The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners Group

[toocherie]

Just to clarify--a guest of any of the three resort hotels--not just the Grand--can use the DCA special entrance. About a year ago we tried to use the entrance in the afternoon when we were not staying at one of the hotels and we were turned away--they did say if we had a receipt from one of the hotel restaurants (including WhiteWater Snacks) they would have let us in. Other times I've been a resort guest and never been asked for my room key--even in the morning. So I think it's hit or miss.

 

[wbl2745]

Just to clarify--a guest of any of the three resort hotels--not just the Grand--can use the DCA special entrance. About a year ago we tried to use the entrance in the afternoon when we were not staying at one of the hotels and we were turned away--they did say if we had a receipt from one of the hotel restaurants (including WhiteWater Snacks) they would have let us in. Other times I've been a resort guest and never been asked for my room key--even in the morning. So I think it's hit or miss.

I've never been asked for ID using the GCH to DCA entrance. We haven't tried to use it in the morning, but mid-day I like to have lunch at Storyteller's Cafe and have never had to say anything or provide any type of hotel key.

 

[3DisneyKids]

I was just there last week, and while I wasn't asked to show a room key or anything, I was asked if I was a guest of the resort. I said yes and we were through. Not sure what is considered normal procedure.

 

[toocherie]

I've never been asked for ID using the GCH to DCA entrance. We haven't tried to use it in the morning, but mid-day I like to have lunch at Storyteller's Cafe and have never had to say anything or provide any type of hotel key.

That's why I said it's hit or miss. Because I (and others) have personal experience of being told we couldn't use it without a room key or restaurant receipt. And other times--when I have a room key and there wouldn't be any issue--I'm not even asked to produce the room key.

 

[Garthilk]

I imagine, once the World of Color fast passes are up and able to be gotten first thing upon opening, that the GCH entrance is going to be a lot more popular. I hope they clear up the rules on this exclusive entrance.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I also have been asked for my resort ID when entering but that has always been in the morning. Not all times though.

 

[Longhairbear]

We just came back from VGC, and in the paperwork they give you at check in did mention you needed your room key to go out the GC/DCA entry. I thought that must be new, as we have never been asked to show our room key in the past.

 

[minniemoms]

We ususally always show our key. We have been asked. I think one time we were staying at DL hotel, and were not admitted in, only if we were staying in GC?? I think. I am glad they make you show a key. I like the shorter lines on the bag check.

 

[nunzia]

I think we only had to show our room key one day at the DCA GC gate..and we used it extensively. I do hope they clarify this when WOC machines open up because that entrance will be mobbed. If that is truly a perk of staying at a resort hotel, then they need to start enforcing it.

 

[Snurk71]

Just to clarify--a guest of any of the three resort hotels--not just the Grand--can use the DCA special entrance.

It's been a few years, but we were staying at DLH and were told we couldn't use the GC entrance. Based on a couple other posters experience, I wouldn't count on using the entrance at opening if you're staying at DLH or PP.

 

[JimmyJam838]

Another newbie question. Is it shorter to go thru the hotel DCA entrance and make your way over to DL, or best just to walk thru DTD to get to DL? I do understand that DCA opens later than DL, but I was thinking about later in the day after we have taken a break at the villa.

I don't know if it is shorter distance or not, but in my experience, the security line is much faster at the GCH entrance as most of the time no one else is there to wait for.

 

[SoCalKDG]

In the early mornings you go through the Grand exiting in DTD by the World of Disney store, as well as the bakery, where you are required to pick up something decadent for breakfast.

OK, word of warning for those that want to see the WOC show but also want to go into DL really early. Don't go through the regular entrance and make sure you are at back to the DCA entrance by 9:30 so you can enter early and get in line to get FP for the show. The regular entrance doesn't open until 10.

 

[bumbershoot]

Says right here in the chart that the exclusive entrance is for guests of all three hotels. If I were staying at PPH or DLH and wasn't allowed, I would most definitely be going to management.

And to me, the rules are clear. It's for resort hotel guests and dining guests, keycards or receipts must be shown. Sometimes they don't make you show it and often after the busy time they do let others in. Exceptions don't negate the rules.

 

[cseca]

Hello hello,
Just wondering for all of you that've stayed in a studio, what do you think about the size for 2 adults and an infant?
Is it ok, a bit cramped?

I'm curious because we just came back from a studio in BLT and I felt it was a bit cramped with the 3 of us. This was the first time we stayed in a studio as a family of 3, so it was a bit of a trial thing.

We're going to GCV in a studio this fall and I am getting a bit nervous that I'll feel a bit cramped again...

Oh and does anybody know if they have full size crib?

Thanks so much!

 

[wbl2745]

Hello hello,
Just wondering for all of you that've stayed in a studio, what do you think about the size for 2 adults and an infant?
Is it ok, a bit cramped?

I'm curious because we just came back from a studio in BLT and I felt it was a bit cramped with the 3 of us. This was the first time we stayed in a studio as a family of 3, so it was a bit of a trial thing.

We're going to GCV in a studio this fall and I am getting a bit nervous that I'll feel a bit cramped again...

Oh and does anybody know if they have full size crib?

Thanks so much!

I can't directly respond, but we recently stayed in a 2 bedroom, where DW, DD22, and I were in the 2nd bedroom, which in a lock-off unit would be the studio. The studio at the VGC would have one bed and a sitting area with a sofa bed. We were quite comfortable there with the three of us. I would think that you would find it roomy enough.

Regarding the crib, there was a crib in the closet of the living room, so they have them at the resort. You might need to request one for the studio. I don't know if they keep them in the studio.

Hope you have fun! We loved our stay at the VGC!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Hello hello,
Just wondering for all of you that've stayed in a studio, what do you think about the size for 2 adults and an infant?
Is it ok, a bit cramped?

I'm curious because we just came back from a studio in BLT and I felt it was a bit cramped with the 3 of us. This was the first time we stayed in a studio as a family of 3, so it was a bit of a trial thing.

We're going to GCV in a studio this fall and I am getting a bit nervous that I'll feel a bit cramped again...

Oh and does anybody know if they have full size crib?

Thanks so much!

VGC studios are more roomy than BLT. It's a better layout too IMO. I can't say for certain if you'll still feel cramped or not but you will have more space.

For comparison, I personally I think BLT works well for one person but I'll bring DH along to a VGC studio! (you have to see the suitcase size he brings to fully understand!)

 

[justkeepswimmin]

Was at VGC for Mother's Day weekend and had a fantastic customer service experience with a member of bell services and valet. Truly, the best customer service I have ever received anywhere. I am writing thank you cards to each CM and also sending a letter to disney. Does anyone have address information for getting these items out? I want to be sure the CMs receive the cards directly but also that my letter goes to all the proper higher ups. Thanks!

 

[Mattsmommy]

Hello hello,
Just wondering for all of you that've stayed in a studio, what do you think about the size for 2 adults and an infant?
Is it ok, a bit cramped?

I'm curious because we just came back from a studio in BLT and I felt it was a bit cramped with the 3 of us. This was the first time we stayed in a studio as a family of 3, so it was a bit of a trial thing.

We're going to GCV in a studio this fall and I am getting a bit nervous that I'll feel a bit cramped again...

Oh and does anybody know if they have full size crib?

Thanks so much!

We checked in on Mothers Day and stayed 6 nights in a studio. It was me, DH, and DS7. It was fine. We were in a 1 bedroom in October and it was huge. We had enough room for the 3 of us in the studio.

 

[franandaj]

Hello hello,
Just wondering for all of you that've stayed in a studio, what do you think about the size for 2 adults and an infant?
Is it ok, a bit cramped?

I'm curious because we just came back from a studio in BLT and I felt it was a bit cramped with the 3 of us. This was the first time we stayed in a studio as a family of 3, so it was a bit of a trial thing.

We're going to GCV in a studio this fall and I am getting a bit nervous that I'll feel a bit cramped again...

Oh and does anybody know if they have full size crib?

Thanks so much!

I would feel cramped with any more than two in a studio, but that's just me, we bring way too much stuff on every trip so our stuff is all over the room. 2 computers, 2 scooters, clothes, backpacks.....

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

We stayed 4 of us in a GCV studio in February, and we were fine. It was myself, DH, DD 13, DS 10. For us it was like staying in a hotel room, other than we had the kitchenette. One evening we even had my parents, my friend, and her teen son join us for some wine and visiting before dinner. That made 8 of us in there! We were fine.

We only have 50 points, so we will probably always have to stick with studios!!