Must do at VGC

[letitsnow]

Hi!

We have been annual passholders and this will be our first stay at the villas!! I can't wait! What are must do's while staying in the villas? We visit Disbeyland and CA Disney a few times a year and still have not done everything yet ! I you have any secrets or tips that would be appreciated!

 

[mdsd8700]

Well the villas are amazing!! We have stayed in both the hotel and the villas and we love the villas so much more. Although room requests are not guaranteed we request high floor, theme park view and that was what we got. It was great!! We would have the doors open and looked right over Paradise Pier and we could see WOC from our room, although at an angle. Still it was a sight to see at night!

There is an observation deck on the 6th floor and it is lovely for views but there isn't much else up there except bathrooms. You can see WOC of color but most likley if you have a theme park view it will be better from your room.

DH and I sat in the lobby a couple of times with a drink and listed to the guitar player they thave here, it was relaxing and very enjoyable. I beleive they have a list of daily activiities like an early morning walk and a family scavenger hunt although we have never done any of these.

Have a great trip!!

 

[jelwallace]

Spend an afternoon at the pool. The lounges have the softest cushions on them. I fell sound asleep for hours. It was heaven!

 

[arthur06]

I am beginning to look at VGC for summer 2012 (either Late May/early june or Late August). I would love to know much more on VGC!

We are thinking a week in Southern California with VGC for 3 nights and other areas for 4 nights.

 

[mdsd8700]

We are thinking a week in Southern California with VGC for 3 nights and other areas for 4 nights.

We love DLR and CA so much that we have started to make our annual Disney trips switching between DL and WDW. Last summer we actually did Phoenix and then flew to CA for Disney. This summer WDW. However have done many of the Southern California things (Hollywood, BB games, Legoland) and have also taken a drive up the PCH ending in San Francisco. Last year was our first stay in VGC and I am hooked. I want to keep going back just to stay in the hotel! The Disneyland portion of these boards can give you great information on DLR as well as Southern California in general. I hightly recommend such a trip. You get your Disney fix and whole another vacation on top of it!!

Jelwallace is right, the lounge chairs at the pool are wonderful. Very plush and comfortable. They also have nice cabanas available for rent.

Disneyland and DCA also do tours like WDW does and some of them seem pretty cool. Our youngest is 14 now and the ones we have been interested in you have to be 16, like the segway in DCA.

Napa Rose is a wonderful treat, it is one of the most highly rated resturants in California. I would recommend that as well. In general their aren't as many resturant choices (on property) and the downtown area is much smaller, but overall I love DLR and it definately worth at least one trip!

 

[wbl2745]

If you're interested in art and architecture I'd take the tour of the Grand Californian. I've done it twice and it was different each time. It depends on the guide and what is available. There is so much to see about the artwork and architecture to the building that is just not apparent to me. The tour is free but not held every day. Check with the concierge desk to sign up.

I'd also agree with a PP about the Napa Rose. This is a splurge since it is quite expensive. If you think you'd enjoy chatting up the chefs and looking at what everyone else is eating, I'd make a reservation for the Chef's Counter. You sit at a counter looking into the kitchen, which is open to the dining room. You have the choice of either ordering off the menu, or letting the chef surprise you, which is what I did. It was a lot of fun to chat with the chef, discuss what things I like, and be surprised with what he provided. I think there are 10 or 12 seats at the Chef's Counter. You call the reservations number for the Napa Rose to reserve this.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Spend an afternoon at the pool. The lounges have the softest cushions on them.

But first get a Fast Pass for the Grizzly River Run for the afternoon. Enjoy the pool and then head over to DCA through the hotel entrance ready to get wet. Do the ride and then head back to the pool. Can't beat not having to take buses.

HBC

 

[spleen]

I really like Whitewater Snacks in the Grand Californian for their quick service meals. DVC members get, I think, 10% off. Possibly one of the least crowded, most comfortable QS places in/near the park. And it's so easy to duck out of California Adventure to go there for a quick bite and hop back into the park afterwards.

 

[darby888]

If you're interested in art and architecture I'd take the tour of the Grand Californian. I've done it twice and it was different each time. It depends on the guide and what is available. There is so much to see about the artwork and architecture to the building that is just not apparent to me. The tour is free but not held every day. Check with the concierge desk to sign up.

I'd also agree with a PP about the Napa Rose. This is a splurge since it is quite expensive. If you think you'd enjoy chatting up the chefs and looking at what everyone else is eating, I'd make a reservation for the Chef's Counter. You sit at a counter looking into the kitchen, which is open to the dining room. You have the choice of either ordering off the menu, or letting the chef surprise you, which is what I did. It was a lot of fun to chat with the chef, discuss what things I like, and be surprised with what he provided. I think there are 10 or 12 seats at the Chef's Counter. You call the reservations number for the Napa Rose to reserve this.

For reservations up to 60 days in advance call (714) 781-DINE option 4

For Chef's Counter and parties larger than 8 call (714) 300-7170. You will be contacting the restaurant directly.

You'll admire this beautiful, relaxing resort on many levels. You'll appreciate it even more when you really need it after a day in the parks or just to take a break.

 

[Podgieree]

I took the yoga/pilates class offered in the morning by the outdoor fireplace. What a great way to start the day!

 

[jerseygal]

2 years ago, we loved an early morning power walk in California Adventure! So cool....Before parks open, its a guided power walk tour! FUN AND GREAT EXERCISE! GREAT TO SEE THE PARK WITH NO ONE THERE!

 

[McCrae]

2 years ago, we loved an early morning power walk in California Adventure! So cool....Before parks open, its a guided power walk tour! FUN AND GREAT EXERCISE! GREAT TO SEE THE PARK WITH NO ONE THERE!

Yes... In April the walk was scheduled daily.

 

[hot_mama]

They are absolutely right about asking for high floor and theme park view! Watching WOC from our room and balcony was AWESOME! We had a 2bdrm suite and my girls fell asleep every night to the the lights of paradise pier.

I don't know if you are planning on cooking or not, but we used the grills there and LOVED it! We used them 3 times for burgers, dogs, and steaks. No one else was ever there. (I don't think they get very much use) You check out grill utensils from the front desk and you are set. When we were carrying the steaks upstairs the smell made everyone we passed jealous! We ate and watched the WOC and it was our favorite night and meal there! If you don't want to carry the food to your room, they have covered patio tables and chairs you can use.

Have a great trip!

 

[bwvBound]

2 years ago, we loved an early morning power walk in California Adventure! So cool....Before parks open, its a guided power walk tour! FUN AND GREAT EXERCISE! GREAT TO SEE THE PARK WITH NO ONE THERE!

DITTO! We really loved the morning Power Walk through California Adventure.

 

[TravelingJen24]

I also agree that the lounge chairs at the pool are great. They are better then any four seasons we have ever been to. We also like to sit by the out door fire place in the evening with a coffee from the lounge. That sounds good right now.