Using Points to visit Disneyland

[MattIL]

My family will be traveling to California in late July/August to visit relatives. While there we figured we should make an attempt to visit Disneyland since we have never been there before.

Has anyone used their DVC points to book rooms at one of the three Disney Hotels at Disneyland and did you feel that it was worth using the points that way?

I have been looking at the cost through the Disny website and the lowest of the three runs about $900 for three nights. The point charts show that I can stay for between 90 and 120 points based on which hotel we choose. That strikes me as a savings versus the cash cost.

Any feedback or ideas would be appreciated.

 

[CoasterAddict]

Hi,
I've actually used points at DL twice in the past year (unusual, since I live on the East Coast.) I did think it was worth it for me, especially when they dropped the point "cost" of the hotels. Remember, though, that DL resort guests don't get the sorts of benefits that WDW resort guests do. In order to get early entry to the park you have to buy a multi-day ticket, and it's only offered on certain days. There is probably a more detailed explanation on the DL board). I mention that because there are lots of other less expensive hotels that are fairly close to the parks, it depends on what your priorities are.

That being said, however, the Grand Californian is a gorgeous hotel. It reminds me a lot of Wilderness Lodge. Have fun!

 

[gppnj]

Using points at the Disneyland hotels is not as good of a deal as using them at the seven DVC resorts. However, I think spending them there is just about the best use of points other than at the DVC resorts. I think you get a lot better deal there than at the non-DVC WDW resorts, for example. Through the end of the year, the point costs at all the Disneyland hotels are reduced, so now's a really good time to visit there. If you have enough points, I highly recommend the Grand Californian.

 

[bigsmooth]

I think using points to get the Disney experience at the Disney hotels is OK, but one thing to remember is that there are good non-Disney hotels very close to DL/DCA because of the very compact nature of Anaheim. We've stayed at the Marriott, Hilton and West Coast Anaheim next to the convention center, which is across from DCA and on a pretty theme park bus loop. They usually are a bit cheaper than the DL hotels (unless there is a convention in town). Not the Disney magic of course, but to me the Disney magic is much more important at DW because of the theming of all the different resorts, where as in Anaheim you don't have that type of diversity and 'remoteness' from the hotels. I think you lose a bit of the escapism at the DL resort hotels, Disney owned and not Disney owned, but DL still does a wonderful job of making you forget you are in a major metropolitan area.

I'd love to see a DVC property next to DL someday. Until then, I'll probably be saving my points for my longer WDW vacations and use the off property hotels next to Disneyland for my quick Disney fix.

 

[rsschneck]

We used points to stay at the DLH in November and th GCH in January. We all LOVED GCH. We were upgraded from standard to pool view. It was a nice surprise. DD says the pool at the DLH is better. I figured the prices equaled about $12 per point. Great value IMO.

We would use the points to stay again

 

[castleri]

Used points for two stays at DL. In 2001 stayed 3 nights each CG and DLH. This year went to DL for the 50th anniversary and stayed at DLH. Gc is a beautiful hotel but I would not use points there again. The room was smaller and they did not offer rollaway beds which we needed. They sent up a mat and sleeping bag for the floor. We had a room overlooking the entrance portico. At DLH both times we were upgraded to pool view rooms and had a full size day bed in the room as well as the two other beds. Much more room- we really liked it better but that is just our personal opinions. We also stayed at the Coast hotel down the street a couple of nights as I was unable to get all the nights at DLH by the time I decided to use points. It was about 1 1/2 blocks away and not a bad walk but just not the same. I would use points again with no second thoughts but not for GC. Haven't tried PP although we did use that pool in 2001. I was there when DL opened 50 years ago and was there for the actual 50th anniversary day so maybe my viewpoint is slightly colored but I say use the points and have a great trip. Don't miss Indiana Jones and California Screamin.

 

[funhouse8]

I'm using my points for a trip in July. We are staying at the Grand Californian. I can't wait. I was just wondering - How were you guys lucky enough to get an upgrade? Did you have to ask (which I would hate to do) or did they just give it to you? Thanks. By the way I think these points are going to good use. I've been to DL a few times and could never stay on property but this time I will. I can't wait!

 

[fishermouse]

My family will be traveling to California in late July/August to visit relatives. While there we figured we should make an attempt to visit Disneyland since we have never been there before.

Has anyone used their DVC points to book rooms at one of the three Disney Hotels at Disneyland and did you feel that it was worth using the points that way?

Any feedback or ideas would be appreciated.

With the deals they are giving for the 50 year celebration it's well worth it. We stayed at DLH in Oct, DLC has the lowest point cost and is very nice though not a DVC condo. Depends how much room you need and if you want a theme resort. If you have never been to DL (IMHO) a trip out is a must, like a trip to mecca. Just remember it is a lot older than WDW the scale is smaller, but just as magical..

 

[rsschneck]

I'm using my points for a trip in July. We are staying at the Grand Californian. I can't wait. I was just wondering - How were you guys lucky enough to get an upgrade? Did you have to ask (which I would hate to do) or did they just give it to you? Thanks. By the way I think these points are going to good use. I've been to DL a few times and could never stay on property but this time I will. I can't wait!

I know we did not ask. We were told we were upgraded when we checked in. I had never been upgraded before and it was a nice surprise!

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

You might want to check with MS and see what's still available. I remember reading on another thread that some of the dates in July were completely booked at DLH and very limited at GC.

 

[funhouse8]

This happened to me. I was going to stay in the DLH (Lowest points) but they were booked and now I have to go to the GCH. I't turns out I'm more excited about my trip now. Wanted to stay here really but I was being cheap. LOL

rsschneck- What a wonderful surpise!

 

[castleri]

I didn't ask for the upgrade either - just asked if I could get a rollaway as we
had teens who couldn't sleep together. The first time they gave us the room with the day bed and a rollaway which we sent back. It wasn't mentioned that it was an upgrade but after the second trip I realized it had been. It even had a small frig and wet bar area. In 2005 she assigned the room with the daybed and added " and it's an upgrade to a pool view". I was thrilled as I would never have the nerve to ask to be upgraded.