I've Booked the Grand Californian using points!

[dcfromva]

I am so pleased about this, I had to share. We are going to Los Angeles in June. Of course, we HAVE to go to Disneyland. The Grand Californian is one of my all time favorite hotels, so I would be hugely disappointed if we went to DL and could not stay at the GC....

I know that a lot of folks look at the point cost for staying at the Grand Californian and compare it to what you could get from DVC. 29points per night is dear when you compare it to 11 -14 points for a studio at a DVC property during that same time frame.... However, I look at it a little differently:

I figure my points cost me aprox $6.00 per point. That equates to $177.00 per night. No resort fee on top of that and no additional taxes. In the past, the least expensive price I've ever seen for the GC was an AP discount and that was $159.00 per night (plus resort fee, plus taxes). And you have to have an activated AP at DL in order to get the rate. (I let my AP expire last November)..

So here is the really cool part: I made ressies for 1 room and my sister was going to try to get the best deal she could on her own. The best rate she could get for that time period was $248.00 (plus tax, plus resort fee). And, they didn't have all the nights she needed available. I called up to see if I could get her a room using our points and they had availability! (So, I think we are getting a pretty good deal. )


-DC

[Esmerelda]

That is great news!!! I am so glad your sister was able to get a room with your points too.

I still plan to get to Disneyland one day and one reason is because of all your enthusiasm!

[OKWTink]

Sounds like you are well on your way to having a wonderful time! I too believe that judicious use of points for resort rooms can be a viable (sensible) use of DVC points. So many folks just say "NO WAY" when the topic comes up. Yes, it is more than a comparable DVC set up, but as you point out it can be cost effective for all that!

Never stayed there (or been to Disneyland) although I've been to California. Looking forward to seeing photos.

[Johnie]

That's awesome DC!! Perhaps you should write one of those Dummies books......you explain the points system so well.

[Slowhand]

Well done dc.
We`ve used our points several times to stay at the GF where, even though it can gobble up the points, you still can stay in luxury for "free".
If we have friends with us then obviously we have to stay elsewhere like OKW and still have a wonderful time, but why not splash out once in a while!
Looking forward to your eventual trip report!

[dcfromva]

Originally posted by Johnie
That's awesome DC!! Perhaps you should write one of those Dummies books......you explain the points system so well.

Thank you Johnie. Except, I would have to title the book DVC for "Smarties"
-DC

[PsychoAlice]

woohoo!! Can I come see you since you will be out this way??

[BevW]

Wow DC, the Grand Californian is an awesome resort!! We went walking through there in March and both DH and I were saying the next time we come to Disneyland, that's where we're staying!

Which will be when Disneyland celebrates it's 50th!!!!

I talked DH into that this afternoon!! woohoo!!

[dcfromva]

woohoo!! Can I come see you since you will be out this way??

PsychoAlice,
Absolutely!
-DC

[BigThunder]

Way to go DC!! That place looks awsome! I saw a Great HOtels show on it once. Only hope someday to make it to Cali.

I would never, ever use my points on a WDW non-dvc room. It just seems crazy when I can get a good AP rate or stay in a fab dvc resort. BUT, at DL you have no dvc resorts! So I would/will if I ever get to DL use my dvc points. It would take each and every one of them but I figure it's something I'll only do once compared to WDW which we do pretty often.

YOu must take lots of pics!