Grand Californian

[chefmickey3]

Does anyone have experience booking the Grand Californian Villas at 7 month window. We usually travel to FL but looking into options in CA. I am wondering if it is difficult to book a 1 bedroom at 7 months in early August. Thanks!

[seanyred]

We are going this December and booked at our 7 month window. We got 4 nights, Wed through Sunday, in a one bedroom (if we had more points available we could have booked 6 nights). So I think there is a good chance you will be able to book it, just book as soon as your window opens.

[VWL Mom]

I'll be trying at the end of this month for late June. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[Melanie]

I'm leaving in a few days and staying at the villas with a very generous friend who has DVC, and she got our 2 bedroom villa at 7 months out. Maybe she'll chime in.

[tundramom]

We did June/July without difficulty. Loved the resort

[Carol]

It really depends on the time of year, since there are so few units. That being said, I've never had an issue when booking at 7 months out. I'm on the phone as soon as they open.

Good luck. Best DVC - hands down!

[DizneyFreak2002]

My company is having their yearly conference in Disneyland next year... Only 1500 tickets were made available though... I think 85% of them are already sold... When I saw Disneyland is where the 2014 conference is going to be, I thought about going... but, several problems... 1) got to wait until the 7th month mark to book Grand Californian with my DVC points, and 2) I don't fly, how in the name of George Carlin would I get to California? LOL

[chefmickey3]

DisneyFreak, what are the dates of that conference? Just wondering...

[DizneyFreak2002]

DisneyFreak, what are the dates of that conference? Just wondering...

I forget honestly... Sometime at the end of September, beginning of October I believe...

[Christine]

Please remember: you can use your dvc points at the Disneyland hotel as well! We did this for our trip in August.
1- you don't have to pay the $90 transfer fee (only a DL perk!)
2- points are very comparable (I paid average weekday/weekend 25 points a night over labor day weekend!)
3- you don't have to wait for the 7 month window
4- you get housekeeping every day!!

The only downside is if you're a larger family over 4 or if you need the kitchen because you cook on your vaca.


I was so happy to learn this as it was not only a holiday weekend, but also a marathon weekend!

The Disneyland hotel is phenomenal! I'd recommend it in a heartbeat!

[DizneyFreak2002]

Please remember: you can use your dvc points at the Disneyland hotel as well! We did this for our trip in August.
1- you don't have to pay the $90 transfer fee (only a DL perk!)
2- points are very comparable (I paid average weekday/weekend 25 points a night over labor day weekend!)
3- you don't have to wait for the 7 month window
4- you get housekeeping every day!!

The only downside is if you're a larger family over 4 or if you need the kitchen because you cook on your vaca.


I was so happy to learn this as it was not only a holiday weekend, but also a marathon weekend!

The Disneyland hotel is phenomenal! I'd recommend it in a heartbeat!

Wait, you don't have to wait until the 7 month window to book at the Disneyland resorts???? I did not know this... Just kind of assumed you had to... Hmm, now that changes everything regarding my company's conference... My major problem is getting to California LOL...

[Christine]

Nope! You sure don't! Hope you can go!

[VWL Mom]

I just checked for our June trip and the DLH is 54 pts per night. That's almost the same as the 2 bedroom villa.

[DizneyFreak2002]

Nope! You sure don't! Hope you can go!

Well thanks for that information... See what happens when you assume? LOL...

As for getting out there, doubtful... I don't fly, I won't drive from NJ to California, and I sure won't take a 3 day (70+ hours) train ride...

[Christine]

I just checked for our June trip and the DLH is 54 pts per night. That's almost the same as the 2 bedroom villa.

Really!?! Wowza!!
Ok I went back to see what it cost me for Labor Day- on average per night 38 points (some weekends and a holiday included in there) and a pool view a DLH

So maybe not the most efficient use of points, but still an option if you can't get GC

[VWL Mom]

I was able to get a 2 bedroom at VGC this morning at 7 months Tried yesterday but was shut out of day 1 at 8:02AM.

A hint I was given by MS is book it for one person and call them later to add the others. Don't waste time adding all the other names and info.

I'm so excited!

[Disney4us2]

Lynn, You are going to love it. So jealous...lol

[Melanie]

We just returned and it's such a great resort. You'll love it!

[dvcmember83]

About 3 years ago I booked a reservation at the Grand Californian about 5 months out. All I could get at that time was a 2 bedroom. It was pricy in the way of points, but we had a fabulous time!

[chefmickey3]

I just got the first week at GCV! Now in a week I need to try for the last two days but at least the first week is good. I feel like we can start planning and dreaming now. I haven't used a Birnbaum book in more than 5 years because we know DW so well. So happy!