The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners Group

[lisah0711]

We sent the signed papers for Villas at Grand Californian last Wednesday. Soon will be an owner of VGC and calling it our home! We have a reservation for a studio in November. Can't wait!

Home!

We just got back from a 5 night stay at VGC. If you are looking for a room recommendation, try room 5008 for a 1 bedroom. We were very lucky-fifth floor, Paradise Pier Theme Park View. We were actually able to watch World of Color from the balcony. There were 2 small trees that slightly blocked the show, but it was still remarkable. It is stunning watching a theme park through your room's windows 24 hours a day.

Thanks for the info! Will be there ourselves in one short night!

 

[CaptainsCrew]

It is interesting that most don't see the east coast vs west coast thing. I have known about DVC for years but would never buy in Disneyworld. Been there several times but go to Disneyland once to twice a year, now three times a year. There is only one Disneyland.

I am hoping my 370 point suffice, maybe, really maybe, I would use points in Disneyworld. Don't get me wrong, I like to travel, been to China, South America, Egypt, Europe, etc and in the motorhome around most of the western US. I don't think the east coast people get the Disneyland connection for the majority of buyers.

 

[ACDSNY]

It is interesting that most don't see the east coast vs west coast thing. I have known about DVC for years but would never buy in Disneyworld. Been there several times but go to Disneyland once to twice a year, now three times a year. There is only one Disneyland.

I don't think the east coast people get the Disneyland connection for the majority of buyers.

I agree! We did buy into SSR in 2005, but sold them in order to buy more VGC. Disneyland will always seem like home to us.

 

[thelionqueen]

It is interesting that most don't see the east coast vs west coast thing. I have known about DVC for years but would never buy in Disneyworld. Been there several times but go to Disneyland once to twice a year, now three times a year. There is only one Disneyland.

I am hoping my 370 point suffice, maybe, really maybe, I would use points in Disneyworld. Don't get me wrong, I like to travel, been to China, South America, Egypt, Europe, etc and in the motorhome around most of the western US. I don't think the east coast people get the Disneyland connection for the majority of buyers.

There will always be opinions over the eternal debate...Disneyworld vs. Disneyland.

I think that those of us who consider Disneyland "home" cannot explain our heartfelt connection to Walt's dream, the castle he designed, constructed and enjoyed or the "classic" feel of the resort.

Those who are WDW enthusiasts always tend to generalize Disneyland as "SO small" or you only "need" a "couple days" at DL vs. a week plus @ WDW.

While both opinions are valid, or whether your heart belongs to DL or WDW first, they truly are completely different experiences with their draws and drawbacks.

Having spent every summer of my childhood and teenage years in Anaheim, going to DL day after day, each and every summer, my heart will always love DLR over WDW. Don't get me wrong, we go to WDW every year, and will probably until the day I die, but DL is the TRUE original and the heartfelt closeness I feel there, I have never felt anywhere else on earth

 

[CaptainsCrew]

Lionqueen, you say it well. It is in the heart n mind together. It is similar to trying to explain the importance of the title, Wonderful World of Color, the old mill scene, or the colidascope. Walt's place. GCV completes the magic.

 

[franandaj]

I definitely LOVE Disneyland, but that doesn't mean I don't want points so that I can go to WDW every year or every other year! This year I used up almost all my SSR points on last minute trips to VGC where my waitlist came through (still a few months out, but didn't buy enough VGC points for all they stays I've booked).

I love the resorts at WDW and am currently in the market for two resale contracts (VWL and BCV), but I also plan on adding on points at the VGC! I figure the years that I don't use my WDW points, I can always see about getting on the waitlist for some impromptu stays at VGC...who knows maybe I could even get a 1 br!

But you're right the WDW people just don't "get" DL, it's not about the size of the resort, it's about Walt's Magic touches!

 

[JoRo]

Hi We are back after spending week at VGC in a studio (2nd trip, 1st was in 1 bedroom), here are couple of quick notes.

I didnt know 11 months ago when we booked that we would want one bedroom and that it would be grad nights, that color of world would open, that something with AP for california were going on and Toy Story 3 would open - so it was busy but so much fun to not be rushed.

So feedback on our first DVC studio - i had no idea they gave you 4 paper plates, bowls, small plates and silverware - 4 - are you kidding me for a family of 4 for 7 days .....so I dont know if they are suppose to charge you more for those but that should be supplied based on your stay, I called and got more.

We ordered from Vons no problems, the issues were with GC who had our bags in 3 locations and had to delivery them 3 times because cold stuff in frig area and bread water in another ...

My DH walked down (.5 mile) to wonderland Market for booze because we didnt want to wait 2 hours for Vons and have to sign for booze. He would HIGHLY recommend this market - and the great news I wanted to share THEY DELIVER - so chips, beer, hard liquor, pop market items - 714.535.0127

VGC studio Wish list: really like some kitchen towels, a magnifying mirror in bathroom and a couple of bowls to cook eggs in or bacon - not sure who to send this request too.

 

[Nonsuch]

VGC studio Wish list: really like some kitchen towels, a magnifying mirror in bathroom and a couple of bowls to cook eggs in or bacon - not sure who to send this request too.

Costco sells precooked bacon which heats quickly in the microwave, and is almost as good using a fry pan.

A magnifying mirror is standard in the hotel rooms, but not the Villas

 

[ACDSNY]

A magnifying mirror is standard in the hotel rooms, but not the Villas

I agree the villas need a magnifying mirror. DVC are you listening?

 

[funatdisney]

Having spent every summer of my childhood and teenage years in Anaheim, going to DL day after day, each and every summer, my heart will always love DLR over WDW. Don't get me wrong, we go to WDW every year, and will probably until the day I die, but DL is the TRUE original and the heartfelt closeness I feel there, I have never felt anywhere else on earth

I, too, spent my childhood at Disneyland and feel the same way. There is no other experience than the original. There is something so special at DLR that is lost at WDW. I do and always will visit WDW (and own at SSR because I love to visit WDW), but Disneyland is my home. I am proud that I have given this same love for Disneyland to my DDs.

 

[donmil723]

Pros and cons of our recent stay (early June) in a GCV studio:

Pros
1. Location to the theme parks and DD cannot be beat!!!
2. Luxurious padded lounge chairs at the pool.
3. Robes in the room.
4. Beautiful decor.

Cons
1. No refillable mugs.
2. GCV won't accept delivery of alcohol.
3. Housekeeping is VERY SLOW about responding.
4. Polite staff but didn't seem to be as friendly as at WDW.
5. DD restaurants do not take your KTTW card.

We are BCV owners and while we enjoyed our stay at GCV, we REALLY missed our home resort. Glad we tried it but don't foresee another visit for several years at least.

 

[franandaj]

My DH walked down (.5 mile) to wonderland Market for booze because we didnt want to wait 2 hours for Vons and have to sign for booze. He would HIGHLY recommend this market - and the great news I wanted to share THEY DELIVER - so chips, beer, hard liquor, pop market items - 714.535.0127

Thanks for the information...did they have any grocery items like spaghetti sauce in a jar or canned goods? Someone on another list was asking about that, and I'd love to be able to help them out, if they had it.

 

[nunzia]

Thanks for the information...did they have any grocery items like spaghetti sauce in a jar or canned goods? Someone on another list was asking about that, and I'd love to be able to help them out, if they had it.

We got from them things like bread, milk, cereal, sandwiches, eggs..so I think they'd have other basic items as well.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Could someone please re-reference to the Whitewater snacks grocery list.

Thanks

 

[wildernessDad]

We added on 50 points at VGC. Will you accept me as a member of this honorable group?

Now we own at all three of the Peter Dominick themed resorts!

 

[bluecruiser]

Could someone please re-reference to the Whitewater snacks grocery list.

Thanks

Hopefully this link will work, not sure if you have to be logged into the DVC member website first:
http://advc.disney.go.com/media/dvc...groceryorder/GroceryList_GrandCalifornian.pdf

 

[Disney Princess]

We added on 50 points at VGC. Will you accept me as a member of this honorable group?

Now we own at all three of the Peter Dominick themed resorts!

My vote doesn't count for much, but I accept and welcome you!!! We only have 100 points at VGC, and we are anxiously awaiting our first trip there next May!!! Everyone on this thread has been extremely helpful to us.

 

[kikiq]

We added on 50 points at VGC. Will you accept me as a member of this honorable group?

Now we own at all three of the Peter Dominick themed resorts!

Welcome Home!!!

 

[kikiq]

I'm celebrating...I was able to get a 2 bdrm for Memorial Day Weekend

Now just have to wait to reserve the pool cabana and we are set!!!

 

[wildernessDad]

My vote doesn't count for much, but I accept and welcome you!!! We only have 100 points at VGC, and we are anxiously awaiting our first trip there next May!!! Everyone on this thread has been extremely helpful to us.

Welcome Home!!!

Thanks! I'll try to get a signature photo as soon as I can!