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

[EEyorelover22]

I am 5'8" and I thought they were short.

DD is about 5'7" but rolls up in a ball when she sleeps. She loves it. I am not sure I could have made it work for me.

 

[disneydenisel]

This is not a great photo, but you hopefully can see the size of the bed. It's not large enough for an adult, but I suppose if I had to, I could sleep on it (but I'm 5'3").

 

[blackjackdelta]

I am 5'8" and I thought they were short.

DD is about 5'7" but rolls up in a ball when she sleeps. She loves it. I am not sure I could have made it work for me.

DD is is 5'6" and that is the only one she wants to sleep in otherwise she has to share.

Jack

 

[EEyorelover22]

DD is is 5'6" and that is the only one she wants to sleep in otherwise she has to share.

Jack

Ditto!

 

[funatdisney]

I am here! Had an awesome experience when I checked in yesterday. I had originally booked a studio. I was at the front desk by 8am. The CM says something about having to check up on something. So, I'm thinking that they over booked and I will have to move me into a hotel room. No biggie. There was only three of us and were there for only one night. The CM comes back and says, "Well I have some sorta good news and some really good news. Your room isn't ready (I'm not surprised - I just checked into get those two fastpasses). The other news is we are going to upgrade you to a two bedroom villa. And it will not require extra points." I'm ecstatic. Wow a two bedroom! I have never stayed in a two bedroom before. So now I'm on the phone calling DH to tell him to come on down with our younger DD, cuz I got two bedroom. We live 1 1/2 hours away from DL so this is so doable.

We are in room 3522 in a dedicated two bedroom. This unit is huge. What a nice treat. Got a bigger room for the same points as a studio, and have my entire family with me. Pixie dust all the way .

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

I am here! Had an awesome experience when I checked in yesterday. I had originally booked a studio. I was at the front desk by 8am. The CM says something about having to check up on something. So, I'm thinking that they over booked and I will have to move me into a hotel room. No biggie. There was only three of us and were there for only one night. The CM comes back and says, "Well I have some sorta good news and some really good news. Your room isn't ready (I'm not surprised - I just checked into get those two fastpasses). The other news is we are going to upgrade you to a two bedroom villa. And it will not require extra points." I'm ecstatic. Wow a two bedroom! I have never stayed in a two bedroom before. So now I'm on the phone calling DH to tell him to come on down with our younger DD, cuz I got two bedroom. We live 1 1/2 hours away from DL so this is so doable.

We are in room 3522 in a dedicated two bedroom. This unit is huge. What a nice treat. Got a bigger room for the same points as a studio, and have my entire family with me. Pixie dust all the way .

Congrats on your pixie dust! Have a wonderful stay!

 

[Nonsuch]

We are in room 3522 in a dedicated two bedroom.

Please post some pictures of the view

FYI for those who don't know the rooms by heart: 3522 is directly below the Grand Villa facing Paradise Pier and World of Color

 

[Disney Princess]

I am here! Had an awesome experience when I checked in yesterday. I had originally booked a studio. I was at the front desk by 8am. The CM says something about having to check up on something. So, I'm thinking that they over booked and I will have to move me into a hotel room. No biggie. There was only three of us and were there for only one night. The CM comes back and says, "Well I have some sorta good news and some really good news. Your room isn't ready (I'm not surprised - I just checked into get those two fastpasses). The other news is we are going to upgrade you to a two bedroom villa. And it will not require extra points." I'm ecstatic. Wow a two bedroom! I have never stayed in a two bedroom before. So now I'm on the phone calling DH to tell him to come on down with our younger DD, cuz I got two bedroom. We live 1 1/2 hours away from DL so this is so doable.

We are in room 3522 in a dedicated two bedroom. This unit is huge. What a nice treat. Got a bigger room for the same points as a studio, and have my entire family with me. Pixie dust all the way .

What great luck! Enjoy the extra space.

 

[the donut]

That's a bit of double luck - not only a 2BR upgrade, but one of the best in the house in terms of view. Don't you just love the space of a 2BR.

 

[funatdisney]

Thanks all! I am home now (it was only a one night stay thus a studio). I did take pictures of the view from each of the rooms (master - living room - 2nd bedroom). I will post them sometime tomorrow.

I would say the view was nice, but you are right at the tree line and you can't see all of the WoC. What is really nice about this room is the privacy. On one side of the room is a maintenance room of some kind and there is no room next to us. We only had the floor above us and below us to cause any noise. The hallway ends at our room and so there is no foot traffic coming and going in front of the room.

I love the two bedroom! We have a two bedroom booked for our December trip. In December we have another family traveling with us and it was nice to get a feel for how roomy the two bedroom really is. It will work for two families.

I would have to stay that the best room I have stayed in was last month with my DH on a romantic weekend get away. We had room 6504 (a studio). This room has a great view of the WoC and since, no one checked into the room next to us, we had complete privacy. A good thing for a romantic weekend It was the Fourth of July weekend and we were able to watch the special July 4th WoC segment from our balcony. That was a weekend to remember.

 

[yensid9111]

Just wanted to share a few thoughts...We (Me, my parents, niece-18 & nephew-14) stayed at GCV for 7 nights last June. I've been so busy at work, this is the first time I've had a chance to post.

We stayed in a top floor 2BR with a view of DCA. (room requests we made, and were granted--CM at check in told me that The Grand loves to grant requests.) We live in GA and are about 6-7 hours away from WDW by car. How we wish we lived as close to DLR! GCV is our favorite DVC resort. We've stayed at: HHI, AKL, WLV, OKW, VB, BCV.

The room was quiet, extremely clean and the CM's were incredible. We loved Whitewater snacks (and to think, just a short walk away from our room!) In fact, everything is just a short walk away! We also loved the shampoo (same type as DCL!). The room layout is a winner for us as well...2 balconies, 3 beds, a Murphy bed & a sofa pullout with 3 bathrooms...the two bedroom is perfect for us! Upon check-in, the CM found out that the "kids" had never been to DLR...they were presented with balloons and an autographed photo of Mickey & Minnie. The weather was absolutely amazing...never above 80, no humidity to speak of, & the nights were actually chilly! The kids had never been to Disney without sweating...they loved it!

Had a great time! Besides showing the kids the Disneyland Resort (they loved how different the "same" rides are, and commented on how they were going to be disappointed with WDW's Space Mtn & POTC next time they were there) We were able to show them: The Walt Disney Studios (a friend who works at the Studios arranged a tour); took a whale/dolphin watching tour from Dana Point; cupcakes at Sprinkles; In N Out Burger--DO NOT MISS; Walt Disney's gravesite in Glendale, tour of Hollywood with "Dearly Departed Tours" (GREAT tour!); and we were able to tour the Aulani Model.

For our family, we enjoy the food much, much better at DLR than at WDW...our opinion is that the food in WDW has gotten too expensive, and the choices that used to be there (RE: our favorites), are no longer. Fried Chicken on Main Street! Corn Dogs! Fried Green Tomato Sandwiches! are some of our "Don't Miss" at the DLR. Also, the spicy peanut brittle was very, very good! (Marceline's).

Can't wait to go back! Currently the plans are to go (sadly, w/o kids) Dec. 2012...we are very excited to see the new Buena Vista Street & Carsland!

 

[DisneyHeather]

Just wanted to share a few thoughts...We (Me, my parents, niece-18 & nephew-14) stayed at GCV for 7 nights last June. I've been so busy at work, this is the first time I've had a chance to post.

We stayed in a top floor 2BR with a view of DCA. (room requests we made, and were granted--CM at check in told me that The Grand loves to grant requests.) We live in GA and are about 6-7 hours away from WDW by car. How we wish we lived as close to DLR! GCV is our favorite DVC resort. We've stayed at: HHI, AKL, WLV, OKW, VB, BCV.

The room was quiet, extremely clean and the CM's were incredible. We loved Whitewater snacks (and to think, just a short walk away from our room!) In fact, everything is just a short walk away! We also loved the shampoo (same type as DCL!). The room layout is a winner for us as well...2 balconies, 3 beds, a Murphy bed & a sofa pullout with 3 bathrooms...the two bedroom is perfect for us! Upon check-in, the CM found out that the "kids" had never been to DLR...they were presented with balloons and an autographed photo of Mickey & Minnie. The weather was absolutely amazing...never above 80, no humidity to speak of, & the nights were actually chilly! The kids had never been to Disney without sweating...they loved it!

Had a great time! Besides showing the kids the Disneyland Resort (they loved how different the "same" rides are, and commented on how they were going to be disappointed with WDW's Space Mtn & POTC next time they were there) We were able to show them: The Walt Disney Studios (a friend who works at the Studios arranged a tour); took a whale/dolphin watching tour from Dana Point; cupcakes at Sprinkles; In N Out Burger--DO NOT MISS; Walt Disney's gravesite in Glendale, tour of Hollywood with "Dearly Departed Tours" (GREAT tour!); and we were able to tour the Aulani Model.

For our family, we enjoy the food much, much better at DLR than at WDW...our opinion is that the food in WDW has gotten too expensive, and the choices that used to be there (RE: our favorites), are no longer. Fried Chicken on Main Street! Corn Dogs! Fried Green Tomato Sandwiches! are some of our "Don't Miss" at the DLR. Also, the spicy peanut brittle was very, very good! (Marceline's).

Can't wait to go back! Currently the plans are to go (sadly, w/o kids) Dec. 2012...we are very excited to see the new Buena Vista Street & Carsland!

I'm glad you had such a wonderful time visiting DLR

 

[Nonsuch]

We stayed in a top floor 2BR with a view of DCA. (room requests we made, and were granted--CM at check in told me that The Grand loves to grant requests.)

I have had good results with room requests

 

[kerickson]

Has anyone had luck purchasing the discounted Mickey's Halloween Party at Disneyland through DVC Member Services? I received an email on Thursday about this offer and called that afternoon. The CM and I both went to the DVC website that had the details and he spoke with his supervisor and the response was they aren't in their system and I should call the general number to see if I can purchase from them (the DVC CM was very nice and apologetic, I probably should have been firmer to have him keep asking management for the info). I'm going to call back tomorrow and press until I get better answers/or tickets, but wanted to see if anyone had sucess yet.

The website states:
Disneyland Park
For just $44 plus tax per ticket, Members may purchase up to 8 discount tickets for the following 2011 party dates:

September: 30
October: 3, 11, 18, 25

Book Early and Save!
To purchase discount tickets for an evening of enchantment, call Member Services at (800) ********. Or explore additional event details and event dates at Walt Disney World Resort or at Disneyland Resort.

 

[letitsnow]

We stayed in a 1 br from July 19-25th. I have to say it was one of the best vacations ever. We even were able to get locked in the gift shop downstairs with Justin Beiber and Selena Gomez!

I was not too impressed with our view of GRR. I really was hoping for a WOC view for our first trip as DVC members. We did spend alo of time in the room, more than normal since it was so convenient. My mom cooked for us everyday so we saved alot of money.

Some of the things that I didn't like was the long walk to the villas. I think there should be somekind of shortcut to get to DTD or the parks. I know of the special entrance into DCA but it is still a pretty far walk. Also I was a little bit confused at the pool because the exit I took said emergency exit, but that was the way that we came in.

However I am very impressed that there are life guards on duty. We had great customer service when we checked in and out. We had a clean and big room. We loved being close to the parks. FREE parking! and when I checked out my final bill was $2 for 2 packets of dishwashing soap...

This was definately the best purchase we've made in a long time. My family loves disney and we can't wait to make more memories!



Our next trip is in a studio Nov 26-Dec 5 to celebrate DH and DD's birthdays. I have put in a request for a high floor, theme park view, close to the elevator. do you think that might get me a WOC view?

 

[kikiq]

Our next trip is in a studio Nov 26-Dec 5 to celebrate DH and DD's birthdays. I have put in a request for a high floor, theme park view, close to the elevator. do you think that might get me a WOC view?

Theme park view might get you GRR as that is a theme park view.

You need to specifically ask for floors 4, 5 or 6 and PARADISE PIER view. Any of those rooms will put you fairly close to the elevators, they will be on the right hand side of the hallway as you turn left to the villas. There have been recommendations that you ask for specific rooms. I asked for an upper room, Paradise Pier view in May at 11 months, and had a 3rd floor 2 bdrm. It was an OK view of WOC, a little higher would have been nicer.

View from master bedroom balcony

Close up of WOC from master bedroom balcony

 

[DizDays]

Thanks for all the wonderful information. I can't wait for my first trip home to VGC. We've stayed at the Grand Californian a few times and loved it so points at VGC were a no brainer. Can't wait!

 

[disneydenisel]

We stayed in a 1 br from July 19-25th. I have to say it was one of the best vacations ever. We even were able to get locked in the gift shop downstairs with Justin Beiber and Selena Gomez!

So jealous! Kids and I would love to be locked in the store with Justin and Selena. How exciting!

 

[Nonsuch]

Some of the things that I didn't like was the long walk to the villas. I think there should be somekind of shortcut to get to DTD or the parks. I know of the special entrance into DCA but it is still a pretty far walk. Also I was a little bit confused at the pool because the exit I took said emergency exit, but that was the way that we came in.

Visit WDW, if you want to have LONG walks
Several of the pool gates are marked "Emergency Exit" but they are OK to use.

Our next trip is in a studio Nov 26-Dec 5 to celebrate DH and DD's birthdays. I have put in a request for a high floor, theme park view, close to the elevator. do you think that might get me a WOC view?

I have had good results by requesting a list of villa numbers
This would be my list: 6504, 5504, 4504, 3504, 5510, 4510, 3510
The view from the x510 villas is toward Paradise Pier, but WOC is blocked

 

[TLPL]

Several of the pool gates are marked "Emergency Exit" but they are OK to use.

I found it confusing, some of the "Emergency Exits" you can use, like the one to the pools closest to the villa elevator lobby and those that takes you to the BBQ grills from the pools. Some other "Emergency Exits" has additional sign says alarm will sound if you open it, like those 2 left ones in front of the White Water Snack, but not the far right one at the same location.

You need to specifically ask for floors 4, 5 or 6 and PARADISE PIER view. Any of those rooms will put you fairly close to the elevators, they will be on the right hand side of the hallway as you turn left to the villas. There have been recommendations that you ask for specific rooms. I asked for an upper room, Paradise Pier view in May at 11 months, and had a 3rd floor 2 bdrm. It was an OK view of WOC, a little higher would have been nicer.

I booked my studio at 11 months (well plus a few days becasused I walked the reservation), and we didn't get the park view studio we requested. We got the pool view and view of some naked fat guy across the pool yard!!

I was not too impressed with our view of GRR. I really was hoping for a WOC view for our first trip as DVC members. We did spend alo of time in the room, more than normal since it was so convenient. My mom cooked for us everyday so we saved alot of money.

Some of the things that I didn't like was the long walk to the villas. I think there should be somekind of shortcut to get to DTD or the parks. I know of the special entrance into DCA but it is still a pretty far walk. Also I was a little bit confused at the pool because the exit I took said emergency exit, but that was the way that we came in.

We spend more time in our room in VGC too, maybe becasue the parks are so close and you can just walk back to the room anytime during the day. It is a plus! In WDW it takes forever to get from parks to room, you have to walk all the way out from the parks that are using twice as big, and you have to walk to the bus stop..., and wait for the bus, and ride 30 mins on the bus, and when you finally get to the resort, you still have to walk to your room. but at DLR, you will be in your room in no time!!

We found our short cut to DCA the second day we arrived, since then we always walk out of the villas elevator lobby, turn right, cut throught the pools, walk behind the slide, and exit the pool area by white water snack, and to the DCA entrance. It save lots of time with that route.