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

[funatdisney]

We were in a one bedroom last weekend. On my way to the special sale at the World of Disney at 5:30am, I took a picture of the GCH Tree.

 

[the donut]

We were in a one bedroom last weekend. On my way to the special sale at the World of Disney at 5:30am, I took a picture of the GCH Tree.

How was that sale? I saw twitter reports on wait times that were incredible (i.e. waiting in line to pay from 8:15 to 10am, 2 hours to just get in to the store). Is that true? Did you score deals that were worth the hassle of going to the sale?

 

[funatdisney]

the donut, I had heard about the sale about a month before my trip on the DLR side of DIS. I decided to go since it happened to take place the same weekend as my trip. I posted an account of my experience on the DLR Christmas thread, so I will copy it here:


"This past weekend I was able to attend the special sale at the World of Disney store for APs, DVC members and D23 members last Saturday. What an experience! I arrived at 5:30am and was told that the queue was over by the parking lot near the Rainforest cafe. I must have been about 500th in line. They were giving away a special gift to the first 1000 members, so I was relieved that I got up early enough for the gift.

Before the shoppers were let in, they handed out flyers that explained what merchandise was for sale and where they were located in the store. Not everything in the store was included in the sale. Items on sale included any items with "2010" like t-shirts, mugs and ornaments and any items that had this year's theme designs, and some toys. Everything on sale was 75% to 30% off. They also worked with the Toys for Tots organization. Fireman and Marines were on hand to collect any donations.

When you walk in, they gave you a 33 gallon trash bag to shop with. People were stuffing their trash bags with stuff. I only wanted to buy what I really needed. I have lost some weight, so I wanted clothes and jackets in the next size smaller than I wear now and some pins for my DD. So I headed to those sections first (lucky for me that the sections were very close together). It was hard to get around the store. There were lots of people dragging their trash bags full of stuff. It was difficult to maneuver through the crowd and their bags. I manage to get a “2010” jacket (regularly $45 paid $12) and some shirts in the size I wanted. I got 14 pins for my DD ($2 each).

When I finished shopping, I got into line. The lines were long and it took forever to get to the cashier. When I reached the cashier, they rung up my items and then gave me the 20% PAP discount, too! I couldn't believe it. I saved so much money.

As for the gift, I thought it would be some trinket, but it was a really nice gift. It was a resin picture frame with Tinker Bell on it. It must have regularly sold for around $25. I was quite impressed.

Overall, I am glad I attended the sale, but I don't know if I would drive down just to attend it. I happen to be staying at the GCH, so rolling out of bed, walk down stairs, shop, drag my loot back to my room and take a nap made it easier to attend. Well, I might if I could go with a buddy."

I arrived in the parking lot queue where it wasn't too bad. For the cashier line I think I waited an hour and half to get checked out. I do think that the registers must have had some problems in the beginning. We moved an inch every 15 minutes. The line then got to move a lot quicker about 45 minutes after I first got into the line. I think if anyone arrived after the 1000th mark would have extra long waits. They could only let so many people in at a time.
__________________

 

[the donut]

Thanks funatdisney. It's nice to hear a first hand account. Doesn't quite seem like my cup of tea. Lines + crowds + shopping = no donut.

 

[stopher1]

the donut, I had heard about the sale about a month before my trip on the DLR side of DIS. I decided to go since it happened to take place the same weekend as my trip. I posted an account of my experience on the DLR Christmas thread, so I will copy it here:


"This past weekend I was able to attend the special sale at the World of Disney store for APs, DVC members and D23 members last Saturday. What an experience! I arrived at 5:30am and was told that the queue was over by the parking lot near the Rainforest cafe. I must have been about 500th in line. They were giving away a special gift to the first 1000 members, so I was relieved that I got up early enough for the gift.

Before the shoppers were let in, they handed out flyers that explained what merchandise was for sale and where they were located in the store. Not everything in the store was included in the sale. Items on sale included any items with "2010" like t-shirts, mugs and ornaments and any items that had this year's theme designs, and some toys. Everything on sale was 75% to 30% off. They also worked with the Toys for Tots organization. Fireman and Marines were on hand to collect any donations.

When you walk in, they gave you a 33 gallon trash bag to shop with. People were stuffing their trash bags with stuff. I only wanted to buy what I really needed. I have lost some weight, so I wanted clothes and jackets in the next size smaller than I wear now and some pins for my DD. So I headed to those sections first (lucky for me that the sections were very close together). It was hard to get around the store. There were lots of people dragging their trash bags full of stuff. It was difficult to maneuver through the crowd and their bags. I manage to get a “2010” jacket (regularly $45 paid $12) and some shirts in the size I wanted. I got 14 pins for my DD ($2 each).

When I finished shopping, I got into line. The lines were long and it took forever to get to the cashier. When I reached the cashier, they rung up my items and then gave me the 20% PAP discount, too! I couldn't believe it. I saved so much money.

As for the gift, I thought it would be some trinket, but it was a really nice gift. It was a resin picture frame with Tinker Bell on it. It must have regularly sold for around $25. I was quite impressed.

Overall, I am glad I attended the sale, but I don't know if I would drive down just to attend it. I happen to be staying at the GCH, so rolling out of bed, walk down stairs, shop, drag my loot back to my room and take a nap made it easier to attend. Well, I might if I could go with a buddy."

I arrived in the parking lot queue where it wasn't too bad. For the cashier line I think I waited an hour and half to get checked out. I do think that the registers must have had some problems in the beginning. We moved an inch every 15 minutes. The line then got to move a lot quicker about 45 minutes after I first got into the line. I think if anyone arrived after the 1000th mark would have extra long waits. They could only let so many people in at a time.
__________________

That's pretty much how it was for me last yr when I was there for the sale (there tagged on to the back end of a business trip). I got downstairs around 615, and was in the upper 700s...but that free gift was. Nowhere near like yours! It was just a plain(not even decorated) vinylmation figure.

I filled my trashbag, but more I wandered, the less I cared. The lines were ridiculous, so after an hour of walking around, I put everything back except the gift and left. I could have gotten some cool stuff for 45-75% off, but in the bend realized none of it was necessary, and kept the money instead. Now if they had had some items I really wanted, yeah, I would have bought it. The really cool part I thought was the map given to show where different "doorbusters" could be found.

 

[funatdisney]

Thanks funatdisney. It's nice to hear a first hand account. Doesn't quite seem like my cup of tea. Lines + crowds + shopping = no donut.

Yes it was that kind of event. Sort of a free for all and get what you can out of it.

That's pretty much how it was for me last yr when I was there for the sale (there tagged on to the back end of a business trip). I got downstairs around 615, and was in the upper 700s...but that free gift was. Nowhere near like yours! It was just a plain(not even decorated) vinylmation figure.

I filled my trashbag, but more I wandered, the less I cared. The lines were ridiculous, so after an hour of walking around, I put everything back except the gift and left. I could have gotten some cool stuff for 45-75% off, but in the bend realized none of it was necessary, and kept the money instead. Now if they had had some items I really wanted, yeah, I would have bought it. The really cool part I thought was the map given to show where different "doorbusters" could be found.

I kinda felt the same way. There is one thing that the last two years of recession has taught me (we were hit pretty hard) is I really don't need to buy a lot bargains. I tried to be very selective on what I wanted to buy. I think that was one of the reasons why I finished without feeling that it was a waste of time. I didn't spend a lot of time shopping and got into a check out line earlier than most. My exposure to the madness and the wait required was less than most. I did think it was cool to have the Toys for Tots drive there. My daughters are in their teens, so I got a few toys for the drive.

I don't know how it was like before (this was my first time), but this year they had each member show their membership card and then put on a white wrist band before they entered the store. On your way out of the store, they sniped off the band and gave you the gift. They used only the middle door so that issuing the wrist bands and gifts were very organized. I was thinking that it could have been very scare if it was a free for all.

 

[stopher1]

Showing your card & the doors & wristbands were the same as last yr.

I remember CMs telling us as we went through the doors, that the first couple in line were there at 330 am. THAT was crazy!

 

[funatdisney]

Yes I would agree. The only time I got in line at 3am was for Disneyland's 50th anniversary; July 17, 2005. For that line I was between the 3000th and 4000th in line. They also had colored bands for each 1000 guests in line. That was worth it and I was glad I was able to be there. But I wouldn't for any sale.

 

[marts35]

We were on our way into town the morning of the sale, so we decided we would drop by to see how wild it was. We had no expectations, so when we got there at 7:30am and saw the line that was wrapped around and around...and around and then back again, we decided to go to Disneyland!
We saw all the beautiful decor, rode Pirates and the train. As we left at about 9:30 there were still people waiting to go in. We had breakfast plans so there will have to be a different bargain for us. We were still pretty happy with the 20% PAP discount. Glad for everyone who did get in.

The VGC is beautiful as always!

 

[franandaj]

The notice that I received said no lining up before 6AM, was that new this year?

Also were watches, jewelery, artwork & WDCC included or just the T-shirts and other under $100 items?

Thinking about next year.

 

[funatdisney]

Most of the items were under $100 in value. They listed a collectible section, but I didn't get to see what was there. By the time I got in the store, most of those were gone. There was one watch that used as a promotional item. You know the one where you buy XX amount of dollars get this for $16.95 type. There was one item that was I saw valued over $100. It was one style of Dooney & Bourke bag. They were 30% off. I think this bag was selling for $270 regularly. Someone can correct me here, since I am not a D&B fan.

 

[franandaj]

Just joining in on the fun! We will be going "home" next week and staying in a 1 bedroom. In January we stayed in one of the Grand Villas with lots of family. It was beautiful and a great idea for a large group. My husband is DVC guy in our household but I am the trip organizer. Is there somewhere that I can read information about what's included in a villa (pots & pans etc) and what you are supposed to do in the villa at the end of your stay? I don't know if what we did in January was correct or not! Thanks! Marianne

Here's from my printed book that everyone complains about that we never get on time, and that why should we waste money on it, but believe it or not, I looked all over online and couldn't find it. I've been meaning to answer you and perhaps Stopher1 can put this in the beginning posts with all the other pertinent links:

Kitchen contains

• Refrigerator
• Electric Stove / Oven
• Microwave Oven
• Dishwasher
• Sink with Disposal
• Coffeemaker & Starter Pack
• Toaster
• Dishware, glasses, coffee cups, and flatware for eight (service for 12 min Three-Bedroom Grand Villa)
• Serving platter, vegetable bowls, salad serving bowl, sugar bowl, pitcher, and cream server
• Eight-piece cookware set (2 pots-possibly 2 qt & 3 qt w/lids, 2 skillets without non-stick coating with lids)
• Casserole dishes, measuring cups and spoons, colander, cutting board, and cookie sheet.
• Paring knife, cook's knife, tongs, serving spoon, serving fork, can opener, bottle opener & corkscrew.
• Dishtowel
• Sponge
• Potholders

Hope that helps!

 

[stopher1]

Here's from my printed book that everyone complains about that we never get on time, and that why should we waste money on it, but believe it or not, I looked all over online and couldn't find it. I've been meaning to answer you and perhaps Stopher1 can put this in the beginning posts with all the other pertinent links:

Kitchen contains

• Refrigerator
• Electric Stove / Oven
• Microwave Oven
• Dishwasher
• Sink with Disposal
• Coffeemaker & Starter Pack
• Toaster
• Dishware, glasses, coffee cups, and flatware for eight (service for 12 min Three-Bedroom Grand Villa)
• Serving platter, vegetable bowls, salad serving bowl, sugar bowl, pitcher, and cream server
• Eight-piece cookware set (2 pots-possibly 2 qt & 3 qt w/lids, 2 skillets without non-stick coating with lids)
• Casserole dishes, measuring cups and spoons, colander, cutting board, and cookie sheet.
• Paring knife, cook's knife, tongs, serving spoon, serving fork, can opener, bottle opener & corkscrew.
• Dishtowel
• Sponge
• Potholders

Hope that helps!

After I get home from my FL trip and back in front of my laptop (instead of my phone), I sure will!

 

[franandaj]

After I get home from my FL trip and back in front of my laptop (instead of my phone), I sure will!

Thanks! Even though I know some was business, I'm so jealous that you got in some groupies meets, Happy Holidays and thanks for all that you do!

 

[stopher1]

It's there now on the first page.

 

[Longhairbear]

We have very few points left for a stay at VGC and are saving them for a stay in 2011. In the mean time, we are going to Disneyland for 2 days off property.
VGC are totally booked right now, but we can still hang around the lobby.
Can't wait to see the Haunted Mansion Christmas overlay, and the Jingle Bells overlay of Small World here.

 

[EEyorelover22]

I am so excited...I just booked our Villa for July 2011! Still cannot believe I was able to make the entire stay.

Now that I am in real planning mode...can someone recommend a place to buy groceries?

And, a number/email for Dining at DLR for allergies. I am hopeful that DLR will treat me as well at WDW has before.

Thank you.
SO EXCITED

 

[Nonsuch]

Thanks for this information. Knowing that the robes are tied with the card makes me feel better about it. I didn't know if there were any "indicators" that the robes had been untouched. I know I am way overthinking this, but it helps pass the months while I wait for my trip.

Clean robes

 

[cseca]

I am so excited...I just booked our Villa for July 2011! Still cannot believe I was able to make the entire stay.

Now that I am in real planning mode...can someone recommend a place to buy groceries?

And, a number/email for Dining at DLR for allergies. I am hopeful that DLR will treat me as well at WDW has before.

Thank you.
SO EXCITED

You can get grocery delivery from Vons.
First delivery free with EASY7 code.
Have fun!

 

[EEyorelover22]

Thank you!