I think you may find booking with cash is better than DVC at a non DVC DL resort. Between when they started selling GCV and it opened, there were some great deals, but not so much anymore. But if the points will go to waste anyway and/or you don't want to rent out reservations, still might work for you.
Note that the Disney hotels at DL are not more convenient to DL itself - there are much closer hotels and motels on Harbor Blvd. But they are nice. DLH after the makeover is wonderful (do visit Trader Sam's! Kungaloosh!). PPH is the least "magical." GC is a cross between GF and WL.
The huge benefit since Cars land opened is that any DLH guest (DLH, GC, PPH) can enter DCA through the GC "back door" entrance. Great for getting on Radiator Springs Racers!
If you want to stay in one place and the money is not that big an issue, I'd book the whole stay at GC with Disney and waitlist either the beginning or the end of it if you can. I wouldn't do the middle (unless it is a really long trip) since the room you get booking through Disney will most likely not be in the GCV part (unless of course you are booking a one or two bedroom). Even if you are booking a larger room, I'd expect you might have to move rooms.
GCV is small, so it does fill, but I've had luck waitlisting there. The other Disney hotels might fill less fast, since there is so much competition. Note though that they do support conferences too (both at the Anaheim Conv. Center and at the conference facilities within the DLH and GCV).
You'll have a great time! DL has a certain magic that is uniquely its own.
Make sure you dine at Carthay Circle! Note they now have online booking 60 days out. Blue Bayou is nice too.
Note that the Disney hotels at DL are not more convenient to DL itself - there are much closer hotels and motels on Harbor Blvd. But they are nice. DLH after the makeover is wonderful (do visit Trader Sam's! Kungaloosh!). PPH is the least "magical." GC is a cross between GF and WL.
The huge benefit since Cars land opened is that any DLH guest (DLH, GC, PPH) can enter DCA through the GC "back door" entrance. Great for getting on Radiator Springs Racers!
If you want to stay in one place and the money is not that big an issue, I'd book the whole stay at GC with Disney and waitlist either the beginning or the end of it if you can. I wouldn't do the middle (unless it is a really long trip) since the room you get booking through Disney will most likely not be in the GCV part (unless of course you are booking a one or two bedroom). Even if you are booking a larger room, I'd expect you might have to move rooms.
GCV is small, so it does fill, but I've had luck waitlisting there. The other Disney hotels might fill less fast, since there is so much competition. Note though that they do support conferences too (both at the Anaheim Conv. Center and at the conference facilities within the DLH and GCV).
You'll have a great time! DL has a certain magic that is uniquely its own.
Make sure you dine at Carthay Circle! Note they now have online booking 60 days out. Blue Bayou is nice too.
