The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners Group

[Grumpygrandpa]

Still a nice view.

 

[lark]

Still a nice view.

Extremely relaxing and serene. I think maybe in the summer when the pool is in full use mode, it might be a bit louder; the water slide is close by. But it was really a really nice spot. Also, Grizzly Rapids was closed down for refurbishment, so I'm not sure whether that adds noise, but the big pine trees towering above the balcony were great, and because it faces due east, or reasonably close, it gets the morning sunrise.

 

[Grumpygrandpa]

I wonder if there are any rooms with "bad" views. I haven't seen any online yet. Has anybody had a view that was terrible?

 

[lark]

I wonder if there are any rooms with "bad" views. I haven't seen any online yet. Has anybody had a view that was terrible?

We walked by a few on the ground floor that I would be disappointed to get. There are a couple on the east side that I think have a patio, not a balcony, that faces the fenced/walled in area containing the pool equipment and pump. I wouldn't love being on the second or ground floor there. It's back near where the path leading from gas grills meets up with the pool entrance.

 

[littlepixie]

Since you all have bought DGCV points....can someone tell me if they still get to use points to get concierge???

Also what is the cost per point?

 

[disney4metoo]

Since you all have bought DGCV points....can someone tell me if they still get to use points to get concierge???

Also what is the cost per point?

No, now that VGC is open, points cannot be used for concierge or hotel rooms for the Grand Californian. They can be used at the Disneyland Hotel or PP.

 

[littlepixie]

No, now that VGC is open, points cannot be used for concierge or hotel rooms for the Grand Californian. They can be used at the Disneyland Hotel or PP.

Thank you!!!!

 

[kerickson]

Is there a graphic yet of which rooms are 2BR lock off vs 2BR? If yes, is it in this string or can you post a link?

 

[lark]

Is there a graphic yet of which rooms are 2BR lock off vs 2BR? If yes, is it in this string or can you post a link?

The little map they give you of the resort has been scanned and posted somewhere in this thread or on these boards, but I can't find it. It's pretty clear on the map which rooms are which. The smallest ones are the studios; the medium ones are 1BRs and the big ones are the 2 BRs. The ones that show as 2 BRs on the map are dedicated two BRs, and I think that all of the 1 BRs are next to studios, so these would be the lockoffs. It only shows the floor plan for one floor, but I think it's the same on floors 1-5, with the difference on floor 6 being that they are GVs.

 

[Nonsuch]

The little map they give you of the resort has been scanned and posted somewhere in this thread or on these boards, but I can't find it. It's pretty clear on the map which rooms are which. The smallest ones are the studios; the medium ones are 1BRs and the big ones are the 2 BRs. The ones that show as 2 BRs on the map are dedicated two BRs, and I think that all of the 1 BRs are next to studios, so these would be the lockoffs. It only shows the floor plan for one floor, but I think it's the same on floors 1-5, with the difference on floor 6 being that they are GVs.

Grand Californian Map

 

[Caropooh]

I wonder how many DVC westcoasters are former cast members? I am, stopher1 is. . anyone else?

DH (alanapapa) and I both are. He worked Food Service (Carnation Plaza Gardens and Stage Door Cafe from !979-1982. I worked Merchandise (Fantasyland and Main St mostly) from 1979-1994.

 

[VallCopen]

We are looking into buying more points at the VGC and were wondering if anyone knows what the points are costing right now and if there are any incentives? Can you even get incentives if you have already purchased before or is that just for new buyers? Thanks...

 

[Robo-Daddy 3000]

We are looking into buying more points at the VGC and were wondering if anyone knows what the points are costing right now and if there are any incentives? Can you even get incentives if you have already purchased before or is that just for new buyers? Thanks...

Call your guide up and ask them what the current incentives are.

 

[lark]

We are looking into buying more points at the VGC and were wondering if anyone knows what the points are costing right now and if there are any incentives? Can you even get incentives if you have already purchased before or is that just for new buyers? Thanks...

Here are the current reported incentives for add ons, although I agree that you need to speak with a guide to confirm: 25-49 points = no incentive. 50-99 points = $97 per point. 100-269 points: $95 per point. 270+ = $93 per point.

Alternatively, you can pay full value for the points ($112) and receive free annual passes. The more points you purchase, the more annual passes you get. For example, 100-159 points gets you 2 APs for Disneyland and 2 APs for WDW; 160-219 pointes gets you 4 and 4 for each park. Over 220 points gets you 4 and 4, plus you pay $108.

Source: http://www.dvcnews.com/index.php/dvc-program/financial/pricing-a-promotions

 

[Nonsuch]

We are looking into buying more points at the VGC and were wondering if anyone knows what the points are costing right now and if there are any incentives? Can you even get incentives if you have already purchased before or is that just for new buyers? Thanks...

There was a webcast in December with these prices:
Webcast pricing

New member:
160 points $112-$18
220 points $112-$20
320 points $112-$22
400 points $112-$24

Add points:
50 points $112-$15
100 points $112-$17
125 points $112-$18
160 points $112-$20
200 points $112-$22
400 points $112-$24

Tell your guide you want the "Unwrapping the World" webcast prices.

 

[ACDSNY]

There was a webcast in December with these prices:
Webcast pricing

New member:
160 points $112-$18
220 points $112-$20
320 points $112-$22
400 points $112-$24

Add points:
50 points $112-$15
100 points $112-$17
125 points $112-$18
160 points $112-$20
200 points $112-$22
400 points $112-$24

Tell your guide you want the "Unwrapping the World" webcast prices.

I believe the Webcast prices ended Jan 2nd as we just added on through this incentive.

 

[Quilter007]

Just got home from 2nd VGC trip: a few thoughts:

Room # 3506 -- dedicated 2 bd

4 Adults 5 kids from 2 - 9 & one 6 months -- was tons of room.

- the pots and pans are hiding in the drawer under the stove....used the microwave to make the first batch of rice krispy treats.....just a bit messy!
- using the BBQ grill to make burgers & dogs is definitely worth it! will order some steaks next time! -- although DH says the grill runs a little hot -- he didn't have time to get the cheese on the burgers...still tasty...new personal burger variation -- blue cheese w/ olive tapenade..mmm
- Von's delivery on day of arrival to bell service worked out just fine
- only minor glitches -- dishwasher has a mind of it's own - I was the only one who could get the darn thing to work (I told DH apparently it requires an MBA to start...went downhill from there), didn't have the usual bath robes in the room & forgot to call about that until last day
- the hotel key is supposed to work at the self parking until midnight the day you check out, but it didn't AGAIN, however the gates are far enough apart that with a small car, you can just drive out in between the gates

I was somewhat stressed because we invited DH's elderly nephew & family who don't understand DVC and then I read the "DVC invite family nightmare" threads. However, elderly nephew & wife are lovely & it was just great (I shouldn't have been worried)! All the kids had a great time, including ours.

They were doing extensive World of Color testing last night. Holy Cow!!!! That is going to be an AMAZING show!!!! Oh my!!! We would have stood out on the balcony with our mouths wide open, but I had just cut up two candy apples.....so we managed to snarf those down while gaping at the testing!

Anyway, it was a fabulous trip & we were happy to be able to share it with family! Tomorrow, the diet starts because next time we go I think the Silly Symphony Swings will be open and I've got to drop a couple of pounds to ride them with the kids!

 

[VallCopen]

Thank you to all of you who gave me an idea of the pricing. I would have called my guide but frankly I am not very fond of her so until I am sure we will do an add on I do not want to talk to her. I really wish I could change guides but I have heard you can't and since I have only been a DVC member for about 6 months I really don't know the ropes. I do know that we loved our stay in November in a dedicated 2 bedroom (room 4005 I believe) - awesome view of the pier and so much fun. We stayed for 2 weeks and now we don't have any points for 2 years unless we borrow again, so that is the need for more points.

 

[maburke]

Thank you to all of you who gave me an idea of the pricing. I would have called my guide but frankly I am not very fond of her so until I am sure we will do an add on I do not want to talk to her. I really wish I could change guides but I have heard you can't and since I have only been a DVC member for about 6 months I really don't know the ropes.

You absolutely can change guides. Call the main number and ask for a supervisor and say you want to change. Maybe tell the supervisor about your needs (you want someone who can tell you the ropes, or you don't want too much contact unless you contact them first) so you can get a good match.

 

[lulukate]

Just got home from 2nd VGC trip: a few thoughts:

Room # 3506 -- dedicated 2 bd

4 Adults 5 kids from 2 - 9 & one 6 months -- was tons of room.

- the pots and pans are hiding in the drawer under the stove....used the microwave to make the first batch of rice krispy treats.....just a bit messy!
- using the BBQ grill to make burgers & dogs is definitely worth it! will order some steaks next time! -- although DH says the grill runs a little hot -- he didn't have time to get the cheese on the burgers...still tasty...new personal burger variation -- blue cheese w/ olive tapenade..mmm
- Von's delivery on day of arrival to bell service worked out just fine
- only minor glitches -- dishwasher has a mind of it's own - I was the only one who could get the darn thing to work (I told DH apparently it requires an MBA to start...went downhill from there), didn't have the usual bath robes in the room & forgot to call about that until last day
- the hotel key is supposed to work at the self parking until midnight the day you check out, but it didn't AGAIN, however the gates are far enough apart that with a small car, you can just drive out in between the gates

I was somewhat stressed because we invited DH's elderly nephew & family who don't understand DVC and then I read the "DVC invite family nightmare" threads. However, elderly nephew & wife are lovely & it was just great (I shouldn't have been worried)! All the kids had a great time, including ours.

They were doing extensive World of Color testing last night. Holy Cow!!!! That is going to be an AMAZING show!!!! Oh my!!! We would have stood out on the balcony with our mouths wide open, but I had just cut up two candy apples.....so we managed to snarf those down while gaping at the testing!

Anyway, it was a fabulous trip & we were happy to be able to share it with family! Tomorrow, the diet starts because next time we go I think the Silly Symphony Swings will be open and I've got to drop a couple of pounds to ride them with the kids!

BBQ grill? I obviously missed this - is there a bbq area? Where is it located? We are heading to VGC in February and a BBQ would be a nice treat.

Dee