The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners Group

[franandaj]

Probably a moot point given that the points are almost sold out, but the logic is most folks are buying points because there aren't that many units and booking using other DVC points at 7mo and cash will be rare. So if that's the case it should be expected that you may not be able to use your new points w/in 7mo...

That's why I'm going to add on here, again. With the reallocation for 2011, they messed up all my plans for my points. I figure I need at least another 50-75 points. I called my guide earlier this week and he seemed to think they would not sell out in the next few weeks (as I wait for our refinancing loan to come through!)

Crossing my fingers!

 

[kikiq]

That's why I'm going to add on here, again. With the reallocation for 2011, they messed up all my plans for my points. I figure I need at least another 50-75 points. I called my guide earlier this week and he seemed to think they would not sell out in the next few weeks (as I wait for our refinancing loan to come through!)

Crossing my fingers!

It was the opposite for us initially. We didn't need as many points for our yearly family weekend. AND our guide pointed that out, so we could have bought less, but if we figure in our bday and anniversary weekends, then we were good. Hoping everything works out. Besides I'm loving the DCA F/W cooking school through you until we can afford it ourselves.

 

[franandaj]

It was the opposite for us initially. We didn't need as many points for our yearly family weekend. AND our guide pointed that out, so we could have bought less, but if we figure in our bday and anniversary weekends, then we were good. Hoping everything works out. Besides I'm loving the DCA F/W cooking school through you until we can afford it ourselves.

See I only figured in the "events" that we do. I didn't plan for any spur of the moment trips. Good thing we aren't going to WDW until our 2011 UY starts because I have blown through all my SSR points with things like Destination-D and a couple other events that "popped up".

We should go out there more often for the swing band Saturday nights. We play in a swing band so I love when I can hear another group play, especially if it's at D-land! If you do see the WoC show, report back to the Superthread!

 

[kikiq]

We should go out there more often for the swing band Saturday nights. We play in a swing band so I love when I can hear another group play, especially if it's at D-land! If you do see the WoC show, report back to the Superthread!

We did see WOC on Monday during one of the CM previews. Had a spot on the bridge, good overall view. We'd like to be a little closer to see better detail. Tried to get a picnic dinner, none available for the next week. So we'll just stay in DL Sat nite. My DH's concerned about parking. We'll see how it goes.

 

[mdsd8700]

Sorry to throw this in this thread. We are owners at BLT but staying at VGC in a 1 bedroom in July. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the views are like. Is there something that I should request on the reservation. We have been to DLR 3 times prior, last time 2 years ago and we saw were the DVC addition is and I know some rooms face DCA, but we didn't think we were going to be DVC members so we didn't pay close enough attention. Thanks for any information you can give.

 

[nunzia]

And I am in the system today!!!!!!

I was worried that I would not be able to use the 163 points by the end of November....well hot dog!!!

November had quite a bit of availability....including over veterans day weekend. We are doing a studio for two nights and then moving to a 1 bedroom for four nights. Had to use a few of the 2009 points I was going to bank but that is okay...still have some to bank into 2010.

Looking forward to seeing my new home!

Whoo Hoo!! Congrats..and if I'm remembering right, you got a killer resale deal.

 

[wbl2745]

Just talked to my guide and he said that the August UY is sold out at VGC.

 

[lulubelle]

I really think the remaining points are going quickly. That's good. I just hope we hear news of a second DLR DVC. As much as I love the villas, I wish we had another location to choose. Other than the much overpriced point rooms available at DLH & PP.

Is anyone there now and watched WOC from their villa or the platform? Wondering how good/bad the views really are.

 

[franandaj]

Is anyone there now and watched WOC from their villa or the platform? Wondering how good/bad the views really are.

I've seen the testing when they ran the whole show from several different floors. Each time I had a studio is was always X504 (X having been, 2, 5, & 6) I think the 4th or 5th floor views are the best, high enough to see things, but not too high that you're far away.

The view of the fountains and fire effects are good, but the water screen projections will be best viewed from the viewing area. The views will be even worse from the platform because it is on the 6th floor and it is much farther away and at a sharper angle than the view of the X504 room.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I really think the remaining points are going quickly. That's good. I just hope we hear news of a second DLR DVC. As much as I love the villas, I wish we had another location to choose. Other than the much overpriced point rooms available at DLH & PP.

Is anyone there now and watched WOC from their villa or the platform? Wondering how good/bad the views really are.

I watched the 3rd show on the 11th from the platform. You see next to nothing of the water screens but can enjoy the fountains although even their effect isn't the same as seeing it in the park. Sound is piped in but the show will be best viewed from inside DCA. The Zephyr also blocks a lot - it's essentially in the middle of the view.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Double post - stupid phone.

 

[DizDragonfly]

The Zephyr also blocks a lot - it's essentially in the middle of the view.

I wish they'd just remove that from the park. Seriously, how many spinning rides does a park need? I understand that it's supposed to be a boardwalk theme, but why do I want to ride something like that at a Disney park when I could ride something similar in a local parking lot when the carnival passes through? And now that it blocks a nice view from VGC, it gives them a great excuse to pitch it.

 

[lulubelle]

Thanks for the replies. Well, I suppose viewing it from the villa or platform would be a last resort if you do not get a spot via dining package or FP. And if you are not in DL watching F! and/or fireworks. I'll take it over nothing.

 

[franandaj]

Thanks for the replies. Well, I suppose viewing it from the villa or platform would be a last resort if you do not get a spot via dining package or FP. And if you are not in DL watching F! and/or fireworks. I'll take it over nothing.

It is certainly better than nothing! And I would say that once you've seen it from the front, reliving from your balcony would just be icing on the cake. I've seen the run through three times, the sound was very low the second two, but I will still excited to be watching it, even with a less than perfect view!

 

[SoCalKDG]

Just back from a great vacation at the Grand 6-6 to 6-12. Watched WOC 6 times from #4508. Looks great. I could see about 2/3 of the projections, the sound was great, and the Zephyr did not block my view. I've watched a really good video from another (inside) website (the) that (magic) came from Paradise Park and I'd say that balcony captures about 85% of the show. Considering I was able to avoid the mess inside the parks currently with the popularity of this show, I'm pretty happy. Great show, by the way.

 

[hjgaus]

We loved our first stay at the Villas! My kids had the best time. We started out in the Grand Villa 4513 overlooking the pools (so I was a little disappointed knowing WOC was testing on the other side) but we saw the fireworks the Sunday night we arrived. We had three nights in the Grand Villa and then had to pack up to move to a 2 bedroom for 4 nights and we got another 2 bedroom for 3 nights for family. We were moved to 2506 and when we checked into our room that night from being at Universal Studios all day, my twins cried because they said it wasn't their room but we walked outside and WOC testing was just starting, it was so magical! Loved it, I got goose bumps, it was fabulous and just made the best party. We were celebrating our twins 5th birthday.

I was a little disappointed in the shower heads, no pressure and having to buy extra dishwasher soap. The rooms were beautiful and the beds lovely and they were pretty quiet. My dad slept 10 hours the first night and said he's never done that.

We can't wait to go back, my oldest said it wants to live at Disneyland!

We also stayed in the Grand Villa 4513 April 29 - May 2 and also LOVED IT!! It was our extended family local vacation (we live about 25 minutes from DL) & makes it worth our while to go once a year with all the space and time (early am hours) for just a long weekend! I don't know if I can go back to the 2 bedroom from being so spoiled! LOL I was just In DL on June 2nd cuz my jr. high age son marched in a pre parade (I was a chaperone) and missed not going back to the villas to take a break! 10am - 9pm & justed as crowded as a holiday! Although it really doesn't matter cuz just to stay ON property is totally awesome!!

Beach Club owner since 2008
Villas at Grand California owner since 2009
& wishing to own in Hawaii soon

 

[dwelty]

Just back from a great vacation at the Grand 6-6 to 6-12. Watched WOC 6 times from #4508. Looks great. I could see about 2/3 of the projections, the sound was great, and the Zephyr did not block my view. I've watched a really good video from another (inside) website (the) that (magic) came from Paradise Park and I'd say that balcony captures about 85% of the show. Considering I was able to avoid the mess inside the parks currently with the popularity of this show, I'm pretty happy. Great show, by the way.

We are arriving on Sunday. How loud was the show with the doors shut? Did it keep you awake?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Just back from a great vacation at the Grand 6-6 to 6-12. Watched WOC 6 times from #4508. Looks great. I could see about 2/3 of the projections, the sound was great, and the Zephyr did not block my view. I've watched a really good video from another (inside) website (the) that (magic) came from Paradise Park and I'd say that balcony captures about 85% of the show. Considering I was able to avoid the mess inside the parks currently with the popularity of this show, I'm pretty happy. Great show, by the way.

I was in 5510 from 6/8 to 6/12. Unfortuately the GV blocks almost all of the view of WOC from those rooms. I think you probably were in the best room for viewing the show!

dwelty - I wasn't trying to sleep during any of the show but personally I didn't think he sound was very intrusive with the door shut and with the room fan running it was not noticeable.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Does anybody know if both GV's are NON HA? I want to make sure and request a non if one of them is HA.. Not that the request will make much difference seeing as though there are only two.

Any thoughts on the views between the two? I think we will leave it o fate, but I would like some feedback..

Thanx,
MG

 

[Djsgoofy]

The park view GV is HA.