KAT4DISNEY
Glad to be a test subject
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2008
- Messages
- 28,450
About 2 months ago I started thinking I ought to get down to check out VGC sometime before my BD trip next June. Having never been to DL in the fall I decided to schedule when all the Halloween decorations and activities were going on. I checked in around 2PM on Sunday, Oct 4th and my room was ready. Here's some pics of my 4th floor studio #4509. I had to finish plugging in the microwave and everything had that nice new smell. One thing that had always bummed me out about the Villas is that we won't be able to stay at the GC on points (and I really like that hotel). I was concerned the Villas might change the feel of the stay but they didn't at all. The design is so similar plus you have the bonus of the couch for sitting. Big thumbs up! 
When I checked in I learned I had been assigned the "bad" view.
At first I thought I was disappointed but I had been torn about what I hoped to get anyway due to the construction going on at DCA. Turns out I loved it! If this is one of the worst views at the villas well then poor us! 
I could look down and see how crowded the spa was. In fact - I could smell the chlorine when I opened the slider. The part of the building I was looking straight at is the lobby. To the left is a covered walk way going from the new villas and hotel rooms past the arcade and kid's club. It was also possible to walk down the hall on all floor's except the ground (I think) and turn left down part of the new wing so you could stay inside all the way to the lobby.
I also was able to run over to the Whitewater Snacks counter service (which is located out of view to the right of the next picture across the pool area) during the Twins season deciding playoff game. One of the best games I've ever watched - the playoffs themselves, not so much!
. I ordered nachos and got them to go. Then stepped out to the pool drink service counter and got a glass of wine. Back thru the pool area and up to the room in 1/2 of an inning. 
You can see the cabanas that are available for rent and I love the cushy lounge chairs that are used at the pools! You can see that there is a table and chairs in the cabana along with a bar setup - maybe refrigerator? And then you have the two lounge chairs and umbrella in front.
And here's the view at night:
A close-up of the outdoor fireplace. Every afternoon and evening there were people sitting out there enjoying the ambiance and having some wine. An entrance to the bar is located just to the right of the area and the door going into the lobby. Late each night they had the area roped off and were doing some work there although I never inquired what and it wasn't obvious to me.
And my patio. I think it may have been a little larger than some other's b/c of the rooms location which was the last one in the hall before the pool view grand villa. I know it was longer than any I've had while staying in the regular hotel rooms.
If my room had been across the hall this is what I would have looked at from a little different angle. I did take this pic from in the park - not from the villas. I looked in at a 1BR that housekeeping was cleaning and the view really is incredible!
Other misc: The elevators are incredibly fast. I don't think I waited longer than 5 seconds for one to arrive after pushing the button!!!
For those hoping for VGC opening pins there were still lots around. I picked mine up in the tomorrow land pin store but I saw they still had them in the GC gift shop as well.
When I checked in I learned I had been assigned the "bad" view.
At first I thought I was disappointed but I had been torn about what I hoped to get anyway due to the construction going on at DCA. Turns out I loved it! If this is one of the worst views at the villas well then poor us! I could look down and see how crowded the spa was. In fact - I could smell the chlorine when I opened the slider. The part of the building I was looking straight at is the lobby. To the left is a covered walk way going from the new villas and hotel rooms past the arcade and kid's club. It was also possible to walk down the hall on all floor's except the ground (I think) and turn left down part of the new wing so you could stay inside all the way to the lobby.I also was able to run over to the Whitewater Snacks counter service (which is located out of view to the right of the next picture across the pool area) during the Twins season deciding playoff game. One of the best games I've ever watched - the playoffs themselves, not so much!
. I ordered nachos and got them to go. Then stepped out to the pool drink service counter and got a glass of wine. Back thru the pool area and up to the room in 1/2 of an inning.
You can see the cabanas that are available for rent and I love the cushy lounge chairs that are used at the pools! You can see that there is a table and chairs in the cabana along with a bar setup - maybe refrigerator? And then you have the two lounge chairs and umbrella in front.
And here's the view at night:
A close-up of the outdoor fireplace. Every afternoon and evening there were people sitting out there enjoying the ambiance and having some wine. An entrance to the bar is located just to the right of the area and the door going into the lobby. Late each night they had the area roped off and were doing some work there although I never inquired what and it wasn't obvious to me.
And my patio. I think it may have been a little larger than some other's b/c of the rooms location which was the last one in the hall before the pool view grand villa. I know it was longer than any I've had while staying in the regular hotel rooms.
If my room had been across the hall this is what I would have looked at from a little different angle. I did take this pic from in the park - not from the villas. I looked in at a 1BR that housekeeping was cleaning and the view really is incredible!
Other misc: The elevators are incredibly fast. I don't think I waited longer than 5 seconds for one to arrive after pushing the button!!!
For those hoping for VGC opening pins there were still lots around. I picked mine up in the tomorrow land pin store but I saw they still had them in the GC gift shop as well.
Let's keep it going
