Yes the Grand Californian is expensive as is the rest of the Disney Hotels but if you often DO DISNEY VACATIONS and you have money for the long haul THEN i suggest getting into Disney Vacation Club if not now but someday soon! We took the plunge almost 10 years ago and have NO REGRETS!!!!I have just spent the last 2 months on overnight stays HOTEL side while have four more 2 day stays scheduled in the villas at GC for the months of April, June, July & August!!! This is pairing it with AP's since we live nearby. If your splurge is once in a life time also go for it but if not the neighboring hotels are just as GREAT but better on price if the parks are the only thing that interest you and not any type of pampered feeling by Disney 24/7 .
DVC has also got us to WDW 5 times plus a short
Disney Cruise , 1 week at Aulani Disney Hotel and 1 few days in a Vegas timeshare !! Although that was just extra given to us when we purchased our VGC points thru Disney and was just OK.
We've also seen some Disney movies 1 week before national showing (watched Dr. Strange recently) and did a for DVC members ONLY a FREE evening in California Adventure Park! ( This happens more times for the MK in WDW than out here....)
I know that was a lot to take in but it does get you thinking " HOW MUCH DO we SPEND when you LOVE DISNEY!!! "