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

[starry_solo]

Which are the best studios to stay at? I am checking in on Sunday, checking out Friday and am wondering when I check in, what I should put on as my request. I already have reservations for priority dining at Wine Country Trattoria but it would be nice to see the WOC from the villas

Thanks!

 

[starry_solo]

oops

 

[Nonsuch]

Which are the best studios to stay at? I am checking in on Sunday, checking out Friday and am wondering when I check in, what I should put on as my request. I already have reservations for priority dining at Wine Country Trattoria but it would be nice to see the WOC from the villas

You might want to call Member Services today, and add a room request.
I would recommend: 6504, 5504. 4504, 3504, 2520, 2504
6504 would be best, it is the 6th floor and the balcony has a corner view.
The 2nd floor rooms would have a minimal WOC view.
The WOC view from X510 are obstructed.

 

[peloha86]

I hope you have a wonderful stay We took my FIL, he has medical issues too, we addressed them ahead of time with the CM's at the Grand and Disney overall. Disney treated us so well! He has a hard time walking, so when needed, we asked for a CM to help transport my FIL via golfcart from one area to another, as long as it was outside of the parks and in the general Disneyland Resort area. My answers are in red:

I've seen how friendly you are to non-owners , so I thought I'd post with a couple of questions.
We'll be at VGC May 6-11 renting points. This is my mother's last trip to Disneyland and probably her last trip period. So we're breaking the bank and going big! I'm excited and sad; so it's all very emotional.

Chin up!

We have the accessible 1-bedroom for the first 3 nights and the accessible 2-bedroom for the last three. I read that someone said the accessible 1-bedroom is 1514 (I think). Does anyone know where the accessible 2-bedroom is? I was hoping for a view of something, but we can't compromise on having the handicap accessible room, so that's the more important thing.

You can call the Grand Californian for info, they are very helpful: (714) 635-2300.
Here's a great link, it's a map of the Grand and VGC, thanks Nonsuch!
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=36355632&postcount=450

When we're there do we have different access or privileges since we're renting points, not owners? Will we be allowed to use the WOC viewing space?

You should be able to view WOC. I would call the number above and let them know what your needs are. They are usually very accomidating.
If anyone has any tips, especially about the handicap accessible rooms, I'd be so grateful. This is a wonderful thread and I've learned a lot from it. Thank you.

You are welcome!

 

[starry_solo]

You might want to call Member Services today, and add a room request.
I would recommend: 6504, 5504. 4504, 3504, 2520, 2504
6504 would be best, it is the 6th floor and the balcony has a corner view.
The 2nd floor rooms would have a minimal WOC view.
The WOC view from X510 are obstructed.

Thanks! If I can't get any of those, should I try for the x516 views? It looks like that would be the Grizzly Peak view?

 

[revwog1974]

I hope you have a wonderful stay We took my FIL, he has medical issues too, we addressed them ahead of time with the CM's at the Grand and Disney overall. Disney treated us so well! He has a hard time walking, so when needed, we asked for a CM to help transport my FIL via golfcart from one area to another, as long as it was outside of the parks and in the general Disneyland Resort area.

Thank you. We've found Disney to be very helpful. My mother cannot transfer out of her wheelchair without a piece of equipment so we'll be pushing her around the parks. At least there will be 3 adults to take turns! Of course, we'll also be travelling with a 5-month-old and a 5 year old so who ever isn't pushing the wheelchair will have kid duty! There aren't too many rides she can go on, but there is plenty to see and do without going on rides. Plus there's the joy of watching your grandchildren enjoy Disneyland.

I'm just so grateful we have this time with my mom. Frankly, I never expected her to live this long and we went to Disneyland 2 years ago sure that it would be her last visit. To get to go again is such a joy!

 

[Nonsuch]

Thanks! If I can't get any of those, should I try for the x516 views? It looks like that would be the Grizzly Peak view?

x516 would look toward Grizzly Peak.
So your request would be:
6504, 5504. 4504, 3504, 2520, 2504, 5516, 4516, 3516, 2516

If you can, check-in early in the day.
Sunday is a busy day, generally half the rooms in the hotel change guests.
Someone must be checking out of the studio you are requesting, so you need a little luck

 

[MommiePrincess]

Im back with another question

When we stayed at the GC hotel (many times) we always got preferred seating passes for Alladin. This was purchasing packages through Disney. It would seem after what we all have spent on DVC that we should get these passes that the hotel packages tend to give out. Please tell me we still get them and if so how. My DH will be mad (he's really a nice guy), but he thinks with the amount of money we've spent on points we should still get passes. Please be the bearer of good news on this!!!

 

[blackjackdelta]

Im back with another question

When we stayed at the GC hotel (many times) we always got preferred seating passes for Alladin. This was purchasing packages through Disney. It would seem after what we all have spent on DVC that we should get these passes that the hotel packages tend to give out. Please tell me we still get them and if so how. My DH will be mad (he's really a nice guy), but he thinks with the amount of money we've spent on points we should still get passes. Please be the bearer of good news on this!!!

He is going to get mad. The aladdin vouchers only come with the packages. So have read about the benefits before signing. I have found you do really need the passes, we go early afternoon and sit in the 2nd level so we can see everything.

Jack

 

[rmonty02]

- What pots and pans are there? Pan for scrambled eggs, large pot for making spaghetti sauce and noodles?
- Are there plastic storage containers for storing leftovers?

-

There are storage containers. As well as spaghetti pots (I didn't post that pic) Bring ziplock baggies if u need more.

 

[TLPL]

Quick question: Can we pool hop to use Disneyland Hotel's pool while we stay at VGC? The new monorail slides seems cool. I would want to try them when we visit in August if possible.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Quick question: Can we pool hop to use Disneyland Hotel's pool while we stay at VGC? The new monorail slides seems cool. I would want to try them when we visit in August if possible.

Normally no. Only if the resort hotel you are staying at the pool is out of order. Most folks want to go the opposite way. Unless you hit it early the GCH pool is hard to get a lounge chair at in August.

Jack

 

[MommiePrincess]

I have "another" question ...this time about requesting rooms/locations.

I know its not a guarantee, but in requesting do I contact Member Services or the GC directly? Do you email or fax (or both) your room requests/location? Can anyone share the fax or email number/ info please. How long before check-in date do you do this? We will be in a 1B.


FYI this is our first trip as DVC members! We have stayed at the GC many times and at our last stay at the hotel, I faxed a room "type" request and was called back the next day by the "front desk" who gave me a few room location choices and when we checked in 3 weeks later, we had an fantastically, awesome room (hotel).

Also I'd love to hear pros and cons about different views. We have always had theme park views when staying in the hotel, of Grizzley Peak. I'd love to be able to see WOC from our room, but not if it's all construction views along with it. I hear the Grizzley Peak views are very much of/in the trees.

Has anyone done a listing of the units and the views from each one. I know so many of you do such detailed research and share it with us so I'm wondering if I've missed some posts with valuable info!

As always many thanks!

 

[Disney Princess]

MommiePrincess - I can't answer all of your questions, but I'll do the ones I can. We always note our requests with MS (if we have any). We have gotten what we wanted doing it this way. These were not at VGC though. That is how we do it for WDW resorts. I'd for sure call MS and have them add the request to your reservation. I'm not sure if others have experience with faxing, so I'll let them answer that.

I believe there is a list of views and room numbers. It is on the GC thread on the Disneyland forum. You might check over there.

I can't help with view preferences as we haven't stayed there yet. That brings me to our next point -

ONE MORE MONTH!!!!!!!!! We can't contain our excitement.

 

[been2marceline]

Quick question: Can we pool hop to use Disneyland Hotel's pool while we stay at VGC? The new monorail slides seems cool. I would want to try them when we visit in August if possible.

From what it looked like - the pools may not be done by then - not sure if there is a published date, but the construction over there is extensive....

 

[Nonsuch]

I know its not a guarantee, but in requesting do I contact Member Services or the GC directly? Do you email or fax (or both) your room requests/location? Can anyone share the fax or email number/ info please. How long before check-in date do you do this? We will be in a 1B.

I have had good results sending email to member services. The vacation planner has a list of information to include with email requests. I send the email request within a few days of making the reservation.

Also I'd love to hear pros and cons about different views. We have always had theme park views when staying in the hotel, of Grizzley Peak. I'd love to be able to see WOC from our room, but not if it's all construction views along with it. I hear the Grizzley Peak views are very much of/in the trees.

Construction near the villas should be complete by the end of May, although I rather enjoy watching the progress. My preference is a Paradise Pier view, but others have posted different preferences -- some people like the first floor for easy pool access.

Has anyone done a listing of the units and the views from each one. I know so many of you do such detailed research and share it with us so I'm wondering if I've missed some posts with valuable info!

I have posted detailed floorplans and pictures of the outside of the villas with room numbers. There are some pictures of views from a few villas, but not all.

 

[bigAWL]

I have posted detailed floorplans and pictures of the outside of the villas with room numbers. There are some pictures of views from a few villas, but not all.

And these are awesome! Definitely deserving of an encore.

I have previously posted a floor by floor map of VGC, but thought it would be nice to show the villa numbers from the exterior

View from Pool:

View from Redwood Creek Challenge Trail:

View from Paradise Pier (Jumpin' Jellyfish):

 

[nunzia]

Quick question: Can we pool hop to use Disneyland Hotel's pool while we stay at VGC? The new monorail slides seems cool. I would want to try them when we visit in August if possible.

I don't think pool hopping is allowed at DLR.
As far as views..I used to love the DTD view..all the lights and music and sometimes fireworks views. When I went in 2001 right after the hotel opened, the Grizzly view was fantastic, but yes, the trees have blocked it alot in recent years. I like the PP view, the construction can be a little eye-sorey, but when you think about watching the transition of DCA it becomes quite special.

 

[bigAWL]

I have had good results sending email to member services. The vacation planner has a list of information to include with email requests. I send the email request within a few days of making the reservation.

Is there an e-mail address listed on the DVC Member website? I can't seem to find it.

 

[Nonsuch]

Is there an e-mail address listed on the DVC Member website? I can't seem to find it.

The email address is in the vacation planner, along with a list of information you should provide when contacting member services.