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

[Sandisw]

Let’s get the thread back on topic.

 

[supercarrie]

We checked out of the Grand this morning after a 1 night stay in a studio. This was our first time ever using our DVC points and also first time ever staying at the Grand! We are locals so have visited for meals, the spa, shopping, etc. many times.

We booked a hearing accessible room (based on availability only) and they put us in 1504, which was a non-hearing accessible room. Our ground floor patio faced a very peaceful view of greenery and the walking path to Pixar Pier, which was hardly used during our stay. It felt very private and secluded, apart from an occasional scream from Goofy's Sky School. (We couldn't hear anything in the room itself or from the connecting 1 bedroom, apart from a very faint baby cry about 1am.)

Our room was in very good condition despite VGC coming up to refurb soon. A few notes, things of which have probably been covered in the thread, but were new to us observations:

-The pool chairs are so thick and luxurious! We appreciated the CMs coming around with otter pops, too. There was a DJ by the pool and it was very busy but so much fun. CMs at the pool were all friendly and helpful. They were giving out wristbands but said if we came back in the evening, they wouldn't be handing them out since it was quieter then.

-The 6th floor viewing terrace had an "out of order" sign on it, so we missed out on that, but did enjoy the 5th floor deck overlooking the pool.

-Room was ready about 2:30pm, which was a nice change from recent WDW stays (and a surprise).

-We had to wait in line twice at the check-in desk, and each time it seemed very understaffed. Two people checking people in, three people simply monitoring the queue and chatting to guests, and one CM stood behind one of the desks and was quite literally just organizing the office supplies on the desk. A couple times, the CMs manning the queue had to go up to the CMs behind the desk and point to the queue to sort of signal to keep things moving. When the line was 15 people deep, this felt a bit silly. I also wonder why they couldn't give us key cards first and then just text us our room number (especially given you can use the pool, need them for the self-parking security gates, etc.) and instead we had to come back in line, along with everyone else, to get our key cards. OR have a dedicated line for key pick up. My DL app kept crashing, so couldn't use the mobile key, so that added to it a bit. The CM the first time was a bit rude and abrupt, too. She was like "I assume you know where the DVC wing is, right?" and actually sighed when I told her I wasn't sure as it was my first time staying here. Then she also oddly picked up and held the map/activity schedule in her hand, but sort of away from me and then said "I guess you don't need these?" and I said "Actually, I'd love a map, please" and she sighed again. It was just weird. Overall, checking in just felt just a bit "off" compared to the usual Disney resort experience. No big deal, I assume she was having a bad day, but it was just a little bit of a miss.

-For part of the day, there was a DVC CM standing outside of the preview center trying to encourage people to come in. We missed out on visiting (my son was too into the pool) but that particular CM in particular seemed very friendly!

-Hearthstone Lounge had an amazing lemon tart with strawberry ice cream as their seasonal dessert. Don't sleep on it. We ordered to-go at the bar and as a local, I'll definitely do this again! They had us wait in the lobby and brought us the food all packaged up. Very nice option if you want something quick and a bit more than fast food.

-We spent most of our time in the pool or on our patio and only popped into DCA to go on RSR and then later at night, DL to go on Star Tours. The parks are very quiet right now, probably a combination of the heat, some Magic Keys blocked out and higher priced tickets. It was so relaxing!

-Apart from the weird check-in experience, the CMs were amazing! The Grand is such a special experience and it was a lovely treat to kick off the 4th of July week. I only wish I could have found two nights instead of one in my stalking.

We are going to try to pick up a cancellation at VDH this summer, and it will be interesting to compare the two. I'm already budgeting for more points for staycations.

Any questions, please ask! We are actually going back in a bit to use the pool while we still can.

 

[KPeterso]

-We had to wait in line twice at the check-in desk, and each time it seemed very understaffed. Two people checking people in, three people simply monitoring the queue and chatting to guests, and one CM stood behind one of the desks and was quite literally just organizing the office supplies on the desk. A couple times, the CMs manning the queue had to go up to the CMs behind the desk and point to the queue to sort of signal to keep things moving. When the line was 15 people deep, this felt a bit silly. I also wonder why they couldn't give us key cards first and then just text us our room number (especially given you can use the pool, need them for the self-parking security gates, etc.) and instead we had to come back in line, along with everyone else, to get our key cards. OR have a dedicated line for key pick up. My DL app kept crashing, so couldn't use the mobile key, so that added to it a bit. The CM the first time was a bit rude and abrupt, too. She was like "I assume you know where the DVC wing is, right?" and actually sighed when I told her I wasn't sure as it was my first time staying here. Then she also oddly picked up and held the map/activity schedule in her hand, but sort of away from me and then said "I guess you don't need these?" and I said "Actually, I'd love a map, please" and she sighed again. It was just weird. Overall, checking in just felt just a bit "off" compared to the usual Disney resort experience. No big deal, I assume she was having a bad day, but it was just a little bit of a miss.



-We spent most of our time in the pool or on our patio and only popped into DCA to go on RSR and then later at night, DL to go on Star Tours. The parks are very quiet right now, probably a combination of the heat, some Magic Keys blocked out and higher priced tickets. It was so relaxing!

That is really strange about the keys. We have always been given them at check in at VGC and then get the text later. We are also local and often get there between 8-9 AM knowing our rooms will not be ready so we head into the parks and come back to the resort once our room is ready. Will be interested to see if it happens when we are there in a couple weeks.

Crowds have definitely been light. I went on Saturday and was shocked how short a lot of the lines were all day. Went a week ago Saturday later in the day and it was the same thing...

 

[nalababybear]

We checked out of the Grand this morning after a 1 night stay in a studio. This was our first time ever using our DVC points and also first time ever staying at the Grand! We are locals so have visited for meals, the spa, shopping, etc. many times.

We booked a hearing accessible room (based on availability only) and they put us in 1504, which was a non-hearing accessible room. Our ground floor patio faced a very peaceful view of greenery and the walking path to Pixar Pier, which was hardly used during our stay. It felt very private and secluded, apart from an occasional scream from Goofy's Sky School. (We couldn't hear anything in the room itself or from the connecting 1 bedroom, apart from a very faint baby cry about 1am.)

Our room was in very good condition despite VGC coming up to refurb soon. A few notes, things of which have probably been covered in the thread, but were new to us observations:

-The pool chairs are so thick and luxurious! We appreciated the CMs coming around with otter pops, too. There was a DJ by the pool and it was very busy but so much fun. CMs at the pool were all friendly and helpful. They were giving out wristbands but said if we came back in the evening, they wouldn't be handing them out since it was quieter then.

-The 6th floor viewing terrace had an "out of order" sign on it, so we missed out on that, but did enjoy the 5th floor deck overlooking the pool.

-Room was ready about 2:30pm, which was a nice change from recent WDW stays (and a surprise).

-We had to wait in line twice at the check-in desk, and each time it seemed very understaffed. Two people checking people in, three people simply monitoring the queue and chatting to guests, and one CM stood behind one of the desks and was quite literally just organizing the office supplies on the desk. A couple times, the CMs manning the queue had to go up to the CMs behind the desk and point to the queue to sort of signal to keep things moving. When the line was 15 people deep, this felt a bit silly. I also wonder why they couldn't give us key cards first and then just text us our room number (especially given you can use the pool, need them for the self-parking security gates, etc.) and instead we had to come back in line, along with everyone else, to get our key cards. OR have a dedicated line for key pick up. My DL app kept crashing, so couldn't use the mobile key, so that added to it a bit. The CM the first time was a bit rude and abrupt, too. She was like "I assume you know where the DVC wing is, right?" and actually sighed when I told her I wasn't sure as it was my first time staying here. Then she also oddly picked up and held the map/activity schedule in her hand, but sort of away from me and then said "I guess you don't need these?" and I said "Actually, I'd love a map, please" and she sighed again. It was just weird. Overall, checking in just felt just a bit "off" compared to the usual Disney resort experience. No big deal, I assume she was having a bad day, but it was just a little bit of a miss.

-For part of the day, there was a DVC CM standing outside of the preview center trying to encourage people to come in. We missed out on visiting (my son was too into the pool) but that particular CM in particular seemed very friendly!

-Hearthstone Lounge had an amazing lemon tart with strawberry ice cream as their seasonal dessert. Don't sleep on it. We ordered to-go at the bar and as a local, I'll definitely do this again! They had us wait in the lobby and brought us the food all packaged up. Very nice option if you want something quick and a bit more than fast food.

-We spent most of our time in the pool or on our patio and only popped into DCA to go on RSR and then later at night, DL to go on Star Tours. The parks are very quiet right now, probably a combination of the heat, some Magic Keys blocked out and higher priced tickets. It was so relaxing!

-Apart from the weird check-in experience, the CMs were amazing! The Grand is such a special experience and it was a lovely treat to kick off the 4th of July week. I only wish I could have found two nights instead of one in my stalking.

We are going to try to pick up a cancellation at VDH this summer, and it will be interesting to compare the two. I'm already budgeting for more points for staycations.

Any questions, please ask! We are actually going back in a bit to use the pool while we still can.

Great share. Yes 1504 is standard hearing accessible and we love that room.

The pool chairs are insane, aren't they?!?

Vgc really shines on oogie boogie nights.

 

[supercarrie]

That is really strange about the keys. We have always been given them at check in at VGC and then get the text later. We are also local and often get there between 8-9 AM knowing our rooms will not be ready so we head into the parks and come back to the resort once our room is ready. Will be interested to see if it happens when we are there in a couple weeks.

Crowds have definitely been light. I went on Saturday and was shocked how short a lot of the lines were all day. Went a week ago Saturday later in the day and it was the same thing...

I thought it was so odd! A bunch of people got in line with me to pick up keys, so we must have all received the texts about the same time. The CMs all said "Did you get your text? Ready to pick up your keys?" so not sure if this is some new procedure, but it seemed very inefficient. Definitely report back!

 

[supercarrie]

Great share. Yes 1504 is standard hearing accessible and we love that room.

The pool chairs are insane, aren't they?!?

Vgc really shines on oogie boogie nights.

Interesting. I didn't even notice the extra alarms, if it was hearing accessible! Either way, great room!

I didn't even think about it for oogie boogie...next year, I'll definitely be stalking/looking at the 7 month mark!

 

[nalababybear]

Interesting. I didn't even notice the extra alarms, if it was hearing accessible! Either way, great room!

I didn't even think about it for oogie boogie...next year, I'll definitely be stalking/looking at the 7 month mark!

1504 and 1509 studio hearing
1516. Wc accessible

 

[ClaraOswald]

Southwest Airlines business card has a very good promotion on and it'll garner a companion pass with it...the holy grail of family travel

Is it the holy grail to travel if the airline that doesn’t guarantee your family can sit together?

We've lucked out and with our son being autistic, we've been able to do early boarding together. Though once or twice, a gate agent has been rude about it. It does stress me out. But SWA seems to have the times/layovers we like.

We checked out of the Grand this morning after a 1 night stay in a studio. This was our first time ever using our DVC points and also first time ever staying at the Grand! We are locals so have visited for meals, the spa, shopping, etc. many times.

We booked a hearing accessible room (based on availability only) and they put us in 1504, which was a non-hearing accessible room. Our ground floor patio faced a very peaceful view of greenery and the walking path to Pixar Pier, which was hardly used during our stay. It felt very private and secluded, apart from an occasional scream from Goofy's Sky School. (We couldn't hear anything in the room itself or from the connecting 1 bedroom, apart from a very faint baby cry about 1am.)

Our room was in very good condition despite VGC coming up to refurb soon. A few notes, things of which have probably been covered in the thread, but were new to us observations:

-The pool chairs are so thick and luxurious! We appreciated the CMs coming around with otter pops, too. There was a DJ by the pool and it was very busy but so much fun. CMs at the pool were all friendly and helpful. They were giving out wristbands but said if we came back in the evening, they wouldn't be handing them out since it was quieter then.

-The 6th floor viewing terrace had an "out of order" sign on it, so we missed out on that, but did enjoy the 5th floor deck overlooking the pool.

-Room was ready about 2:30pm, which was a nice change from recent WDW stays (and a surprise).

-We had to wait in line twice at the check-in desk, and each time it seemed very understaffed. Two people checking people in, three people simply monitoring the queue and chatting to guests, and one CM stood behind one of the desks and was quite literally just organizing the office supplies on the desk. A couple times, the CMs manning the queue had to go up to the CMs behind the desk and point to the queue to sort of signal to keep things moving. When the line was 15 people deep, this felt a bit silly. I also wonder why they couldn't give us key cards first and then just text us our room number (especially given you can use the pool, need them for the self-parking security gates, etc.) and instead we had to come back in line, along with everyone else, to get our key cards. OR have a dedicated line for key pick up. My DL app kept crashing, so couldn't use the mobile key, so that added to it a bit. The CM the first time was a bit rude and abrupt, too. She was like "I assume you know where the DVC wing is, right?" and actually sighed when I told her I wasn't sure as it was my first time staying here. Then she also oddly picked up and held the map/activity schedule in her hand, but sort of away from me and then said "I guess you don't need these?" and I said "Actually, I'd love a map, please" and she sighed again. It was just weird. Overall, checking in just felt just a bit "off" compared to the usual Disney resort experience. No big deal, I assume she was having a bad day, but it was just a little bit of a miss.

-For part of the day, there was a DVC CM standing outside of the preview center trying to encourage people to come in. We missed out on visiting (my son was too into the pool) but that particular CM in particular seemed very friendly!

-Hearthstone Lounge had an amazing lemon tart with strawberry ice cream as their seasonal dessert. Don't sleep on it. We ordered to-go at the bar and as a local, I'll definitely do this again! They had us wait in the lobby and brought us the food all packaged up. Very nice option if you want something quick and a bit more than fast food.

-We spent most of our time in the pool or on our patio and only popped into DCA to go on RSR and then later at night, DL to go on Star Tours. The parks are very quiet right now, probably a combination of the heat, some Magic Keys blocked out and higher priced tickets. It was so relaxing!

-Apart from the weird check-in experience, the CMs were amazing! The Grand is such a special experience and it was a lovely treat to kick off the 4th of July week. I only wish I could have found two nights instead of one in my stalking.

We are going to try to pick up a cancellation at VDH this summer, and it will be interesting to compare the two. I'm already budgeting for more points for staycations.

Any questions, please ask! We are actually going back in a bit to use the pool while we still can.

I still have no idea if I'm supposed to sit on those thick loungers with a soaking wet suit.

Our room was ready around 4pm so when we arrived, we went straight up and tried to use the app to open the door. It worked but took way too many tries. So I went down to the desk for a key. Lucked out that there was no line and was given a key quickly.

I didn't know there was 5th floor deck overlooking the pool area.

How many hours a day is there a DJ at the pool? I'm so sensitive to noise, maybe it's a good thing we didn't get our pool view room request.

I thought crowds were pretty heavy in the parks on the days we were there (June 18th - 22nd.) We always try to avoid going too close to holidays but now I wonder if we should have gone a week later!

 

[supercarrie]

We've lucked out and with our son being autistic, we've been able to do early boarding together. Though once or twice, a gate agent has been rude about it. It does stress me out. But SWA seems to have the times/layovers we like.



I still have no idea if I'm supposed to sit on those thick loungers with a soaking wet suit.

Our room was ready around 4pm so when we arrived, we went straight up and tried to use the app to open the door. It worked but took way too many tries. So I went down to the desk for a key. Lucked out that there was no line and was given a key quickly.

I didn't know there was 5th floor deck overlooking the pool area.

How many hours a day is there a DJ at the pool? I'm so sensitive to noise, maybe it's a good thing we didn't get our pool view room request.

I thought crowds were pretty heavy in the parks on the days we were there (June 18th - 22nd.) We always try to avoid going too close to holidays but now I wonder if we should have gone a week later!

Today was live music instead of a DJ. Not sure of the hours but we are here now and they haven’t been playing the entire time (got here at 6pm).

The parks are definitely more crowded today (Monday) than yesterday! I think a combo of blockout dates on weekends and higher prices contribute. Still not awful, but yesterday was so dead. I am going to try two weekends from now and see if it is a trend!

 

[nalababybear]

Both keys were available yesterday and today. The 3 day pass maybe the difference as having the weekend is a but more than the m-th pass.

 

[limace]

Just throw a towel down on those nice loungers and sit on down with your wet suit!

 

[ehh]

That was my thought when I saw those gone in April, although I thought it was a weird time with it being spring break season/high point timing. Who knows if that is when they are starting or if it will start sooner and go with upper floors first.

The earliest inventory removals corresponded with the second floor, if I remember correctly. Then went up in floors. But I think it's all moot anyway--I think the earliest removals were 'too early' based on what DVC has stated (or not) about timeline. The earliest removals were starting Oct 2024.

I think others suggested the inventory was put back into circulation (which is a lot harder to definitively detect, but is plausible).

Ehh, you’re a master of all things Disney data. Any forecast for when DVD might declare more rooms? Like you I’ve got wait lists in for a 2 bedroom in mid January and it’s looking full at both resorts.

At VDH? Doesn't look so good there for you, I'm afraid. They've been adding additional VDH inventory into the mix at 11m+7d as a forecast of declarations, then actually doing the corresponding declarations at the appropriate time with no mass inventory drop.

In fact, they appeared to have adjusted a forecast down at one point, essentially removing future inventory. Not sure if any categories had sold out or how they would handle it, if so.

But sales are pretty slow and steady, so forecasts are probably solid now, with little reason for them to do an unplanned inventory drop.

 

[CaoilinnsMom]

Is there any news regarding the refurbishment schedule. Do we know when they are going to start yet?

 

[AstroBlasters]

Is there any news regarding the refurbishment schedule. Do we know when they are going to start yet?

Just speculation, nothing concrete.

 

[LilyJC]

We had a great staycation at the end of June really to celebrate my youngest’s 16th birthday, but we ended up checking in on our 22nd anniversary so I find studios and 2 bedrooms to show the most damage overall - This 2 bedroom was not horrible, but the wood around the jetted tub was pretty rough.

We did a couple new to us activities to celebrate with the teens - a cabana day and then we booked the DVC River Stone massage at the Tenaya Spa. Since they all were under 18, I had to be with them at all times in the changing room (I did not go with them into the steam room where they only lasted 7 minutes anyway ). For the massages they had to have one of us in there at all times as well. They all absolutely loved the experience!

And I always check for fun merch:

​

They also still had the grey zip up and blue sweatpants.

​

I thought this corkcicle was pretty cute!

​

And these ears!!

Lastly, (and this will only mean something to Dancing with the Stars/SYTYCD fans) my husband took the teens for one last Salt n Straw treat. Right behind him going through security to get into DtD from GCH were Derek Hough and his wife Hayley Erbert with their plaid. The girls almost lost their minds trying to get my husband to notice, and they were all thrilled by this particular sighting.

 

[sparkhill]

We had a great staycation at the end of June really to celebrate my youngest’s 16th birthday, but we ended up checking in on our 22nd anniversary so I find studios and 2 bedrooms to show the most damage overall - This 2 bedroom was not horrible, but the wood around the jetted tub was pretty rough.

The condition of the rooms is shockingly variable. We stayed in a 1BR and it was past worn out, while the 2BR we had a couple months later was older but decent.

 

[ClaraOswald]

We had a great staycation at the end of June really to celebrate my youngest’s 16th birthday, but we ended up checking in on our 22nd anniversary so I find studios and 2 bedrooms to show the most damage overall - This 2 bedroom was not horrible, but the wood around the jetted tub was pretty rough.

We did a couple new to us activities to celebrate with the teens - a cabana day and then we booked the DVC River Stone massage at the Tenaya Spa. Since they all were under 18, I had to be with them at all times in the changing room (I did not go with them into the steam room where they only lasted 7 minutes anyway ). For the massages they had to have one of us in there at all times as well. They all absolutely loved the experience!

And I always check for fun merch:

View attachment 875539​

They also still had the grey zip up and blue sweatpants.

View attachment 875540​

I thought this corkcicle was pretty cute!

View attachment 875541​

And these ears!!

Lastly, (and this will only mean something to Dancing with the Stars/SYTYCD fans) my husband took the teens for one last Salt n Straw treat. Right behind him going through security to get into DtD from GCH were Derek Hough and his wife Hayley Erbert with their plaid. The girls almost lost their minds trying to get my husband to notice, and they were all thrilled by this particular sighting.

It's so fun to spot celebs! We only saw on during our June trip. Tim Simons (actor, probably best known for Veep) was in Disneyland with his family.

I honestly didn't think our studio looked too awful...but I have no prior VGC experience to compare it to. Furniture was a bit dinged up but the kitchenette and bathroom both looked fine, overall.

That said, I'm excited to see them refreshed....hopefully by our next trip! We were definitely a bit spoiled by the shiny new BRV studio earlier this year.

 

[CA_CoasterFan]

Is there any news regarding the refurbishment schedule. Do we know when they are going to start yet?

I'm curious about the refurbishment schedule as well. Just booked our trip for June 2025 and curious if we'll be there in the middle of refurbishment or lucky to maybe get a refurbished room!

The earliest inventory removals corresponded with the second floor, if I remember correctly. Then went up in floors. But I think it's all moot anyway--I think the earliest removals were 'too early' based on what DVC has stated (or not) about timeline. The earliest removals were starting Oct 2024.

I think others suggested the inventory was put back into circulation (which is a lot harder to definitively detect, but is plausible).

@ehh: just out of curiosity, where do you find data on inventory and whether inventory has been removed?

 

[AstroBlasters]

I'm curious about the refurbishment schedule as well. Just booked our trip for June 2025 and curious if we'll be there in the middle of refurbishment or lucky to maybe get a refurbished room!



@ehh: just out of curiosity, where do you find data on inventory and whether inventory has been removed?

Just booked a trip for May (Star Wars Night!)

 

[ehh]

I'm curious about the refurbishment schedule as well. Just booked our trip for June 2025 and curious if we'll be there in the middle of refurbishment or lucky to maybe get a refurbished room!



@ehh: just out of curiosity, where do you find data on inventory and whether inventory has been removed?

It's buried in a JSON response to some actions on a couple pages.