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

[franandaj]

What do you think? Should I stick with the one-bedroom for the 2 of us or switch over to another Disneyland Hotel? We are staying for 3 nights...no kids!

Thanks for your help!

Oh yeah! Totally stay with the 1 bedroom, the jacuzzi tub itself justifies it enough. Bring along some easy food and having the full kitchen will totally make it worth it. While you may not actually cook in the room (though I do often) having a stove and oven as opposed to just a microwave will definitely be a benefit. I just love having the separate area to live/hang out vs sleep.

Now that we are point heavy (added on, and there is no F&W Festival), we may be using our points for 1 br's instead of studios (which is how we initially bought in). Also we never thought of doing NYE at VGC, but since we have so many unused F&W points leftover, we've actually booked a 1BR at 76 points per night! But I love the idea that after we come home from the festivities I can put a Brekkie casserole (that I make at home) in the oven on delay bake and it will be ready at 8AM in time for the broadcast of the Rose Parade! We can watch it, check out and head home...I would say that if it's just you and the hubby go for the one bedroom.

But like everyone else, it will be hard to go back. It was hard for us to go to the studios after our trips to WDW in the other units, but I rationilize it in that we live less than 1/2 an hour away, why are we really staying there anyways! Much less OWNING there!

 

[hot_mama]

We are staying at VGC on points for the first time next week. Does the 2 bdrm villas have an itouch dock? Also has anyone used the grills to cook steaks on? If so, how did that turn out? Any tips would be appreciated as we usually visit WDW and know that DLR is quite different. We will arrive on Sunday and check out on Friday, staying in a 2 bdrm. We are so excited.

 

[JimmyJam838]

If I remember correctly, the clock/radio in the master bedroom has an ipod dock. I've never stayed in a 2 bedroom yet, so don't know if there is one in it.

 

[Longhairbear]

We are staying at VGC on points for the first time next week. Does the 2 bdrm villas have an itouch dock? Also has anyone used the grills to cook steaks on? If so, how did that turn out? Any tips would be appreciated as we usually visit WDW and know that DLR is quite different. We will arrive on Sunday and check out on Friday, staying in a 2 bdrm. We are so excited.

You get the grill utensils from guest services in the lobby, the grill is great. We've used them many times.

 

[boiseflyfisher]

You get the grill utensils from guest services in the lobby, the grill is great. We've used them many times.

They are nice grills! I don't think they get very much use. We try to grill at least once every trip.

 

[funatdisney]

We are staying at VGC on points for the first time next week. Does the 2 bdrm villas have an itouch dock? Also has anyone used the grills to cook steaks on? If so, how did that turn out? Any tips would be appreciated as we usually visit WDW and know that DLR is quite different. We will arrive on Sunday and check out on Friday, staying in a 2 bdrm. We are so excited.

We grill London broil most of the time we stay at the VGC. I love it and it is so easy to do. I suggest that you grill a little more than you need and have steak and eggs for breakfast the next morning. We also make sandwiches with the leftover meat as well.

 

[stitch1094]

VGC is NOT our home resort.

My family has never been to DL and we were thinking of going in the summer of 2012 (boys would LOVE Cars Land).

How difficult will it be to get a 2BR at the 7 month mark? Is this just wishful thinking or will I have a decent shot?

Thanks!

 

[jforever52]

And finally - when will you be there in May? We FINALLY get to use our points at VGC May 18-24. Our in-laws will be joining us.

We are going May 8-15 so we will just miss you! We'll make sure that they get everything in tip-top shape before you get there though!

 

[jforever52]

Thanks all for "twisting my arm" We'll keep the 1 bedroom!

 

[hot_mama]

VGC is NOT our home resort.

My family has never been to DL and we were thinking of going in the summer of 2012 (boys would LOVE Cars Land).

How difficult will it be to get a 2BR at the 7 month mark? Is this just wishful thinking or will I have a decent shot?

Thanks!

It is not my home resort either, and I had no problem booking our 2 bdrm for next week. I think the smaller units fill up faster due to the amount of points it takes for a 2 bdrm.

Thanks to all for your info and ideas about the grills. We will definately use them, and I love the idea of cooking extra for steak & eggs or even steak sandwiches. We are from texas and love our leftovers for breakfast!

Still not 100% sure if there is an itouch or ipod dock though, we are trying to decide if we need to bring ours. (my husband has to have it to sleep) So if anyone knows for sure that would be great!

 

[hot_mama]

You get the grill utensils from guest services in the lobby, the grill is great. We've used them many times.

Thanks!

We grill London broil most of the time we stay at the VGC. I love it and it is so easy to do. I suggest that you grill a little more than you need and have steak and eggs for breakfast the next morning. We also make sandwiches with the leftover meat as well.

Great suggestion!

 

[hot_mama]

Do you guys suggest we do online check in?

 

[CrazyDuck]

Do you guys suggest we do online check in?

I don't think it is an option at VGC.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

VGC is NOT our home resort.

My family has never been to DL and we were thinking of going in the summer of 2012 (boys would LOVE Cars Land).

How difficult will it be to get a 2BR at the 7 month mark? Is this just wishful thinking or will I have a decent shot?

Thanks!

If you have any flexibility for when you stay, you might try for early to mid-June. Most schools in California don't get out until mid-June and this may decrease your competition. We own at BWV and have been able to book a 2 BR in late June, 2010 and 2 studios in late June, 2011.

Another option is mid to late August. Some schools in CA go back by mid-August; again, lowering your competition. We have often found great hotel rates during that time of year. Actual points rates in August, however, are higher than in most of June.

You should also be aware that DL gets an influx of guests on the days before and after the summer block-outs start for those holding SoCal APs. In 2010, that meant you wanted to avoid the Parks on June 21-22 and August 22-23.

Best of luck -- Suzanne

 

[CrazyDuck]

VGC is NOT our home resort.

My family has never been to DL and we were thinking of going in the summer of 2012 (boys would LOVE Cars Land).

How difficult will it be to get a 2BR at the 7 month mark? Is this just wishful thinking or will I have a decent shot?

Thanks!

If you have any flexibility for when you stay, you might try for early to mid-June. Most schools in California don't get out until mid-June and this may decrease your competition. We own at BWV and have been able to book a 2 BR in late June, 2010 and 2 studios in late June, 2011.

Another option is mid to late August. Some schools in CA go back by mid-August; again, lowering your competition. We have often found great hotel rates during that time of year. Actual points rates in August, however, are higher than in most of June.

You should also be aware that DL gets an influx of guests on the days before and after the summer block-outs start for those holding SoCal APs. In 2010, that meant you wanted to avoid the Parks on June 21-22 and August 22-23.

Best of luck -- Suzanne

There is no gurantee that Cars Land will be open in early June... Everyone is speculating that they are trying to get it open for summer, but we all know how DL is great at letting calendar dates slip.... To be safe I'd shoot for late summer or early fall, as that project is just massive (much bigger than a sprinkler show)!

 

[Disney Princess]

We are going May 8-15 so we will just miss you! We'll make sure that they get everything in tip-top shape before you get there though!

Bummer that we'll miss each other, but thanks for getting it ready for us.

 

[nunzia]

If you have any flexibility for when you stay, you might try for early to mid-June. Most schools in California don't get out until mid-June and this may decrease your competition. We own at BWV and have been able to book a 2 BR in late June, 2010 and 2 studios in late June, 2011.

Another option is mid to late August. Some schools in CA go back by mid-August; again, lowering your competition. We have often found great hotel rates during that time of year. Actual points rates in August, however, are higher than in most of June.

You should also be aware that DL gets an influx of guests on the days before and after the summer block-outs start for those holding SoCal APs. In 2010, that meant you wanted to avoid the Parks on June 21-22 and August 22-23.

Best of luck -- Suzanne

...and OF COURSE I'll be there then for my after Expo park time...oh wait..you siad 2010...I don't have the AP dates handy for 2011...have to go look. OHHH NOO!! All APS are OPEN for those dates...aaiigghhhh

 

[monami7]

We passed ROFR this week for 160 pts at VGC!!!!

We are so happy we now own at our very favorite Resort!!

 

[thelionqueen]

What a wonderful vacation - a cruise and a 5-night stay at VGC!! Enjoy it, and PLEASE post pictures when you get back.

Definitely!!!!!

 

[letitsnow]

We will be going for the very first time on points staying in a 1br. We are so excited! We have been trying to purchase DVC for a few years now and just recently closed on a resale!

We will be staying July 19-25. Are there any things that only DVC members can do? I started reading this thread and made it to page 3. I have a long way to go, but I have until July to read it all. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.

FYI we have been AP holders for the past 5 years so I am more looking for information about staying at the Villas. I know you all have alot of information for me, right?

Thanks in advance!