The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners & Lovers Group - 2.0

[Anek0618]

So excited! Managed to get a 1 bedroom for 4 nights, Apr 5-9 Stayed last year and we are hooked, can't imagine staying anywhere else at DL anymore.
Now to put in my request for Theme Park View again. Had a pool view last year, but a view of the park would be unreal. We're checking in Sat this year vs. Sun last year...think that would improve our chances at all

 

[boswellnakia]

Is there still the nightly resort fee for guest staying on points?

 

[DebbieB]

Is there still the nightly resort fee for guest staying on points?

No, never was, I've stayed there 3 times. You are thinking of Aulani or an RCI exchange.

 

[DebbieB]

So excited! Managed to get a 1 bedroom for 4 nights, Apr 5-9 Stayed last year and we are hooked, can't imagine staying anywhere else at DL anymore.
Now to put in my request for Theme Park View again. Had a pool view last year, but a view of the park would be unreal. We're checking in Sat this year vs. Sun last year...think that would improve our chances at all

I stayed there in a 1 bedroom last month. I took the advice of a poster and requested rooms 6502, 5502, 4502, 5508, 4508. We got 4502.

 

[ToodlesRN]

the only pet peeve I have with VGC is that there is no room for making changes in reservations as in available rooms compared to DW resorts you can almost get a room at any place it may not be your preferred resort but at least you'll get something. We had this happen to us back when booking opened at VGC. Back at my 11 month booking I booked 12/22-12/27 well now hubby is having second thoughts about being in DL over the holidays and want to move up our trip. Checked online booking today and nothing!! So either we keep our reservation, book at the hotel onsite or off site paying cash ( They want to many points for the DLH or PP) or waitlist in hopes it goes through, but Im 90% sure it won't got through.

 

[lulubelle]

the only pet peeve I have with VGC is that there is no room for making changes in reservations as in available rooms compared to DW resorts you can almost get a room at any place it may not be your preferred resort but at least you'll get something. We had this happen to us back when booking opened at VGC. Back at my 11 month booking I booked 12/22-12/27 well now hubby is having second thoughts about being in DL over the holidays and want to move up our trip. Checked online booking today and nothing!! So either we keep our reservation, book at the hotel onsite or off site paying cash ( They want to many points for the DLH or PP) or waitlist in hopes it goes through, but Im 90% sure it won't got through.

I agree with you ToodlesRN. It's happened to me more than once. I've booked several months in advance and a few months away things change and I need to change the dates. Not happening. You pick your dates and stick with them. It is kind of sucky. And I've used points for PPH and DLH more times than I'd like to admit because that is my only choice if I want to stay onsite and a trip with friends comes up a few months in advance. I do love VGC but wish we had better options like we do in FL.

 

[ToodlesRN]

I agree with you ToodlesRN. It's happened to me more than once. I've booked several months in advance and a few months away things change and I need to change the dates. Not happening. You pick your dates and stick with them. It is kind of sucky. And I've used points for PPH and DLH more times than I'd like to admit because that is my only choice if I want to stay onsite and a trip with friends comes up a few months in advance. I do love VGC but wish we had better options like we do in FL.

I'm with you! We used so much points staying at PP and DLH that I vow I'm not doing it this time. I'm researching our options.

 

[AZMermaid]

I really wish they would build a DVC property where that overflow Simba lot is between PPH and DLH. It seems like there is space there to do so and with the Toy Story lot it isn't really needed anymore. We would add on in a heartbeat and I think it would alleviate some of that issue at VGC.

 

[DebbieB]

There were rumors that when they built the new wing at GCH that the regular rooms were built in a way that they could easily be converted to DVC. Also, for some reason the dues budget at VGC includes the regular rooms in the new wing. I guess the occupancy for the hotel is high so they would rather get cash guests.

There was also a rumor about some land between DTD and DLH that could be used for a DVC Tower.

 

[IandGsmom]

I can only hope and dream about more DVC rooms at the Grand. Any last minute trip I try and plan is a no go due to no rooms and this is my very favorite place (even above Aulani!)

 

[laughinplace199]

We'd love to stay at VGC next August, but it's not our home resort. Do we have any hope at the 7 month mark?

 

[DebbieB]

We'd love to stay at VGC next August, but it's not our home resort. Do we have any hope at the 7 month mark?

I'm 3 for 3 at VGC at exactly 7 months. Early May, late September, early August.

 

[laughinplace199]

I'm 3 for 3 at VGC at exactly 7 months. Early May, late September, early August.

That's great to hear - thanks! We're looking at early August. We could always stay in a regular room at one of the non-DVC DL resorts, but I'd much rather stay in a 1 BR at VGC.

 

[AZMermaid]

I have had great luck with 1BR right at 7 months. I have had to waitlist for studios- one came through, one never did.

 

[jemmi]

I'm so excited!! We just booked a Studio room for 7 nights for early May, 2014. They didn't have a room for the first night of our vacation but I'm not complaining I didn't think we would get a room at all!

 

[sandysue]

Almost at our 7-month mark! Can't wait to get our reservations confirmed so the fun planning can begin in earnest.

 

[sandysue]

Almost at our 7-month mark! Can't wait to get our reservations confirmed so the fun planning can begin in earnest.

 

[ludari]

Can someone confirm if parking at VGC for DVC members is free? The reason I asks is back in January my friend (who is a DVC ower) was staying at VGC and put my name on her reservation (yes, I too am a DVC owner) and when I pulled up they said I could pay to self park or pay for valet. I decided to park at Mickey and Friends parking lot since my annual pass covers parking for the day. I thought this was strange because each time I stay at a DVC resort parking for DVC owners was free.

 

[Nonsuch]

Can someone confirm if parking at VGC for DVC members is free? The reason I asks is back in January my friend (who is a DVC ower) was staying at VGC and put my name on her reservation (yes, I too am a DVC owner) and when I pulled up they said I could pay to self park...

The free parking benefit is not limited to DVC owners, anyone staying on points (VGC or any DLR hotel room) receives free parking.
A room key (with "Self Parking" printed on it) is needed to exit the parking lot.

The benefit officially covers 2 cars per reservation, but in practice there is no limit.

 

[Pocahantas]

Hoping to book our first trip to Disneyland and VGC tomorrow morning at the 7 month window.