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

[mickeymom629]

Hi all!

Love the resort!!

I just wanted to pop in here and say that we had a 2 bedroom villa (#2500) starting on Sunday of the weekend of the Avengers Half through Friday. I had put requests for all room #s mentioned here to get a theme park view. #2500 was not on my list, as I only requested the upper floors. We checked in early in the a.m., right after finishing the marathon. Lots of people were checking out then, but lots of people were checking in later. The cm who helped me seemed like he really wanted to help me get my request, but it didn't end up that way. It's okay, the view was still theme park!

We had a very "cool" view of CA. But, during our last trip, we had a pool view, which I thought was a little prettier/nicer. If we go back again, I would probably not request a theme park view. It was cool, but it wasn't "pretty", imo. I guess the trees were in our view, but I don't feel like they were blocking the view of the rides and we were able to see Mickey's fun wheel, and we were right next to Goofy's Sky coaster. The grills were below us.

On the previous trip, 2 1/2 years ago, I wasn't able to see WOC because I was too short for where we were standing. This trip, we watched from the 6th floor balcony and I thought that was the ONLY place I will ever watch it from, if given the chance again. There were lots of people up there the night we went, but I stood by the front wall and peered through a space in the cement railing.

It was a little too chilly for us to use the pool. We saw them showing a movie that you could sit inside by the fire or outside on the grass, but it wasn't very crowded and one night no one but the cast members were watching.

We had groceries delivered, which worked out fine. I ordered more than we needed (which was very little). We ate out most of the time and only did a little laundry. We had stayed 2 nights at the Desert Palms before and had beer/wine to move into the villa. Luckily for us because, even though I had ordered beer/wine from Vons, the delivery man didn't call me when he came to the GCV so I couldn't sign for the alcohol and he took it back with him.

I don't know when I'll be back, but I hope I will!

 

[bigAWL]

Hi all!

Love the resort!!

I just wanted to pop in here and say that we had a 2 bedroom villa (#2500) starting on Sunday of the weekend of the Avengers Half through Friday. I had put requests for all room #s mentioned here to get a theme park view. #2500 was not on my list, as I only requested the upper floors. We checked in early in the a.m., right after finishing the marathon. Lots of people were checking out then, but lots of people were checking in later. The cm who helped me seemed like he really wanted to help me get my request, but it didn't end up that way. It's okay, the view was still theme park!

We had a very "cool" view of CA. But, during our last trip, we had a pool view, which I thought was a little prettier/nicer. If we go back again, I would probably not request a theme park view. It was cool, but it wasn't "pretty", imo. I guess the trees were in our view, but I don't feel like they were blocking the view of the rides and we were able to see Mickey's fun wheel, and we were right next to Goofy's Sky coaster. The grills were below us.

On the previous trip, 2 1/2 years ago, I wasn't able to see WOC because I was too short for where we were standing. This trip, we watched from the 6th floor balcony and I thought that was the ONLY place I will ever watch it from, if given the chance again. There were lots of people up there the night we went, but I stood by the front wall and peered through a space in the cement railing.

It was a little too chilly for us to use the pool. We saw them showing a movie that you could sit inside by the fire or outside on the grass, but it wasn't very crowded and one night no one but the cast members were watching.

We had groceries delivered, which worked out fine. I ordered more than we needed (which was very little). We ate out most of the time and only did a little laundry. We had stayed 2 nights at the Desert Palms before and had beer/wine to move into the villa. Luckily for us because, even though I had ordered beer/wine from Vons, the delivery man didn't call me when he came to the GCV so I couldn't sign for the alcohol and he took it back with him.

I don't know when I'll be back, but I hope I will!

Do you have any photos of the view you would want to share over on this thread?
Villas at Disney's Grand Californian - Room Views

 

[mickeymom629]

Do you have any photos of the view you would want to share over on this thread?
Villas at Disney's Grand Californian - Room Views

I don't think mine came out good - I will have to check. It was not a very photographic view during the day, but I'm not the best photographer . It looks like someone has a night view picture for that room already.

 

[yolie912]

How much is the parking when staying on points?

 

[mickeymom629]

How much is the parking when staying on points?

Free. You just have to show your room key when leaving the lot.

 

[izzy]

I'm going to be staying at GCV in mid-May. Can't wait!!!

Is there anywhere at GCV where we can watch WOC if I can't see it from my villa? My 85 year old mother is going to be with me, and I don't think trying to watch it from within the park is going to work for her with all of the waiting and crowds.

 

[DebbieB]

I'm going to be staying at GCV in mid-May. Can't wait!!!

Is there anywhere at GCV where we can watch WOC if I can't see it from my villa? My 85 year old mother is going to be with me, and I don't think trying to watch it from within the park is going to work for her with all of the waiting and crowds.

Yes, there's an observation deck on the 6th floor.

 

[Lizzy'sMom]

We just got Lucky and snagged a 2 bedroom in January...we have never had a 2 bedroom before! Anyone that has stayed there, can you tell me what your favorite 2 bedroom was? the best view? So we can request... thanks!

Lizzy'sMom

 

[Chereya]

We just got Lucky and snagged a 2 bedroom in January...we have never had a 2 bedroom before! Anyone that has stayed there, can you tell me what your favorite 2 bedroom was? the best view? So we can request... thanks!

Lizzy'sMom

Here is the companion thread to this one that shows where the rooms are located and the types of views you can expect from the rooms. Not all rooms have photos.

Villas at Disney's Grand Californian - Room Views

We stayed in a dedicated 2br villa and got #4 (4506) on our list of requested rooms which was: 5506, 6500, 5500, 4506, 4500, 3522, 3500, 3506. We stayed across the street the night before and I woke up at 6 to walk over by myself and check in.

As Mom and the planner/organizer, this 6am walk was the Most Magical time that really made an impact on me. I was by myself (without kids!) the esplanade was virtually empty save the few custodial staff starting to come to work and the sunrise was just starting to happen. I got to soak in all the atmosphere, the decor in peace and quiet.

 

[Checkers]

We just got Lucky and snagged a 2 bedroom in January...we have never had a 2 bedroom before! Anyone that has stayed there, can you tell me what your favorite 2 bedroom was? the best view? So we can request... thanks! Lizzy'sMom

We had a dedicated 2br with a theme park view (Rm 6500) and the view was fabulous, however, it is located next to the roof viewing area and the door onto the roof is very loud. That was the only complaint we had (which is not a big deal unless you have a sleeping baby or toddler). Congratulations on snagging the reservation and have a great time!

 

[engo]

We are considering to visit the park during Christmas week. We always went in summer time and this is the first time we reserve room for December. What's the chance of getting a Studio room from 12/24 to 12/27? I'm thinking to call 1st thing in the morning on 1/24. Thanks!

 

[JoRo]

Thinking you should be ok, if you call first thing! Its a beautiful time of the year to visit the park, christmas is one of our favorites. However bring your patients for the crowds get there early and dont leave the park. Had friends there this last xmas (not at the villas) the dad left the park to get coats and they wouldnt let him back in. Finally after few conversations they did but all the other folks then got very angry at the CM's. So enjoy...

 

[engo]

Thanks JoRo for your comment. Good tip about not leaving the park. I would not have thought about it. We're now reviewing our plan and may have a longer stay to take our time to enjoy the Christmas decoration. Hopefully we can secure the reservation.

 

[Lucille1963]

When were all the pool closures announced?!? I just saw info on mice chat, and I'm pretty darn disappointed.

 

[Chiomaca]

Just sent in my closing docs! I was/am annoyed that the docs came as late as they did (oddly enough, arrived hours after I e-mailed the company.). I'm planning our first family trip there for the Avengers Race weekend - My brother, his wife and two boys, my BF and me. Possibly my mom, but we've got a 2BR. I rented the point because I was stressed about missing the weekend when I still didn't have papers, but by the time we get there, I will be a full-fledged DVC Member. (And now I have a lot of points to do something with...)

 

[Just Peachy]

Just sent in my closing docs! I was/am annoyed that the docs came as late as they did (oddly enough, arrived hours after I e-mailed the company.). I'm planning our first family trip there for the Avengers Race weekend - My brother, his wife and two boys, my BF and me. Possibly my mom, but we've got a 2BR. I rented the point because I was stressed about missing the weekend when I still didn't have papers, but by the time we get there, I will be a full-fledged DVC Member. (And now I have a lot of points to do something with...)

Ditto for me. Got my docs sent back last week but used rented points to reserve a 2br in July for Disneyland's 60th with family and extended family. Original plan was to use this year's points and borrow to get the 2br. But now will have an extra year of points but no plans for next year....hmmm...I SHOULD be able to come up with something, though...

 

[Rjmdds]

Just want to shout from the Message Board mountain top that this morning we were able to book our first DVC trip and I was able to snag VGC studio for 1 week at the end of August. We are SOOOOOOOOO excited. We were worried booking our first trip as owners at a difficult 7 month resort, but we did it. All I read is how hard it is to get a studio at VGC at 7 months. But luck was on my side I guess. We have never been to Disneyland . We are seasoned WDW pro's so there is much to learn and many message board searches to do.

 

[Anal Annie]

Just want to shout from the Message Board mountain top that this morning we were able to book our first DVC trip and I was able to snag VGC studio for 1 week at the end of August. We are SOOOOOOOOO excited. We were worried booking our first trip as owners at a difficult 7 month resort, but we did it. All I read is how hard it is to get a studio at VGC at 7 months. But luck was on my side I guess. We have never been to Disneyland . We are seasoned WDW pro's so there is much to learn and many message board searches to do.

Congratulations! We were able to snag a studio early last August for 3 nights and I know your elated feeling right now! It is a beautiful property and you're going to LOVE the convenience to the parks and DTD there. It is soooo easy to go back to the room for something. I really wish we could've had a couple more nights there to enjoy the resort. We really only had about 2 1/2 days to get through the parks (which was doable) but there was no down time to relax & enjoy the pool or anything. If we ever get to go back we will definitely try to stay longer.

 

[Mich Mouse]

Sorry, I posted in the wrong thread. Is there away to completely delete a post?

 

[Melora]

Hi all

I'm completely new to the DVC thing. (We almost bought years ago but changed our mind).
I was thinking of buying some points for the GCH for this year at the end of April / beg of May) but then after reading some threads and info got the idea I may not be able to do that this close. I was considering doing it through David's vacation rentals.
Is there even the slimmest chance I can secure a reservation for a studio this close? Its much cheaper than getting a regular room.