The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners Group

[funatdisney]

When I do a day trip to DL, I always make it a point to stop and rest inside the GCH lobby. It is so relaxing and, even, when crowded, so peaceful. Guests are so happy to be there. People are smiling and enjoying themselves. It just calms me and brings me to my happy place. I will confess. I have been know to take a nap on the second floor in one of the chairs. They are really comfy and all I need is a quick 10 minute nap to get me through the day.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Well after having a beyond excellent trip to DLR and staying in a one bedroom villa we had a family discussion about buying in. March year use is not good for us, with my life expectancy probably being less than 10 years and the family not wanting to pay maintenance fee's our plan to buy in has been cancelled. Looks like I will have to try and rent points based on availabilty. With the 4 kids either working on there B.S. degrees and one working on her masters then PhD and the others following suit they do not want the responsibility. A bit bummed but it is very important to me that they get a good education.

Jack

 

[kikiq]

Well after having a beyond excellent trip to DLR and staying in a one bedroom villa we had a family discussion about buying in. March year use is not good for us, with my life expectancy probably being less than 10 years and the family not wanting to pay maintenance fee's our plan to buy in has been cancelled. Looks like I will have to try and rent points based on availabilty. With the 4 kids either working on there B.S. degrees and one working on her masters then PhD and the others following suit they do not want the responsibility. A bit bummed but it is very important to me that they get a good education.

Jack

It's an conversation to have if your kids are older. We had a long conversation with our DDs about the MFs on our home resorts before we bought. My oldest is already allocating part of her home budget to the VGC MFs. The DDs are on that contract and it will probably be the contract that they will keep for the long run.

 

[blackjackdelta]

It's an conversation to have if your kids are older. We had a long conversation with our DDs about the MFs on our home resorts before we bought. My oldest is already allocating part of her home budget to the VGC MFs. The DDs are on that contract and it will probably be the contract that they will keep for the long run.

They are currently 17-24, but I am in my mid 60's and wife is 20 years younger. I kinda thought it would go that way but you never know. I would have no problem paying the 25K cash but the rest does not work for them.

Jack

 

[nunzia]

They are currently 17-24, but I am in my mid 60's and wife is 20 years younger. I kinda thought it would go that way but you never know. I would have no problem paying the 25K cash but the rest does not work for them.

Jack

You have to do what's best for you and your family. I'm sure you'll be able to rent points from one of your many DIS friends when the times come.

 

[blackjackdelta]

You have to do what's best for you and your family. I'm sure you'll be able to rent points from one of your many DIS friends when the times come.

My wife and I have always done what we thought best for our family. I have worked a number of years in nasty places in other countries since I could not find reasonable paying job in the states. Family is and alwayswill be #1 and college is very expensive these days.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[VallCopen]

Ahhh I knew you would love the Villas Jack. Family first, we feel the same way. If you ever want to rent some points let me know and if we have some extra points available we would be more than willing to rent them. (All of our points are at the Grand which allows to book at the 11 month window).

 

[blackjackdelta]

Ahhh I knew you would love the Villas Jack. Family first, we feel the same way. If you ever want to rent some points let me know and if we have some extra points available we would be more than willing to rent them. (All of our points are at the Grand which allows to book at the 11 month window).

Hey Val, thanks for the offer. Now we need to sit down and plan next years trip.

Thanks again,

Jack

 

[the donut]

Just came back from a 2BR dedicated unit. Fantastic. We had the park view, and it turned out it was a great place to watch the pixar play parade. Several of the parade cast members waved at us while we were on our balcony. The kids were thrilled. My husband and I could watch the parade having a cocktail in hand and not fighting the crowd. I think the paradise pier balcony on the 6th floor would also be a great place to watch the parade if you don't have a park view. One downside (or upside?) is that you don't get to feel the spray from the squirt guns on the floats.

 

[stopher1]

Just came back from a 2BR dedicated unit. Fantastic. We had the park view, and it turned out it was a great place to watch the pixar play parade. Several of the parade cast members waved at us while we were on our balcony. The kids were thrilled. My husband and I could watch the parade having a cocktail in hand and not fighting the crowd. I think the paradise pier balcony on the 6th floor would also be a great place to watch the parade if you don't have a park view. One downside (or upside?) is that you don't get to feel the spray from the squirt guns on the floats.

That's pretty cool! Glad you had a nice time.

We'll have a dedicated 2 BR for our December stay, and we can't wait!

 

[trampslady]

We are officially addicted. We own 395 points at BCV, and I purchased 100 VGC last year knowing that after our first three visits to Disneyland at GC, we could only stay there. Well, this weekend was our first visit on points at the Villas, and it's complete love. I'm now spending the day trying to justify another 100 point purchase as I know that without the 11 month window, future visits will be complete chance as more and more folks realize the value. Sure, the points values per night are quite expensive in relation to other DVC resorts, but in comparison to the cash price per night at GC, it's a great value. I can see us visiting California more often than we originally thought.

Word of advise from anyone who lives out that way or frequents often......if we decide to stay longer periods of time, what would you recommend for day trips or things to do beyond the parks?

 

[stopher1]

Word of advice from anyone who lives out that way or frequents often......if we decide to stay longer periods of time, what would you recommend for day trips or things to do beyond the parks?

I'll just start the ball rolling for you, since I grew up out there and lived 2/3 of my life in So Cal. There are just so many things to see and do. I know others will chime in as well.

• DL itself is just 15-20 minutes from some terrific beaches. And the Surfer Walk of Fame right along the Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, CA.
• Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, San Clemente, Hungtington Beach - all are beach communities offering wonderful views, dining, sand and fun (there are more, these are just the ones I put down...)
• Knott's Berry Farm, billed as America's first theme park, is just 10 mins or so away in Buena Park.
• Legoland is near Carlsbad, a little north of San Diego.
• San Diego is just an 1.5 - 2 hrs south on the 5, and has Sea World, & the world famous San Diego Zoo.
• Six Flags Magic Mountain & Hurricane Harbor are about an hour and half north on the 5 in Valencia.
• The original Universal Studios, which has the world famous tour, and is an actual working studio is about 45 min away in North Hollywood.
• Hollywood itself has lots to see and do, with various VIP Tours available at some of the various studios.
• Long Beach is just about 15-20 minutes away, and is home to the famed Queen Mary, and is home to the Aquarium of the Pacific.
• There are lots of sporting venues for an afternoon or evening of that type of fun. Anaheim itself has the Angels. Los Angeles has the Dodgers, Lakers, Kings.
• There's a Medieval Times in Buena Park.
• There are lots and lots of various museums throughout the LA basin, including the Getty, the Norton Simon, the Huntington Library and many, many others.
• There are racetracks if you like the ponies.
• And so much more...

 

[Nonsuch]

We are officially addicted. We own 395 points at BCV, and I purchased 100 VGC last year knowing that after our first three visits to Disneyland at GC, we could only stay there. Well, this weekend was our first visit on points at the Villas, and it's complete love. I'm now spending the day trying to justify another 100 point purchase as I know that without the 11 month window, future visits will be complete chance as more and more folks realize the value...

We are also addicted. We just returned from a short trip 1 night in a 1-bedroom villa and 2 nights in a GC hotel room. This was only booked a few weeks ago, so we were lucky to get the 1 night. This was our second trip to the villas, and when we arrived in the villa my wife said "we need more points"
I called yesterday, and able to add 250 (split 125/125) at $98/point. Our guide was surprised that 525 points were available in the June use year. There have been a few posts about waitlists, so we feel lucky points were available

We had villa 3502. The view is nice, but already somewhat obstructed by a tree. The trees are planted very closed to the building, and will block more of the view in coming years.

 

[jforever52]

Hi All! Just wanted to let you know that I booked our families first stay at the Grand California since purchasing our points. We will be "home" May 8th through the 15th of 2011. When we first bought our points in July I tried to book a stay in October 2010 and was told that it was full and that it was notoriously difficult to get studios at GVC. I was nervous that we wouldn't get a studio in May when I called last week to book. At this point our dates were flexible. What a surprise it was to learn there was availability for studios the entire month!!!

Anyway, looking forward to our visit to GCV in May...(we are sneaking a quick trip to Paradise Pier in, in October though )

 

[funatdisney]

I know what you mean about booking a studio at VGC. I booked a studio for Feb 25 to 27, but I had to change the dates. (I forgot that I am going to the Road to the Horse in Tennessee that weekend ) I had to call and change my dates. The MS CM and I went through weekend after weekend in Feb and March until finally there was availability for a studio for Feb 4th through the 5th. Whew!! I thought I wouldn't get a room for a while.

 

[8timesblessed]

Well after having a beyond excellent trip to DLR and staying in a one bedroom villa we had a family discussion about buying in. March year use is not good for us, with my life expectancy probably being less than 10 years and the family not wanting to pay maintenance fee's our plan to buy in has been cancelled. Looks like I will have to try and rent points based on availabilty. With the 4 kids either working on there B.S. degrees and one working on her masters then PhD and the others following suit they do not want the responsibility. A bit bummed but it is very important to me that they get a good education.

Jack

Glad to hear you had a great trip! I haven't been on here for awhile and just when I decide to come back I see your update. I remember all your planning. My kids can't wait to go back but we aren't planning another trip until Dec 2011. I'm hoping to take two boys to WDW at the beginning of March and was just trying to plan that trip. It's our oldest's 13th birthday and I thought this would be a great way to figure out WDW before taking all 8 kids. I'm going to take two boys who's birthday's are in March and April and they can't wait. Now to figure out all the details.

 

[trampslady]

So, we bit the bullet and added yet another 100 point contract to our DVC vault. We now own 200 points at VGC and 395 at BCV. But, I'm all bummed today as there is virtually no weekend availability at all for January or February in a studion at VGC. Yes, I know I purchased there for my fabulous 11 month window, which I will use next year. But, I'm sad that I can't get something on the books for early 2011.

I may have to get creative and hope and pray for a waitlist to fulfill!

It's getting busy!

 

[kikiq]

So, we bit the bullet and added yet another 100 point contract to our DVC vault. We now own 200 points at VGC and 395 at BCV. But, I'm all bummed today as there is virtually no weekend availability at all for January or February in a studion at VGC. Yes, I know I purchased there for my fabulous 11 month window, which I will use next year. But, I'm sad that I can't get something on the books for early 2011.

I may have to get creative and hope and pray for a waitlist to fulfill!

It's getting busy!

Congrats!!!
If it makes you feel an better, I tried to book at 7 months for January with our SSR points before we bought our VGC points and there wasn't anything but one night here and one night there for weekends. That is what finally pushed us off the fence to get our VGC points. There are going to be certain times of the year that you will need 11 months in the future.

 

[TLPL]

This will just going to get worst as VGC is the only DVC resort in the west coast, all the popular dates will be hard to get even on the 11 month mark. Most of the people would perfer to stay on the weekend, even with higher point requirement, there are only 50 villas there aand there are 1000s of us who are aftering them.
I really hope they will build more DVC villas in DLR.

 

[funatdisney]

I really hope they will build more DVC villas in DLR.

Me too! It will make it easier to book at the 7 month mark. It will give some options and let everything hang on the availability of one resort.