A few Villas of GC questions

[KarenB]

We will be staying at VGC, 2 bedroom (dedicated according to our confirmation letter), for 8 nights at the end of July. We have been to WDW many, many times, but have a few questions for DL. We bought 3 for 5 day park hopper passes, but only plan on using 2 full days in the parks. The other 3 will be used more or less on a whim if we get back to the resort from doing other things, going in for an early morning, etc.

Anyway, I was wondering what we can "see" from the resort. Can we see WOC or fireworks somewhere on the resort property or so we need to go into the parks. We are fine just watching these things from a distance (DH, DSs ages 20 and 22, and myself) a few nights during our stay.

Also, can DSs walk to the Shops at Anaheim alone at night? Is it worth going there? Any other areas they could walk to if they get sick of hanging out with their parents?

Thanks!
Karen

 

[kikiq]

There have been mixed reviews of the WOC views from the VGC viewing balcony. You won't get the 3D effects or necessarily see the projections BUT you will enjoy the water fountain display...1200 fountain heads, 8 different kinds and one of them is a Disney patented idea. They have been running an extra show at 11:15, so you might have a chance to see that one. BUT you might get a park view on a high floor and be able to watch it from your balcony and play the music from your TV. IF you have a pool view on a upper floor, you will be able to see the fireworks and again listen to the music on TV.

I would use your park hoppers and see the fireworks from mid Main Street or by Small World (they show the same projections on Small World as they do on the castle).

There isn't much at Garden Walk other than restaurants now as the retail component is slowly dying. Actually Disneyland's DTD has ESPN, House of Blues and movie theaters. On weekends, a lot of young adults hang out inside the parks also. There is entertainment at Tomorrowland Terrace and IF anyone is into swing dance, there's a swing band every Saturday night with quite a young adult following.

The area outside of the DLR is urban and not a lot is walkable other than other hotels.

Go over to the DIS Disneyland board...very friendly group and be sure to read Hydro Guy's threads.

 

[KarenB]

There have been mixed reviews of the WOC views from the VGC viewing balcony. You won't get the 3D effects or necessarily see the projections BUT you will enjoy the water fountain display...1200 fountain heads, 8 different kinds and one of them is a Disney patented idea. They have been running an extra show at 11:15, so you might have a chance to see that one. BUT you might get a park view on a high floor and be able to watch it from your balcony and play the music from your TV. IF you have a pool view on a upper floor, you will be able to see the fireworks and again listen to the music on TV.

I would use your park hoppers and see the fireworks from mid Main Street or by Small World (they show the same projections on Small World as they do on the castle).

There isn't much at Garden Walk other than restaurants now as the retail component is slowly dying. Actually Disneyland's DTD has ESPN, House of Blues and movie theaters. On weekends, a lot of young adults hang out inside the parks also. There is entertainment at Tomorrowland Terrace and IF anyone is into swing dance, there's a swing band every Saturday night with quite a young adult following.

The area outside of the DLR is urban and not a lot is walkable other than other hotels.

Go over to the DIS Disneyland board...very friendly group and be sure to read Hydro Guy's threads.

Thanks! this is great info and what I am looking for, especially about the Garden Walk.

 

[lisah0711]

Karen, I just got back from a 3 day stay in a dedicated 2 bedroom. I will be posting pics later in the VGC thread -- I will try and remember to let you know when they are posted.

We were in room 3500 which is right next to the viewing deck. We could see a good part of the fountains, Mickey's Wheel and hear all of the music. I have pics of that, too.

The villas are wonderful -- you will love it.

You can see some of the fireworks from DTD for sure. DTD is a good place to go to escape your parents, too.

It's fun just to cut through the pools and go have a glass of wine at Wine Country Trattoria and hang out at DCA, too. But don't eat dinner at Wine Country Trattoria -- it was horrible. Do Ariel's Grotto is you want the preferred dining for WOC.

Have fun planning your trip!

 

[KarenB]

Karen, I just got back from a 3 day stay in a dedicated 2 bedroom. I will be posting pics later in the VGC thread -- I will try and remember to let you know when they are posted.

We were in room 3500 which is right next to the viewing deck. We could see a good part of the fountains, Mickey's Wheel and hear all of the music. I have pics of that, too.

The villas are wonderful -- you will love it.

You can see some of the fireworks from DTD for sure. DTD is a good place to go to escape your parnet, too.

It's fun just to cut through the pools and go have a glass of wine at Wine Country Trattoria and hang out at DCA, too. But don't eat dinner at Wine Country Trattoria -- it was horrible. Do Ariel's Grotto is you want the preferred dining for WOC.

Have fun planning your trip!

Can't wait to see the pictures! Thanks for the dining info. We stayed at the GC a few years ago, before the villas were built. Can't wait to get back!

 

[lisah0711]

Karen, finally got my pics up in the VGC thread, if you are interested.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask, I've been going to DLR for 50 years and used to work there!

Have fun with your planning!

 

[KarenB]

Karen, finally got my pics up in the VGC thread, if you are interested.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask, I've been going to DLR for 50 years and used to work there!

Have fun with your planning!

Just saw your pictures this morning! What a nice villa-can't wait!