My List of positives for VGC (updated since we are now owners!)

[justkeepswimmin]

I am waiting for my guide to call me back so I can get a few logistical questions answered so I thought I would make a list. I posted earlier on the Operations board about how we are considering our 1st DVC purchase at VGC. My instincts are telling me not to let this pass by. I am making a list of positives and it is long so far:

1. Only DVC essentially IN a theme park
2. Only DVC in California
3. One of the few DVC with a private entrance to a theme park within walking distance of your room (BWV/BCV have a somewhat exclusive access point but it is not literally attached to the hotel like GC entrance point is)
4. Private observation Deck for new World of Color show coming to DCA
5. Unique accommodations (1 bdrm and up has kitchen and laundry) that can not be found on property at DLR anywhere else.
6. 2060 expiration date
7. Attached to a beautiful hotel with full service amenities.
8. Room decor is really beautiful and well thought out.
9.One bedroom sleeps 5 (cool bed drops down under the TV)
10. One bedrooms has 2 bathrooms. We have 3 girls and this is already starting to be an issue
11. Points can be used at WDW when we go every 3 or 4 years. AK is my favorite park so AKV are perfect for us, sleep 5, and we would probably have a good shot at getting a room at the 7 month mark there based on when we travel.
12. As I understand, views are of the Resort or of DCA
13. So many food and dining options, again all walking distance from the resort. While DL does not have the great restaurants WDW has, I love being able to walk to my dining location of choice. What other DVC can you walk to FIVE different character dining options?
14. This was the park Walt built. The emotional value of owning a small part of it is a HUGE draw
15. DTD, while not as big as WDW version, is also just steps away. The World of Disney store is in fact at the bottom of this hotel and can be considered the ultmate hotel gift shop. There is a movie theater/ Lego store/ ESPN Zone/ Rain Forest Cafe/ Jazz Kitchen/ House of Blues/ Build a Bear Workshop and more all essentially the same if not a shorter distance from Point A to point B than found in a WDW moderate resort or some current DVC properties.
16. At DCA as soon as you enter Grizzly River Run is right in front...Soarin is a few hundred feet to the left, etc!!
17. In the worlds of DVC Mike, it can not can any closer unless they build one in Sleeping Beauty's Castle! Seriously, there may be new DVC in California in the future, but they will not have this exclusive location. DLH/ PP are farther. The rumored Garden Walk location? No thanks.
18. Small DVC resort+prime location=likely strong resale value if you change your mind!
19. Big Plans for DCA including a beer garden, little mermaid ride, Cars Land, World of Color Show, main entrance re-theming, and Soarin' over the World.
20. Cost to stay at GCH is $370 rack rate, off season, for a small STD room. With tax, this is $421.80. With $13.80 resort fee (all DLR hotels charge this), the total is $435.60 per night for a standard room! Sure, you might get a discount or an AP rate here and there but they can get away with charging this, IMHO, ridiculous rate, because people love the location of this hotel. The inflated room rates are a result of the premium people place on staying here. Sure, the economic situation right now is making it harder to fill at these rates and more discounts are available but when things rebound, GCH will continue to be an enormously desired property. Even when you factor in some level of financing, the high nightly point cost to stay here, you are still making out better than $435 a night for a studio like accomodation, even in the Premier season!
21. Convenient Underground parking.
22. For those of us out west- ability to drive rather than fly to a DVC destination. For us it is an 7-8 hr drive in our comfortable minivan versus airfare for 5.
23. Wonderful DVC Neighbors that will love the resort as much as we do!
24. Easy access to yummy DCA corn dogs and churros.
25. California summers are by many accounts, much more tolerable than Florida (it actually cools off at night/ less humidity/ no hurricanes etc) making summer trips when kids are out of school a more comfortable option.

Anyone else have there own positives? Negatives?

 

[WDWfantasy]

I am waiting for my guide to call me back so I can get a few logistical questions answered so I thought I would make a list. I posted earlier on the Operations board about how we are considering our 1st DVC purchase at GCV. My instincts are telling me not to let this pass by. I am making a list of positives and it is long so far:

1. Only DVC essentially IN a theme park
2. Only DVC in California
3. Only DVC with a private entrance to a theme park within walking distance of your room
4. Private observation Deck for new World of Color show coming to DCA
5. Unique accommodations (1 bdrm and up has kitchen and laundry) that can not be found on property anywhere else.
6. 2060 expiration date
7. Attached to a beautiful hotel with full service amenities.
8. Room decor is really beautiful and well thought out.
9.One bedroom sleeps 5 (cool bed drops down under the TV)
10. One bedrooms has 2 bathrooms. We have 3 girls and this is already starting to be an issue
11. Points can be used at WDW when we go every 3 or 4 years. AK is my favorite park so AKV are perfect for us, sleep 5, and we would probably have a good shot at getting a room at the 7 month mark there based on when we travel.
12. As I understand, views are of the Resort or of DCA
13. So many food and dining options, again all walking distance from the resort. While DL does not have the great restaurants WDW has, I love being able to walk to my dining location of choice. What other DVC can you walk to FIVE different character dining options?
14. This was the park Walt built. The emotional value of owning a small part of it is a HUGE draw

Anyone else have there own positives? Negatives?

I'll add a couple for my family:
1) We live in California (northern) so we can drive to DL. I love WDW but airfare is expensive. Our trips to WDW require much more planning ahead and alot more $$$. I know the 11 mo. booking window will be critical most of the time at VGC but it will be nice to maybe snag something on the spur of the moment for a quick getaway.
2) My husband is a huge NHRA Drag Race fan. The Pomona drag strip is only 20 minutes from DL and there are a couple of big events there each year and he is already excited to be able to take the family down to VGC and while we are off playing at the parks he can head over to watch his favorite sport.

 

[DonaldDoleWhip]

3. Only DVC with a private entrance to a theme park within walking distance of your room

3. Just adding, Beach Club Villas and Boardwalk Villas are within walking distance to a private Epcot entrance, especially BCV. They're also within walking distance to DHS.

Here's another positive (you already know this): Disneyland Park isn't right next door, but it's only a 5-10 walk away.

 

[tjkraz]

For me, the SoCal weather was a big influence. Our kids are getting to the age where it's tough to pull them out of school for a week's vacation. June in Anaheim is a lot more temperate than June in Orlando.

Plus, I've been told that many SoCal schools are in session until mid-to-late June. My kids are done very early in June (6/2 this year) so we should be able to beat the CA crowds if we schedule our vacations right at the start of summer vacation.

 

[justkeepswimmin]

3. Just adding, Beach Club Villas and Boardwalk Villas are within walking distance to a private Epcot entrance, especially BCV. They're also within walking distance to DHS.

Here's another positive (you already know this): Disneyland Park isn't right next door, but it's only a 5-10 walk away.

That's right. I did forget about that one as I have still yet to make it over to the Boardwalk area on either WDW trip . I really want to though so maybe if we buy DVC I will try my luck booking there at 7 month window. It is interesting how popular these resorts are and their proximity to a park and many dining/ shopping options. I think this gives us a glimpse of what we can expect at GCV.

I love that DLR is so small and you can walk everywhere. That in itself IS another positive. The need to plan out transportation to go just about anywhere in WDW drives me crazy though the boat ride to MK from Ft wilderness was quite lovely.

 

[justkeepswimmin]

For me, the SoCal weather was a big influence. Our kids are getting to the age where it's tough to pull them out of school for a week's vacation. June in Anaheim is a lot more temperate than June in Orlando.

Plus, I've been told that many SoCal schools are in session until mid-to-late June. My kids are done very early in June (6/2 this year) so we should be able to beat the CA crowds if we schedule our vacations right at the start of summer vacation.

Yes! This is true and you can beat the crowds. We did this last year (5/31-6/3) and it was WONDERFUL! Great weather, decent park hours, manageable crowds. You are going to love it!

 

[nunzia]

3. Just adding, Beach Club Villas and Boardwalk Villas are within walking distance to a private Epcot entrance, especially BCV. They're also within walking distance to DHS.

Here's another positive (you already know this): Disneyland Park isn't right next door, but it's only a 5-10 walk away.

This is true..we stayed at Beach Club when we went to WDW..but this entrance isn't just close..it is right there..no walk..you're sitting outside Whitewater Snacks, and wave to the guard and walk right in.
All your points are good ones..and yes..DL is Walt's only park and that is a great reason all on it's own. Ever since I first went way back in 1962, DL has been my park. I would not let this DVC chance pass me by. But...ssshhhh...don't spread your great reasons around until you are safely an owner.

 

[ACDSNY]

You've already touched on how compact the resort is and...no buses to ride. DLR will always be where my heart is.

 

[tjkraz]

This is true..we stayed at Beach Club when we went to WDW..but this entrance isn't just close..it is right there..no walk..you're sitting outside Whitewater Snacks, and wave to the guard and walk right in.

I wasn't going to say anything but I have to agree with that. Not only is the gate much closer than Epcot is to BCV but you're right in the heart of the park once you enter. At Epcot you still need to walk quite a ways in order to reach anything meaningful.

At DCA as soon as you enter Grizzly River Run is right in front...Soarin is a few hundred feet to the left, etc.

It's a little nit-picky, I admit. BCV/Epcot is definitely the closest comparison Walt Disney World has to offer. But even that doesn't do justice to the close proximity of GC to DCA.

 

[justkeepswimmin]

But...ssshhhh...don't spread your great reasons around until you are safely an owner.

Good point. Time to make another post with a long list of negatives to scare people off.

Still waiting for my guide to call back

 

[justkeepswimmin]

You've already touched on how compact the resort is and...no buses to ride. DLR will always be where my heart is.

Me too. Just spent a week at WDW and had a great time but DL is home for me. I love coming and going as I please, never feel hurried or rushed or a need to plan or get anywhere. Having a DVC there will only enhance our trips and our ability to relax and unwind.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

After our trip to DL last October, I am suddenly a big DL fan! We stayed at the GC (using DVC points) and it was fantastic! I wouldn't want to stay anywhere else now.--Except VGC of course. I'd love to make VGC our third DVC home! Maybe next year (we just bought BLT.) I'm sure I could talk DH into it next year.

 

[La2kw]

For me, the SoCal weather was a big influence. Our kids are getting to the age where it's tough to pull them out of school for a week's vacation. June in Anaheim is a lot more temperate than June in Orlando.

Plus, I've been told that many SoCal schools are in session until mid-to-late June. My kids are done very early in June (6/2 this year) so we should be able to beat the CA crowds if we schedule our vacations right at the start of summer vacation.

Ever heard of "June Gloom?" June is usually cloudy and often rainy. This is not the hot, Florida rain, but often a cold rain. We tend to avoid Disneyland in June.

 

[kikiq]

Ever heard of "June Gloom?" June is usually cloudy and often rainy. This is not the hot, Florida rain, but often a cold rain. We tend to avoid Disneyland in June.

I'll take the "June Gloom" to Florida summer weather ANYTIME. Maybe not the picture perfect SoCal weather, but still lovely for us. But then we drove in the rain couple weekends ago to listen/watch the Big Band/dancing, we love our DL/DCA no matter what the weather.

 

[Grumpygrandpa]

I really like the Arts and Crafts theme of the hotel. The lobby is outstanding! Love the fireplace. I have always found the service there to be outstanding. Can't wait to stay in the villas!

 

[Longhairbear]

.
At DCA as soon as you enter Grizzly River Run is right in front...Soarin is a few hundred feet to the left, etc.

..

The rooftop viewing deck for World Of Color, also in 3 years time all the new enhancements will be done. Victorian Beer Garden, Little Mermaid, Carsland etc.

 

[nunzia]

...I just can't wait to see my deposit go through my credit card..it's been a long wait!

 

[stopher1]

Ever heard of "June Gloom?" June is usually cloudy and often rainy. This is not the hot, Florida rain, but often a cold rain. We tend to avoid Disneyland in June.

I grew up in So Cal, spent 3/4 of my life there, and June Gloom really is overrated. It's not bad - especially when you consider how good So Cal weather is the rest of the year.

I'll take the "June Gloom" to Florida summer weather ANYTIME. Maybe not the picture perfect SoCal weather, but still lovely for us. But then we drove in the rain couple weekends ago to listen/watch the Big Band/dancing, we love our DL/DCA no matter what the weather.

Amen to that! I'll take DL in the rain any time. It's just so magical. And for whatever reason that I can't personally comprehend , it does tend to drive down attendance somewhat...always a good thing IMO!

 

[squidmo]

I'll take DL in the rain any time. It's just so magical.

I agree- if there was any way I could plan to have rain on my DL trips I definitely would. The one trip I've taken when it rained was my absolute favorite!

 

[justkeepswimmin]

The rooftop viewing deck for World Of Color, also in 3 years time all the new enhancements will be done. Victorian Beer Garden, Little Mermaid, Carsland etc.

Beer Garden? How did I miss this info? We are just happy with the Karl Strauss beer cart but a whole garden! My dh will be sold now for sure!