Not a VDH owner but just seeking some general info as our trip is coming up soon (Aug 24th) and I have a few questions that I wasn't sure if I should post here or on over on the DL section of the boards?! (Or maybe a combo of both.) So here goes....
1) Does DVC get discounts on food or merch at DL like we do at WDW?
Yes, plus you get a discount on QS as well.
2) Is there a little store or shop at VDH like at most of the resorts at WDW? Unfortunately,
Not really (and our biggest gripe). There are small items in the hotel shop, but nowhere near everything you see in WDW (baked goods, frozen food, lots of condiments. etc). Most people order through a delivery service.
3) If we have a resort / pool day is there a quick service place to grab some lunch or do we have to leave the resort to go to another hotel to find some light food?
Yes. You have direct access to the Pool Breeze Bar at the DVC pool, plus Tangaroa Terrace is immediately adjacent to the pools. Not as good as Craftsman Grill at GCH, but ok.
4) What / where is the closet grocery store? We'll likely want to stop for a few things.
The closest grocery store is Target on Harbor Blvd., about 1-3/4 miles away.
5) Is alcohol / beer sold in the grocery stores in CA or do we need to go to a special ABV store?
Beer, wine and hard liquor are sold at all grocery stores. Hard liquor can also be purchase at "liquor stores" (non-chain convenience type stores that have licenses to sell liquor). Beer and wine can also be purchased at Target's, Walmart, etc., and convenience stores such as 7-11 and Circle K.
6) How long is the walk to the parks? Do we go to VGC to get in? (I remember going thru an entrance there the last time we were at DL many years ago.)
From VDH, the walk to the Esplanade between DL and DCA is about 10 minutes (give or take with security) as a causal stroll. You can also access DCA via the Pixar Palace entrance which is about a 5-7 minute walk from the Discovery Tower.
7) Are there wine glasses in the studios?
I think there were last time we were there, but not sure.
8) We have a standard hearing accessible studio booked - is there any info avail. somewhere about room locations for those? I was wondering if there's any point for any room requests or if there's so few of them no need to bother. Maybe "higher floor" or something?
Not sure, best to call the hotel.
9) We will be renting a car - it's my understanding we'll get free parking - do we just need to have our DVC member card available on our phones to get in / out?
You do not need your card, you will be given a placard to place on your dashboard when you enter the parking lot the first time.
But was looking at availability and thought it would be more wide open. Good thing I have both properties to choose from now.
