Using DVC points at DL

[Donald is #1]

Hi everyone! I am trying to start thinking about my '09 plans which include a trip to DL. I plan on using my points to stay at one of the DL hotels, hopefully the GC. So, I have a couple of questions:
1) How soon in advance did you book your DL hotel room?
2) If you understand the new 4 month restrictions (prior to the end of your UY) on travel to non-DVC properites, what does it mean to me with an August UY?

Thanks!

 

[photobob]

I called three days in advance for my wife and daughter and got them a room at the Disneyland Hotel.

 

[Donald is #1]

Only 3 days? Wow, I guess that I don't have to worry too much about trying to pick vacation days quickly.

 

[tidefan]

Hi everyone! I am trying to start thinking about my '09 plans which include a trip to DL. I plan on using my points to stay at one of the DL hotels, hopefully the GC. So, I have a couple of questions:
1) How soon in advance did you book your DL hotel room?
2) If you understand the new 4 month restrictions (prior to the end of your UY) on travel to non-DVC properites, what does it mean to me with an August UY?

Thanks!

1) We booked DLH in February for our July trip.

2) I think that particular rule is waived for DLR, just like the $95 fee is waived.

 

[kerickson]

A friend of mine who regularly uses her DVC points to book GH said she usually books about 4mo in advance. She said GH seemed to be filling up sooner this past year so she woudn't recommend waiting much longer than that... Not sure about DH and PPH.

 

[Donald is #1]

Thanks everyone! So, it looks like that if I book 4-5 months out, I should be ok. Now I just have to figure out when to go. Hmmm on season or off season....

 

[kathrna]

Are the rooms at Disneyland just hotel rooms or are they deluxe studios w/fridge/coffee, etc? How many beds? The planner is not much help on this.

 

[nunzia]

Well, they are just hotel rooms until the GCV open up. But, they do have little fridges and coffee makers. Nice beds, very t a l l

 

[mamatojon]

Are the rooms at Disneyland just hotel rooms or are they deluxe studios w/fridge/coffee, etc? How many beds? The planner is not much help on this.

At the Disneyland Hotel, in a standard room, we had 2 double beds, a "cooler" - which was like a tiny tiny refrigerator that froze everything, and a coffeemaker was available by request. The balcony was a "walk-out" type, no room to stand with the door shut. I have no idea about the other two hotels. The room was smaller than a studio, but not significantly so. If we go on points again, I think I'd much rather try the Grand Californian, I wasn't all that impressed with DLH.