Using Gifted DVC Points at Disneyland Resorts?

DisneyPrincess5

DisneyPrincess5

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
Hi all! My husband and I had an AMAZING Disney World honeymoon last month and while we truly had the best trip ever, we were planning on taking a break from WDW for a bit and trying out Disneyland for our next Disney adventure. We were not planning to do this until like 2014 or 2015.
But then just last night my mom and aunt dropped a bomb on us-they're going to give us a weeks worth of DVC points as a first anniversary gift. So generous!!! We have to take advantage of this.

My question is can we use these DVC points at a Disneyland resort? If so, at which ones?
If not, we will definitely have no qualms speeding up visiting WDW again. Which DVC would you recommend there?


Thank you!!!!
 
ParentsOf4

ParentsOf4

Well-Known Member
There is only one DVC at DLR, The Villas at the Grand Californian (VGF). It's Disney's smallest DVC with only 23 Studio rooms. They are extremely difficult to book.

VGC also has 23 one-bedroom villas, which are somewhat easier to book but cost about double the points.

Not sure where your mom and aunt own but if they don't own there, it will be extremely difficult to book a Studio at VGC.

You could consider Aulani, Disney's DVC in Hawaii.
 
DisneyPrincess5

DisneyPrincess5

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
ParentsOf4 said:
There is only one DVC at DLR, The Villas at the Grand Californian (VGF). It's Disney's smallest DVC with only 23 Studio rooms. They are extremely difficult to book.

VGC also has 23 one-bedroom villas, which are somewhat easier to book but cost about double the points.

Not sure where your mom and aunt own but if they don't own there, it will be extremely difficult to book a Studio.

You could consider Aulani, Disney's DVC in Hawaii.
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Okay got it thank you so much!! That's helpful-we don't know a thing about DVC. They own at Saratoga Springs. We will definitely look at Aulani. Any thoughts on Bay Lake Towers?
 
GoofGoof

GoofGoof

Premium Member
Couple of ideas. As @ParentsOf4 said VGC is the only true DVC option. If the points were bought directly from Disney there is also a way to trade them in for a hotel room at DLR. The trade-in value isn't great, but it's an option.

You could also consider splitting your stay. I'm not sure how long you planned on going to CA, but there is a ton to do out there in addition to WDW. Maybe book 3 or 4 nights in a 1BR villa at VGC for the days you are planning on visiting DLR and then stay somewhere else for 3 or 4 nights. The LA area has a lot to do and you are only a few hours from San Diego too. There are a lot of nice areas between LA and San Diego too. My last trip out that way we stayed in Carlsbad which is about halfway between LA and San Diego (maybe a little closer to SD). It was a nice little town.
 
epcotisbest

epcotisbest

Well-Known Member
DisneyPrincess5 said:
Okay got it thank you so much!! That's helpful-we don't know a thing about DVC. They own at Saratoga Springs. We will definitely look at Aulani. Any thoughts on Bay Lake Towers?
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We stayed at Bay Lake Tower (not plural) in Sept. There are some pics in my trip report. We liked it but our favorite so far of the seven DVCs we have tried is the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge. But we have really liked every one, so I don't see how you could go wrong with any of them. We drive, so monorail or bus transportation is not really an issue for us.
 
GoofGoof

GoofGoof

Premium Member
epcotisbest said:
We stayed at Bay Lake Tower (not plural) in Sept. There are some pics in my trip report. We liked it but our favorite so far of the seven DVCs we have tried is the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge. But we have really liked every one, so I don't see how you could go wrong with any of them. We drive, so monorail or bus transportation is not really an issue for us.
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There had been some speculation that they would level the other garden wing at CR and build a second DVC tower there. Then it would be Bay Lake Towers;).
 
StarWarsGirl

StarWarsGirl

Well-Known Member
In the Parks
No
If you go to Aulani, Polynesian will never be the same ever again;)

I love Disneyland. In 2009, before VGC was built, we were able to trade our points in for a room at Grand Californian. Then in June 2013 we returned to Grand Californian, this time in the DVC. Just a couple of things to be aware of for each resort

Aulani
1. Airfare is more expensive to Hawaii
2. Food is more expensive in Hawaii
3. You'll need to rent a car. Unlike in WDW, you can't stay in the Disney Bubble or you'll miss out.
4. You will regret it if you only stay one week in Hawaii. It's not enough time. Try to get a room at the Marriot next door of if you want to buy more points or
5. You are more likely to get it if you book during low season ASAP.

And to remember about Disneyland
1. Factor in the cost of the park tickets
2. The tickets only sell for five day passes or annuals, so plan something else the rest of your time. You might wanna hang around the resort and Downtown Disney one day (it's literally right outside the resort). They unfortunately don't have an "add a day" thing like at WDW
3. It's not WDW; put your preconceptions behind and you will have an awesome time. Just remember even though it's smaller, it packs a punch. DL is better than MK honestly
4. You'd probably only have to rent a car for the days when you're off doing other things. There's an Alamo nearby
5. Low season will be less crowded, but you'll encounter things like closed rides, shows not performing every night (CA has environmental laws that prevent them from showing fireworks every night of the year like at WDW. Only during high season are they shown every night). I would head over to the DL section and ask the experts over there for their opinion on best times to visit.

Either trip for you guys will be a blast. Have fun!
 

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