The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners Group

[funatdisney]

Thanks for all the beautiful pictures and information. I can't wait until our first stay! I wish we were there now, but I appreciate you letting me "feel" like I was there. Funatdisney - your view is amazing at night. I could sit on that balcony forever.

Thank you Disney Princess! I so enjoyed posting those pictures. I just could not believe how amazing they came out! The camera was a gift I gave to my DH and so I rarely use it. I took about half of the pictures I posted. I thought, what a great camera! It even made me look like I knew what I was doing!" One of the best gifts I have ever given him.

I don't know if I will ever get a room like that one again, but I know one thing. I will always request a room above the third floor for now on. That room made our trip so special.

 

[dvcaddict!]

See, this is how people's perceptions differ. I agree that they weren't nearly as pushing people to buy points as other events I have attended, but don't kid yourself--the guides were there specifically to sell points (and from what I saw, were somewhat successful). I also didn't think it was a "spare no expense" event--in fact, my impression was that it was a last minute planned event. Unless I'm mistaken, none of the swag given away was specific to the VGC == it was all generic DVC stuff. I guess there was a grand opening ceremony that morning that none of the founding members were invited to. I also would have like to have received one of the buttons celebrating the opening of the VGC that the CMs were wearing all over the resort but when I asked at the front desk was told they were CM only. If someone had been on the ball--something "VGC specific"--even the buttons--would have been handed out. Instead, you were given the "right" to buy up to two limited edition pins. Of course, any event with Mickey and Minnie is a good event so I won't complain TOO much--and the cake WAS delicious!

Oh i agree with you about the rushed event that evening. When i said spared no expense i was talking about the grand villa, not the member gathering. i can barely remember what actually happened during the event because i was so taken visually by the grand villa!!! lol

 

[funatdisney]

Thank you so much for taking the time to post (esp. the pics.). I think that sharing "Disney" makes the magic stronger.

You are welcome, Grumpygrandpa! I had promised you in an earlier post I would do my best. I kept you in mind as I took them. I know you are so excited about owning at VGC and going to DLR, and I'll almost do anything for a fellow DLR enthusiast. It, too, is my favorite place.

 

[LyndaC]

here's the view from my balcony,

I've already booked 2 more stays!

 

[DoOverDreams]

Yes I think this was not a well planned event. I had gotten a phone message form my guide on Monday about the wine and cheese event, she didn't know where it would be at. They did lose a golden opportunity with dong more for this event. I think we are the best "ambassadors" for DVC. I know as I visit DLR I usually talk to someone about DVC. The button would have been a talking point for us when visiting the parks. Would have been a nice way to start a conversation.
Do not get me wrong. I so enjoyed this event. The opportunity to meet other members was fantastic. It came in handy this morning, when waiting for TSM to open, we ran into some members in line. We had a nice conversation and it made the 30 minutes before the ride finally open go fast.


toocherie wish I could have run into you, too! I knew I should have gotten the green Mickey paint chip to wear. It would have fished some of you out!

Hey, at least you guys had a members party! I was at BLT opening day (founding member there too) and they did absolutely nothing. I kind of think they opened VGC with a bang, and BLT with a whimper! Yeah, I know, sour grapes. I wish we could have made it to VGC too. It s beautiful!

 

[Grumpygrandpa]

First off, I am excited about VCG opening and am having a blast reading posts and looking at pics. But I am still a little irritated about having to still park across the street and now there are these reports of having to pay for laundry if you stay in a studio (though I don't plan on staying in studios). As I get older I am trying to overcome my natural grumpy nature and sneak into heaven at the end of my life, so I try not to let little things bother me. I know that VCG is the best of all DVCs. I love the Arts and Crafts theme and you can't get closer to the magic, but I hope DVC isn't going to treat VGC like the proverbial "redheaded stepchild". (Disclaimer- red hair is my second favorite hair color and I personally have nothing against stepchildren - having been one myself). But I would encourage everyone here to send emails to member satisfaction about the parking and the laundry situation.

 

[Grumpygrandpa]

OK, so only half as mad as before... I read in another thread that there is a DVC laundry room and that the appliances haven't been installed yet and that members can get tokens at the front desk to use in the regular coin operated laundry. As my grandson would say "my bad".

 

[kerickson]

First off, I am excited about VCG opening and am having a blast reading posts and looking at pics. But I am still a little irritated about having to still park across the street and now there are these reports of having to pay for laundry if you stay in a studio (though I don't plan on staying in studios). As I get older I am trying to overcome my natural grumpy nature and sneak into heaven at the end of my life, so I try not to let little things bother me. I know that VCG is the best of all DVCs. I love the Arts and Crafts theme and you can't get closer to the magic, but I hope DVC isn't going to treat VGC like the proverbial "redheaded stepchild". (Disclaimer- red hair is my second favorite hair color and I personally have nothing against stepchildren - having been one myself). But I would encourage everyone here to send emails to member satisfaction about the parking and the laundry situation.

I agree that we shouldn't 'sweat the small stuff', but if we don't stand up for our beloved VGC then who will? We need DVC to justify any way they are differentiating this DVC from others, as it could set a precedence for the changes to apply to additional DVCs in Cali, Hawaii and even WDW...

 

[drewmisha]

I emailed DVC member satisfaction regarding the underground parking situation several days ago. They called me this morning and will forward our concerns to the higher ups.

Please email them about this! This is the only way we'll get heard. Thanks.

I agree that we shouldn't 'sweat the small stuff', but if we don't stand up for our beloved VGC then who will? We need DVC to justify any way they are differentiating this DVC from others, as it could set a precedence for the changes to apply to additional DVCs in Cali, Hawaii and even WDW...

 

[DisFanInCO]

I've thoroughly enjoyed looking at all the opening day pics on this and other threads, and now that we are "official" thought I'd say hi. DH and I are proud owners of 160pts. at GCV and can't wait for our trip in March!

 

[Farmboy90]

For anyone who has stayed there, particular in a 2 bedroom, do the showers have a handheld wand thingy? My wife has been asking me about this, but I can't tell from any of the pictures I have seen. We are staying in a two bedroom in a couple of weeks.

Also, it seems people say there is no free valet parking. How can this be? Isn't this a guarantee for DVC owners? Can I just park across the street like I normally do?

 

[dcfromva]

Can I just park across the street like I normally do?

Yes--self park is across the street (same as it has been)

DC

 

[mickeymark34]

I am so looking forward to staying at the Villas. I am trying to get my wife to think of dates so I could book a trip down there, but we are getting ready to spend a week at my parents timeshare with Marriot in Newport Beach in two weeks. I'm thinking she really isn't worried about us using our DVC points since we will be visiting Disneyland for a few days while we are down there.

 

[Donald is #1]

Yes--self park is across the street (same as it has been)

DC

Is the self park free or is there a charge?

 

[wideeyedwonder]

Is the self park free or is there a charge?

Free of charge, just use yor room key to exit.

(just had to repost a picture of the AWESOME view!)

 

[SanDeeKath]

No, the showers are fixed to the top of the wall. I am guessing there is a handicapped accessible room though on the first floor, where likely a shower with the handheld thingy is put in (as required by law I believe).

Katherine

 

[Farmboy90]

No, the showers are fixed to the top of the wall. I am guessing there is a handicapped accessible room though on the first floor, where likely a shower with the handheld thingy is put in (as required by law I believe).

Katherine

Thanks Katherine!

 

[rmonty02]

DH and I are proud owners of 160pts. at GCV and can't wait for our trip in March!

Congrats & WELCOME HOME!

 

[rmonty02]

we are getting ready to spend a week at my parents timeshare with Marriot in Newport Beach in two weeks.

Now of course I own at VGC, but if you haven't been to Marriot Newport Beach Villas, you're in for a treat. We were there last year and it was very relaxing. You should see if you can get an ocean view! Have a wonderful time

 

[jpeka65844]

Sent off my paperwork yesterday! And I notice the points are already in our account! We have no idea when we're going next; most likely in December, 2011.

Where can I get a VGC banner for my siggy?