The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners Group

[DisneyDreamerK]

Thank you for the "Welcome Homes". I've been to Disneyland once and I loved it! I plan on using my membership for Disney Resorts around the world instead of Disney World because I've been here on vacation like 35 times. lol I got a nice Cast Member rate for 100 points in Grand Californian. When I eventually get settled, I'll probably buy more. Yay! so excited!

 

[Nonsuch]

On parking, you don't need to be checked in technically to park in self-parking -- you need the key card to get OUT of self-parking. So as long as they are checking in and staying on-site and don't need to move their car before you check in they will be fine.

A room key is not needed to enter the parking lot, just take an hourly parking ticket to open the gate. A room key is needed to open the second gate to enter the dedicated Grand Californian parking area closest to the hotel. Without a room key parking is available in the parking structure behind the Paradise Pier Hotel.

 

[Grumpygrandpa]

Going down tomorrow for my first trip home to VGC. Can't wait.

 

[ACDSNY]

Going down tomorrow for my first trip home to VGC. Can't wait.

Have a wonderful time! I was trying to sneak down next month, but my vehicle decided to eat up the funds with an electrical problem.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Going down tomorrow for my first trip home to VGC. Can't wait.

Have a great trip!!

 

[lulubelle]

Enjoy the villas and DLR GrumpyGrandpa!
Let us know what you think of everything.

 

[Grumpygrandpa]

Have a wonderful time! I was trying to sneak down next month, but my vehicle decided to eat up the funds with an electrical problem.

I hate it when real life interferes with disney. Bet you are looking forward to that coast to coast cruise!

 

[ACDSNY]

I hate it when real life interferes with disney. Bet you are looking forward to that coast to coast cruise!

Me too! I'm SO looking forward to our cruise and we talked DH's cousin and his wife into going too, 4 adults and no kids.

Catch the Electrical Parade for me, we've been missing it for quite a while and I wanted to see it before it went to WDW.

Our kids are already asking when are we going to Salt Point so it looks like we'll have to find some time for a camping trip.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

Hello, fellow VGC owners!

If any of you have stayed in the VGC studio villa #6504, can you confirm whether the "roof" to the left of the balcony of that unit is a hindrance to the view? From the external pictures of that side of the villas, it looks almost as if the "roof" of the 5th floor villas, below and to the left (when standing on the balcony), might be in the line of sight of the "park" when looking left from the balcony.

I'm just trying to figure out which units will have partial obstructions of the WOC show when it begins.

Any insight would be appreciated!

Thanks!

We stayed in 6504, and it was FANTASTIC!! I just uploaded my pictures off my camera yesterday, and I have so many I think I need to do a TR...

While we were there in February we watched the WOC testing going on all night every night. No soundtrack though, but you can see the amazing views from our balcony:

Distance to the WOC viewing platform (that won't be nearly as good as 6504):

My DS checking out the evening view of the Paradise Pier:

And just for good measure:

Bay Lake What???

Seriously- LOVED LOVED LOVED VGC, itching like crazy to add on there. I think I might sell my old VW Beetle and use that as my downpayment...

 

[Longhairbear]

I have been told via a cast member that April 29 is the soft opening day with the official opening as report by numerous Disney fan sites as June sometime, I think the first or maybe its the 11th. Of course, that is a goal, I guess last year the new Maleficent dragon never made its appearance at Fantasmic until August so I think they are shy or releasing a definitive date.

Thanks, now I am not sure if I should cancel the May trip, and rebook later. I hear June is booked solid.

 

[stopher1]

Going down tomorrow for my first trip home to VGC. Can't wait.

Have an awesome time!

 

[nunzia]

Going down tomorrow for my first trip home to VGC. Can't wait.

Whoo Hoo! Please give us a report when you return.

 

[franandaj]

I want to see more of the pictures from the testing of WOC!

My first stay there is getting so close, combined with the F&W Festival I'm going crazy with anticipation!

 

[ACDSNY]

While we were there in February we watched the WOC testing going on all night every night. No soundtrack though, but you can see the amazing views from our balcony:

And just for good measure:

Bay Lake What???

Awesome pictures, thanks for sharing. I agree VGC beats BLT!

 

[BeccaG]

Thanks, now I am not sure if I should cancel the May trip, and rebook later. I hear June is booked solid.

Well, is WOC your onlyreason form this trip? If so re booking in July or trying for June might be a good idea, but if you have other things planned and your trip is late May, I would be willing to bet you will see WOC.
Soft openings almost always run or a few weeks before a show opens

 

[Donald is #1]

Just bought 125 points, hope to get on a waitlist soon.

I bought DVC for Grand Californian Villas today! I am so excited to finally be a Member! I am hoping to go for my birthday in October....yay!

Congratulations & welcome home!!!

Going down tomorrow for my first trip home to VGC. Can't wait.

Have a great time!

 

[Donald is #1]

Hi! I called tonight and was able to make 2 dining reservations (Napa Rose and Cafe Orleans).

I also found out that my trip is one week too early for the Fantasmic Package. Apparently it isn't starting up in May until Memorial Day weekend.

 

[Longhairbear]

Well, is WOC your onlyreason form this trip? If so rebooking in Julyor trying for June might be a good idea, but if you have other things planned and your trip is late May, I would be willing Todd bet you will see WOC.
Soft openings almost always run or a few weeks before a show opens

This trip is for F&W also. I kept my ressie after calling MS today. We have a 1 bedroom, and wanted to downsize. No studios are available in all of May, and June. So we are keeping the 1 bedroom, and gonna cook up a storm in the kitchen when we aren't eating at F&W.

 

[nunzia]

I want to see more of the pictures from the testing of WOC!

My first stay there is getting so close, combined with the F&W Festival I'm going crazy with anticipation!

I jus thope my point and shoot camera can get some of these lovely shots others are getting.
I'll be there for F&W too..very excited! (we upgraded to a 1 br from a studio, so I'm sorry Longhairbear it was gone when you tried to downgrade)
Shouldn't they have a more complete F&W schedule posted by now???

 

[franandaj]

Shouldn't they have a more complete F&W schedule posted by now???

I could have sworn that by this time last year they had the complimentary demos up and the listing of Food offerings. I check every day, but still nothing.