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

[Lucille1963]

Great pictures! I'm throughly jealous of the view!

 

[kikiq]

We're here NOW!!! I'm sitting on our balcony, wifi, looking at DCA, I don't know that it gets better than this.

Our villa was ready at 4:07 pm. Came just as my sil was getting into the hot tub and handed me my angry "raisined" toes and fingers DGD. We are NOT in the coveted room 3522, but close And if anyone wants to know WHY it takes so long to clean...the two bedroom villas have 2 floor to ceiling showers that were SPOTLESS. Our villa was spotless according to my sil who is very "anal" about things like that.

The staff has been wonderful. The crib was delivered within 15 minutes. We had some challenges with the dvd player/TV. The engineer was very understanding as he explained it wasn't us, it was the instructions that needed updating. Some villas are different. NOTE: It says turn the tv to channel 92 but really it's changing the input. He noted something in his phone saying that the instructions in our villa had to be changed (who knows when that will happen, so just saying, if you feel technology challenged, try changing the input)

Bringing our Costco run upstairs, people kept looking at the ribs, hamburger, chicken and sausages Told them we were grilling this weekend. Plus for the price of one meal for 9 of us at Storytellers, we eat for the whole weekend. AND my brother and sil love to cook.

This is my DN birthday weekend. They were going to buy 2 day PH, but I talked them into buying the Costco 4 day. She was so excited last night to go on TSMM and watched WOC along the pier at 10:15. My brother said that a CM directed them to a spot, he couldn't describe it well, pulled a bench for them and told them to enjoy. I'll have to find out where he was. He said it was a little sideways but they got wet The rest of us watched from the balcony. My sil actually wants to brave the masses to see it up close even if she has to wait, standing to end up behind some tall guy I might brave it with them because of the new additions and effects.

So far the only "negative" if you want a negative, is that at exactly 7:30 am, the construction for Goofy's Sky School and the new restaurants started up. Ruined the peaceful morning That is more in front of the xx00, xx02 villas. Can't hear it indoors with the doors closed.

Today is pool cabana afternoon and the family gathering tonight. Let me apologize to our neighbors but maybe not the people above us with the kids who are running and crying Just kidding.

 

[Nonsuch]

...We are NOT in the coveted room 3522, but close .

I did not know 3522 was "coveted"
Someone would post a WOC view from 3522

We had some challenges with the dvd player/TV. The engineer was very understanding as he explained it wasn't us, it was the instructions that needed updating. Some villas are different. NOTE: It says turn the tv to channel 92 but really it's changing the input.

On my last stay, the two TVs had different input selection procedures (although they were the same model). One used channel 9x for enternal inputs, the other used the button on the remote and onscreen menus).

So far the only "negative" if you want a negative, is that at exactly 7:30 am, the construction for Goofy's Sky School and the new restaurants started up. Ruined the peaceful morning That is more in front of the xx00, xx02 villas. Can't hear it indoors with the doors closed.

Only one more month of construction
The late night jackhammers during Little Mermaid construction was much worse

 

[taaren]

Our villa was ready at 4:07 pm. Came just as my sil was getting into the hot tub and handed me my angry "raisined" toes and fingers DGD. We are NOT in the coveted room 3522, but close And if anyone wants to know WHY it takes so long to clean...the two bedroom villas have 2 floor to ceiling showers that were SPOTLESS. Our villa was spotless according to my sil who is very "anal" about things like that.

Never wondered about that ... our first stay, shortly after the Villas opened, we were in at 11a. Our second stay we walked in at 2p to room 4500 and the carpet was still wet from being steam cleaned (we just wanted a nap so were a-okay with wet carpet). They really do clean those rooms wonderfully, and totally fine with them taking time to mousekeep the details.

This is my DN birthday weekend. They were going to buy 2 day PH, but I talked them into buying the Costco 4 day. She was so excited last night to go on TSMM and watched WOC along the pier at 10:15. My brother said that a CM directed them to a spot, he couldn't describe it well, pulled a bench for them and told them to enjoy. I'll have to find out where he was. He said it was a little sideways but they got wet The rest of us watched from the balcony. My sil actually wants to brave the masses to see it up close even if she has to wait, standing to end up behind some tall guy I might brave it with them because of the new additions and effects.

Once a trip I go downstairs to watch WOC with the masses, because I'm have a touch of crowd-phobia (agitation? I dunno, but I don't like being crammed in by walls of people unless its a really special occasion.) Every time I have gone (including last week), at the end I say "The view from the Villas is better." But that might also be because I love the lasers, which to me are better from the top view to see them dance. So don't feel like you're missing anything by not heading down.
Thanks for the TR! Its awesome that you're able to relax enough to remember to post .... whenever I'm 'home' I almost forget the DIS exists because there's so many rides, shows, people (particularly those we don't get to spend time with the rest of the year since they live far away), demanding my attention. Getting excited about going soon - you'll have to let us know how you like the new LM ride that is in soft opening last I saw on the DL subforum.

 

[kikiq]

I did not know 3522 was "coveted"
Someone would post a WOC view from 3522

Judging from our view (which I'll post as soon as I dl), 3522 view is obstructed some by trees BUT closer to see the projections. We can see the projections from our master bedroom balcony. Didn't tell anyone last night what they were watching and they all knew what characters were being projected.

you'll have to let us know how you like the new LM ride that is in soft opening last I saw on the DL subforum.

I tried to talk some of the group to go upstairs to the viewing area, they were all happy to stay and watch from the villa. They even figured out that they might not see the projections, so they rather have a partially blocked view and see some projections than not see any at all.

We were guests of a CM last week and were able to go to one of the CM previews. I love the LM ride. So many details, the queue has little touches and my DH was very impressed by the "Under the Sea" section. I do wish that there more details at the end to make the ride longer There were CMs surveying people as we came off the ride and that's what I told them. The end was not as strong as the beginning, but still wonderful. We took my DGD (19 mos). She was . When I picked her up from day care the next day, she brought me all the LM books and toys from day care.

 

[rmonty02]

We just used Vons for our trip that was at the beginning of the month. I placed my order online late Friday for delivery on Sunday. I think the delivery time(s) available was during a time when we might still have been enroute to VGC so I did not order alcohol since I had read I needed to be there to sign. When I registered I got a code for free shipping; I still keep getting various free shipping codes so PM me if you happen to need one. You can go through your order and mark which item(s) you do not want substituted, which item(s) of a different brand are ok and one last option regarding substitution. I marked all do not substitute except and everything came as ordered. You do not need your Safeway card # because all online orders will include the discounted price ! I would definitely order from them again.

Thanks for the info! This will be my first order with them, so I have the free delivery code. I will wait to place my order to take advantage of any specials. Thanks again for the tips

 

[kikiq]

Can I just say again that VGC is WONDERFUL?! We just finished unpacking, my brother keeps calling me because my DN and DSIL keep talking about the weekend. My DH and I want the king bed. I don't know that either of us have slept so well even as much as we love the SSR king beds.

Every morning, I sat out on the balcony and just listened to the DCA music and watched the CMs get ready for opening. We were in room 3506, so I'm thinking that xx06 rooms higher up would have a great view of WOC.

We grilled Saturday and Sunday. Saturday, we had a mini family reunion with the cousins that live in the area. My brother lives in NorCal and hasn't visited with them for 3 years. He loves those grills, like he's grilling in the park.

We watched WOC from the balcony almost every night. I think my DD watched with DGD every night from the living room comfy chair. And my DD and I sat on the balcony late every night just to watch the colors change on the Mickey Wheel.

Truth be told, I only went into the parks on Sunday. Watched the new parade with my DGD. My DH got FP Blue section for the WOC at 10:15. Otherwise, I just enjoyed the view from the villa and my family.

Pool cabana info to follow.

 

[kikiq]

My DSIL is not a park commando. She loves her pool time. Last year, we spent way too much time looking for a place to sit at the pool. She decided that the pool cabana was a MUST so paid for an afternoon.

Cost: $185 for the whole day - 9:30am to 6:00pm
$110 for 1/2 day - 9:30pm to 1:30pm or 2:00pm to 6:00pm

This is includes a cabana, seating for 6 adults, refrigerator stocked with 6 bottles of water (although ours had 8) and a plate of fruit, a safe, a radio with a ipod hookup and a flat screen TV.

I was watching the NCAA softball super regional games

The family of 6 next to us checked in at lunch time. The dad told me that this was a no park vacation They were renting cabanas for 3 afternoons.

While we were there, there were quite a few families wandering looking for places to sit. And I would say half of them inquired about the cabanas. I know one of them wanted to reserve one for the next afternoon and the CM had to check to see if one was available. It is something to consider if pool time is important to you, coming at a busy time and will not be able to come in the morning to stake your claim on your chairs I asked the CM who was our "attendant" about "saving" lounge chairs. She said that during the busy season, putting pool towels on the lounge chairs in the morning do not guarantee that they will still available for you later. My DH went down yesterday early morning to read. He saw a few families put towels on lounge chairs. One dad stayed with the chairs for almost hour and his family never came, so he picked up the towels and left.

 

[rmonty02]

My DSIL is not a park commando. She loves her pool time. Last year, we spent way too much time looking for a place to sit at the pool. She decided that the pool cabana was a MUST so paid for an afternoon.

A FLAT SCREEN! Sounds like the Cabana will have to go on our to do list.

 

[blackjackdelta]

My DSIL is not a park commando. She loves her pool time. Last year, we spent way too much time looking for a place to sit at the pool. She decided that the pool cabana was a MUST so paid for an afternoon.

Cost: $185 for the whole day - 9:30am to 6:00pm
$110 for 1/2 day - 9:30pm to 1:30pm or 2:00pm to 6:00pm

This is includes a cabana, seating for 6 adults, refrigerator stocked with 6 bottles of water (although ours had 8) and a plate of fruit, a safe, a radio with a ipod hookup and a flat screen TV.

I was watching the NCAA softball super regional games

The family of 6 next to us checked in at lunch time. The dad told me that this was a no park vacation They were renting cabanas for 3 afternoons.

While we were there, there were quite a few families wandering looking for places to sit. And I would say half of them inquired about the cabanas. I know one of them wanted to reserve one for the next afternoon and the CM had to check to see if one was available. It is something to consider if pool time is important to you, coming at a busy time and will not be able to come in the morning to stake your claim on your chairs I asked the CM who was our "attendant" about "saving" lounge chairs. She said that during the busy season, putting pool towels on the lounge chairs in the morning do not guarantee that they will still available for you later. My DH went down yesterday early morning to read. He saw a few families put towels on lounge chairs. One dad stayed with the chairs for almost hour and his family never came, so he picked up the towels and left.

Thanks for all the photo's, we have never had good luck finding a place around the pool. The kids want to take a day and pool it, i think I will head up to USH and see a friend who works there.

Jack

 

[PoohNFriends]

Can I just say again that VGC is WONDERFUL?! We just finished unpacking, my brother keeps calling me because my DN and DSIL keep talking about the weekend. My DH and I want the king bed. I don't know that either of us have slept so well even as much as we love the SSR king beds.

Aren't those beds the best? I'm not as picky about my mattress, but I did sleep well and DBF had no complaints which really is a testament to how great they are. I was looking online to see if I could purchase for the H20 Spa bar soap (with the nubs) that's there and found you could also purchase the mattress! The king with the pillowtop is $1500 + delivery, www.disneyresortcollection.com. Expensive, but probably not too awful compared to other high-end mattresses, especially if it would hold up for many years.

 

[kikiq]

Aren't those beds the best? I'm not as picky about my mattress, but I did sleep well and DBF had no complaints which really is a testament to how great they are. I was looking online to see if I could purchase for the H20 Spa bar soap (with the nubs) that's there and found you could also purchase the mattress! The king with the pillowtop is $1500 + delivery, www.disneyresortcollection.com. Expensive, but probably not too awful compared to other high-end mattresses, especially if it would hold up for many years.

We've always been loving the beds at SSR BUT I guess because the VGC beds are newer, they just seem more wonderful. Granted we both were coming off a rough week, but neither of us are park commandos, just enjoyed the resort.

$1500 for a pillowtop king bed is actually not that expensive for a good bed.

Can't wait to go back for our anniversary!

 

[sarahk0204]

kikiq, thank you for the beautiful pictures!

We are looking at VGC for a summer 2012 trip

 

[csharpwv]

My wife and I area SOOOOOOO excited to spend a few nights at both the Disneyland Hotel and the Villas at the Grand Californian.

I have been to Disneyland a few times this year (went for the first time EVER in February while on the west coast for work)

We totally love the style and elegance of the Grand Californian - I've seen it in person a few times, but my wife has only seen it in photos.

Any advice for two newbies staying there?

We couldn't get out entire stay at the VGC, Our first few nights are the the DLH and have our last two nights wait listed at VGC - but we aren't worried as we can always stay at a hotel nearby or on the coast for our last two nights.

Tell us all about Napa Rose - we are considering making reservations there and at Storytellers. Thoughts?

 

[kikiq]

My wife and I area SOOOOOOO excited to spend a few nights at both the Disneyland Hotel and the Villas at the Grand Californian.

I have been to Disneyland a few times this year (went for the first time EVER in February while on the west coast for work)

We totally love the style and elegance of the Grand Californian - I've seen it in person a few times, but my wife has only seen it in photos.

Any advice for two newbies staying there?

We couldn't get out entire stay at the VGC, Our first few nights are the the DLH and have our last two nights wait listed at VGC - but we aren't worried as we can always stay at a hotel nearby or on the coast for our last two nights.

Tell us all about Napa Rose - we are considering making reservations there and at Storytellers. Thoughts?

Here's some for your wait list. I got some major pixie dust on our SSR visit and our VGC visit this month. So hopefully paying it forward.

Napa Rose and Storytellers - 2 of our favorite restaurants.
Storytellers is our family's birthday place. Have always loved it even in it's original form when the wait staff use to tell the mural stories. You will need reservations for dinner. It is the only character breakfast we've EVER done at WDW or DLR Meet my neighbor who works nearby for lunch a lot. And dinner, you can order off the menu or have the buffet which is not bad.

Napa Rose - THE BEST!!! Need reservations. Has become our anniversary dinner place. We will be reserving the chef's counter this year. The food is wonderful. If you are wine folks, the sommelier is one of the best. There are several DISers that are Napa Rose regulars. Hopefully they will give you the latest info.

 

[JimmyJam838]

We were in room 3506, so I'm thinking that xx06 rooms higher up would have a great view of WOC.

We stayed in 5506 last week. It has a decent view, but I wouldn't say it is great as you can't really see any of the projections. If you just want to watch the water and don't care about seeing the projections, then you could call it a great view.

 

[Smltown96]

One week from tomorrow we drive down for our first stay at "home" at VGC!
We check in Tuesday 6/14 but are going down early to hit the Ronald Reagan Library the day before. Can't wait for DL!

 

[EEyorelover22]

So...now I am wondering when I see the RR library posted if we should be doing other things while at DL. DD and I will be fine, but if my DS and DH decide they are bored of all things Disney would they be able to get transportation somewhere if they find something they really want to go see?

We arrive on Wed and leave on Tues. It won't be long enough for the girls, but the boys...I'm not so sure. Although DH said he's going to ride Star Tours to try to see all the versions.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

So...now I am wondering when I see the RR library posted if we should be doing other things while at DL. DD and I will be fine, but if my DS and DH decide they are bored of all things Disney would they be able to get transportation somewhere if they find something they really want to go see?

We arrive on Wed and leave on Tues. It won't be long enough for the girls, but the boys...I'm not so sure. Although DH said he's going to ride Star Tours to try to see all the versions.

Your husband should be quite busy. There are 54 versions of the new Star Tours, so if you assume 30 mintues ride and wait time each time, that 27 hours. If you go to the park 6 days, that is 4.5 hours per day just on Star Tours! And that's assuming he doesn't need to ride more than 54 times because he got a repeat! -- Suzanne

 

[EEyorelover22]

He said he was going for them all