Folks who are so excited about VGF2

[DVCsloth]

Hoping to see the GF Orchestra return. Love waiting for our dining reservation and listening to their music! Pianist is awesome as well!

 

[CarolynFH]

Hoping to see the GF Orchestra return. Love waiting for our dining reservation and listening to their music! Pianist is awesome as well!

The pianist was there in January, so I have hopes for the orchestra!

 

[Her Dotness]

I actually hope the GF Orchestra doesn't return, much though I enjoyed them.

It was criminal to move them downstairs near the main entrance where the acoustics seemed to me to render the sound muddy. It used to soar out and down from their gallery near Mizner's.

Besides, I doubt any of the very talented musicians who were let go would be willing to return, not with the new gig they have in South Florida, I believe I read is where it is.

 

[Ssplashhmtn]

If you look at Riviera and DLT, they have the “tower” rooms which provide the cheap points rooms for people who don’t need all that a deluxe studio provides.

I don’t understand this comparison. The vgf2 rooms aren’t “cheap points” because they are clearly planned to be better bigger rooms than the vgf1 studios, and in a better location. Plus they are far better decorated.

 

[Her Dotness]

I don’t understand this comparison. The vgf2 rooms aren’t “cheap points” because they are clearly planned to be better bigger rooms than the vgf1 studios, and in a better location. Plus they are far better decorated.

You don't understand the comparison because it's not a valid one for the reasons you gave and others.

I agree with you. Welcome to the minority regarding the resort studios.

 

[lowlight]

I don’t understand this comparison. The vgf2 rooms aren’t “cheap points” because they are clearly planned to be better bigger rooms than the vgf1 studios, and in a better location. Plus they are far better decorated.

I can speak only for myself, but the reason I bought DVC was for the kitchens/kitchenettes. When I travel outside of Disney, I’ve had to pay to upgrade to suites with kitchen areas as I need the facilities that level of room provided. This is always more expensive than a regular room. It’s probably true that I’m basing their perceived point value on my own personal situation. They may be worth more or the same to others.

 

[DVCsloth]

I don’t understand this comparison. The vgf2 rooms aren’t “cheap points” because they are clearly planned to be better bigger rooms than the vgf1 studios, and in a better location. Plus they are far better decorated.

I think the comparison is because of the (studio only) no 1BR or larger being added. VGF2 rooms are going to be bigger, but as far as better and a better location that is only an opinion.
I would have much rather seen them add this as a separate condo association.

 

[Her Dotness]

VGF2 rooms are going to be bigger, but as far as better and a better location that is only an opinion.

Bigger, yup. 100 sq. ft. of bigger than the existing studios.

Better, I'll grant is an opinion.

A better location is demonstrable unless one's primary intent for a VGF stay is getting hitched.

BPK is practically right out back of the Main Building. VGF1 is a bit of a hike somewhat off to the side of the whole resort.

 

[DVCsloth]

Bigger, yup. 100 sq. ft. of bigger than the existing studios.

Better, I'll grant is an opinion.

A better location is demonstrable unless one's primary intent for a VGF stay is getting hitched.

BPK is practically right out back of the Main Building. VGF1 is a bit of a hike somewhat off to the side of the whole resort.

View attachment 650272

I like the VGF1 location better,
Separate check in and parking, quieter location, covered walkway, closer walk to TTC and Polynesian, closer to gym and spa. Not saying this is better for all, but it is for me.

 

[Her Dotness]

I like the VGF1 location better,
Separate check in and parking, quieter location, covered walkway, closer walk to TTC and Polynesian, closer to gym and spa. Not saying this is better for all, but it is for me.

I don't doubt that. Most everyone posting here likely agrees. (Me, too, actually.)

 

[DVCsloth]

I don't doubt that. Most everyone posting here likely agrees. (Me, too, actually.)

We'll still see everyone over there for Movie Night in front of Big Pine Key!

 

[DVCsloth]

There is also the possibility that you will need to own VGF if you plan on staying at VGF1.

 

[Ssplashhmtn]

I can speak only for myself, but the reason I bought DVC was for the kitchens/kitchenettes. When I travel outside of Disney, I’ve had to pay to upgrade to suites with kitchen areas as I need the facilities that level of room provided. This is always more expensive than a regular room. It’s probably true that I’m basing their perceived point value on my own personal situation. They may be worth more or the same to others.

I see how the studio kitchenette can be a nice feature in a room for some people, though I suspect for most studio guests, that’s not imperative and would prefer other trade offs, like space. On the other hand, the “tower” rooms at RIV are objectively a major step down from the RIV studios; and the Tower room barely fit 2 people. I just don’t think using the “tower” rooms to suggest vgf2 studios should be cheaper than vgf1 is even a comparison.

 

[sndral]

I like the VGF1 location better,
Separate check in and parking, quieter location, covered walkway, closer walk to TTC and Polynesian, closer to gym and spa. Not saying this is better for all, but it is for me.

In the GF resort thread BPK was a cash crowd favorite because of it’s central location. I personally loved Sago Key’s location over by Gasparillas & my biggest concern before I bought VGF1 was that based on the resort map it seemed so removed from the rest of the GF, after I stayed there I realized that it wasn’t as isolated as it seemed on the map. VGF1 is the furthest walk from the MK now that the path is open.
The lobby/main building w/ it’s restaurants, bar, & shops attracts a lot of casual visitors & seems crowded - especially during the holidays w/ people stopping by to look at the Christmas tree & gingerbread house, but none of the other buildings or the grounds have ever felt busy or crowded to me.

 

[DVCsloth]

In the GF resort thread BPK was a cash crowd favorite because of it’s central location. I personally loved Sago Key’s location over by Gasparillas & my biggest concern before I bought VGF1 was that based on the resort map it seemed so removed from the rest of the GF, after I stayed there I realized that it wasn’t as isolated as it seemed on the map. VGF1 is the furthest walk from the MK now that the path is open.
The lobby/main building w/ it’s restaurants, bar, & shops attracts a lot of casual visitors & seems crowded - especially during the holidays w/ people stopping by to look at the Christmas tree & gingerbread house, but none of the other buildings or the grounds have ever felt busy or crowded to me.

The way I tend to look at it is, any Grand Floridian is better than no Grand Floridian. If my SV 1br becomes difficult to book right at 11 months, Disney is going to have some explaining to do!
I realize there are sometimes of the year that are walked relentlessly, and I don't bother. But if my 11month booking won't do it. Not going to be happy with DVC.

 

[sndral]

The way I tend to look at it is, any Grand Floridian is better than no Grand Floridian. If my SV 1br becomes difficult to book right at 11 months, Disney is going to have some explaining to do!
I realize there are sometimes of the year that are walked relentlessly, and I don't bother. But if my 11month booking won't do it. Not going to be happy with DVC.

I‘ll join you in asking for that explaining if I’m unable to get my beloved 1 br. SV @ VGF at 11 months as well!

 

[Matty B13]

We are planning to have enough points for a 2 bedroom lake view every other year, so that is how we are dealing with it. But we are picking up a resale contract instead of lining up for the new points. I hope at the 11 month mark we can at least get standard... but if we have to go with lake view it will just be more points instead of losing our room type.

 

[Judique]

I don't want to be left holding the bag when Disney parks have priced out us cheapskates and we all finally realize it's time to sell. Chapek has been very clear that is his goal, not an accident. Writing is on the wall.

I've got my own goals and for years I've been a Disney cheapskate. Not because I can't afford it, but because I'm going to choose where I spend my vacation budget and how much.

I own at 4 of the 2042 resorts and have no intention of selling. They'll have to pry those points out of my old hands. Every so often I get addonitis but I've got my shot so it hasn't infected me since the early years, but every so often I need a booster to resist.

Love VGF and have stayed there on my cheaper points, and will go back when I get the chance. Won't be buying VGF2 as it's not needed.

 

[Ssplashhmtn]

I like the VGF1 location better,
Separate check in and parking, quieter location, covered walkway, closer walk to TTC and Polynesian, closer to gym and spa. Not saying this is better for all, but it is for me.

I agree the location by the spa and gym is nice, as well as flexibility to walk to Captain Cooks. Of course the trade off is Big Pine Key is closer to Gasparilla Island Grill, main building (monorail access) and the walkway to MK. I prefer the BPK location but I agree the vgf original location is very nice, and I have been really surprised by how much we enjoyed being over there.

 

[Ssplashhmtn]

I like the VGF1 location better,
Separate check in and parking, quieter location, covered walkway, closer walk to TTC and Polynesian, closer to gym and spa. Not saying this is better for all, but it is for me.

The “concierge like” check in at the lobby of vgf is the best. I wonder how the ground floor of Big Pine Key will be setup, and will it have check in desks. Probably not, but a penguins fountain perhaps?