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

[bellazachmom]

Thank You!!

 

[franandaj]

And what is the walk like from the VGC wing to the DCA entrance and the restaurants?

Soooo excited about this trip!!

It seems that most of your other questions have been answered so I'll take this one on. There is no walk that really compares to WDW at DLR except that maybe if you are staying at the DLH, the walk to the parks might be about the same as the walk from the BWV to Epcot. From the DVC part of GCH it is MUCH closer.

If you have stayed at BLT the walk from the VGC to the rest of the hotel is closer than the walk from BLT to the Contemporary. In fact the walk from VGC is probably closer than any wing at WDW (although I still have yet to stay at VWL and BCV which I will take care of in October! ) to the main area with restaurants etc. You are literally "right there" when you stay at VGC. I can't wait until our next stay in October, we're going through "famine" in the summer, but will "feast" starting in October staying at least once each month in a DVC resort for the next few months!

 

[3card]

We're about to book our trip in October and I was hoping someone could confirm that the construction noise is no longer a problem from the CA side. We were there in March and the beeping of the trucks backing up and the banging seemed to go all night. Based on The Donut's account of room 5500, I'm guessing it's done (or she probably would have mentioned it). Now that I think more about it, it may have been even the previous visit. Just want to be sure as it was really pretty bad.

 

[Nonsuch]

We're about to book our trip in October and I was hoping someone could confirm that the construction noise is no longer a problem from the CA side.

I was there June 3 in the park side Grand Villa, and there was no construction noise. The shops closest to the VGC are open (Corndog Castle, Seaside Souvenirs) and even the landscaping behind these buildings has been completed. Goofy's Sky School and the 2 new restaurants had some construction, but all the heavy machinery seems to be done and the area should open in July

 

[PoohNFriends]

We've gone up there and watched the show. It is basically a big terrace with restrooms..that's it..no lounge or anything. There are soda machines though You can see WOC from up there and the music is piped in.however, you won't see the projections very well..these are best experienced front and center (which is not always easy to get either.) You use your room key to get in so it's for all Californian guests. When we were there it wasn't crowded at all..maybe 15 people? so everyone could be at the edge. I'd think if it ever got crowded it would end up being like standing in a big box and unless you were at the edge, you wouldn't be able to see anything.

Echoing what nunzia said it let's you see a top-view of WOC so it's more of a light and water show, but you can't see the projections very well at all. I also was not crowded at all when we were there, however it was a bit chilly for me. We were there beginning of May and it was hotter than usual, in the high 80's/low 90's during the day but chilly at night. They do have radiant heat on the ceiling which helps a bit. Definitely, check out WOC from the ground though because the projections are too neat not to miss!

 

[the donut]

I was there June 3 in the park side Grand Villa, and there was no construction noise. The shops closest to the VGC are open (Corndog Castle, Seaside Souvenirs) and even the landscaping behind these buildings has been completed. Goofy's Sky School and the 2 new restaurants had some construction, but all the heavy machinery seems to be done and the area should open in July

I agree with nonsuch - construction is pretty much finished in that area. I love what they've done with the queue area for Goofy's sky school. It's adorable from the villa view. I'll see if I can post a picture tonight when I get home.

It is a good thing Carsland is on the other side of the park. Now that looks like some heavy duty construction/noise.

 

[Goofy4Pooh]

(although I still have yet to stay at VWL and BCV which I will take care of in October! )

Thanks for the info! I know I'm going to absolutely fall in love with DLR!!

We have not stayed at BCV yet but you are going to LOVE VWL! It is our FAV resort at WDW. We really enjoy taking the Ferry to MK. You are going to have a wonderful time

Oh, and there was one more question - Has anyone stayed in the villas that overlook the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail? I'd like to see a picture of the view from 4515 or 5515.

 

[Nonsuch]

Oh, and there was one more question - Has anyone stayed in the villas that overlook the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail? I'd like to see a picture of the view from 4515 or 5515.

Those room numbers do not exist, you must want villas 4514 or 5514

 

[Longhairbear]

Thanks for the info! I know I'm going to absolutely fall in love with DLR!!

We have not stayed at BCV yet but you are going to LOVE VWL! It is our FAV resort at WDW. We really enjoy taking the Ferry to MK. You are going to have a wonderful time

Oh, and there was one more question - Has anyone stayed in the villas that overlook the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail? I'd like to see a picture of the view from 4515 or 5515.

We had the trail view on our first stay there, and loved it. There are forest animal sounds piped in. Loads of treetops, and Grizzly Peak in the background makes it seem you are somewhere else. Very nice, and relaxing view.

 

[Goofy4Pooh]

Those room numbers do not exist, you must want villas 4514 or 5514

Yep ~ Thanks Nonsuch Good Catch That's what I get for trying to read the Villa's floor plan without my reading glasses

Since I'm still very new to DIS I haven't learned all the tricks....How do you respond to more than one person at a time? I see some responding to two or three replys but I can't figure out how to add a second quote to my message so I can respond to it.

 

[Goofy4Pooh]

We had the trail view on our first stay there, and loved it. There are forest animal sounds piped in. Loads of treetops, and Grizzly Peak in the background makes it seem you are somewhere else. Very nice, and relaxing view.

I like the sound of that! Though I still think I would like the PP view I think my DH would really enjoy the trail view. Decisions decisions. Do you have any pics of the view?

 

[VallCopen]

We are here right now and I will see if those rooms are being cleaned so that I can peek in and get a shot, if the maid will let me??? You will love the VGC they are great. We have stayed 4 times now and have had only 2 different rooms, they are starting to feel like our personal rooms now. Enjoy your trip.

 

[Nonsuch]

...How do you respond to more than one person at a time? I see some responding to two or three replys but I can't figure out how to add a second quote to my message so I can respond to it.

There is no special trick.
Start replies with quotes in different windows, then copy/paste the quotes into a single reply

 

[kikiq]

Oh, and there was one more question - Has anyone stayed in the villas that overlook the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail? I'd like to see a picture of the view from 4515 or 5515.

We stayed in a studio on the second floor 2516...this is the view.

looking toward the pool area

 

[kikiq]

I like the sound of that! Though I still think I would like the PP view I think my DH would really enjoy the trail view. Decisions decisions. Do you have any pics of the view?

We had a studio (2516) for our birthday weekend our first year. Our DGD came to visit and my "dream" was hatched. My "dream" was to book Thanksgiving in a villa overlooking the trail play area. Cook Thanksgiving dinner and have the little ones play in the trail area. Then "call down" from our balcony when dinner was ready...silly, huh.

But then after reading how wonderful the PP view was and watching WOC from the villa. We asked for an upper floor PP view for our Memorial Day Family get together. Lucky enough to get room 3506 facing PP. My oldest DD watched WOC every night from the living room with her DD. That was a memory maker.

We had the extended family visit for dinner and WOC viewing from the villa, 17 people! It was wonderful. The 2 bdrm was a hit and the view, well, let's just say my DH and I went to bed with the curtains open to see the Mickey wheel changing lights and the music in the background.

It is a tough choice.

 

[Disney Princess]

Since I'm still very new to DIS I haven't learned all the tricks....How do you respond to more than one person at a time? I see some responding to two or three replys but I can't figure out how to add a second quote to my message so I can respond to it.

Instead of hitting the "quote" button, use the one to the right - it has a picture of quotation marks on it, and if you hover over it, my computer reads "multi quote". Just hit that button on each response you want to quote. When you are ready, hit the "post reply" button at the bottom, and your quotes will show up for you!

For what it is worth, we went in May and requested Paradise Park view. We got it and loved it; however, my in-laws had a view over the Redwood Challenge Trail. They saw the pool to the left and the park to the front and right. Both views were beautiful. We decided that we'd take ANY view, but prefer a villa on a higher floor. From now on, our requests will be floors 3, 4, 5 or 6. We'd be satisfied with all the views. Have a wonderful time!!

 

[Goofy4Pooh]

We are here right now and I will see if those rooms are being cleaned so that I can peek in and get a shot, if the maid will let me??? You will love the VGC they are great. We have stayed 4 times now and have had only 2 different rooms, they are starting to feel like our personal rooms now. Enjoy your trip.

If they will let you that would be very cool

My "dream" was to book Thanksgiving in a villa overlooking the trail play area. Cook Thanksgiving dinner and have the little ones play in the trail area. Then "call down" from our balcony when dinner was ready...silly, huh.

NOT AT ALL! I think that sounds like a wonderful dream After all ~ Disney IS where Dreams Come True

... let's just say my DH and I went to bed with the curtains open to see the Mickey wheel changing lights and the music in the background.

Now that's what I call a night light!!

Instead of hitting the "quote" button, use the one to the right - it has a picture of quotation marks on it, and if you hover over it, my computer reads "multi quote". Just hit that button on each response you want to quote. When you are ready, hit the "post reply" button at the bottom, and your quotes will show up for you!

....From now on, our requests will be floors 3, 4, 5 or 6. We'd be satisfied with all the views. Have a wonderful time!!

THANKS Disney Princess! That worked like a charm and I agree with you.....after everything I have read and seen I definitely want to be on 4 or above but I'm sure we will be very happy with either view.

 

[Disney Princess]

THANKS Disney Princess! That worked like a charm and I agree with you.....after everything I have read and seen I definitely want to be on 4 or above but I'm sure we will be very happy with either view.

I'm glad I could help - usually I only seek advice, so it is nice to be able to contribute something for a change!

 

[jkkldisney]

I just got back from our first trip to VGC and had requested PP view for the 2 bedroom villa, 3rd floor or higher. I was very disappointed to get a 2nd floor pool view. It was a nice view, but I was so looking forward to the park view that it was disappointing. I tried to get them to change it, but they said because the rooms are so limited they can't guarantee any view. I got over it and it was a great trip.

 

[taaren]

Instead of hitting the "quote" button, use the one to the right - it has a picture of quotation marks on it, and if you hover over it, my computer reads "multi quote". Just hit that button on each response you want to quote. When you are ready, hit the "post reply" button at the bottom, and your quotes will show up for you!

Thanks for mentioning this! When I've done the multi quote thing, I've just quoted, nabbed the code for it from the reply page, backed up, then done it again. This is soooooo much easier! Just goes to show that I've been doing too much coding at grad school that I think I need to do it for everything!

I just got back from our first trip to VGC and had requested PP view for the 2 bedroom villa, 3rd floor or higher. I was very disappointed to get a 2nd floor pool view. It was a nice view, but I was so looking forward to the park view that it was disappointing. I tried to get them to change it, but they said because the rooms are so limited they can't guarantee any view. I got over it and it was a great trip.

The first year (before we knew any better) we got a 1 bedroom which was 3rd floor pool view. I was simply in love with the room and didn't really pay attention to the view, but now ... if I don't get either a trails or Cali Adventure view I'll be slightly disappointed. However, since I had 2 single guys in my party that trip they greatly appreciated the pool view ....
Glad you had a great trip anyways. Kinda wish they'd charge a few more points for pool view/few less for a park view, because I'd be willing to spend a few extras for that and then people who own there could have the edge on whether they want to spend less points/great view similar to AKV and BLTs setups.