Just back from VGC and DL Hotel some musings

dsneygirl

<font color=blue>My little pirate is here<br><font
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Jun 6, 2000
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I won't do a full trip report just post some of the highlights. We were in a studio (1520) the first 3 nights. This was on the DCA side but 1st floor so you looked at a large wall and trees. And the top of the Zephyr. Less than ideal for sure. We even asked about switching rooms and were willing to pay but everything was full. The room was gorgeous, the bed and linens were heavenly and it was very close to the lobby, pool and other amenities. We stayed at the GC back in 2001 and it was a dream to be back.

The pool was fantastic! Those plush loungers are to die for! Never crowded as temps were only in the low 70s but sunny. DS loved the slide.

We did the character breakfast at Storytellers the first morning. IMHO (and DH's) this was the best character breakfast we have ever done. As it was mid week (wed) the restaurant was never busy and lots of time with the characters. The atmosphere is lovely and the food was fantastic. Our faves were the french toast and fresh waffles. (they bring waffles to your table).

DS went to Pinocchios one night for 2 hours. He had a blast and wanted to go back. The kids club is more expensive then the ones at WDW and you have to pay extra for dinner but it was worth it while DH and I had date night at Napa Rose. DS said his filet was the best he had ever had. Our server was just so-so but the food was amazing and the restaurant is gorgeous. It is very pricey but we really enjoyed it.

And of course it goes without saying that the 5 minute walk to DL and the separate entrance to DCA are amazing. We thought we were spoiled at BLT but this was even shorter. We were so happy we splurged with the points not to have to deal with shuttles/parking etc.

Then we moved to the DL hotel for 2 nights. It is all under construction which is a bit of a pain. The noise never bothered us but it was a maze to get around all the construction walls. A few times I found myself at a dead end and had to go back. We got to use the monorail pool a couple times and DH enjoyed Trader Sam's Tiki Bar one night after I had turned in early. The room was gorgeous and once all the renos are complete it will be amazing.

We also did the breakfast at Goofy's Kitchen. It was just ok. A let down after Storytellers but we did see the most random characters (Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty and Baloo) Food not as good and the atmosphere is more chaotic like Chef Mickeys.

Final Thoughts on DL/DCA
~everything is more $$$, bottled water, mickey ice cream bars etc
~World of Colour is amazing, didn't do any packages but still got great seats
~Loved having characters everywhere! They were even in their Halloween costumes already
~DS loved the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail at DCA which is now themed to the movie 'Up' and Russel and Dug meet there
~Big Thunder Ranch, this was DH's pick and I didn't have high expectations but the food was fantastic and the entertainment was very good. Also the place was decorated for Fall and Woody, Jessie and Bullseye were meeting and greeting.

I will be happy to answer any questions. :) We can't wait to go back when all the DCA renos are done it should be amazing.
 
The pool was fantastic! Those plush loungers are to die for!

VGC IMHO is best Disney resort pool! Love the loungers. Last trip we rented a cabana each day, which made what was wonderful....fabulous! I am spoiled now...can't imagine poolside without a cabana! I so wish SAB had them.
 
It's always so nice to see a WDW veteran enjoy the DLR. Glad you had a great time. :goodvibes
 

We've been to Goofy's Kitchen a few times, but never Storytellers. Can you explain why you liked Storytellers so much better? Did you do the buffet option or the a la carte option? What characters were at Storytellers...? Thanks! :goodvibes
 
We've been to Goofy's Kitchen a few times, but never Storytellers. Can you explain why you liked Storytellers so much better? Did you do the buffet option or the a la carte option? What characters were at Storytellers...? Thanks! :goodvibes


We did the buffet option and all the food was nice and hot and fresh. You ordered Mickey waffles and they deliver them to your table. The atmosphere was just a lot less chaotic and the restaurant is really beautiful. I thought Goofy's looked in need of a makeover.

Characters were Chip, Dale, Timon, Pluto, Koda and Kennai (sp?) from Brother Bear.
 
Love the GCV. :thumbsup2


I agree about Storyteller's- the food and service are excellent.
 
We did the buffet option and all the food was nice and hot and fresh. You ordered Mickey waffles and they deliver them to your table. The atmosphere was just a lot less chaotic and the restaurant is really beautiful. I thought Goofy's looked in need of a makeover.

Characters were Chip, Dale, Timon, Pluto, Koda and Kennai (sp?) from Brother Bear.

Thanks! We'll try it out next time...and Goofy's just had a makeover too! They were redoing the interior, and had moved the "restaurant" upstairs to the ballroom for a few months, and now it's back down after the remodel.
 
It sounds like an awesome trip. I love the Grand Cal and have only stayed on the resort side. I can't wait to use our VGC points to experience the DVC side of things. It's my favorite resort of them all. Glad to hear you had such a great time!
 
...We were in a studio (1521) the first 3 nights. This was on the DCA side but 1st floor so you looked at a large wall and trees. And the top of the Zephyr. Less than ideal for sure.
Did you make a room request in advance?

I don't like the first floor rooms, but at least very few people walk around that area.
 
Did you make a room request in advance?

I don't like the first floor rooms, but at least very few people walk around that area.


We had requested DCA side but never thought about the first floor. Yes it was VERY quiet. There is only one other room on that hallway (a one bedroom attached to our studio) and we never saw a person on the walkway.
 
It seems your request was followed :thumbsup2
Next time, also request a high floor (or use a list of room numbers) :wizard:


I guess because the odds of the first floor are so slim I never think to say "higher floor". It was still a great location and it's not like we were in the room much to stare out over DCA :) Didn't put a damper on it at all.
 
Thanks! We'll try it out next time...and Goofy's just had a makeover too! They were redoing the interior, and had moved the "restaurant" upstairs to the ballroom for a few months, and now it's back down after the remodel.


Oh dear, well then I wasn't impressed with the makeover! I would highly recommend Storytellers over Goofy's to anyone.

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How cute and adorable! I agree we love the VGC and always have breakfast at Storytellers.
 











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