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

[franandaj]

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

I've used the grills on several occasions, and they're fine. The only thing is that there is a timer which turns off the gas after a period of time. We were cooking multiple tri tips and were confused for a bit when they stopped cooking/heating until we realized that the flames had gone off.

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 used to fill the tub and run it with about half a cup of bleach. I read a gross story here a long long time ago about the tubs spitting out icky stuff caught in the jets. In all the time I did that nothing ever came out of the jets.

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…

It's so sad that they have done that, but I think it's more of a maintenance issue than a cleanliness issue. I've called maintenance to my room on several occasions to fix the jets in my tub. The jacuzzi tub is a huge reason I love my DVC. I don't enjoy my stays at BCV as much now that there is no jetted tub.

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!

Actually the tubs at RIV (and I think VGF) are bubble tubs. While not as nice as the jetted ones, they are better than the soakers.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Our very first DVC contract closed today so we are officially owners at VGC!! I'm so excited! Now we just wait for our account to be set up. We plan to book our first trip with points for June 2024.

 

[Nonsuch]

Our very first DVC contract closed today so we are officially owners at VGC!!

Welcome Home

 

[ClaraOswald]

I know I asked about cutting across the pool area to get to the park entrance.

But what about cutting across to eat at Craftsman Grill? Is the pool area ever open early enough for me to cut over for breakfast? I mean, I doubt the walk is much shorter or anything. I'm just curious.

 

[KPeterso]

I know I asked about cutting across the pool area to get to the park entrance.

But what about cutting across to eat at Craftsman Grill? Is the pool area ever open early enough for me to cut over for breakfast? I mean, I doubt the walk is much shorter or anything. I'm just curious.

It never has been for me. I don't think the pools open until 9 AM so until that time gates are completely locked.

 

[DisneyKidds]

It never has been for me. I don't think the pools open until 9 AM so until that time gates are completely locked.

Was there last week, confirming that pool doesn’t open until 9:00, so before that you’d have to walk through the lobby and past the DCA entrance.

 

[MinBz]

Hello friends. In March (my first trip to Disneyland) I was able to get 3 nights at VGC in a 2 bedroom and fell in love with the resort. Now I’m hoping to buy a resale VGC contract. I currently own WDW DVC. Does anyone know if there’s a breakdown of the total VGC points by use year? I’ve seen them online for other DVC resorts but not VGC. Just curious if my October UY is rare and if I will have to buy a different UY.

 

[Heroes_or_Villains]

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.

OMG So jealous! I'm having to list my June reservation as I can't go to Disney at that time anymore. Won't be able to have my welcome home trip until next year!

Hope you have an amazing time. If you've got a combo convection oven/air fryer, that might be a good option to bring with you. Very useful for all kinds of dishes!

 

[Nonsuch]

…Does anyone know if there’s a breakdown of the total VGC points by use year?

The use year points distribution is not available for VGC.
The information for WDW might have been extracted from the Orange County Florida public records, which are available online. Unfortunately the Orange County California records are not online

 

[ClaraOswald]

Yet another question from me. (Expect a million more between now and our trip....in 2024.)

Can you order room service in DVC rooms or is that just for hotel side?

I thought I read something about getting food delivered from DTD on our last visit but I just skimmed past it. Is that still a thing? Or again, just for hotel guests?

 

[pirate33]

Yet another question from me. (Expect a million more between now and our trip....in 2024.)

Can you order room service in DVC rooms or is that just for hotel side?

I thought I read something about getting food delivered from DTD on our last visit but I just skimmed past it. Is that still a thing? Or again, just for hotel guests?

VGC guests can order room service and the food delivery. My experience is VGC guests are treated exactly the same as hotel guests in terms of available services, except for housekeeping.

 

[Canchaser143]

I was finally able to get a studio for the nights I wanted in October!! What luck!!!

 

[DisVDS]

Points loaded to my new contract today! Booked our first 5 night stay in a 2 bedroom next February!

Being our first time, I would love to get a 2 bedroom with a view of the park, I have heard people have put requests in to member services, but how would I request something with a view? Are there specific rooms to request or something else to put in the request to help increase our chances?

 

[ClaraOswald]

Just curious....when the refurb happens...who here is hoping they replace the carpet with hardwood and who hopes they just put in new carpet??

I know the wood floors are probably easier to clean....but I hope they do carpet. My son loves to play with his cars on the floor during our breaks and while the carpet isn't soft, it's always a bit better than a hard floor.

I also worry about noise from above without the carpet buffer.

 

[DebbieB]

Just curious....when the refurb happens...who here is hoping they replace the carpet with hardwood and who hopes they just put in new carpet??

I know the wood floors are probably easier to clean....but I hope they do carpet. My son loves to play with his cars on the floor during our breaks and while the carpet isn't soft, it's always a bit better than a hard floor.

I also worry about noise from above without the carpet buffer.

I stayed there last September and the carpets were really worn and dirty looking. Typically in 1 bedrooms, they use laminate in the kitchen and living room and carpet in the bedroom. Studios are usually a combination, laminate in the entry way and bathroom areas, carpet in the rest.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I stayed there last September and the carpets were really worn and dirty looking. Typically in 1 bedrooms, they use laminate in the kitchen and living room and carpet in the bedroom. Studios are usually a combination, laminate in the entry way and bathroom areas, carpet in the rest.

I saw that the recent refurbs out in Florida seemed to get rid of all carpet. I'm really hoping they keep in in the studio and living areas.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Just don’t put frilly stickers on the outside of the Murphy bed and pictures of princess in the living room.

Actually, looking at the VDH pictures… how about no frilly stickers anywhere. I really don’t like the Moana and Frozen stuff on the walls in the VDH Grand Villa. IMO, it ruins the mid century modern class of the room.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Ha! I don't see that happening. But I guess anything is possible. I'd like to have enough faith in them to stick with the current vibe. I would like some chip and dale added to the DVC rooms like the ones we had in our room in February. I thought they were so cute while still going with the theme.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Ha! I don't see that happening. But I guess anything is possible. I'd like to have enough faith in them to stick with the current vibe. I would like some chip and dale added to the DVC rooms like the ones we had in our room in February. I thought they were so cute while still going with the theme.

I am 100% on board with classy touches of Chip and Dale.

What I would like to see:
1) Murphy Beds
2) New mattress for bedrooms
3) Higher end shower head
4) Carpet to high end laminate
5) New appliances

 

[ClaraOswald]

I am 100% on board with classy touches of Chip and Dale. I actually really love the theming as is, just spruce it up a bit.

Agreed. I wouldn't want to see any drastic changes. Maybe add that extra light strip like in the hotel rooms. And murphy beds instead of pull-out couches.

I'm kind of glad we will be in the 'old' room next summer so we get a nice comparison when the refurbishment happens. I think my son will be fine on the pull out so I'm not too upset that the refurb seems to be delayed.

Are the current showerheads in the villas the removable kind or just fixed?