The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners Group

[ChrisMouse]

Anyone know if I've lost my mind hoping there will be availability for January 23-27?

We have a trip currently booked in Mid May, but due to a very long story dealing with DH's brand new job (which he loves, so it's worth it!!) we can no longer go in May. He has weird and unexpected time off the 23-27, so we want to move our trip, but I have little to no hope that it will be possible.

Just wondering if anyone knew.

Waiting the long night until I can call Member Services tomorrow

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Anyone know if I've lost my mind hoping there will be availability for January 23-27?

We have a trip currently booked in Mid May, but due to a very long story dealing with DH's brand new job (which he loves, so it's worth it!!) we can no longer go in May. He has weird and unexpected time off the 23-27, so we want to move our trip, but I have little to no hope that it will be possible.

Just wondering if anyone knew.

Waiting the long night until I can call Member Services tomorrow

Wishing you good luck with your call!!!

 

[lulukate]

You never know, keeping my fingers crossed that you get something for the 23rd - 27th.

Dee

 

[kikiq]

Sending you pixie dust for those dates.

I consider myself lucky and was able to book this weekend 7 months out for my birthday. And hoping that luck will hold out and be able to book our anniversary weekend in July. Sure do want to buy those VGC points sooner rather than later

 

[DVCGeek]

Grand Californian Map

Thanks for the map!

What I'm really curious about is a floorplan that includes the DVC unit numbers (as opposed to the room numbers on the map you linked to) that owners have on their deeds. I've found these for the Florida properties on the Orange County FL website; for example, BLT has a 'Condo Drawing' stored under document # 20080653276. Here is a link: http://or.occompt.com/recorder/eagleweb/viewDoc.jsp?node=DOC330S2443

There are a LOT of other ones out there for other sections of the building...

Anyone know of a way to get a FREE (downloaded?) copy of something like that for VGC? I think it mioght be possible to purchase a paper document from CA, but I'm not even 100% sure which one to ask for!

 

[Nonsuch]

Anyone know of a way to get a FREE (downloaded?) copy of something like that for VGC?

The Orange County Florida document is very interesting, and I would also like to have something similar for VGC. It seems Orange County California does not have a similar download feature, although the documents can be viewed at the Clerk-Recorder's office. Hard copies are $1/page. There is a search function, but only names and descriptions are listed.

There were 4794 documents recorded in the last year by "DISNEY VACAT DEV INC", most are 2 page grant deeds. The first document (200900314959) is a 95 page "LOT LINE ADJMT", which might contain some interesting information.

While I am interested in finding this information, there better things to do while in Orange County than go to the Recorder's office

I would also be interesting to know how many points have been sold. Even using an optimistic average of 160 points per deed:
((4794 x 160)/1,136,968) x 100 = 67% sold

 

[Disney Princess]

Anyone know if I've lost my mind hoping there will be availability for January 23-27?

We have a trip currently booked in Mid May, but due to a very long story dealing with DH's brand new job (which he loves, so it's worth it!!) we can no longer go in May. He has weird and unexpected time off the 23-27, so we want to move our trip, but I have little to no hope that it will be possible.

Just wondering if anyone knew.

Waiting the long night until I can call Member Services tomorrow

Did you have any luck? We're hoping you did and that all works out. We've been through the "new job and vacation changes" route many times. I hope you find the time to go and relax as a family.

 

[ssxa]

Just wanted to say "Hi". Just joined this forum, but used it a lot in planning our first family trip to Disneyland in August 09'! (Myself, Wife and two boys, 6 and my youngest had his 4th Birthday there) We had a blast! Enough to where we ended up buying 160pts at the VGC! Still trying to get the whole point system, use year system figured out. Great and informative site! Cheers, Steve

 

[ACDSNY]

Just wanted to say "Hi". Just joined this forum, but used it a lot in planning our first family trip to Disneyland in August 09'! (Myself, Wife and two boys, 6 and my youngest had his 4th Birthday there) We had a blast! Enough to where we ended up buying 160pts at the VGC! Still trying to get the whole point system, use year system figured out. Great and informative site! Cheers, Steve

Welcome to the Club! Your boys are at a great age for DL.

Feel free to ask any questions that you may be wondering about. We've all been newbies at one time or another.

 

[jamesy11]

I have a question as I am a newbie and not a member yet. I want to rent points to stay at VGC studio in February 2011. I was curious if it was possible to pay extra at the resort to add on Concierge? Is that possible? I'm not that familiar with the system so I thought someone could help me.

 

[disney4metoo]

I have a question as I am a newbie and not a member yet. I want to rent points to stay at VGC studio in February 2011. I was curious if it was possible to pay extra at the resort to add on Concierge? Is that possible? I'm not that familiar with the system so I thought someone could help me.

No. DVC points can only be used at the VGC (villas) section of The Grand Californian Hotel and not the hotel rooms itself.

However, as far as I know points can still be used at DLH and PP.

 

[silmarg]

Do Southern California schools have off on Presidents Week (this year Feb 14-20)? Are the DL parks crowded during this time?

How do you folks think my chances would be to get VGC at the 7 month mark for Feb 2011?

I dont have a good feel as to hold much demand there is on the left coast DVC...

I am planning our first DVC trip (we just passed ROFR on a SSR resale today!!!), I figured I have my next two trips planned at WDW on the cheap thru CRO... so, maybe my first DVC trip should be to DL!

 

[JimmyJam838]

Do Southern California schools have off on Presidents Week (this year Feb 14-20)? Are the DL parks crowded during this time?

How do you folks think my chances would be to get VGC at the 7 month mark for Feb 2011?

From DarkBeer's Column on miceage:

The main Holiday in February is President's Day, being celebrated on Monday, February 15th in 2010. But many folks get a second day off for President Lincoln's Birthday. And that is causing a bit of an issue this year. Some school districts have decided to offer the Holiday on Monday, February 8th, but others have decided on Friday, February 12th. Also many government workers get Friday, February 12th off in honor of President Lincoln.

I would assume that the 14th and 15th would be busy, but the rest of the week would not be as busy.

I've had no problem getting rooms when I've wanted to go. I even called about a month before our reservation for December 5-7, and there was a 2 bedroom available as the wife wanted to invite her DS and DBIL. They ended up not going, so we stayed in our one bedroom we had originally.

 

[silmarg]

Thanks Jimmy Jam.

Out here in the northeast its fairly common for the kids to get the whole week off. It used to be touted as an energy conservation week when I was a kid (not sure how much energy is being conserved when each kid needs to be in a heated home when they are off... but I digress). Now they just call it Presidents Week.

Before the economy fell apart WDW would really get crowded that week with New Englanders trying to get away from the cold.

But even in a lousy economy, DVC is booked pretty solid that week in WDW.

 

[nunzia]

I just cancelled a studio at VGC for May..B & SIL are coming and since there were no studios available I upgraded to a 1 bedroom, will probably now be spoiled and have to buy more points. So if you are looking for a studio May 12-15 you might call real quick to see if it's still open.
Here's a dumb question. I want to go to the ABC store out on Harbor for beer and wine to bring to the room. Is there an issue with passing the security checkpoint with that? How would they know I was really just going to my room and not taking it into the parks?

 

[Ctsplaysinrain]

I'm heading to VCG next week for a mommy-only escape.. Looks like there may be bad weather but that's ok since part of the reason for the trip is just to relax. Now, some questions"
Is there a community hall or somewhere to rent DVDs?
How is the coffee? what kind of filter basket in room?
What are the bathroom amenities like?
Is there a bathtub in studios?

Does VCG have a little sundry shop like the other DVC's at WDW?

Thanks

 

[Nonsuch]

Does VCG have a little sundry shop like the other DVC's at WDW?

A list from this thread:
White Water Snacks grocery items

Dry goods
Creamer - $2.99
Coffee Filters - $1.99
Coffee - $5.49
Decaf Coffee - $6.59
Tea Bags - $2.19
Bagels - $2.69
White Bread - $2.99
Wheat Bread - $3.19
Ketchip - $2.69
Mustard - $1.99
Mayonaise - $2.99
Salt & Pepper Shakers - $2.39
Peanut Butter - $3.99
Strawberry Preserves - $4.19
Sugar Cubes - $1.99
Sweet 'n Low - $2.69
Packaged cookies (Oreos or Chips Ahoy) - $4.39
Kellogg's Cereal 8-box Variety Pack - $5.99
Kellogg's Cereal - individual boxes - $1.79 (or $3.19 with small milk)
Kashi cereal - individual boxes - $2.39 (or $3.79 with small milk)
Travel Mug (with Coffee, Hot Cocoa or Hot Tea at time of purchase) - $4.79

Frozen
Tombstone Pizza - $7.99
Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese - $9.49
Stouffer's Lasagna - $11.99

Deli
Bacon - $6.99
Butter - $2.19
Cream Cheese - $2.99
Deli Meat - $5.99
Eggs - $3.99/dozen
Milk - $3.29 / half-gallon
American cheese singles - $3.99
Orange Juice - $5.49

 

[toocherie]

No. DVC points can only be used at the VGC (villas) section of The Grand Californian Hotel and not the hotel rooms itself.

However, as far as I know points can still be used at DLH and PP.

yes they can still be used at DLH and PP. I am staying at DLH next weekend on DVC points.

 

[franandaj]

I am staying at DLH next weekend on DVC points.

Were you able to use them without any charges, or was there a $95 trade out fee?

 

[Nonsuch]

I have not stayed in a VGC, so my answers are based on reading way too may forum threads (including this one)

Is there a community hall or somewhere to rent DVDs?

Guest Services has a binder of free loaner DVDs.

How is the coffee? what kind of filter basket in room?

I also want to know about the filter basket.

What are the bathroom amenities like?

The same nice soaps as the hotel, but the sizes are small and are not replaced daily.

Is there a bathtub in studios?

Shower/tub similar to a standard hotel room at the Grand