The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners Group

[blackjackdelta]

Wondering if anyone that has stayed at VGC this summer had any issues with noise from World of Color? We stayed there right before WOC officially opened and witnessed several trial runs, without the crowds. We could hear the music, and some loud pops (maybe water canons) and thought at the time that it might be worse with the crowds cheering and applauding, especially with that third late show added.

Just curious if I should maybe ask for a pool view or maybe the one over GRR instead of Paradise Pier for our upcoming October trip.

You could hear the WOC sounds but we did not have any issues. I am always very tired after the long days in the parks so nothing would keep me awake except an intruder.

Jack

 

[mdsd8700]

You could hear the WOC sounds but we did not have any issues. I am always very tired after the long days in the parks so nothing would keep me awake except an intruder.

Jack

We had a 5th floor room and from the balcony you could see WOC to the left and completely agree with the what Jack says above. You could hear some noises, but not an issue at all. Once the doors were closed it was no problem at all. Some nights we left the doors and drapes open to just hear the music and sounds, it was wonderful. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Nonsuch]

...Just curious if I should maybe ask for a pool view or maybe the one over GRR instead of Paradise Pier for our upcoming October trip.

If you are a light sleeper, you might request a pool view.
I had a 5th floor villa in February while WOC was testing, and the noise was not too bad. The testing was likely louder than the actual show, and ran all night. Noise from Little Mermaid construction was much more of an issue, but the worst of that seems to be over.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Wondering if anyone that has stayed at VGC this summer had any issues with noise from World of Color? We stayed there right before WOC officially opened and witnessed several trial runs, without the crowds. We could hear the music, and some loud pops (maybe water canons) and thought at the time that it might be worse with the crowds cheering and applauding, especially with that third late show added.

Just curious if I should maybe ask for a pool view or maybe the one over GRR instead of Paradise Pier for our upcoming October trip.

Did the testing bother you? If so then I'd suggest you ask for the pool side. Otherwise I can't say that I heard much from crowd noise - it was mostly from the show itself.

 

[gkrykewy]

We have stayed at AKL and WL, and know it is the same architect, but I think VGC has them both beat, hands down. Not sure exactly what it is, but I think VGC is classier than the other two. WL is actually my least favorite of all the DVC resorts, too dark in the rooms, and we have stayed at every one them, with the exception of Vero.

Well, we love AKL and WL, and will be staying at VGC for the first time in just two weeks! It will be no small feat for the GC to top them in our view; can't wait to try it.

 

[nunzia]

Well, we love AKL and WL, and will be staying at VGC for the first time in just two weeks! It will be no small feat for the GC to top them in our view; can't wait to try it.

Are you going for Destination D? I'll be there also..but at the DLH since I couldn't get in VGC.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Well, we love AKL and WL, and will be staying at VGC for the first time in just two weeks! It will be no small feat for the GC to top them in our view; can't wait to try it.

Since you like AKL and WL, I think you will love VGC. The rooms are lighter and brighter and the furnishings and fabrics are just top notch. I also loved the nice touches, like the hammered tray and ice bucket, etc. It just seems as if everything was a grade above what we have at WDW. I will mention that they do not put sweet n' low packets, etc. in the villas. In both of our stays I remember coffee and creamer, but nothing else, so if you fix tea or coffee, you may wish to be sure and bring your own.

Also, they are not as accustomed to DVC people out West as they are at WDW--small differences, but asking for a view at check-in seems to stump them, you need to get tokens for the laundry if you need to use that--rather than it being free. Just small things, but they don't seem to know what to do with us DVC folks yet.

I will be interested to hear your thoughts when you get there/get back. Have a marvelous trip.

 

[gkrykewy]

Are you going for Destination D? I'll be there also..but at the DLH since I couldn't get in VGC.

No, just a regular old trip. One week in a studio! We are doing the Halloween Party on 10/1, which should be great.

I will be interested to hear your thoughts when you get there/get back. Have a marvelous trip.

Will do, on both counts. I expect we'll love it. The brightness/darkness of the room doesn't matter much to us either way, as long as the theming is sound.

Have you been to any of the original Park lodges from which these resorts take many of their design cues? We've been to the Ahwahnee in Yosemite and Paradise Inn in Olympic so far; the ambiance tends toward the dark, but it's oh so glorious.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Well, we love AKL and WL, and will be staying at VGC for the first time in just two weeks! It will be no small feat for the GC to top them in our view; can't wait to try it.

We absolutely love WL and AKL but the first stay at GC/VGC moved it to the top for us. It will be interesting to hear what you think.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

No, just a regular old trip. One week in a studio! We are doing the Halloween Party on 10/1, which should be great.



Will do, on both counts. I expect we'll love it. The brightness/darkness of the room doesn't matter much to us either way, as long as the theming is sound.

Have you been to any of the original Park lodges from which these resorts take many of their design cues? We've been to the Ahwahnee in Yosemite and Paradise Inn in Olympic so far; the ambiance tends toward the dark, but it's oh so glorious.

No, can't say that we have visited any of those lodges. The darkness does bother me--we tend to be more "beachy" people, I guess. I love the lobby area of both the AKV and WLV, but the dark fabric and dark wood in the rooms was a little too much for me. Even though the wood is dark at VGC, the rooms just don't seem to be as dark as WLV.

Be sure and check out the carpet in the lobby at VGC. It is interesting how the design flows from the carpet to the wood flooring. The lamps at each of the check-in stations are another nice touch.

There will be an activity sheet in your Welcome Home packet that is a list of all events going on in the resort. All activities are available to DVC Guests, too. One item is a tour of the resort. I haven't done this before but plan to on our trip in October. Another item that caught my eye was the power walk thru California Adventure early in the morning before guests are admitted. I have heard this is like your own private little tour.

 

[stopher1]

Well, we love AKL and WL, and will be staying at VGC for the first time in just two weeks! It will be no small feat for the GC to top them in our view; can't wait to try it.

We absolutely love both WL and AKV - but the GC is even higher for us.

I hope you enjoy your stay.

 

[rice4u]

Hi all, I am also a proud owner of the VGC (160pts). Unable to use our points yet due to work but very excited.

 

[JoRo]

So wondering how to get magnifying mirrors in all the dlx studios - how can it be deluxe without one? Even best western has one!

So I thought as owners maybe we could all take a moment and email DVC? I did got no response.....;(

So maybe email the Grand and try that way?

How do us owners get things added?

 

[franandaj]

Well, we love AKL and WL, and will be staying at VGC for the first time in just two weeks! It will be no small feat for the GC to top them in our view; can't wait to try it.

I haven't stayed at the WL in well over 10 years (fixin' to change that next year), but I stayed at Kidani in January. I have to say that I just LOVE the VGC! Where else can you have a theme park right outside your window? Even the time that I didn't have a theme park view the 1 Br we had was so large and so beautiful, I was still smitten. Besides we didn't spend much time in the room as we were only there one night and it was the night of the Taste event at the F&W Festival.

Tomorrow I'm doing the single digit dance for my next stay, and we have a 1 Br again! I can't wait, we again will not be spending much time in the room because we'll be at Destination-D all day Friday and Saturday, but I'm looking forward to spending most of Thursday in the room and making dinner as well. It will be nice having the full kitchen because we're preparing some additional meals to bring along with us to the presentations in case we get hungry before the lunch and dinner breaks.

I hope I have a theme park view while I'm preparing dinner. I love listening to the people on California Screamin'!

 

[franandaj]

On another note, I got a call from my guide today and they found the additional 125 points in my UY!

There are a few issues of the ownership (one contract is in a trust, the other is not...) so he has to look up a few things and figure it out, but Yay! That means another five or so nights per year that I can plan on every year. That might mean the Winemaker dinners during F&W and then I can cancel them if I don't plan on going and use the points at other times of the year!

 

[gkrykewy]

I haven't stayed at the WL in well over 10 years (fixin' to change that next year), but I stayed at Kidani in January

It doesn't affect the theme park view issues (crossing our fingers that we get one!), but when I was talking about WL and AKL, I was referring to the main lodge buildings with their expansive lobbies - so Jambo, not kidani.

 

[nunzia]

On another note, I got a call from my guide today and they found the additional 125 points in my UY!

There are a few issues of the ownership (one contract is in a trust, the other is not...) so he has to look up a few things and figure it out, but Yay! That means another five or so nights per year that I can plan on every year. That might mean the Winemaker dinners during F&W and then I can cancel them if I don't plan on going and use the points at other times of the year!

YAY! Congratulations!

 

[stopher1]

It doesn't affect the theme park view issues (crossing our fingers that we get one!), but when I was talking about WL and AKL, I was referring to the main lodge buildings with their expansive lobbies - so Jambo, not kidani.

Each lobby (Jambo, Wilderness & the Grand) is absolutely gorgeous and impressive. Each fits its individual thematic mark perfectly - a bullseye each time. Of the three however, the Grand is definitely my personal favorite. There's just something about the Craftsman style that bespeaks elegance and splendor mixed with simple charm, grace and coziness all at the same time.

 

[stopher1]

Hi all, I am also a proud owner of the VGC (160pts). Unable to use our points yet due to work but very excited.

Congratulations & Welcome Home!

On another note, I got a call from my guide today and they found the additional 125 points in my UY!

Congratulations! That's great.

 

[tiggerfied]

Wondering if anyone that has stayed at VGC this summer had any issues with noise from World of Color? We stayed there right before WOC officially opened and witnessed several trial runs, without the crowds. We could hear the music, and some loud pops (maybe water canons) and thought at the time that it might be worse with the crowds cheering and applauding, especially with that third late show added.

Just curious if I should maybe ask for a pool view or maybe the one over GRR instead of Paradise Pier for our upcoming October trip.

We stayed there the third week in August - on the second floor, so close to the Golden Zephyr that we could see the facial expressions of the riders! I will tell you that the music from the WOC was VERY loud. Yes, once you close the door it becomes "quieter" but the second show was usually when we were trying to go to sleep and some of the louder sequences (with the cannons and shooting flames, etc.) did keep us up. But, hey, it's just a tradeoff - what a thrill to see that view.

And I just have to tell you: those villas are AMAZING! We stayed in a one bedroom and there were so many touches (and the quality of construction) that were on par with some very luxurious hotels we have stayed in around the world. LOVED the master bathroom. Washer/dryer, great kitchen, balcony - all of it beautiful. You will love it!