DVC Villas at the Grand Californian

[crowdie]

Does anyone know anything about the Villas at the Grand Californian, like when they will be available for sale?

Any ideas about buying into that one?

We have been seriously thinking of joining, but go to DLR more than WDW, so have been reluctant to jump into DVC with a Florida-based home resort.

Just wondering if anyone's heard anything. I've talked to a Guide on the phone, but we haven't gone to the sales office at DLR....

Have a Grand Day!! ;)

[Disney_Villain]

Nothing official yet. Rumours have pointed to sales starting in October this year. However, initial sales would be affected by the 60-day priority window given to those who bought SSR or AKV from Disneyland - which means that if it does go for sale in October, it will be December (if anything's left) before the general public can buy into it.

[Cherta]

Nothing official yet. Rumours have pointed to sales starting in October this year. However, initial sales would be affected by the 60-day priority window given to those who bought SSR from Disneyland - which means that if it does go for sale in October, it will December (if anything's left) before the general public can buy into it.

after the 60 day window, isn't there another 30-day window for existing DVC owners that did not buy from Disneyland to buy points? If that's the case, that would mean any remaining points would go on sale to the general public in January (all this assuming that the sales start in October). Also, I've heard that the maximum amount of points an existing member (founding or otherwise) can add on is 160. Since there are about 1,000,000 points for sale (at least that's what I remember seeing somewhere-don't know if that's accurate or not), I think it's a good chance that there will be points left over for the general public to buy...

Keeping my fingers crossed that everyone who's hoping to buy points there will be able to do so (and sooner rather than later)!

[drag n' fly]

Nothing official yet. Rumours have pointed to sales starting in October this year. However, initial sales would be affected by the 60-day priority window given to those who bought SSR from Disneyland - which means that if it does go for sale in October, it will December (if anything's left) before the general public can buy into it.

If you purchased your AKV contract at Disneyland you also have founding members status for the 60 day pre-sale.:goodvibes

[stopher1]

after the 60 day window, isn't there another 30-day window for existing DVC owners that did not buy from Disneyland to buy points?

Yes, that is the case as I understand it.

[lisah0711]

If it is like when they started selling AKV points last year, there was plenty of warning about when sales would start and lots of points to go around for all -- I think I've received three incentive offers for AKV in the last month and I already have AKV points. :lmao:

I will happily fork over more money when GCV are finally put up for sale. :goodvibes

[fadedgirl]

Also, I've heard that the maximum amount of points an existing member (founding or otherwise) can add on is 160. Since there are about 1,000,000 points for sale (at least that's what I remember seeing somewhere-don't know if that's accurate or not)


Can they really impose a "cap" on Founding Members after using the "founding member benefit" as a lure for sales and not disclosing that there might be a cap?

Has there ever been a cap on any other DVC resort's initial offering?

[ACDSNY]

The 160 point cap was disclosed in the Founding Member paper in our packet requiring signature. Based on the wording I'm wondering if we can breakout the 160 points into multiple smaller contracts for our add-on.

[Disney_Villain]

The cap of 160 is correct.

Does anyone know of this "30-day window for existing DVC owners that did not buy from Disneyland" mentioned below by another poster? I've not heard of this.

[stopher1]

The cap of 160 is correct.

Does anyone know of this "30-day window for existing DVC owners that did not buy from Disneyland" mentioned below by another poster? I've not heard of this.

My guide mentioned it to me months ago when I was hounding her for info about when sales might begin. She outlined the 60 days for DL purchasers, and then a 30 day window for existing DVC owners who bought via WDW. Now obviously until things are formally announced, etc, things can change, and guides aren't always specific with future stuff, but that's what she told me. She knows that I want to get points there, so I'm hopeful she wasn't just giving me the business to get me off the phone! :rotfl:

[crowdie]

This may seem like a stupid question, but are add-ons cheaper than the initial buy-in?

[Fellowship9798]

This may seem like a stupid question, but are add-ons cheaper than the initial buy-in?
Well, the base price is always the same for new or add-on purchases, but sometimes the promotions offered ($/point discounts or developer points) vary between new purchasers and existing members. Ususally if there is a deal, add on purchasers sometimes get a slight advantage by way of lower minimum buy-in levels to receive the incentives from what I remember seeing.

[KAT4DISNEY]

The cap of 160 is correct.

Does anyone know of this "30-day window for existing DVC owners that did not buy from Disneyland" mentioned below by another poster? I've not heard of this.

Yes, this is why I was getting confused and thinking that founding members had 90 days - but it's a 90 day period until sale to the general public starts. It's stated in the documents that I received to sign as a founding member - I just had to read a little more closely to see that only the first 60 days were for FM's.

[kerickson]

Yes, this is why I was getting confused and thinking that founding members had 90 days - but it's a 90 day period until sale to the general public starts. It's stated in the documents that I received to sign as a founding member - I just had to read a little more closely to see that only the first 60 days were for FM's.

The way I read the doc is that FM's get 90 day advanced notice. 30 days before we(FM's) can purchase, then another 60 before others can purchase. I think the initial 30 days is a window to ensure they have enough time to notify every FM before the 60 day purchase window begins. I assume they'll have to notify us via the mail... It doesn't mention anything about DVC members getting an advanced purchase window, but they probably will give the general membership at least a 30 day headstart.

[PatMcDuck]

http://dvcgrandcalifornianpreviewcenter.shutterfly.com/


some photos.

[KAT4DISNEY]

The way I read the doc is that FM's get 90 day advanced notice. 30 days before we(FM's) can purchase, then another 60 before others can purchase. I think the initial 30 days is a window to ensure they have enough time to notify every FM before the 60 day purchase window begins. I assume they'll have to notify us via the mail... It doesn't mention anything about DVC members getting an advanced purchase window, but they probably will give the general membership at least a 30 day headstart.


Yes, I pulled out the document again and your correct although I don't necessarily interpret it to mean that we will definitely get 30 days notice to the 60 day window. It simply states that 90 days prior to the public presale date we will be notified of the 60 day period that we can purchase in order to become Founding Members. Since we are to be notified 90 days prior to the public presale date if they are going to give other DVC members opportunity then that may mean that our 60 days starts immediately....unless public presale in any way means to other DVC owners?

The other thing I just noted is that technically we are not founding members yet. What we have been given is an opportunity to become founding members if we purchase in that 60 day period. I wonder how many more times I'll have to read that document to get it all straight - if I'm even close yet! :laughing:

What it does make me wonder is if other DVC owners will also get an opportunity that overlaps with our opportunity? That would be another way they could get a 30 day period prior to public presale. Otherwise there may not be that opportunity for DVC members that did not purchase at DL. :confused3

[EDuke98080]

Has anyone heard an opening date yet? We are planning a trip next June (2009) and have been waiting to exchange points for hotel rooms. Daughter has celiac disease and we do so much better with a kitchen..... If they are done do they ever have reservaton avaiable before open to the general public? Any information would be appreciated.

[fadedgirl]

I didn't get my Founding Member paperwork with all my other docs...so it actually states that there is a 160 pt cap to purchase GCV? No no no!! It cannot be! I thought it was all just a nasty rumor!

:sad:


Also, doesn't the cap basically guarantee that GCV will end up with points available for sale to the public after the two DVC periods?? Or not...

[DebbieB]

Has anyone heard an opening date yet? We are planning a trip next June (2009) and have been waiting to exchange points for hotel rooms. Daughter has celiac disease and we do so much better with a kitchen..... If they are done do they ever have reservaton avaiable before open to the general public? Any information would be appreciated.

They have said "late 2009". I doubt June, they are still working on structure.

[EDuke98080]

Thanks Deb, that is what I had read too. Anyone have suggestions for a place to stay using points w/ a kitchen in CA near Disney?

[DebbieB]

It's not with points, but I have stayed at the Homewood Suites Garden Grove about a mile from DL. They have a full kitchen and a free breakfast, free internet. Rates are usually under $150. Bedroom has a king or 2 doubles, living room has a pullout sofa.

[squidmo]

I didn't get my Founding Member paperwork with all my other docs...so it actually states that there is a 160 pt cap to purchase GCV? No no no!! It cannot be! I thought it was all just a nasty rumor!

:sad:


Also, doesn't the cap basically guarantee that GCV will end up with points available for sale to the public after the two DVC periods?? Or not...

The founding members paperwork states "up to 160 points", but last month DVC News reported that the actual cap was not yet determined (ie- the highest the cap would be 160, but it's possible that they will set the cap lower). Here is the link to the article:

http://dvcnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=555&Itemid=162

And, yes, I think the intention is to ensure that some points are available at least to existing members, and probably to the general public.

[toocherie]

I bought my SSR interest under the understanding that I could buy 160 points in GC. I read the terminology "up to 160 points" to mean the Founding Member gets to make the decision whether to buy 160 or less points--but under the Founding Member program cannot buy more than 160 points.

I can tell you that if they attempt to impose a cap less than 160 points on Founding Members they are going to have a fight on their hands.

[fadedgirl]

I can tell you that if they attempt to impose a cap less than 160 points on Founding Members they are going to have a fight on their hands.


I'll be right there with you! :furious:


OK I got my hands on the document. As I read it, it seems to guarantee that we can purchase 160 points or less during the Pre-Sales period. I do not see how they could reduce this 160 number and only allow us to purchase 100 pts, for example. It also seems to allow the purchase of MORE points after the Pre-Sales period is over :woohoo: , which was my biggest issue. I want more than 160 pts! I was concerned that we'd be barred from buying more than 160 pts if/when sales were opened to the public.

>>disclaimer: I've been on a conference call for work and trying to examine this on the side <<

I'll try to upload it here if the board will let me. I cropped the top portion as it showed my contract number and detailed my AKV purchase and didn't have any stmts relevant to the GCV Founding Member aspect.

ARGH I may be too new to post attachments, I see no option for me to do it. If anyone would like I can email it to them for their review and/or they can post it.

[kerickson]

The paperwork also states that you had to purchase SSR or AKV from the DL DVC office, but I've now heard that they've opened it up to all members that purchased from the DL office. Don't know if that makes much of a difference as I don't know if that office has sold other properties...

[EDuke98080]

Thanks Deb for your help. I will keep that in mind and appreciate the recommendation. We may use our points instead to trade for a week in Carlsbad @ Aviara for the second week of our trip. We got Marriott accommodations in Newport Beach for 4 days very cheap for a villa so we can swing a few cash days near Anaheim.