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

[ClaraOswald]

Right you are! A little digging reveals that the Evolve Express scanners have been tested at DLR twice…..first in October of 2020 and then again in August of 2021. Time to dig more to see if we can figure out why the security standard that is the norm at WDW hasn’t been adopted at DLR….

Let us know if you figure it out. It seems weird that they wouldn't have them.

 

[franandaj]

Right you are! A little digging reveals that the Evolve Express scanners have been tested at DLR twice…..first in October of 2020 and then again in August of 2021. Time to dig more to see if we can figure out why the security standard that is the norm at WDW hasn’t been adopted at DLR….

 

[KTownRaider]

I wonder if California and it’s weird laws and rules strikes again

No weird California laws- They’ve used walk-through scanners 10 minutes down the road at Knott’s Berry Farm for years. Not sure what the deal is at DLR, but would welcome the change if they utilized them too!

 

[DisneyKidds]

No weird California laws- They’ve used walk-through scanners 10 minutes down the road at Knott’s Berry Farm for years. Not sure what the deal is at DLR, but would welcome the change if they utilized them too!

This…..and the fact that DLR tested it not just once, but twice a year apart, would seem to indicate it wasn’t a CA law issue. DLR is probably just cheaping out on us, but my sleuthing so far this evening hasn’t sussed that out. Of course, if that’s the case, Disney wouldn’t advertise it!

I have been considering sending an email to Disney on this subject (it would only be the second time doing so in 30 years of Disney visits for me)….if I get a response I’ll let you all know!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I've never seen anyone ever cross through the pool to get to the Grizzly Peak DCA entrance. We never use that to enter the park anymore since they opened the Pixar Pier entrance. It's a game changer

We do it all the time. And are not the only ones from what I've seen.

 

[NVDISFamily]

Welcome home trip is so close... We are getting excited, starting to pack, and ordering last minute things on amazon for the trip (@MrsNVDISFamily demands portable fans for future park trips but the weather is looking nice for So Cal right now so likely not needed for this trip).

A few questions for the VGC pros out there -

I believe I saw some BBQ Grills outside of the DVC area. Anyone use them, do they work well?

We like to cook and my mom is looking forward to doing a fair amount of cooking for us, the grandkids, and for our guests during our stay. Any must have appliances I should throw into the mini-van to bring to CA for the trip?

Any other must do recommendations for us?

Thanks for all of the advice and wisdom! I'll be sharing pictures of the new DVC lounge on the 19th.

 

[HIRyeDVC]

Welcome home trip is so close... We are getting excited, starting to pack, and ordering last minute things on amazon for the trip (@MrsNVDISFamily demands portable fans for future park trips but the weather is looking nice for So Cal right now so likely not needed for this trip).

A few questions for the VGC pros out there -

I believe I saw some BBQ Grills outside of the DVC area. Anyone use them, do they work well?

We like to cook and my mom is looking forward to doing a fair amount of cooking for us, the grandkids, and for our guests during our stay. Any must have appliances I should throw into the mini-van to bring to CA for the trip?

Any other must do recommendations for us?

Thanks for all of the advice and wisdom! I'll be sharing pictures of the new DVC lounge on the 19th.

I’ve never seen anyone use that grill. Having a slow cooker is always nice and easy to have a meal cooking all day while you’re in the parks. I always love sitting in the grand lobby after 11pm when it’s empty and peaceful. Other than that, just enjoy the glory that is Grand Cal!

 

[NVDISFamily]

Other than that, just enjoy the glory that is Grand Cal!

Thanks! One of the main things I was considering making a batch of was some ginger/garlic shoyu chicken thighs... for some reason that sounds like an appropriate meal for relaxing at the villas/park. And of course, some good meat for tacos

 

[kimmar067]

*deleted*

 

[ClaraOswald]

Weird question - any idea what housekeeping uses to clean the jetted tubs? If we ever stay in a room with one....I can't decide if I'd want to use one or if I'd be too grossed out. Ha! When we bought our house, I cleaned the tub/jets a million times (with 2 different types of products) before I felt comfortable using it.

 

[Canchaser143]

Weird question - any idea what housekeeping uses to clean the jetted tubs? If we ever stay in a room with one....I can't decide if I'd want to use one or if I'd be too grossed out. Ha! When we bought our house, I cleaned the tub/jets a million times (with 2 different types of products) before I felt comfortable using it.

I also wonder this lol Stayed in chain hotel once that had a jetted tub, it spit out chunks of who knows what.... Here's to hoping Disney Housekeeping has higher standards!

 

[ClaraOswald]

I also wonder this lol Stayed in chain hotel once that had a jetted tub, it spit out chunks of who knows what.... Here's to hoping Disney Housekeeping has higher standards!

Yeah. Ick!
The idea of soaking in a tub after a long day in the parks sounds great. But not if it's gonna be nasty!

 

[HIRyeDVC]

Weird question - any idea what housekeeping uses to clean the jetted tubs? If we ever stay in a room with one....I can't decide if I'd want to use one or if I'd be too grossed out. Ha! When we bought our house, I cleaned the tub/jets a million times (with 2 different types of products) before I felt comfortable using it.

I also wonder this lol Stayed in chain hotel once that had a jetted tub, it spit out chunks of who knows what.... Here's to hoping Disney Housekeeping has higher standards!

I‘ve had chunks spit out once but not at Grand Cal. I always run the bath with hot water the first time and run the jet tub before we use it, no matter the resort.

 

[bigAWL]

...we just got back [about 2 weeks ago] from a stay GF....I can post pics if anyone cares to see them...

We ALWAYS want to see pics!

 

[LilyJC]

We ALWAYS want to see pics!

Maybe not of GF on the VGC thread though

 

[LilyJC]

As far as the jetted tubs, I’m not a bath person, but my youngest has used the VGC 1 and 2 bedroom jetted tubs without any grossness. I’m not sure what/if housekeeping cleans with, but I’ve heard some will run the jetted tubs with one of the dishwasher packets provided before using.

I do think there is a reason though that BCV removed the jetted tubs/replaced with soaking tubs, and CCV started with a soaking tub…

 

[bigAWL]

Maybe not of GF on the VGC thread though

Oops. I follow both threads, and I missed that!

 

[CarolynFH]

Weird question - any idea what housekeeping uses to clean the jetted tubs? If we ever stay in a room with one....I can't decide if I'd want to use one or if I'd be too grossed out. Ha! When we bought our house, I cleaned the tub/jets a million times (with 2 different types of products) before I felt comfortable using it.

DVC is gradually replacing the jetted tubs with plain deep soaker tubs during full refurbs. SSR and BCV have the soakers, and I think RIV and VGF do too. BWV still has the original jetted tubs, but I expect they’ll be replaced during the coming refurbishment there. I’m sure DVC Housekeeping will be glad not to have to clean jets anymore!

 

[ClaraOswald]

Yeah, I hope they replace them with soakers during the next refurb. I also wish they'd get that refurbishment on the official calendar!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Weird question - any idea what housekeeping uses to clean the jetted tubs? If we ever stay in a room with one....I can't decide if I'd want to use one or if I'd be too grossed out. Ha! When we bought our house, I cleaned the tub/jets a million times (with 2 different types of products) before I felt comfortable using it.

If it's going to be used I always clean it although that has never produced any grossness. Hot water and dishwasher detergent. Then a hot water run thru to rinse it. Pools and beds and pillows and sofas are probably way worse........