The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners Group

[Longhairbear]

Hello all. I am at the VGC. We checked in yesterday. We were able to get into our room (5507 facing the pool) at 12:30pm. Nice timing I would have to sy. I totally expected to get into the room at 4pm. Went to Mickey's ToTP last night. Had a great time. They are filling DCA's Lagoon and I took some pictures of the Lagoon.

and

We didn't go into DCA to see if it filled today. I will go tomorrow. I can't wait until it is done. It will be beautiful.

Going to BBQ my London Broil today. I was able to check out some BBQ tools t Guest Services. I don't have to return them clean either. I am going to have my sister and my niece over for dinner. Always my dream to invite them over to our DVC room and cook dinner for them. Now I can!
I just love here and I keep thinking how future vacations will be ike at the VGC.
I've got to go and BBQ now. Ta Ta for now.

We are going again next week. I was going to roast a turkey, but decided to make a Prime Rib instead, using the recipe from the D23 magazine. The recipe is from Tam O Shanter Inn, where Walt liked to dine.

 

[Grumpygrandpa]

I'm glad they are filling the lagoon. Boy that WOC construction was not a pretty sight. I can't wait to see the show. Hopefully it will be ready by the time of my spring break trip.

 

[JimmyJam838]

We didn't go into DCA to see if it filled today. I will go tomorrow. I can't wait until it is done. It will be beautiful.

From what I've read, they are filling it in stages over the next couple of months.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Where do you get the BBQ? Do you sign up for it? Are they on a deck? Since I haven't been there yet, just trying to figure it out ahead of time.
Thanks

My impression is that they are first come use only.

The are located outside of the wing that faces directly towards the DCA Paradise pier area. You would go out a door that is almost directly across from where the laundry room area is supposed to be on the ground level.

 

[DVCGeek]

we "officially" closed on our add on a couple of days ago.

Welcome Home! We also had delays and to redo things a few times.

I had calls in to my guide before non-founder sales opened; she took my info. to prepare a presale document 9or something like that) to speed things up once things officially opened, and then my credit card didn't go through because my bank sent me a new card in the ~2 week interium and I didn't think about it! Then after getting the deposit squared away my first contract was written for 40 points; then they announced incentives starting at 50! So, I had it re-written for 50 so I could 'save' money! But, when I was going through the new contract, I noticed some of the things about my marital status weren't correct in some places (married, but DW isn't on my DVC contracts)... I finally signed and returned the docs on April 18th, and I stuck that date on a DL commemorative paving stone to celebrate. I'm hoping to visit the tile & stay @ VGC Oct. 2010 for my BD. Plan to shoot for 5 nights in a studio arriving Oct. 16th. Only 2.5 weeks till I can call MS for the ressie!

Back to the discount; I did save per point of course, but buy more [with a higher total out of pocket] to "save" and add extra items to a mail order to get "free" (or at least discounted) shipping always amuses me.

 

[kerickson]

I'm so excited they are filling the lagoon. Bad news is they are draining the Rivers of America. Does anyone know when that is slated to start?

DCA and VGC are going to be even more wonderful with a filled in lagoon!

 

[DVCGeek]

Bad news is they are draining the Rivers of America.

I missed that one... I'm hoping it is temporary for some sort of construction / refurb, right???

 

[stopher1]

I missed that one... I'm hoping it is temporary for some sort of construction / refurb, right???

I read on miceage or planet or one of those sites that ROA will be drained in the fall of 2010 for refurbishment. They last did that what, 8 or 9 years ago... maybe less, but I can't recall for certain. It really was just a mention since the article was more about how they "saved" the water from Paradise Bay in the OC water reclamation reservoir or something like that, and will do the same with the water from the ROA.

 

[minniemoms]

Thanks for the info on the BBQ. I mentioned that to DH, and he said, he was on vacation, and didn't want to BBQ... However, I am the one that does all the BBQ's at home... And we never go for a week at a time, I would rather do a few short trips than one long one, so yea, I guess I won't use the BBQ, but thanks anyway.

 

[Disney Princess]

Now that you "offcially" closed, let me be the first to "officially" welcome you home!

Now that deserves a big WOOHOO!

Welcome Home! We also had delays and to redo things a few times.

Thanks, Thanks, and Thanks!!!

 

[ToodlesRN]

Got our FM artwork today in the mail hubby opened it and called me saying why did you buy this ugly picture! Didn't know what he was talking about until I saw it, it's OK but not my style and won't match our decor. Not sure where to put it. I may have to Pm a few people so at least it will get hung in someones house? I love the AKV artwork, wished it looked similar to that.

 

[stopher1]

I may have to Pm a few people so at least it will get hung in someones house? I love the AKV artwork, wished it looked similar to that.

Ooh, ooh... I know an office that would just LOVE to have something like that in it... to hang near the castle litho, and the shelf full of mouse stuff... hmmm I wonder whose it could be

 

[cseca]

I may have to Pm a few people so at least it will get hung in someones house? I love the AKV artwork, wished it looked similar to that.

yeah, let me know if you need someone to take it off your hands

 

[nunzia]

Got our FM artwork today in the mail hubby opened it and called me saying why did you buy this ugly picture! Didn't know what he was talking about until I saw it, it's OK but not my style and won't match our decor. Not sure where to put it. I may have to Pm a few people so at least it will get hung in someones house? I love the AKV artwork, wished it looked similar to that.

Holy Cow..I'll take it!

 

[nunzia]

I missed that one... I'm hoping it is temporary for some sort of construction / refurb, right???

I think it is already drained? Saw pictures of that somewhere...

 

[funatdisney]

Got back yesterday. Update on the Lagoon: it seems that are doing it in phases. The water level is just up to the flatform. I have a picture, but will post it later.

The BBQ are at a first come first serve bases. The BBQ tools can be checked out at Guest Services. It was a three piece set: one tong, one spatula and a wire grill scrapper. Very nice big set of tools, well suited for the job. One thing to note: I was able to BBQ at around 6:30pm. At this time of year it is pretty dark and there is not enough lighting around the BBQ. I was BBQing in the moonlight! I managed just fine, but London Broil is easy to BBQ with this condition. I didn't have to have a well cooked meat like you would with hamburgers. Funny thing. I was entering the elevators with my prepared meat to BBQ and a guest gave me a second look, and said. "You don't see that every day" I thought it was funny. He is right. Not everyday you see someone carrying a platter with two huge pieces of raw meat in a hotel elevator.
I will definitely use the BBQ again. It made for an easy dinner and clean up. One trick I did to help save time. I boiled potatoes for 30 mins and then placed them in the oven at 250 degrees to finished them. I then went downstairs and BBQed my meat. It worked beautifully. Everything was hot and ready to go.

 

[DVCGeek]

I may have to Pm a few people so at least it will get hung in someones house?

Count me in as another volunteer! I'll even post pics of it on display and pay for shipping!

 

[lulubelle]

Has anyone who lives in CA received their picture?
I know my friend Toocherie and I have NOT. I hope we get one, too. And I am sure I can find a home for it in my disney-obsessed house.

 

[Longhairbear]

Got back yesterday. Update on the Lagoon: it seems that are doing it in phases. The water level is just up to the flatform. I have a picture, but will post it later.

The BBQ are at a first come first serve bases. The BBQ tools can be checked out at Guest Services. It was a three piece set: one tong, one spatula and a wire grill scrapper. Very nice big set of tools, well suited for the job. One thing to note: I was able to BBQ at around 6:30pm. At this time of year it is pretty dark and there is not enough lighting around the BBQ. I was BBQing in the moonlight! I managed just fine, but London Broil is easy to BBQ with this condition. I didn't have to have a well cooked meat like you would with hamburgers. Funny thing. I was entering the elevators with my prepared meat to BBQ and a guest gave me a second look, and said. "You don't see that every day" I thought it was funny. He is right. Not everyday you see someone carrying a platter with two huge pieces of raw meat in a hotel elevator.
I will definitely use the BBQ again. It made for an easy dinner and clean up. One trick I did to help save time. I boiled potatoes for 30 mins and then placed them in the oven at 250 degrees to finished them. I then went downstairs and BBQed my meat. It worked beautifully. Everything was hot and ready to go.

We are staying this week, and I am doing the Prime Rib recipe from the Tam O Shanter Inn that is in the latest D23 magazine issue. Fingerling potatoes from Barefoot Contessa, and salad. The beef takes 3 hours to cook, so I don't have to stay in room as long, as with the roast turkey I had previously planned. I almost decided on T-bones on the grill once we saw the gas grills in person, on our last trip.

 

[mrsswat]

is there a guest laundry for those in a studio unit to use and is there a store where we can purchase some food items, i.e. milk, bread,snacks? thanks