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

[ebenmax]

Our family is hoping to book at 7month mark at VGC. I have been looking on line to see if any rooms are available (even tho we cannot book yet.) I have noticed how popular the 2BR lock off appears to be vs the 2BR. Just curious as to why? Is it because of views? Amount of rooms? Thanks for any insight!

 

[Nonsuch]

...I have noticed how popular the 2BR lock off appears to be vs the 2BR. Just curious as to why?...

2 bedroom lock-offs are a 1 bedroom linked to a studio, and studios are first to book. When no studios are available, no 2 bedroom lock-offs are available.

 

[ebenmax]

Thanks for the info...makes total sense!
If we want to request a 2BR with a good view of DCA, is it best to request a specific room or just a general request...like higher floor with the view of DCA? We unfortunately do not know the resort well enough to know the prime rooms or sections to request.

 

[sechelt]

Thanks for the info...makes total sense!
If we want to request a 2BR with a good view of DCA, is it best to request a specific room or just a general request...like higher floor with the view of DCA? We unfortunately do not know the resort well enough to know the prime rooms or sections to request.

Request specific villa numbers and don't be afraid to list 5 or 6 of them,or more. Use the photo above, labelled view from Paradise Pier, and choose from the villas in green. These villas overlook Goofy's Sky School. For more details, check out this thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=44522663

 

[Nonsuch]

...If we want to request a 2BR with a good view of DCA, is it best to request a specific room or just a general request...like higher floor with the view of DCA?...

I like to give a list of specific villas numbers

This is what I would request:
6500, 5506, 5500, 4506, 4500, 3522, 3506, 3500

 

[ebenmax]

WOW!!! Those are awesome! I'll be sure to be specific now!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

 

[RebeccaW23]

Hi! I recently subscribed to the thread because we hope to head to DLR in the next year or two. After just visiting WDW I started hearing about renting DVC points. Am I correct that if I rent points (I DO NOT own) I could attempt to book at 7 months out for these villas? They look fantastic! And am I likely to be able to get one of the two bedroom ones at seven months or do they generally book up early by owners? I apologize if this has been asked- there are so many pages and the phone app doesn't have a search function. Thank you!

 

[Nonsuch]

...Am I correct that if I rent points (I DO NOT own) I could attempt to book at 7 months out for these villas? They look fantastic! And am I likely to be able to get one of the two bedroom ones at seven months or do they generally book up early by owners?...

You may rent points directly from an owner using the rent/trade board here on DIS
Or, use a rental service such as David's Vacation Club Rentals

Two-bedroom villas have the best availability, and will very likely be available at 7 months

 

[wilma-bride]

Hi! I recently subscribed to the thread because we hope to head to DLR in the next year or two. After just visiting WDW I started hearing about renting DVC points. Am I correct that if I rent points (I DO NOT own) I could attempt to book at 7 months out for these villas? They look fantastic! And am I likely to be able to get one of the two bedroom ones at seven months or do they generally book up early by owners? I apologize if this has been asked- there are so many pages and the phone app doesn't have a search function. Thank you!

If you rent points from somebody who actually owns at Grand Californian, you would be able to book at 11 months. Your chances of getting what you want would be greatly increased then

 

[RebeccaW23]

Thank you both! Isn't it riskier renting from an individual than through a company though? As owners, do you deal directly with people or through a company (if you rent out that is).

 

[wilma-bride]

Thank you both! Isn't it riskier renting from an individual than through a company though? As owners, do you deal directly with people or through a company (if you rent out that is).

Personally, I never have any extra points to rent. However, I have rented points privately twice and, yes, it is slightly riskier but you should always make sure to get references and have a contract in place anyway.

A company like David's Vacation Rentals is another way of doing it, they should be able to put you in touch with a VGC owner so you can still make the reservation as early as possible.

 

[wilma-bride]

Nonsuch, thank you so much for your useful post on room locations and views. I was successful in securing the two nights I wanted at VGC in May so have emailed MS with my requests. Fingers crossed we get a room with a view

 

[bigAWL]

I've rented my VGC points to other guests through Dave's site three times now. From my point of view, it works very smoothly and easily. I've been very satisfied.

 

[RebeccaW23]

I've rented my VGC points to other guests through Dave's site three times now. From my point of view, it works very smoothly and easily. I've been very satisfied.

Good to know! I think that's most likely what I will look into as a first timer.

 

[Snurk71]

Two-bedroom villas have the best availability, and will very likely be available at 7 months

Have you found 2brs to have better availability than 1brs? I know they kind of statt with the most, since they're all 2brs (except for the GVs ). But I assumed 1brs would be the most available at 7 months because when people take a studio, that automatically creates a1br - which are about double the points without the extra sleeping capacity.

 

[Lauren in NC]

I swear that I saw this in the thread before, but now can't find it. We're looking into buying at VGC, but my main worry is not being able to book at the times we want since there's so few rooms. We'd like to stay in a studio or 1 bedroom for 3-4 days in early September and possibly also either early November or January/February. Are these generally popular months where we'd have problems booking 11 months out?

 

[boiseflyfisher]

Lauren, you should not have any issue with getting a studio at 11 months during those times unless there is a Disney race.

 

[sparkhill]

I swear that I saw this in the thread before, but now can't find it. We're looking into buying at VGC, but my main worry is not being able to book at the times we want since there's so few rooms. We'd like to stay in a studio or 1 bedroom for 3-4 days in early September and possibly also either early November or January/February. Are these generally popular months where we'd have problems booking 11 months out?

We have booked lots of trips, even for hard to get rooms like one of the two Grand Villas, and have never encountered any issues at 11 months. Most of the time, wide availability remains open for a few months after the 11 month window opens. Things frequently tighten up at 7 months.

Keep in mind that there are far fewer owners since there are far fewer rooms.

 

[Minniesgal]

I swear that I saw this in the thread before, but now can't find it. We're looking into buying at VGC, but my main worry is not being able to book at the times we want since there's so few rooms. We'd like to stay in a studio or 1 bedroom for 3-4 days in early September and possibly also either early November or January/February. Are these generally popular months where we'd have problems booking 11 months out?

Before 7 months the size of resort has no relation to availability since the number of points sold is proportional to the number of rooms. Small resort only hurts after 7 months. As long as you use your owners privilege you will be fine.

 

[cruise cruise cruise]

What is the bathroom towel rack situation in the studios? Is there enough racks/hooks to hang 4 towels and have them dry? Do I need to bring some over the door hooks? What do you do?

Is there a retractable clothes line to hang swim suits in the shower?