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

[DISNEYFOURME]

We are going in March and I am now starting to consume myself with all these boards and info. The resort just looks unbelievable and we are thrilled to be getting a one bedroom. All past WDW visits as DVC members have been in studios. Have only been to DL once - 13 years ago! I have read this thread from top to bottom and plan to subscribe to keep up and revisit the links! Thanks for such a great read and wonderful input by all you experts!

 

[stopher1]

We are going in March and I am now starting to consume myself with all these boards and info. The resort just looks unbelievable and we are thrilled to be getting a one bedroom. All past WDW visits as DVC members have been in studios. Have only been to DL once - 13 years ago! I have read this thread from top to bottom and plan to subscribe to keep up and revisit the links! Thanks for such a great read and wonderful input by all you experts!

Welcome!! So glad you've stopped by, and plan to check back in again...and again! I really hope you enjoy your stay. If you'd like to be included on the planner on page one, just send me a PM, and I'll be happy to get you on there too! It's fun to see when others will be enjoying the beautiful Grand Cal! DL has definitely changed a lot since you last visited. I hope your trip is wonderful!

 

[BethanyF]

52 Days and counting!!!

I've made most of our dining reservations (Cafe Orleans, Storytellers, and Carnation Cafe) Now all I need is airfare and we are good to go.

Not sure how we are going to survivie 7 nights in a studio since we are used to 1BRs at WDW. But the point requirements are high and I wanted to save some for a fall trip to WDW.

 

[Inkmahm]

DH and I are here in a studio for 2 nights before we move over to GCH (DVC was booked). We really like the resort. One question I have is if the amenities here always include lotion, great H2O products like those of DCL, a shoe mit, etc.?? This is much better than the standard items at the resorts in Florida.

The furnishings seem to be of great quality here, too. I stayed at BLT soon after it opened and was surprised at how damaged the room was already. Our room at GCV is in great shape and looks like it will hold up well to the wear and tear of being part of DVC.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

DH and I are here in a studio for 2 nights before we move over to GCH (DVC was booked). We really like the resort. One question I have is if the amenities here always include lotion, great H2O products like those of DCL, a shoe mit, etc.?? This is much better than the standard items at the resorts in Florida.

The furnishings seem to be of great quality here, too. I stayed at BLT soon after it opened and was surprised at how damaged the room was already. Our room at GCV is in great shape and looks like it will hold up well to the wear and tear of being part of DVC.

Yes, it's always those amentities. It mirrors what you are provided in the hotel portion right down to the robes. Nice, huh?!

 

[stopher1]

DH and I are here in a studio for 2 nights before we move over to GCH (DVC was booked). We really like the resort. One question I have is if the amenities here always include lotion, great H2O products like those of DCL, a shoe mit, etc.?? This is much better than the standard items at the resorts in Florida.

The furnishings seem to be of great quality here, too. I stayed at BLT soon after it opened and was surprised at how damaged the room was already. Our room at GCV is in great shape and looks like it will hold up well to the wear and tear of being part of DVC.

Yes, as Kathy said, they are like the hotel rooms, and are the same each time. My favorite part about them though, is that they are resort specific items. I love that they have the Grand's logo on them. DLH & PPH have resort specific items as well. It's a very nice touch.

 

[godalejunior]

We will be there 9/26-10/2.

 

[Inkmahm]

Yes, as Kathy said, they are like the hotel rooms, and are the same each time. My favorite part about them though, is that they are resort specific items. I love that they have the Grand's logo on them. DLH & PPH have resort specific items as well. It's a very nice touch.

It's great! I wish we had the same things at WDW DVC resorts.

I'm spending more time looking at the quality of the room construction and furnishings. Disney really did a nice job with the GCV. You owners here should be proud. I would guess it will help with dues in the long run, too. Get quality furnishings up front and they will last longer.

Also the bedding is wonderful! Much better than I've seen at any other DVC location.

 

[DVCGeek]

Also the bedding is wonderful! Much better than I've seen at any other DVC location.

After staying @ VGC in Oct my DW decided we needed to buy a Disney at Home duvet because she liked it some much!

Glad you are enjoying one of my homes.

 

[wideeyedwonder]

Woohoo! We got a 2br on oct 2 and 3 to cap off our DCL cruise! So stoked, a home-made California land-sea package!

 

[BeccaG]

I am sure this has been discussed before but I totally missed it. How or can we on a DVC access the WOC viewing platform? I know the view is not spectacular per se, but the exclusive factor might make it kinda cool!

 

[Longhairbear]

I am sure this has been discussed before but I totally missed it. How or can we on a DVC access the WOC viewing platform? I know the view is not spectacular per se, but the exclusive factor might make it kinda cool!

I've heard that you show, or use your room key before the show. I think there are CMs up there also during the show.

 

[nunzia]

All you do is go up the elevator in the DVC wing to the 6th floor. There are signs directing you..it's really easy to find and right by the ice/coke room. You use your key to get in. There are restrooms. The view is pleasant and the music is piped in, but you don't see the projections. I did not see a CM when we were there, and there were only about 10 of us there during the show. If the area was crowded you would not be able to see very well at all..really need a rail spot to see.

 

[funatdisney]

For those of that have a trip to the VGC booked for this October, I have started an October Check In thread over on the DL side of DISboards. I am keeping track of who is going to DL by listing their lodging and vacation dates. I have also provided a link for a Halloween at DLR Superthread where there is lots of pictures and information about Halloween Time.

October 2011...Who's all going going? Vacation dates and lodging

Halloween at DLR Superthread - Part 2

Thanks

 

[zumbergc]

ok we are going in may. About magic mornings. If our staying dvc you get in all the MM for your trip? I'm just trying to figure out the ticket part.

Then i was also wondering, is there any discount on the AP with the dvc for out in California? I've been looking but haven't seen anything.

 

[Nonsuch]

...staying dvc you get in all the MM for your trip?

Yes, VGC and guests of the 3 Disney hotels get Magic Morning whenever it is offered, and early entry to California Adventure for WOC fast passes.

Then i was also wondering, is there any discount on the AP with the dvc for out in California?

$20 off.
Disneyland AP have more discounts than DisneyWorld AP.
WDW discounts apply to rather limited list of shops and restaurants, while DL discounts apply to most shops and restaurants (Napa Rose is the only table service restaurant without an AP discount).
The Premium AP 20% merchandise and 15% food discounts quickly add up

 

[Disney Princess]

Yes, VGC and guests of the 3 Disney hotels get Magic Morning whenever it is offered, and early entry to California Adventure for WOC fast passes.


$20 off.
Disneyland AP have more discounts than DisneyWorld AP.
WDW discounts apply to rather limited list of shops and restaurants, while DL discounts apply to most shops and restaurants (Napa Rose is the only table service restaurant without an AP discount).
The Premium AP 20% merchandise and 15% food discounts quickly add up

Do the discounts count on WOC dining packages? I know the discounts would work at the restaurants themselves, but I wondered if the discount would count for the package deal. Thanks!

 

[stopher1]

Do the discounts count on WOC dining packages? I know the discounts would work at the restaurants themselves, but I wondered if the discount would count for the package deal. Thanks!

When we looked at them for our December trip I know there was a discount on the Picnic meal ($1, but hey it was still $10 less when buying 10 meals!). I think there was a discount on the table service meals too, but I cannot recall for sure since we didn't go that route but opted for the cheaper picnic meals. I had to order them through the AP part of the website.

 

[Nonsuch]

Do the discounts count on WOC dining packages?

The AP discount applies to WOC Premium Dining at both Ariels Grotto and Wine Country Trattoria.

 

[Disney Princess]

When we looked at them for our December trip I know there was a discount on the Picnic meal ($1, but hey it was still $10 less when buying 10 meals!). I think there was a discount on the table service meals too, but I cannot recall for sure since we didn't go that route but opted for the cheaper picnic meals. I had to order them through the AP part of the website.

The AP discount applies to WOC Premium Dining at both Ariels Grotto and Wine Country Trattoria.

Thanks! We haven't purchased our park tickets yet, but we may get one AP if the discounts are worth it. This helps us as we weigh the differences.