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

[taaren]

UGH! I almost got Dec 11th-16th at VGC but I guess I didn't click fast enough. So I'm booked at DLH Dec 10th & VGC 11th-14th. I'm on the waitlist for VGC the 11th-17th. What's the chance that will come through?

Longer waitlists have a lesser chance. Could you waitlist for just the 14th through 16th? Then maybe do a one night wait list for the either the 16th or 10th if the first one comes through?
I've had single night wait lists come through for VGC but been unsuccessful at 3 night waitlists.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Longer waitlists have a lesser chance. Could you waitlist for just the 14th through 16th? Then maybe do a one night wait list for the either the 16th or 10th if the first one comes through?
I've had single night wait lists come through for VGC but been unsuccessful at 3 night waitlists.

Interesting and good to know. Thanks.

 

[Bug715]

Longer waitlists have a lesser chance. Could you waitlist for just the 14th through 16th? Then maybe do a one night wait list for the either the 16th or 10th if the first one comes through?
I've had single night wait lists come through for VGC but been unsuccessful at 3 night waitlists.

Luckily it was slow at work and I noticed availability for the 14th! So I'm at VGC Dec 11th-16th. On the 16th I'll put in for a wait list for the night. I'm not too worried about that. If we have to we will get a cheap hotel off property and just store our bags till we are ready to sleep then head to the airport the next day.

Since I can sort of stop worrying about the hotel.... When can I start booking for dining & tours?

 

[taaren]

Luckily it was slow at work and I noticed availability for the 14th! So I'm at VGC Dec 11th-16th. On the 16th I'll put in for a wait list for the night. I'm not too worried about that. If we have to we will get a cheap hotel off property and just store our bags till we are ready to sleep then head to the airport the next day.
Since I can sort of stop worrying about the hotel.... When can I start booking for dining & tours?

Congrats! Gotta love online booking. Last trip we did 2 nights DLH (rented points from a member that were expiring imminently, use-or-lose, so it was a good deal for both of us), then 5 nights in our 2 bedroom at VGC, then moved over to the Marriott Anaheim for 2 nights (little under $100/night, they gave us concierge). Really nice way to do a split stay (we also had some people joining us and leaving earlier), love the pool at DLH and the fact that they'll move your luggage for you when you're in the park! Otherwise we often do a last-day check out and move to an airport hotel to save points since the first and last days of our trips are usually long park days trying to get one last time for everything in, plus it means not having to wake up as early to fight traffic to the airport the next day. Dining reservations at DLR are called Priority Seating, and can be made 60 days out, but usually you can find good availability 2 weeks out, or even shorter. Read Hydroguy's DLR for WDW Vets thread in the DLR board stickies.

 

[Bug715]

Congrats! Gotta love online booking. Last trip we did 2 nights DLH (rented points from a member that were expiring imminently, use-or-lose, so it was a good deal for both of us), then 5 nights in our 2 bedroom at VGC, then moved over to the Marriott Anaheim for 2 nights (little under $100/night, they gave us concierge). Really nice way to do a split stay (we also had some people joining us and leaving earlier), love the pool at DLH and the fact that they'll move your luggage for you when you're in the park! Otherwise we often do a last-day check out and move to an airport hotel to save points since the first and last days of our trips are usually long park days trying to get one last time for everything in, plus it means not having to wake up as early to fight traffic to the airport the next day. Dining reservations at DLR are called Priority Seating, and can be made 60 days out, but usually you can find good availability 2 weeks out, or even shorter. Read Hydroguy's DLR for WDW Vets thread in the DLR board stickies.

Thanks!! I've been meaning to look at that board for a while. Now that I have a "weekend" I'll head over there.

I'm thinking about booking Carthay Circle for one of our nights since we wanted the WoC dining option plus I need something fun for a specific night of our trip. I know it isn't open yet but I would appreciate any reviews in the coming months if anyone eats there.

 

[DebbieB]

You can now book club level through the Disney Collection (regular rooms). Starts at 66 points per night (super value season).

 

[Susie63]

Do GCV guests get the fastpasses that the rest of the resort guests receive?
I believe they started this last year.

 

[Nonsuch]

Do GCV guests get the fastpasses that the rest of the resort guests receive?

The promotion was 2 special fastpasses per registered guest, and was available last Summer and again in January/February of this year.

VGC guests also get these passes, I received them in June and January

I suspect there will be a similar promotion this Summer, so DLR hotel guests are able to experience Carsland without waiting all day

 

[kikiq]

The promotion was 2 special fastpasses per registered guest, and was available last Summer and again in January/February of this year.

VGC guests also get these passes, I received them in June and January

I suspect there will be a similar promotion this Summer, so DLR hotel guests are able to experience Carsland without waiting all day

I booked our anniversary weekend at 11 months not even thinking about Carsland. When I was yakking about summer plans this weekend, the family all wanted to know about getting FPs for Carsland since we got them in January. Better check to make sure I put everyone's name on the reservations We have a 1 bdrm for 3 nights!!

 

[nunzia]

The promotion was 2 special fastpasses per registered guest, and was available last Summer and again in January/February of this year.

VGC guests also get these passes, I received them in June and January

I suspect there will be a similar promotion this Summer, so DLR hotel guests are able to experience Carsland without waiting all day

I'm hoping the same

 

[sechelt]

So..... I posted this on the California board first, but wanted to get my DVCers opinions too! thanks in advance to any responses:

Back story: Ive been to California (Los angeles) once in 1991. I dont remember much at all other then we went over memorial Day week and it rained...a lot. We own DVC and go to Disney World atleast 2 times a year. We are a family of 4 from NJ...myself, DH, DS 14, DD 12.

Sooo....now we want to plan a trip for our family and I have LOTS and LOTS of questions:

1) Which resort would be best to use our Disney points at? (walking distance to parks, atmosphere, etc) I should delete this question on this board because I am sure the answer is VGC, but has anyone stayed at the others?

2) how many days would we need in the parks TOTAL? We dont need to see and do everything....but want to hit a lot. Is 3 full days enough?

3) Driving distance to LA? San Diego? Venice Beach/Santa Monica? Marina Del Rey? Could these all be day trips or would we need to do overnight stays in these areas?

4) Must sees: a)obviously Disney parks. b) Hollywood sign, walk of fame, Graumans theater, anythign else in Hollywood? Kids want typical tourist stuff and restaurants, so any suggestions would be great! c) Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive d) BEACH and ocean.

5) Which month is best to go? We want our best shot at great weather....and like I said before, we went over Memorial Day and it rained....lol...just our luck. but serioulsy is Spring (at Easter time) or Summer (either Memorial Day timeframe or the beginning of July) the best time to go?

I have lots more questions as I am just starting my research now. But thought I would start with my Disers to get some info!

Do you have a favorite tv show? You could be part of a studio audience for the filming. We've been able to get tickets for some great shows and the kids loved seeing the actors. The most recent was Big Bang Theory. Selection can be poor if you're travelling during hiatus but it's still fun to see what goes into making a tv program. www.tvtickets.com

 

[Susie63]

Sweet! And now there will be magic mornings everyday if you are a resort guest!

 

[Nonsuch]

...When I was yakking about summer plans this weekend, the family all wanted to know about getting FPs for Carsland since we got them in January. Better check to make sure I put everyone's name on the reservations We have a 1 bdrm for 3 nights!!

Add names up to the room limit
(5 for a 1 bedroom)

 

[taaren]

The promotion was 2 special fastpasses per registered guest, and was available last Summer and again in January/February of this year.

VGC guests also get these passes, I received them in June and January

I suspect there will be a similar promotion this Summer, so DLR hotel guests are able to experience Carsland without waiting all day

I'm going to guess that they will not be repeating this promotion since they are doing the DCA Magic Mornings for resort guests now, according to today's DIS blog announcement.

I'm super excited that its starting on 6/18 which will be day 2 of our 3 day DL trip!

 

[ToodlesRN]

We just got back from a 9 day stay that was spilt
First night Paradise pier (no room at the GCV)
next 3 nights GCV studio in 5504 a great view room
1 night in Carlsbad to see family and Legoland
2 nights GCV
1 night disneyland hotel (no rooms at GCV)

It was a great stay until we arrived back at the villas Saturday eve, checked in our room didn't get any of my requested rooms which was ok since we scored the first time around. We walked into our room and it had the most horrid smell ever, called the front desk and was told the is completely full and nothing they can do about the smell, insisted that maintenance, housekeeping or a manger come up to assess the issue. Housekeeping came up and yep, indeed a bad order was in the room they sprayed orderizer all over and again we couldn't be moved. Had to live with the smell all night, a dvc specialist called first thing in the morning, they said they would pay for our breakfast if they can come up and do a deep cleaning for a couple hours, I asked to be moved to another room was told it wouldn't happen until after 4pm. I said that wouldn't work as the baby needed to return for a nap. I then asked if we can be moved to Disneyland hotel since our last night would be there, he checked into and said that I would loose my 20 points for the GCV and then have to fork over an additional 37 points for DLR. I was not falling for that as this room was not guest ready due to it's condition and we should have never had to stay in it. I hung up and called DVC to see what they can do an minute later the DVC specialist called the room to offer us to be moved to DLR complimentary (no DVC involved) and continue our stay in the same room until check out. I took that deal as I didn't want to keep moving rooms around. I was almost in tears with this happening as it was Mothers day and it was starting out not looking good. When we arrived at the DLR we were upgraded compliments of the manager to the fantasy building with a pool view. It was a wonderful ending to our stay and the nightmare it started out to be.

I was just surprised that the cast members didn't want to work with a dvc member or try to accommodate a guest to another room even if it was in the regular hotel side. It was like they didn't even care of the problems that the room had. It was not in any condition to stay in with that smell. Bad PR in my book for DVC. The dvc specialist even mentioned several times, that being moved has nothing to do with DVC it was a courtesy of Disney resorts to do that and with it being mothers day weekend he wanted our stay to be magical.

 

[MrShiny]

We just got back from 4 nights in a GCV studio after my conference (had a concierge room at DLH for that - even better, I got to visit the Adventureland suite which was our group's President's room).

Studio 1509 - interesting view - instead of just leaving it open to the back of the pool area, they built up a berm of ferns - so the patio looked out on a mound of dirt and plants!

Great weather. Glimpse into Cars Land makes me want to go back!

 

[taaren]

It was a great stay until we arrived back at the villas Saturday eve, checked in our room didn't get any of my requested rooms which was ok since we scored the first time around. We walked into our room and it had the most horrid smell ever, called the front desk and was told the is completely full and nothing they can do about the smell, insisted that maintenance, housekeeping or a manger come up to assess the issue. Housekeeping came up and yep, indeed a bad order was in the room they sprayed orderizer all over and again we couldn't be moved. Had to live with the smell all night, a dvc specialist called first thing in the morning, they said they would pay for our breakfast if they can come up and do a deep cleaning for a couple hours, I asked to be moved to another room was told it wouldn't happen until after 4pm. I said that wouldn't work as the baby needed to return for a nap. I then asked if we can be moved to Disneyland hotel since our last night would be there, he checked into and said that I would loose my 20 points for the GCV and then have to fork over an additional 37 points for DLR. I was not falling for that as this room was not guest ready due to it's condition and we should have never had to stay in it. I hung up and called DVC to see what they can do an minute later the DVC specialist called the room to offer us to be moved to DLR complimentary (no DVC involved) and continue our stay in the same room until check out. I took that deal as I didn't want to keep moving rooms around. I was almost in tears with this happening as it was Mothers day and it was starting out not looking good. When we arrived at the DLR we were upgraded compliments of the manager to the fantasy building with a pool view. It was a wonderful ending to our stay and the nightmare it started out to be.

I was just surprised that the cast members didn't want to work with a dvc member or try to accommodate a guest to another room even if it was in the regular hotel side. It was like they didn't even care of the problems that the room had. It was not in any condition to stay in with that smell. Bad PR in my book for DVC. The dvc specialist even mentioned several times, that being moved has nothing to do with DVC it was a courtesy of Disney resorts to do that and with it being mothers day weekend he wanted our stay to be magical.

Oh dear. I'm so sorry you had trouble with the villa! (I hope they fixed the problem with the 2nd villa .... was it a studio?) Even though I love the location of the VGC better I have noticed the few times we've gotten the opportunity to stay at the DLH the service was a higher standard, the CMs went above-and-beyond when we stayed there (and when our friends stayed there). And its nice that you got to enjoy multiple nights at the DLH, hopefully your family was able to enjoy the new pool.
What was the the smell? Was it a sewer line problem that maintenance needed to fix or just a leftover problem from a previous guest like smoke?
I'm sensitive to smells too so I'd be very upset if I had to spend the night in a room that had an intolerable smell. Personally I think I would have demanded a GCH hotel room as soon as I walked into the villa if my studio was not habitable. Glad MS got it sorted out for you!
Did you like the ease of the split stay from PPH to VGC then from VGC to DLH? We got to spend a few nights at DLH before VGC last trip, and it was so great to check out, head to the parks, then go back to our villa an just call for the bags even though the tips definitely added up!

 

[ToodlesRN]

Oh dear. I'm so sorry you had trouble with the villa! (I hope they fixed the problem with the 2nd villa .... was it a studio?) Even though I love the location of the VGC better I have noticed the few times we've gotten the opportunity to stay at the DLH the service was a higher standard, the CMs went above-and-beyond when we stayed there (and when our friends stayed there). And its nice that you got to enjoy multiple nights at the DLH, hopefully your family was able to enjoy the new pool.
What was the the smell? Was it a sewer line problem that maintenance needed to fix or just a leftover problem from a previous guest like smoke?
I'm sensitive to smells too so I'd be very upset if I had to spend the night in a room that had an intolerable smell. Personally I think I would have demanded a GCH hotel room as soon as I walked into the villa if my studio was not habitable. Glad MS got it sorted out for you!
Did you like the ease of the split stay from PPH to VGC then from VGC to DLH? We got to spend a few nights at DLH before VGC last trip, and it was so great to check out, head to the parks, then go back to our villa an just call for the bags even though the tips definitely added up!

Taaren,
It was a studio we had booked, my husband swore it was a urine smell in the carpet and I smelled a strong maple syrup smell housekeeping thought it was a food smell too. Which they cleaned the microwave but it was embedded in the cabinets, walls and carpet. The kids got to enjoy the new pool at DLH! It was a great stay we had a room with the headboard that lights up showing fireworks, don't know if it's in all the rooms now? Know it wasn't before the remodel. I didn't like jumping around hotels with 2 kids in tow, but GCV didn't have rooms on the 2 nights we needed. With my Asthma and allergies I told them I can't stay in this room and even after they deep cleaned it the chemical smells are enough to set my asthma off. I am very sensitive to smells and the syrup smell drives me crazy!!

I just hope that they put the room out of commission to throughly clean it and not just do a regular clean and give it to the next guest waiting.

 

[Crazy4Disney06]

Got a room at VGC in December! 3 nights in a 1 bedroom since the studio was all booked up. Now we just need to find a hotel for the other nights.
What is everyone's opinion on 3 nights in a 1 bedroom? Do you think it's worth it? This is a special trip to celebrate me graduating from nursing school in December so I don't feel too bad about using the large amount of points it required as we really can't afford the flights to Aulani or WDW like we had wanted to this year.

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Got a room at VGC in December! 3 nights in a 1 bedroom since the studio was all booked up. Now we just need to find a hotel for the other nights.
What is everyone's opinion on 3 nights in a 1 bedroom? Do you think it's worth it? This is a special trip to celebrate me graduating from nursing school in December so I don't feel too bad about using the large amount of points it required as we really can't afford the flights to Aulani or WDW like we had wanted to this year.

I say if you have the points then book it!!! Of course you might never want to go back to a studio!