Grand Villas

[Bellecruiser]

in all the years we have been members we have never stayed at a GV. We have invited my in-laws to join us for Food and Wine and want a GV . I would be curious to hear from those who have stayed at more than one GV, about the pluses and minuses of each. Right now we have reserved an SSR GV, but I am curious about the ones at AKL, BLT, and VGF. Any advise is appreciated .

 

[disneynutz]

The GV follow the theming and point requirements of the resort rooms. Some are 2 stories, some 1, some lower points, some higher.

For F&W I would stay at BWV GV but availability at 7 months will be a real challenge.

Bill

 

[Bellecruiser]

Thanks, Bill. As usual you make good points. Anyone have any other thoughts about the GVs.

 

[Fantasia79]

My co-Worker booked one for June. With three families traveling. Huge upsides, and they're all excited for it.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I've stayed in a Jambo GV. Would very much enjoy staying there again. The master bathroom was incredible, it's all one story and you have a pool table. And 3 large balconies to enjoy! I've also toured the VGF GV and it is beautiful. No pool table but it has a media room that would also act as a 4th bedroom area although using a sleeper sofa. Either would do just fine for a stay at WDW.

A few weeks ago I was walking by as a housekeeper was coming out of one of the 2 story GV's at BWV. No more than a quick glance around but it also was lovely. I really don't think you'd go wrong with any that you were able to book.

 

[mouseclick1]

I have stayed in a GV at SSR, AKV Jambo, and BLT.

The Jambo House GV was incredible. The room was absolutely stunning, and the pool table was a nice bonus. Three huge balconies for animal viewing. The only minus here I can think of is getting to the parks is not as convenient as some of the other resorts. Also, it is pretty quiet at night, which would be great for some but a minus for those looking for things to do after dark. This was, by far, my favorite room I have ever stayed in!

We booked a lake view GV at BLT, and were given one of the rooms that also has a view of the castle. This view was the best view I have had on any WDW trip. Nothing like having your first cup of coffee in the morning, or a glass of wine in the evening, while enjoying the view of the castle from your balcony. We did go to the Top of the World Lounge once, but decided we preferred to sit on our own balcony instead. It was very convenient to get to MK since you could walk, but that won't help you as much since you are going for the Food and Wine.

Our stay in a GV at SSR was fine, it just felt pretty ordinary, like you were visiting someone's house. The balcony was fairly small, and if I remember correctly, there was only one of them. The view from the balcony from was simply looking at rooms across the building. I love my balconies, as you can tell, but had very little interest in the one at SSR. Convenient if you wanted to spend time at Disney Springs, not as convenient getting to the parks.

If I was going to WDW for Food and Wine, my top choice would be BWV. I've never stayed in a BWV GV, but have stayed there in every other type of room. I love the atmosphere of the resort, and you can't beat the proximity to Epcot and HS.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[southerngirl528]

I agree with everything the previous posters have said. But about the BWV GV's I'd say your chances are nil at 7 months. F&W is super popular as you know and there are only 6 GV's there.

I've stayed in GV's multiple times at OKW and have also stayed in a Jambo GV and Beach Cottage at Vero. I have been in every GV at every DVC resort with the exceptions of HH and VGC and they are all lovely in their own right. For me, I like OKW GV's a little better as I think they are a bit roomier but then I am admittedly biased toward OKW. SSR's GV's are very nice, with a great full bath on the main floor and a nice sized upstairs area.

We loved the Kidani GV for it's "loft" area between the upstairs bedrooms. It had a sleeper sofa and a TV so we could put our little ones up there to watch their favorite videos while we grownups sat below. We could easily see and hear them which was nice. And oh those Savannah views! Awesome! The giraffes practically slept under our huge balcony!

Since you already have snagged a GV at SSR you're sitting pretty. I would determine if I wanted to try for any other GV's (and be sure to check how much more it will cost you in points as OKW and SSR tend to be the cheapest by quite a bit!), and at that 7 month opening I'd just try for it. If they don't have what you want, Keep what you have and W/L for what you prefer. Either way you will have a fabulous accommodation that I am very sure you will all love! DVC GV's are awesome!! Happy planning!!

 

[com_op_2000]

We had an OKW GV for our DD's high school graduation. Booking multiple families with each having there own room, made traveling so much easier.

 

[Bellecruiser]

Thanks for all this insight! I think I'll check what is available at the 7 month window. I have always wanted to stay at AKL-Safari view. I'll try for it.

 

[RAD]

I've stayed at OKW GV's and really liked it except for one of the bedrooms having just standard size double beds, wish they could put queens in them.

 

[maburke]

I have never stayed in a GV, and after 14 years of ownership, we decided to splurge this summer on a GV at VGC. Can't wait! I'll report back.

 

[kdonnel]

You didn't ask about Aulani but it is the only one I have stayed in, it was amazing! I really want to stay in one of the grand villas at Bay Lake Towers. I would think anyone would be great.

 

[drusba]

If you are relying on the 7 month window for Food & Wine, the main issue you will likely have is whether the GV's will even be available. SSR most likely will be. BWV is highly unlikely. OKW, BLT and AKV Jambo will also be difficult. Best chance will potentially be VGF or Kidani and neither of those are certain.

I have not seen the VGF GV's. We have stayed in Jambo and BWV single stories, which we believe to be the best including because if you have small toddlers along, you don't have to worry about blocking off the stairs. BWV particularly has great view and a huge combo living room, dining room and kitchen which is ideal for larger groups. Jambo has the pool table room, four bathrooms, and huge balconies. We have been in the ones at OKW, BLT and Kidani, and they are all impressive with BLT probably the most impressive of that group with the two story living room windows.

 

[mickeymom629]

We stayed in BWV grand villa with one level (they also have some with 2 levels) and it was amazing! It was January, so definitely easier to get than in the fall!

 

[MouseOfCards]

If we were to stay in a GV (sounds dreamy) in the next few years, we'd likely be looking at a single level due to younger kids and possibly a senior. Besides Jambo and BWV, are there any others that are only one story?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

If we were to stay in a GV (sounds dreamy) in the next few years, we'd likely be looking at a single level due to younger kids and possibly a senior. Besides Jambo and BWV, are there any others that are only one story?

VGF all are one level as are Jambo. BWV has a couple that are 2 story so you wouldn't be guaranteed a single level there. Aulani is also 1 story.

 

[maburke]

You all got me thinking about our trip to a GV at VGC this summer. I have some questions for anyone who has seen them. The description on the dvcmember web site says they sleep up to 12. But the bedding is listed as: 1 king-size bed, 4 queen-size beds, 1 queen-size sleeper sofa, 1 double-size sleeper sofa. So why isn't the capacity 14? And the floor plan seems to indicate a sleeper chair in the downstairs living room. Is there one? If so, why isn't the capacity 15?

As you can imagine, everyone we know in southern California is coming out of the woodwork to visit us at the GV!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

You all got me thinking about our trip to a GV at VGC this summer. I have some questions for anyone who has seen them. The description on the dvcmember web site says they sleep up to 12. But the bedding is listed as: 1 king-size bed, 4 queen-size beds, 1 queen-size sleeper sofa, 1 double-size sleeper sofa. So why isn't the capacity 14? And the floor plan seems to indicate a sleeper chair in the downstairs living room. Is there one? If so, why isn't the capacity 15?

As you can imagine, everyone we know in southern California is coming out of the woodwork to visit us at the GV!!

Just like they did in a couple other locations (BLT and AKV Kidani) they just have the ability for different sleeping arrangements. Ie, they finally recognized that perhaps you won't all be couples, or that the kids won't share or are brother/sister and it's not ideal to share. So, occupancy is the same but they've given sleeping options. They actually used to say that in the picture book they would send out every year and I think stated it on the website too although I don't know if that same verbage made it to the new website.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I've stayed at OKW GV's and really liked it except for one of the bedrooms having just standard size double beds, wish they could put queens in them.

That bedroom is smaller than the other. Two queen beds just wouldn't fit.

 

[Allabouthemouse]

We have stayed in the GV at BLT lake view but got a view of the MK. Like the mouseclick1, we loved the view - nothing like watching fireworks over the park and relaxing with a view of the MK before you. There is an extra full bath downstairs that is very convenient for those sleeping on the sofa bed. The second story had a very nice separate entry that connected to the same floor as the TOW lounge. That being said, we felt that the 2 story layout with the loft second story was NOISY. We toured the GV at VGF and thought it was phenomenally beautiful (and point pricy). The layout is more like a condo with a split floor plan and gorgeous finishes throughout. We will being staying there this October for F&W. It will be nice to see which we like better. As for BWV - I have tried to get a GV there for an Oct visit but have been unsuccessful. Good luck at 7 months.