100% another reason why I strongly disliked VDH at first. We do cut through the pool but that doesn’t work at night when you just want to be back at the room and have to walk an extra what feels like 3 miles uphill.
Can you cut through the pool with luggage when you check in?
I definitely have.
It’s always been locked when I have tried.
To clarify, we've cut through the pool when we check-in during the day and the pool is operating, which may seem obvious now as I'm typing this.
No idea about Pixar keys but GC keys open up the gates to enter DH grounds from all of the various paths and the same the other way to get into the GC. Not tried them on the pool decks but they do get you into the grounds no problem. I usually have to tour the gift shops of both on most trips....
I'd just look around here on both the VGC and VDH threads and ask if any fellow members who have perks are there during your visit and I'm sure someone would be happy to meet up and get you into the lounge if you wish. The coffee machine is fairly good
And about that TOT tax thing - I've found that by switching my brain to VDH = more frequent trips in a studio (garden please) it makes the TOT a bit less of a burden. Also, the free parking helps (yes I know we get that at VGC too) as it's $$$$ for regular guests who are also paying more than me to stay there and also paying way more taxes/fees. The TOT was the price Disney had to agree with to get the city to approve adding 300+ DVC rooms to the resort which ultimately gives us owners a lot more options as VGC is so few rooms.
You may want to do some research into the various assessable duos. Some of them have unique layouts and beds that are "real" (not murphys) and what seems like way more space. We had to ninja one for me and @MrsNVDISFamily for our quick trip to visit @UrsulaWantsYourSoul for his party/GV open house. We very much liked it for a short trip for just the two of us. Plenty of space for a few nights.
We went to the Golden Vine Winery this past weekend and a DVC guide was trying to sell us VDH on the fact that Disneyland Forward has announced that they will be expanding both DCA and Disneyland all the way to the Disneyland hotel so people will be able to access both without a walk like vgc and that VDH is going to be a hot ticket once this happens and we will wish we owned there.
Does anyone know if this is true? I have been super busy lately and haven't had time to look into Disney Forward, but I haven't heard anything about this before
Yes although it feels awkward but you can.
I should add that is if you already have a room assigned. I always get physical card keys and use those for the pool gate.
Also, when room not ready, (done it), they will provide a key card for the pool gates.
Oh awesome!!
And you can also use the app... (if you're lucky and it's working correctly, but I think I've only had it not work for me once)
I always bag check and head to the parks until I get me room ready text….
For me, no. VGC just has a different feel and I like that there's a balcony, even if it's a very small one. VDH has some balconies, but most of the studios don't have one. I would say that both are great in their own ways, but that walk back to the room after a long day can't be beat at VGC.
I believe I quoting about the chaos in the lobby at VGC. It can be very full and even difficult to walk around all the people when trying to get to the former White Water Snacks or the park entrance. I do love getting a drink and meal at the Craftsman Bar when I arrive and just enjoying being there.
The VGC lobby is so amazing when it's not full of people just passing through to see the giant cake or get something at the snack cart. It's one of my favorite places to kick back. I don't think I've really just kicked it there since before Covid, though.
), check it out for my perspective on the Garden studios compared to the Tower studios.
I do not believe there is a way to guarantee a balcony with a studio.
No idea how to guarantee it. Here's a thread with views that might help you see how few there are.
The only category with a balcony request option is the Duo Studios. (Both Standard & Preferred). More Duos have a balcony than not. All Garden rooms guaranteed patio or balcony. One/Two bedrooms & Grand Villas are guaranteed balcony. Standard & Preferred deluxe studios..none have a balcony.
Nice!! Have a great time!Room ready 1:14pm. Duo preferred this visit. Head on over later this afternoon. 11 months ago planned...the time has arrived. All enjoy the 70th.
