Hard time deciding how many points we truly need.

[AstroBlasters]

So I figured I'd use this post to talk a little about our VDH "tour."

At the beginning of our VGC stay, I stopped into the DVC office there and asked if we need to schedule a tour. We were told we could just stop by the DVC office at the Disneyland Hotel or someone from the grand could drive us over in a golf cart. I wanted to make the walk over so one afternoon before going to our room for break, we walked down to the Disneyland hotel. An employee that looked to be getting ready to leave offered to walk us over to the VDH tower since the person who normally would was out at the time. So he led us to the desk at the tower and handed us off to the guy working there - Keith. Keith then called for someone to give us a tour and said it would be about 10 minutes. So we just hung out in the lobby area and waited. A guide named Rob arrived and got all of our info and then took us up to see some rooms.

We explained that our son wasn't very tolerant of this stuff so we'd need to make it quick and he was nice about that. He showed us a Sleeping Beauty studio and a Tiana studio first. They were both very cute and bright. Then we showed us a 1 bedroom on a higher floor. I really liked the layout a lot. I liked how open it was instead of having the kitchen having an island or being U-shaped. I also really loved the bathrooms. Two sinks in the primary was a smart idea. Though not super thrilled with the frosted glass for the room with the toilet.

I wish our son had been in a better mood because I really just walked around the room fairly quickly. I wish I had sat down on the couch and just tried to imagine myself staying there. I think I'll just keep watching videos and looking at the virtual tour on the Disney website.

The guide was super nice. He was really interested in hearing how we came into DVC and why we picked BRV. I think he was surprised at first that we didn't pick Copper Creek. After looking at the rooms we went back downstairs and chatted a bit more. I asked to get the 70th post cards since I had gotten the ones from California Adventure and our hotel. So he gave me those. But then he gave me a few prints (can't remember what they were at the moment) as well as the Zootopia postcards. We also got another snowflake ornament.

I asked if we can have him become our guide now and he said we would just need to respond to his email asking and then it would get sent off to the higher ups. He actually knows our current guide since he also used to work out in Florida. But I explained I'd prefer a west coast guide and someone I've met face to face. So going forward, Rob will be our guide. He was really great and honestly, I'll feel a bit bad if we end up only buying resale. Ha!

Overall, it was a nice little tour. I wish we had time to check out the pool areas and whatnot but that's okay. We'll be back at VGC in June so if we want, we can always wander back over to the common areas again. Of course, if it's hot and we're tired, we probably won't.

Another thing - one night we did walk over and take the monorail into the park just to see how that was. It took a little longer than I thought but not bad. I think we'd be more likely to take it back in the evening if we were at VDH. But it was still nice to take it in that day instead of trying to maneuver through the parade crowds.

I might recommend that you and your husband take solo trips over to the VDH rooms and then compare notes afterwards so that you don’t feel rushed.

 

[juliebee]

My husband and I took a tour of VDH earlier this week also. We really liked it. It's just the two of us traveling to Disney, so we wanted to look at a duo and a regular studio. Unfortunately they didn't have a duo available so just showed us the virtual tour. I'm trying to puzzle out what our next points purchase should be. My husband was not on board with purchasing more points yet, but after our Disneyland trip, he said he wants to say yes now. He was really into the tour and seemed to like the guide we talked to. We did meet Rob too, I believe, at the holiday open house. Although he knew we were waiting for a different guide, Rob made sure we got band sliders and ornaments and offered cookies and cocoa. Seems like a nice guy.

 

[VGCgroupie]

My husband and I took a tour of VDH earlier this week also. We really liked it. It's just the two of us traveling to Disney, so we wanted to look at a duo and a regular studio. Unfortunately they didn't have a duo available so just showed us the virtual tour. I'm trying to puzzle out what our next points purchase should be. My husband was not on board with purchasing more points yet, but after our Disneyland trip, he said he wants to say yes now. He was really into the tour and seemed to like the guide we talked to. We did meet Rob too, I believe, at the holiday open house. Although he knew we were waiting for a different guide, Rob made sure we got band sliders and ornaments and offered cookies and cocoa. Seems like a nice guy.

Band sliders I need these.

The Duos are small but could be doable for 2 adults. I think garden duos may be the best ones I’ve heard.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Band sliders I need these.

The Duos are small but could be doable for 2 adults. I think garden duos may be the best ones I’ve heard.

I’ve stayed in a duo on a solo trip for a night while down in LA… it does the trick.

I can’t say that I would want to stay in one for a measurable amount of time with another person.

 

[kanerf]

Get more than you think you need. You can easily rent out any you don't use. Much easier than not having enough.

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

We often do a duo as our landing night option and try to not disturb our luggage much. Cuz we usually get in late and just need a place to crash. Then move over to 1 bedroom for the other 2-3 nights. And yes Garden duos and studios are the bomb. You always know approximately what you’re getting and I love the views/vibes and deck/patios are huge.

 

[AstroBlasters]

We often do a duo as our landing night option and try to not disturb our luggage much. Cuz we usually get in late and just need a place to crash. Then move over to 1 bedroom for the other 2-3 nights. And yes Garden duos and studios are the bomb. You always know approximately what you’re getting and I love the views/vibes and deck/patios are huge.

The strict 11am check out and 4pm+ check in make that tough…

 

[cruisehopeful]

Band sliders I need these.

The Duos are small but could be doable for 2 adults. I think garden duos may be the best ones I’ve heard.

I’ve stayed in a duo on a solo trip for a night while down in LA… it does the trick.

I can’t say that I would want to stay in one for a measurable amount of time with another person.

I stayed in a duo by myself once and I pretty much hated it. Half the room was a restroom.
When I had room service for breakfast, the person brought it didn't know what to do with it because there was no obvious place to put it and just gave me the tray.

I could only do it again if I was only going to sleep and shower in the room. I do see the appeal of booking one night if I were arriving late.
Maybe the garden studio would be better because of the balcony view. I'm on no hurry to find out.

 

[Wedgeout]

When I had room service for breakfast, the person brought it didn't know what to do with it because there was no obvious place to put it and just gave me the tray.

Room service should know you always delivery to your bed in a Duo!

 

[Genie+]

Don’t think I could ever do a duo without balcony, at least in this stage of our life where we spend time in the room beyond sleeping.

 

[Genie+]

Room service should know you always delivery to your bed in a Duo!

Oh see, I thought it was the bathroom counter when a balcony table is not an option

 

[Wedgeout]

Don’t think I could ever do a duo without balcony, at least in this stage of our life where we spend time in the room beyond sleeping.

It’s Duo-able but yeah VDH duo without that balcony is like resort solitary confinement. The sister resort tower (Polynesian) designed the duo the right way. Touch larger, extended couch, with more of a kitchenette feel, even though your only sink just outside bathroom. (Not in it like VDH).

 

[juliebee]

It’s Duo-able but yeah VDH duo without that balcony is like resort solitary confinement. The sister resort tower (Polynesian) designed the duo the right way. Touch larger, extended couch, with more of a kitchenette feel, even though your only sink just outside bathroom. (Not in it like VDH).

yeah, I am opposed to having the sink outside of the bathroom, so I don't see ever doing the Poly or Riviera duo, but the VDH one looked nice in the virtual tour but wanted to see how the reality was. I guess I'll have to book one to see someday.

 

[Wedgeout]

I guess I'll have to book one to see someday.

For sure! VDH duo is our primary bookings, with just the two of us most visits. I think they are perfect. If look at that tower, I still feel the designers prioritized the Duo. They didn’t have to put balcony stacks, considering they kept the balcony off the studios.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Don’t think I could ever do a duo without balcony, at least in this stage of our life where we spend time in the room beyond sleeping.

To be fair, I had a garden Duo.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Well, my husband has been reading things on Reddit about VDH (he's not a member here at the Dis.) So he's been sharing those points of view as well. A lot of it echos what I've read here.

I honestly just keep going back and forth on VDH/VGC. I think it will really come down to what is available when we decide we're ready to purchase. If there is a great VGC resale at that time, we'll have to make our decision. If there are no VGC available, I could see us going with VDH. So yeah...it may just come down to timing.

Right now, I think the biggest positive of VDH over VGC, for me, is that I could stay there in the fall and avoid any late night noise from OBB at VGC. We have no Fall plans until our son is older, probably. But it's definitely a selling point on VDH for me.

Also, I do think I'd enjoy the summery vibe of VDH in summer (even if the walk will be worse in the heat.)

 

[Wedgeout]

When deciding, look at the price per point you will be paying. VGC is still excessively high for resale for what you get (and don’t get).

You are paying a premium to get booking advantage. That’s about it. You can’t then 7 month the points to VDH. You are stuck.

Now with VDH, you get the home resort booking priority. It’s a huge bonus with the variety of booking categories it opens up to you. Plus you can have fun playing the DVC slots. I’ve had a fun time grabbing VGC rooms. (And do it with any points I want to use).

Lastly paying a similar price for a Disneyland DVC, look at the expiration advantage with VDH. 2074 vs 2060.

 

[tx911]

Well, my husband has been reading things on Reddit about VDH (he's not a member here at the Dis.) So he's been sharing those points of view as well. A lot of it echos what I've read here.

I honestly just keep going back and forth on VDH/VGC. I think it will really come down to what is available when we decide we're ready to purchase. If there is a great VGC resale at that time, we'll have to make our decision. If there are no VGC available, I could see us going with VDH. So yeah...it may just come down to timing.

Right now, I think the biggest positive of VDH over VGC, for me, is that I could stay there in the fall and avoid any late night noise from OBB at VGC. We have no Fall plans until our son is older, probably. But it's definitely a selling point on VDH for me.

Also, I do think I'd enjoy the summery vibe of VDH in summer (even if the walk will be worse in the heat.)

I think VDH has a lot going for it for you. It gives you a nice 2nd option at DLR, offers unique theming, lower point charts at times than VGC, gets you into blue card ownership, and you can use those points anywhere. Not to mention it's cheaper than VGC!

 

[ClaraOswald]

I still feel like the cheaper upfront cost of VDH is probably a wash when you add up TOT costs.

As for expiration...our ages will be
2060 - 79, 81
2074 - 93, 95

Scary.

 

[tx911]

I still feel like the cheaper upfront cost of VDH is probably a wash when you add up TOT costs.

As for expiration...our ages will be
2060 - 79, 81
2074 - 93, 95

Scary.

Yeah, the TOT is a big negative and it’s unfortunate that they had to build that into it. Still there’s a lot of positives for you. I wouldn’t worry about your age. That’s a problem for another day.