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

[Nonsuch]

...if we want park hoppers that include the MM feature we need to order them in advance?!

All VGC registered guests receive EMH every day. The type of ticket (or advance purchase) does not matter.

 

[Anal Annie]

All VGC registered guests receive EMH every day. The type of ticket (or advance purchase) does not matter.

OK, thanks. I was also looking at the Ticket page on the DL website and it also mentioned "advanced purchase". I think I am even more confused.

Meanwhile, after playing around with this TouringPlans site if I "optimize" our day and say that we want to ride RSR 2x it has us going there later in the day, not first thing at opening. It has us ride Soarin' first. If I purposely re-order it and put the 1st time we ride RSR FIRST then it shows a like 45 min. wait vs less than 60 min. wait later in the day. Anybody have any thoughts on that?? (ie like why not go there first)?

 

[LisaT91403]

Meanwhile, after playing around with this TouringPlans site if I "optimize" our day and say that we want to ride RSR 2x it has us going there later in the day, not first thing at opening. It has us ride Soarin' first. If I purposely re-order it and put the 1st time we ride RSR FIRST then it shows a like 45 min. wait vs less than 60 min. wait later in the day. Anybody have any thoughts on that??

You are better off posting in the regular Disneyland forum rather than the DVC forum.

Having said that, the best way to ride twice is to do the "Wide Right" technique first thing in the morning, then go grab a Fast Pass for a ride later in the day.

 

[jerseygal]

Wow, your trip is coming up SOON! EXCITING!

Didn't realize that you were also doing VGC before your Aulani trip! GREAT!

We did Grand Californian Resort, Aug, 2009 right before VGC opened in September! Looked so BEAUTIFUL...Our family had the BEST time at DL, first time for us in Calif! Did 3 nights in San Diego, Coronado Beach, the Marriott Property on points, then did Grand Californian Resort, 2 BEAUTIFUL standard rooms, connecting on "Developer Points" as we had just purchased AKV October, 2008!

LOVED, LOVED that vaca!

Thinking of going back right after Memorial Day, 2015 for 4-5 nights at VGC, then 3 nights Huntington Beach, The Hyatt!

Let me know how you loved VGC and DL experience, Aulani too!!!

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!


t

 

[XMom]

You are better off posting in the regular Disneyland forum rather than the DVC forum. Having said that, the best way to ride twice is to do the "Wide Right" technique first thing in the morning, then go grab a Fast Pass for a ride later in the day.

Our plan of attack in Ca Adv is that we go straight to RSR then after we get off that, we go to the FP area for RSR and get a FP for that to ride later in the day, next head up to Grizzly Rapids to get a FP for World of Color. Then we head to Paradise Pier and ride Toy Story Mania and Screamin. This way we hit the headliners and still have a FP for RSR later in the day. Keep in mind, Toy Story does not have a FP. Not sure of the ages of your family. But the Aladdin Show is amazing if you have time or interest in seeing it. Animation Academy is also a favorite of my kids and is a nice way to cool down. For lunch, you can go to the exit to the Grand Cal and head to Whitewater Snacks. We love their Nachos and Carnitas Burger. It isn't very crowded and the prices are decent for Disneyland. We are DL locals, well an hour and a half away, but get there monthly. We also own at the Grand. Feel free to ask any questions.

 

[bellazachmom]

Our plan of attack in Ca Adv is that we go straight to RSR then after we get off that, we go to the FP area for RSR and get a FP for that to ride later in the day. Next we head to Soarin to get a FP, next head up to Grizzly Rapids to get a FP for World of Color. Then we head to Paradise Pier and ride Toy Story Mania and Screamin. By the time we are finished with those, it is time to get to Soarin for our FP. This way we hit the headliners and still have a FP for RSR later in the day.

Keep in mind that RSR and WOC are not linked to the FP system so that is why you can still obtain the FP for Soarin. Toy Story does not have a FP. Not sure of the ages of your family. But the Aladdin Show is amazing if you have time or interest in seeing it. Animation Academy is also a favorite of my kids and is a nice way to cool down.

For lunch, you can go to the exit to the Grand Cal and head to Whitewater Snacks. We love their Nachos and Carnitas Burger. It isn't very crowded and the prices are decent for Disneyland.

We are DL locals, well an hour and a half away, but get there monthly. We also own at the Grand. Feel free to ask any questions.

Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. RSR were linked earlier this month. WOC are still independent.

The upside is that the FPs for RSR have been lasting much longer.

 

[XMom]

Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. RSR were linked earlier this month. WOC are still independent. The upside is that the FPs for RSR have been lasting much longer.

What a bummer! We just went the last part of June. Thanks for the update! I hope whoever reads my response, sees yours as well!

 

[bigAWL]

What a bummer! We just went the last part of June. Thanks for the update! I hope whoever reads my response, sees yours as well!

You can edit your post for future readers.

 

[Anal Annie]

Hey gang - I started posting over on the DL forums - the RSR FP thing was confirmed over there to be connected now. Bummer.

I have another VGC question - coffee filters….do they use old school basket types like at WDW?? I THOUGHT I had some somewhere but can't find them. We use a Keurig at home now so I may just have to go out & buy some of those pre-filled Maxwell House flat ones or something. Funny story - I keep filters in our Owners Locker in FL and when we went down in January I brought a small 1 Lb bag of coffee with us (flew in carry-ons only) and my coffee was apparently a big red flag at security!! They thought it was drugs or something!! My DH was like WHAT DID YOU BRING…WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?! I got pulled out of the line and they had to open my bag and go thru it and open the coffee etc. I was mortified!! So no more bringing bags of coffee with me in my carry-ons!! I would have to pack it in checked luggage if I brought a bag of coffee.

 

[hakepb]

Hey gang - I started posting over on the DL forums - the RSR FP thing was confirmed over there to be connected now. Bummer.

I have another VGC question - coffee filters….do they use old school basket types like at WDW?? I THOUGHT I had some somewhere but can't find them. We use a Keurig at home now so I may just have to go out & buy some of those pre-filled Maxwell House flat ones or something. Funny story - I keep filters in our Owners Locker in FL and when we went down in January I brought a small 1 Lb bag of coffee with us (flew in carry-ons only) and my coffee was apparently a big red flag at security!! They thought it was drugs or something!! My DH was like WHAT DID YOU BRING…WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?! I got pulled out of the line and they had to open my bag and go thru it and open the coffee etc. I was mortified!! So no more bringing bags of coffee with me in my carry-ons!! I would have to pack it in checked luggage if I brought a bag of coffee.

They are the standard 10/12 cup mr coffee flat bottom filters.

 

[Anal Annie]

They are the standard 10/12 cup mr coffee flat bottom filters.

Thanks - I went ahead & bought the little pre-filled Maxwell House filters to bring so I can avoid arousing suspicion with the TSA!! I am going to bring a few filters for Aulani tho in hopes of brewing some good Kona coffee while we're there!!

 

[Breyean]

Thanks - I went ahead & bought the little pre-filled Maxwell House filters to bring so I can avoid arousing suspicion with the TSA!! I am going to bring a few filters for Aulani tho in hopes of brewing some good Kona coffee while we're there!!

Once they connected RSR to the rest of the FP system, they FPs for RSR are lasting a lot longer. Our plan USED to be to do RSR first thing, esp on EE days for DCA, and maybe even once again if things went smoothly. Our goal was to make it to the FP line before they merged the EE people on line with the line for FP waiting behind the rope.

We were last there on July 4th week, and with the new system, we decided to do RSR first again (you never know when it might go down or for how long, so we like to get it done ASAP). But then we went to do other rides until well after park opening (and FP distribution starting).

We did that to time our return to get the FPs for RSR for a return time at night. If you're going to be at the parks at night, RSR is really beautiful then, and well worth trying to do. The whole Cars Land area at night is great, and RSR is really something else.

Even though it was a pretty crowded week for the holiday, we had no problem checking the FP return time posted at the distribution entrance and then choosing when we wanted to get on line for our night time FPs.

 

[SpectroMan71]

Question from a first time guest at VGC (Tomorrow!): Is checkin any different than in Florida? Any separate desk? I assume no checking in online as I can't find it, and with regard to parking, I know it's free valet but we're taking two cars. Any issues with that?

Lastly, do they do the "text when room is ready" thing?

Thanks!

 

[forevercruising]

Question from a first time guest at VGC (Tomorrow!): Is checkin any different than in Florida? Any separate desk? I assume no checking in online as I can't find it, and with regard to parking, I know it's free valet but we're taking two cars. Any issues with that?

Lastly, do they do the "text when room is ready" thing?

Thanks!

First, congrats on your upcoming stay at our beloved "home"!
Second, here are some answers:

1. There is only one check in line for all guests, VGC and hotel, mixed together. When you are to the front of the line, you will be called to a CM to check in. If you have kids, there is a nice corner near the line with chairs and Disney cartoons showing.

2. You are correct; there is no online check-in for VGC.

3. We always self park across the street (very convenient), so I cannot comment on the valet parking.

4. Yes, they will text you when your room is ready; it works well.

I hope that helps! Enjoy your stay - it is a wonderful DVC property!

- forevercruising

 

[SpectroMan71]

Thanks, Forever! Perfect!

What about the laundry for studios - is there a no-charge room somewhere with machines?

 

[AZMermaid]

You get free valet?

 

[Msmithmd]

You get free valet?

No. Not unless you are handicapped.

The lot is literally across the street, less than 100 yard walk.

 

[AZMermaid]

That's what I had always thought, but pp said "I know there's free valet." I was thinking I missed something all these years!

 

[pepe3penelope]

Question from a first time guest at VGC (Tomorrow!): Is checkin any different than in Florida? Any separate desk? I assume no checking in online as I can't find it, and with regard to parking, I know it's free valet but we're taking two cars. Any issues with that? Lastly, do they do the "text when room is ready" thing? Thanks!

Congratulations! How exciting! We had our 1st VGC stay just last month & it was amazing!!!!

Same check in line for everyone. Self parking is across the street & is free for DVC members. Leaving items, including groceries, was easy with bell services.

They will get your number at Checkin. & you will get the text when the villa is ready . Warning: our 2 texts (1st 3 nights 1 bedroom, last 2 nights studio) came at like 3:57 & 3:58!

The VGC laundry is on the 1st floor with the trash. Get the free DVC laundry coins at the registration/check in desk.

 

[hjgaus]

Question from a first time guest at VGC (Tomorrow!): Is checkin any different than in Florida? Any separate desk? I assume no checking in online as I can't find it, and with regard to parking, I know it's free valet but we're taking two cars. Any issues with that?

Lastly, do they do the "text when room is ready" thing?

Thanks!

If NOT handicapped.......

VALET - $25.00 per car
SELF PARKING - $17.00 per car