful that in 1 years time they are going to be occupancy ready, and even if they are you may want to have the trip booked ahead of time to get things locked down.

Have fun planning- if you're into character meals skip the chip and dale breakfast at storytellers in the Grand Californian and definately get into the Plaza Inn for the Minnie and Friend's Character breakfast. If you can swing it get a reservation for before the park opens. It's very nice to stroll down an empty main street!

 

[CCM MusicEd]

Thanks for the info! Glad to hear such positive things from everyone. I'll have to research the DVC room at the GC today.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I never trade out my points. I normally rent and pay cash for our cruises etc.

But DL is different. It is very expensive and very few discounts to stay onsite. It also sells out quickly in the summer time.

After much shopping, I booked GCH on points for our Aug trip. Concierge was already sold out so I went with a standard view room. I checked almost everywhere, and GCH was coming in at over $400 per night and most wanted to sell you the package to get that price. My 3 nights (Thur, Fri, Sat) were 126 points total.

This will be our first trip to California and I want it to be really nice.

Also, no $95 fee to stay at DLR right now. That will most likely change once GCH DVC is opened. I dont plan on buying there, so it would be that much harder to get into for us.

 

[Laurabearz]

We just got back from a 6 night stay at the DLH standard view.

LOVED IT...

BUT we can't wait for GCV to open up, we really missed out washer and dryer, and the full kitchen.

 

[Disney_Villain]

DH & I booked Paradise Pier for 7 nights in October 2008. We've stayed on cash in the DL and GC hotels. We've seen the prices on these 3 increase quite a lot in recent years - so feel that PP (with Park view) for 164 points/week was a good deal.

 

[eva]

Three or four years ago we stayed at the GC on points. It was great. We reserved a standard room with a Downtown view and were upgraded to a junior suite facing the park. I can't say enough about this hotel. It was wonderful. Be sure to eat at Napa Rose. It rivals every restaurant at WDW, except V&A.

 

[ACDSNY]

We've stayed at all 3 on points. I prefer GC and DLH for our trips. The DVC portion of the GC is scheduled for completion in late 2009.

 

[DebbieB]

I stayed at PP in April for 5 nights and GCH for 1 night in early June with points. It worked out well. The $11 per night resort fee is included when you use points.

 

[cruiseletters]

We stayed at the GC on points and when you consider what it cost to stay there with cash points are a good deal. It is a fabulous hotel, they also surprised us with a view upgrade so we were looking out onto California Adventure, that was absolutely beautiful at night.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

How far ahead does one need to book for GC or DLH using points?

 

[Laurabearz]

I also wanted to add, that while they dont show points for the various hotels 1 and 2 bedroom suites (not villa's) you can call MS and they have them there, so you can rent the suites on points too.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I also wanted to add, that while they dont show points for the various hotels 1 and 2 bedroom suites (not villa's) you can call MS and they have them there, so you can rent the suites on points too.

Can you give an example of the points for those?

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I also wanted to add, that while they dont show points for the various hotels 1 and 2 bedroom suites (not villa's) you can call MS and they have them there, so you can rent the suites on points too.

Thanks Laura. I just called MS and the points are much more reasonable for a 1 bdrm or 2 bdrm suite as opposed to reserving 2 rooms. This really helps. Thanks again.

 

[Sully]

When we got off the westbound Panama Canal cruise in May we stayed at The Grand Californian on points for 2 nights. Everything worked out well. It is actually connected to downtown disney and right outside the park. An excellent place to stay at.