First GVC Stay

[rarceneaux]

As Texans, we have only visited WDW. As DVC members we have enjoyed our stays there. However, because we want to experience the original, a DL trip is planned for December 21-26, 2012. We are so excited we can barely stand it.

But we do have some questions that I am certain have been answered but looking through the forums and the vast amount of info is a daunting task at best. So, with that in mind....

I saw that Von's delivers groceries. Are they reliable and will they deliver if we are not there? To the room?

My wife had foot surgery recently and may need a ECV to get around. Are these readily available?

I know that there is no dining plan as such and wonder what we could expect this to cost, basically, for 1 cs and 1 sit down, per person per day.

I see that BBQ pits are available. How difficult to actually get?

We are 4 so looking at a 1 BR. Are views randomly assigned?

Finally, how bad will crowds be?

Sorry for the rookie questions but we have never been!

Thanks!

 

[Mtnman44]

I'm afraid I can't speak to most of your questions but I will say that staying at the Grand Californian, especially at Christmas time is wonderful and one of our families most precious vacation memories.

Restaurant meal costs are in line with costs at WDW. There are not many TS places, especially in the parks, so lock down your reservations as soon as possible. Blue Bayou is a not to miss, simply due to the uniqueness. Be sure to try the Monte Cristo either there or at Cafe Orleans.

For that week, plan on the crowds ranging from packed to intense.

As Texans, we have only visited WDW. As DVC members we have enjoyed our stays there. However, because we want to experience the original, a DL trip is planned for December 21-26, 2012. We are so excited we can barely stand it.

But we do have some questions that I am certain have been answered but looking through the forums and the vast amount of info is a daunting task at best. So, with that in mind....

I saw that Von's delivers groceries. Are they reliable and will they deliver if we are not there? To the room?

My wife had foot surgery recently and may need a ECV to get around. Are these readily available?

I know that there is no dining plan as such and wonder what we could expect this to cost, basically, for 1 cs and 1 sit down, per person per day.

I see that BBQ pits are available. How difficult to actually get?

We are 4 so looking at a 1 BR. Are views randomly assigned?

Finally, how bad will crowds be?

Sorry for the rookie questions but we have never been!

Thanks!

 

[peloha86]

As Texans, we have only visited WDW. As DVC members we have enjoyed our stays there. However, because we want to experience the original, a DL trip is planned for December 21-26, 2012. We are so excited we can barely stand it.
But we do have some questions that I am certain have been answered but looking through the forums and the vast amount of info is a daunting task at best. So, with that in mind....
I saw that Von's delivers groceries. Are they reliable and will they deliver if we are not there? To the room?
My wife had foot surgery recently and may need a ECV to get around. Are these readily available?
I know that there is no dining plan as such and wonder what we could expect this to cost, basically, for 1 cs and 1 sit down, per person per day.
I see that BBQ pits are available. How difficult to actually get?
We are 4 so looking at a 1 BR. Are views randomly assigned?

Finally, how bad will crowds be?

Sorry for the rookie questions but we have never been!

Thanks!

Hi Tex, here's a thread that will be very helpful, it's all about the VGC, good luck!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2592085&highlight=grand+californian

 

[Homemom]

We used Von's our last trip. Would definitely use them again. They delivered and bell services signed for it. (I don't think they can do this if there is alcohol in the order). They called us and held it in their refrigerated place until we got it. They delivered it to our room for us. Check online for coupon codes. I was able to get free delivery (for first time use) and found a code for another $15 off.

 

[Snurk71]

I see that BBQ pits are available. How difficult to actually get?

We are 4 so looking at a 1 BR. Are views randomly assigned?

FYI - the BBQs are gas grills (I think around the corner where nobody ever walks). So you don't need charcoal, etc.

Views at VGC are like any other DVC - put in a request and you may get some help or there may be nothing available for what you're asking.

 

[CrazyDuck]

I saw that Von's delivers groceries. Are they reliable and will they deliver if we are not there? To the room?

They are reliable... they will deliver to the bell hops who can hold them for you and bring them to your room.... they cannot accept alcohol so you will have to meet the delivery man if ordering beer/wine.

My wife had foot surgery recently and may need a ECV to get around. Are these readily available?

Yes... First come first serve though so if you are going at a busy time (which you are) you will need to grab one early in the morn... if you are OK with a wheelchair you can rent one for the length of your stay and even take it back to your room at night.

I know that there is no dining plan as such and wonder what we could expect this to cost, basically, for 1 cs and 1 sit down, per person per day.

There is a dining plan available but not worth it... it does not save you any money, but will allow you to lose money. It's just cash vouchers and they don't give change or refund for unused vouchers. Just room charge everything!

I see that BBQ pits are available. How difficult to actually get?

They are not usually busy... on my last 7 night stay we overlooked the grills and only ever saw someone using them once.

We are 4 so looking at a 1 BR. Are views randomly assigned?

Yes.. Call MS to request a view/room, but that are just that...requests... nothing guaranteed.

Finally, how bad will crowds be?

Epic... Like nothing you can imagine or prepare yourself for!

Have a great trip!

 

[Longhairbear]

The guest services desk has the BBQ utensils, and you don't have to wash them before bringing them back. The gas grills are fantastic, we use them all the time. The grills are right outside of the guest laundry, there are also several patio tables with umbrellas to eat at.

 

[JimmyJam838]

My wife had foot surgery recently and may need a ECV to get around. Are these readily available?

They do rent them in the parks, but if you are going to need one for more than a couple of days, it is much cheaper to rent one from one of the local medical suppliers. You'll be able to take it back to the room if you rent off site where you cannot if you rent in the parks. We have used Deckert Medical Supplies ((714) 542-5607) and have been pleased with their service. They deliver the scooter at the hotel for you and it can be picked up at the bell desk.

 

[taaren]

A) Visit Hydroguy's DLR for WDW Vets thread. Lots of stuff any rookie needs in there.

I saw that Von's delivers groceries. Are they reliable and will they deliver if we are not there? To the room?

Von's is great. Bell services will receive it for you if you're not there, then just call Bell Services. Only exception is if you have alcohol in your order, Bell Services will not sign for it.

I know that there is no dining plan as such and wonder what we could expect this to cost, basically, for 1 cs and 1 sit down, per person per day.

After you read Hydroguy's thread, you'll realize that a sit down every day is kind of overkill at DLR. We usually have one every other day at most. Most counter style meals run $10-15, and depending on what you order/where you go for your sit downs it would run anywhere from $15-$50+ per meal. Blue Bayou, Cafe Orleans are some of my favorites. Napa Rose is foodie (that's the +). There's some cool places in DTD but nothing on our list yet there that are must-haves every trip.

 

[Shellandscott]

Do you already have to room booked for cash? GCV are very hard to get at 7 months for non-peak times let alone christmas time. As far as food Storytellers Cafe at the resort is really good also. Don't miss the Blue Bayou for dinner one night. You can make the ADR at 60 days out.

 

[DizDays]

We used Von's our last trip. Would definitely use them again. They delivered and bell services signed for it. (I don't think they can do this if there is alcohol in the order). They called us and held it in their refrigerated place until we got it. They delivered it to our room for us. Check online for coupon codes. I was able to get free delivery (for first time use) and found a code for another $15 off.

This is great advice. Where would you find coupon codes and discounts for this? Just Google it or is there a specific discount site?

 

[Homemom]

This is great advice. Where would you find coupon codes and discounts for this? Just Google it or is there a specific discount site?

I think last time I found it on www.retailmenot.com

 

[DizDays]

Thanks! I was wondering if RMN might have it. I appreciate your quick response.