DVC for VGC do you own??

[8timesblessed]

I'm posting here because the DVC section seems to all talk about WDW. We've been looking into it and I want to know if anyone has booked a 3 bedroom or how far out you have to book a 2 bedroom and studio. To fit our family we would need both. We have 10 people and would probably bring a helper. We are taking 11 people in May and were able to book 4 nights using our current timeshare points but I know there are only 2 3 bedrooms. They were available right now but we didn't want to buy in yet because our kids have never been and we want to see how this trip goes first. I'm not good at planning ahead with all the kids, you just never know who's going to get sick etc but I know if we buy in I will have to plan ahead. We will travel at off times because we homeschool so that should make it easier.

Would love any advice!

 

[buzzandzurg]

We own at VGC and we love it. It is nice to be able to stay at GC instead of our previous trips when we stayed on Harbor Blvd. I do believe that planning ahead, even in off times is very important. You don't need to book 11 months ahead, but at the 7 month window, there are a lot of people that live close and own at WDW that are booking short trips to VGC.

This is just my opinion, but I called last month to book June, July, or August and there was little to no availability, and that included studio, 1BR or 2BR.

 

[MCSfromWA]

You are asking a great question. I am glad that you could use your current time-share first to check out the villas before buying in. It is a big financial commitment and now you will see if that will be a good fit for your family.

We bought VGC because 1) we go to DLR once or twice a year; 2) my DSis and her family also are DVC members and so it is better for us to have our own points but book at the same place; and 3) since VGC is a smaller resort we think that once WOC opens and VGC points sell out that we are going to need the 11 month window to book our villa versus the 7 month window that we would have owning a different DVC resort. And we could never afford to rent the points. Our actual cost of owning with the MF will be less than $10/point. So for us it was a good decision. But now you will go and see if it is a good fit for your family. It will help that you can travel in off-times but if it is really important to book a 3 bedroom or a 2 bedroom and studio it might be helpful to have the 11 month window.

Good luck with the process.

 

[The Red Head]

We own at the VGC. Since it hasn't been opened that long, it is hard to say. I am staying in the 3 bdrm grand villa tomorrow night. I booked it as soon as I could and I don't remember if that was 11 months out or less, because of when we could start booking. But when I called a couple months ago to see if I could add the night before (tonight) it was not available.

 

[mikayla73]

We own at VCG too. We bought because we do go to DL more often than WDW and we love the GCH.

I also think that the 11 mo window will be at least some what important since it is smaller. For our travel habits, I don't think it will be a necessity for every trip we plan, but if you want to go at higher demand times (summer and holidays come to mind) and stay at VCG , then you'll need that 11 mo advantage or some major pixie dust from the waitlist. It depends on your travel habits. Also since you need something for that many people, for you I could see it being more import, especially if you want a GV.

You'll love the VCG, have a great trip!

 

[blackjackdelta]

We rented points in the last 3 weeks and the renter had mentioned there may be a time issue with out 1 bedroom ressie once the 7 month window opened. You can call reservations and ask if there is availabilty for cash.

Jack

 

[rentayenta]

We own at SSR and booked a 2 bedroom for this June at the 7 month mark.

 

[pycees312]

like others have mentioned it's not sold out just yet. But speculation is if you don't own there it will be hard to use any other points there.
planning is the key and the 11th month window will be a huuge factor in the next few years. If you are a spur of the moment planner this may not be for you. I suggest weigh out how often you go and where you normally stay. and then look at the cost of DVC to see if it makes sense for you. There are plenty of ownders now complaining that with the deals out there it makes DVC look like it's not such a good "deal" anymore. For me I didn't buy for a deal I purchased becuase I love Disney and wanted to own it no matter what( crazy i know) so i own at SSR, Animal Kingdom and Grand Californian Hotel.
Good luck with your decision.

 

[8timesblessed]

Well they couldn't get me a studio to add to my 2 bedroom but they could get me another 2 bedroom for 3 nights, so we are going to go for it and I called the Grandparents to see if they wanted to join us for the 3 nights! My Dad and step-mom are going to come and I think my mom. Dh's parents would have a hard time with the walking. So I was able to use my own timeshare to try it for the first time.

Back to owning at DVC though. If we all LOVE it and want to join. You can book out 11 months in advance if you own at the resort right? Then anyone who owns into DVC can call 7 months out. When do they consider a resort sold out and won't let you buy into the resort?

Also with the 2 bedroom it says it sleeps 9. Would they allow 10 or are they super strict on the number? Or how would they know? If we could get away with a 2 bedroom it would be easier to buy in since we wouldn't need so many points. But if we have to get a 3 bedroom or 2 bedroom and studio it adds alot more into it.

 

[rentayenta]

The is really no such thing as sold out as you can always buy resale.

 

[Califgirl]

I own two other contracts with DVC but not at VGC. I got a 1 bdrm for this coming weekend Thurs - Mon at about 5 weeks. No problem.
However, it isn't a holiday weekend, no special events (that I know of). So availability is always a crap shoot. If you need a 3 bdrm grand villa, I definitely suggest you buy at VGC as there are only 2 and they would have the most limited availability.

 

[wideeyedwonder]

I'm posting here because the DVC section seems to all talk about WDW.
Would love any advice!

You could also ask on the VGC owners thread, some great people over there!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2071616

So far, after two trips, we love it!

Even before DVC, we'd been making two 3-night trips to DLR a year (like you, in the off season), and we fell in love with staying at the Grand. However, as the rooms got more and more expensive, we decided to buy into DVC, especially because we could get more space, and get a kitchen and dining area - we've actually saved quite a bit of money from using the kitchen for most of our meals.

 

[nunzia]

I really do think this is a rare time in the VGC cycle..bad economy, DCA torn up, etc. This is such a small resort, that when it sells out I think it will be very hard to get at 7 months and diffcult during some times at 11. I am almost talking myself into adding on now instead of waiting...The resale market currently is offering VGC higher than Disney with the latest incentives. If the resort sells out I think resale contracts will go for a premium. Yes, less long term visitors at DLR and more local day people..but come on..this is a TINY DVC...of course, there are always great options off site, and points can still be used at DLH and PP, but if you are a VGC lover you really want to stay there. I do think that if you can't commit to booking ahead this may not be ideal for you. I'm sure you'll love your stay and great idea to stay before you buy!

 

[The Red Head]

If you want a two bedroom, you will not have as big of a problem, but I believe there are only 2 three bedrooms. I could be wrong on that number, but there are very few. As far as having 10 in your room. If you don't tell Disney, the 10th person might not be eligible for early entry into the park on days they have it. Also the room sleeps 9, so you will be cramming 3 people in a bed that sleeps 2. There is a king bed in the master (sleeps 2) a pull out sofa in the living room (sleeps 2) a murphy bed in the living room (sleeps 1). And then the studio area sleeps 4. When your kids are small that might not be an issue but when they get older.

 

[blackjackdelta]

If you want a two bedroom, you will not have as big of a problem, but I believe there are only 2 three bedrooms. I could be wrong on that number, but there are very few. As far as having 10 in your room. If you don't tell Disney, the 10th person might not be eligible for early entry into the park on days they have it. Also the room sleeps 9, so you will be cramming 3 people in a bed that sleeps 2. There is a king bed in the master (sleeps 2) a pull out sofa in the living room (sleeps 2) a murphy bed in the living room (sleeps 1). And then the studio area sleeps 4. When your kids are small that might not be an issue but when they get older.

No "key to the magic" for the 10th. I really doubt with that many people Disney would know.

Jack

 

[cseca]

...

Also with the 2 bedroom it says it sleeps 9. Would they allow 10 or are they super strict on the number? Or how would they know? If we could get away with a 2 bedroom it would be easier to buy in since we wouldn't need so many points. But if we have to get a 3 bedroom or 2 bedroom and studio it adds alot more into it.

Congrats on your GCV ressies!

To answer your question, they do not allow occupancy above the limit.
After that being said, I've never heard of them doing a persons count in the room or anything.

Also, with DVC resorts they do trash/towel on the 4th day and full cleaning on the 8th. They won't give you extra towels or bedding if you have extra people in your room.

I can't tell you if there is a penalty for having extra people above the limit but they could I suppose require you to pay for another room... don't know though.

Plus I don't know if there's a problem with fire codes and stuff to have so many people in a room. Just a thought.

Regarding purchasing DVC, I agree with nunzia.
GCV is a very small resort. DH and I are really surprised it is not completely sold out yet by now. But if you plan to stay at GCV every year or at least every other year and can plan far in advance you might be a great candidate to be a member.

Good luck!

 

[The Red Head]

So the 3 bedroom Grand Villa is amazing. The kitchen is huge. The living room and dining room areas are very big. There is a couch up by the pool table. The bedrooms with the 2 queen size beds each have their own bathrooms. It is just so spacious. We only had 10 people actually stay the night with us, but we had people changing in our room that were going to Club 33 to dinner with us that were not staying in the hotel. So we must have had like 22 people in our room at one point. We had brought champagne and snacks to have while we were all getting ready. It was like a big party going on. We had so much fun.

 

[8timesblessed]

Thanks for all the info! I'm so excited our plans have changed but now everything is set and we decided to buy 160pts and we will use them to stay in the grand villa for 3 nights and then with our current timeshare we were able to get a 2 bedroom for 4 nights and another 2 bedroom for 3 nights so now we invited some of the grandparents and my brother and his wife and 2 year old to go with us. They will be arriving on Wednesday night so we have to spend one night at the HOJO and then move over in the AM. I think it's going to be a fabulous time. I can't wait!! Now to get the outfits all picked out and figure out the rides and schedule for the days.

 

[cseca]

Thanks for all the info! I'm so excited our plans have changed but now everything is set and we decided to buy 160pts and we will use them to stay in the grand villa for 3 nights and then with our current timeshare we were able to get a 2 bedroom for 4 nights and another 2 bedroom for 3 nights so now we invited some of the grandparents and my brother and his wife and 2 year old to go with us. They will be arriving on Wednesday night so we have to spend one night at the HOJO and then move over in the AM. I think it's going to be a fabulous time. I can't wait!! Now to get the outfits all picked out and figure out the rides and schedule for the days.

Hi 8timesblessed!
Congrats on your decision. But I don't know if you've already bought or not, there's some buzzing on the DVC boards about possible new incentive coming out. So the advice I've been hearing is if you received your papers and haven't signed it yet don't. Hold on for a little while. If the new incentive is better you will be able to revise the papers. If the old one is better you already have it ready to sign.

Just a thought!

Congrats again

 

[blackjackdelta]

Thanks for all the info! I'm so excited our plans have changed but now everything is set and we decided to buy 160pts and we will use them to stay in the grand villa for 3 nights and then with our current timeshare we were able to get a 2 bedroom for 4 nights and another 2 bedroom for 3 nights so now we invited some of the grandparents and my brother and his wife and 2 year old to go with us. They will be arriving on Wednesday night so we have to spend one night at the HOJO and then move over in the AM. I think it's going to be a fabulous time. I can't wait!! Now to get the outfits all picked out and figure out the rides and schedule for the days.

Sounds like a great time,

Jack