The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners Group

[nunzia]

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!

 

[Bunless]

Not trying to stir the pot, just honestly curious if there's something I'm missing.

We bought into DVC because of the Villas at the Grand, we love the hotel and stay there a couple of times a year anyway. I've never stayed at other DVC resorts, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I do know how WDW works as compared to DL.

So here's the question, why is the parking situation a big deal? It's the same as it's always been. There's really no place to add closer free parking, and besides, it's not really far away. It's just across the street and is a very easy walk. And across the street parking in DL is not like across the street parking in WDW, everything in WDW is so much more spread out. The across the street parking at the Grand reminds me more of parking at the mall on a busy day and having to walk that little extra bit, not a big deal. To my thinking, if you're going to be walking to the parks and around them all day, why is it a big deal to cross the street? I truly don't understand and wonder if there's a piece of the puzzle I'm missing since I'm a new DVC owner.

 

[M4travels]

Not trying to stir the pot, just honestly curious if there's something I'm missing.

We bought into DVC because of the Villas at the Grand, we love the hotel and stay there a couple of times a year anyway. I've never stayed at other DVC resorts, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but I do know how WDW works as compared to DL.

So here's the question, why is the parking situation a big deal? It's the same as it's always been. There's really no place to add closer free parking, and besides, it's not really far away. It's just across the street and is a very easy walk. And across the street parking in DL is not like across the street parking in WDW, everything in WDW is so much more spread out. The across the street parking at the Grand reminds me more of parking at the mall on a busy day and having to walk that little extra bit, not a big deal. To my thinking, if you're going to be walking to the parks and around them all day, why is it a big deal to cross the street? I truly don't understand and wonder if there's a piece of the puzzle I'm missing since I'm a new DVC owner.

At WDW DVC members are able to use valet parking free of charge. I gotta admit, valet parking is nice! If I could just drive my car to the entrance and hand it off with only a tip expected, I'd be pretty happy about that.

Most, if not all, DVC members were expecting it as it's a perk at WDW.

Is it a far walk from the free parking to the GCH? Nah, but valet is nice!

 

[toocherie]

Bunless--I really think, for me at least, it puts VGC in the category of "second class citizen." We already at Disneyland get less perks (not as much of a discount on annual passes, for example) now not getting the free valet parking is one more indication. Then, to add insult to injury, we find that the new underground parking garage is not available to owners either. Do you have to pay $17 to park in your driveway? Remember--we're OWNERS not hotel guests and I would expect a little more consideration of that. Even a break on the valet parking charge of $17 (maybe $10) would be more palatable.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Bunless--I really think, for me at least, it puts VGC in the category of "second class citizen." We already at Disneyland get less perks (not as much of a discount on annual passes, for example) now not getting the free valet parking is one more indication. Then, to add insult to injury, we find that the new underground parking garage is not available to owners either. Do you have to pay $17 to park in your driveway? Remember--we're OWNERS not hotel guests and I would expect a little more consideration of that. Even a break on the valet parking charge of $17 (maybe $10) would be more palatable.

This is pretty much how I feel about it. It's a long standing perk with other DVC's. Either there is free Valet, or the parking is right outside your door or under the units (Vero Beach). Perks like this should not differ coast to coast IMO and parking was built under the buildings.

 

[tjkraz]

The valet parking situation is disappointing but not unexpected. Every time I visit DL I'm reminded of how many differences exist between the east and west resorts.

At DL we get 10% discounts on dining just about everywhere. At WDW those discounts are few and far between.

DL has wireless Internet--WDW is all wired.

DL has a lower AP discount, but they also have a seasonal pass which (in the end) costs me less than my WDW AP with the DVC discount.

Even at WDW perks vary by location. The most noteworthy is the lack of pool hopping to YC/BC, AKV and the BLT pool.

Personally I never took it for granted that we would get any specific perks. Free parking IS provided...it's just not in the most convenient location. It's about the same as BWV and VWL which have pretty inconveniently-located self parking lots.

 

[thelionqueen]

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?

Just copy and paste the properties of the banner you choose and put in your siggie.

 

[thelionqueen]

Have to chime in on the parking situation. I totally agree that we, as owners, should be given priority to park underground vs. the parking lot. If they want GCV to be treated like all other DVC's we should have free valet, and premium parking IMO.

The fact that there are only 48 villas, it would be safe to assume, that there would rarely be more than 48 additional cars to park or valet at any given time (on the high end). That is more than sustainable for valet or garage parking IMO.

I am definitely not one of "those" who have the DVC entitlement issues, I just think that perks should be the same for ALL DVC's-coast location should not matter.

 

[SoCalKDG]

The fact that there are only 48 villas, it would be safe to assume, that there would rarely be more than 48 additional cars to park or valet at any given time (on the high end). That is more than sustainable for valet or garage parking IMO.

48 villas are made up of 2 bedrooms. Up to half of those can get split which gives us 72 units. I believe there is only about 175 spots under the hotel, which is for all of the Grand Californian. If 72 spots were taken up by owners, then we end up with only about 100 spots for 900+ rooms.

While some may think VGC is getting the short end of the stick, remember this. They purposely put the villas in the best location possible during the expansion. They could have stuck them two other places which would have resulted in some parking lot views. They didn't.

2/3 of the units have great park views, the other 1/3 which faces the pool has some park view along with half of them being able to see fireworks at DL. Plus they have a viewing are of the WOC show for those rooms that end up with a pool view. Imagine going to the viewing area, watching WOC, then going back to your room and watching the DL fireworks.

No other DVC has a better location when you consider all factors than the VGC. Definetly not a second class citizen. I'll be there in 3 weeks (just one night but it should tie me over).

 

[tjkraz]

I am definitely not one of "those" who have the DVC entitlement issues, I just think that perks should be the same for ALL DVC's-coast location should not matter.

But they have NEVER been the same. Dining discounts are different...AP discounts...merchandise discounts...pool hopping. It all varies from one DVC property to another and between WDW an DL.

The fact that WDW and DL have different managerial philosophies doesn't help matters. I'm not saying that it's right...just that we should have expected this based upon their established track record.

I'm also not surprised that we cannot use the valet parking garage. The fact that the new wing was built on the old valet parking lot suggested to me that they need the space. The garage itself was probably not designed to be easily-accessible by guests. Parking attendants (who are just delivering and retrieving cars) would have very different needs than guests who are trying to transport groceries and luggage, and who need easy access to the lobby and other levels of the hotel.

It's unfortunate that some folks were lead to believe we would have access to the garage. I doubt that DVC Guides would have deliberately lied to their customers--that's not exactly a deal-breaker when trying to make a sale, IMO. More likely it was a result of misinformation passed-down from above or design changes made as the project progressed.

By all means share your thoughts with DVC. The cynic in me suspects Disney will figure out how to get their money one way or another. If we trade free valet parking for reductions in the generous dining discounts or an elimination of free Internet, most of us will still be paying similar dollars out of pocket. Or they could just subsidize it via our annual dues. Then we'll just pay for valet parking in January instead of during each trip.

It's nice to know at least there is a free option available, even though it's not terribly convenient. I've never used the self-park lot at GC but it can't be much worse than the BoardWalk. And when staying at DL I know I won't need to retrieve the car nearly as much as when vacationing at WDW.

 

[funatdisney]

OK my two cents. I was in a hotel room this past weekend in the new wing (long story on my studio booking). I noticed that self parking isn't really hard to get to considering the distance from some of the other parts of the hotel. I could see my van from my balcony. Since the self parking looked so close, we decided to take our bags to the car instead of calling for bell services. (we were trying save time). It was not that difficult to do, and that it will be quite doable in the future. We had 7 bags or luggage to take to the car and it didn't take that much time to reach the car (7 minutes or so). I think I am more worried about how small that parking lot is compared to the amount of guests checking in or staying at the Grand Californian on any given day. I can see how difficult it is going to be to find a spot, if you want to leave for the day. We will cuz I have family in the area I want to visit.

 

[funatdisney]

48 villas are made up of 2 bedrooms. Up to half of those can get split which gives us 72 units. I believe there is only about 175 spots under the hotel, which is for all of the Grand Californian. If 72 spots were taken up by owners, then we end up with only about 100 spots for 900+ rooms.

While some may think VGC is getting the short end of the stick, remember this. They purposely put the villas in the best location possible during the expansion. They could have stuck them two other places which would have resulted in some parking lot views. They didn't.

2/3 of the units have great park views, the other 1/3 which faces the pool has some park view along with half of them being able to see fireworks at DL. Plus they have a viewing are of the WOC show for those rooms that end up with a pool view. Imagine going to the viewing area, watching WOC, then going back to your room and watching the DL fireworks.

No other DVC has a better location when you consider all factors than the VGC. Definetly not a second class citizen. I'll be there in 3 weeks (just one night but it should tie me over).

All good points, SoCalKDG.

 

[thelionqueen]

48 villas are made up of 2 bedrooms. Up to half of those can get split which gives us 72 units. I believe there is only about 175 spots under the hotel, which is for all of the Grand Californian. If 72 spots were taken up by owners, then we end up with only about 100 spots for 900+ rooms.

While some may think VGC is getting the short end of the stick, remember this. They purposely put the villas in the best location possible during the expansion. They could have stuck them two other places which would have resulted in some parking lot views. They didn't.

2/3 of the units have great park views, the other 1/3 which faces the pool has some park view along with half of them being able to see fireworks at DL. Plus they have a viewing are of the WOC show for those rooms that end up with a pool view. Imagine going to the viewing area, watching WOC, then going back to your room and watching the DL fireworks.

No other DVC has a better location when you consider all factors than the VGC. Definetly not a second class citizen. I'll be there in 3 weeks (just one night but it should tie me over).

I don't think anyone is "knocking" the views and the beauty that is GCV. What I, and some others posting here do have issue with, is the lack of consistency for GCV vs. other DVC's. We could compare locations, views and amenities all day long, that's not what I'm addressing. What I am talking about is GCV having the same perks as WDW DVC's

As far as the number of units, 1 BR, 2BR, Grand Villas, etc. I think it's a pretty lofty estimation to assume that every unit that can accommodate additional guests/parties will also have a car. I agree that at a given time, it COULD require 72 spaces, but you are assuming every guest in every villa (plus the non-studio accommodations) will have a car. I think that would not be the "norm." In any event, if you're going to calculate DVC owners vs hotel guests you should do that for every DVC. Again, not talking entitlement, but rather consistency.

 

[Bunless]

Thank you for your replies. I understand better why the concern, for ourselves it's a non-issue and I was confused about why it was.

For myself, I'll gladly trade the valet for everything else at the resort, and as a previous poster responded...it's really not a big walk. And the only reason you need a car while at Disneyland is if you're going elsewhere--which is the big reason we like DL over WDW, you just walk, no transportation required! More exercise makes for more garlic cheese bread at Ralph Brennen's! ... and beignets ... and corn dogs... and vinter's menu ...

 

[Grumpygrandpa]

48 villas are made up of 2 bedrooms. Up to half of those can get split which gives us 72 units. I believe there is only about 175 spots under the hotel, which is for all of the Grand Californian. If 72 spots were taken up by owners, then we end up with only about 100 spots for 900+ rooms.

Not all members who stay at the villas will have a car. We fly and shuttle over about every third trip

While some may think VGC is getting the short end of the stick, remember this. They purposely put the villas in the best location possible during the expansion. They could have stuck them two other places which would have resulted in some parking lot views. They didn't.

2/3 of the units have great park views, the other 1/3 which faces the pool has some park view along with half of them being able to see fireworks at DL. Plus they have a viewing are of the WOC show for those rooms that end up with a pool view. Imagine going to the viewing area, watching WOC, then going back to your room and watching the DL fireworks.

No other DVC has a better location when you consider all factors than the VGC. Definetly not a second class citizen. I'll be there in 3 weeks (just one night but it should tie me over).

I agree that they have given us the best locations in the new wing. I too love the Grand and am looking forward to my first trip home.

I am not surprised that valet or underground parking was not offered. I would just say that I am disappointed. I still think they may rectify the situation. I will love my stays at my new home regardless of where I have to park.

 

[funatdisney]

Well I don't mean to change the subject, but I would like to post a picture of teh Opening Day Pin.
So here is the picture:

I was able to buy this yesterday at the World of Disney. I asked every pin store on property and most of the CMs didn't know about them. I asked the CM at the WoD and he didn't know what I was talking about either. I mentioned that they maybe behind the counter. He went to look and found a bag full of them. "Is this it?", he asked. I was so happy to find them. My DD wanted one so badly.

 

[Grumpygrandpa]

Pretty cool!

 

[BeccaG]

While I am not an owner yet (I hope) I think the point chart for VGC is a reflection of the quality of the resort, so I would expect the services there (like free valet) to be the same as other DVCs. This is not a dis on the resort, I am soooooo excited to stay there, but I think how VGC owners are treated will influence my decision to by on or add new points here or elsewhere.

 

[wideeyedwonder]

Well I don't mean to change the subject, but I would like to post a picture of teh Opening Day Pin. I asked the CM at the WoD and he didn't know what I was talking about either. I mentioned that they maybe behind the counter. He went to look and found a bag full of them. "Is this it?", he asked.

Guess I'm headed to the WoD store tomorrow (our last day at the Villas).

It will be sad to leave, the view is fantastic, the Halloween fireworks show is awesome, Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy is cool, and Haunted Mansion Holidays is (as always) a highlight of our trip. So what's going on with Pirates and the Blue Bayou?

 

[wideeyedwonder]

2/3 of the units have great park views

I'd have to agree on this point...for the 3 nights we've stayed here, weve probably spent (cumulatively) an hour each just watching the shifting light patterns on the Mickey Fun Wheel (of Death). No, it's not a fireworks show (WoC should scratch that itch), but it is quite awesome in its own right...and the show lasts for HOURS.