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

[Disney Princess]

With our first baby on the way and grandparents wanting to visit Disneyland with us, we figured an add on was in our future. We have 100 points, and it works for the two of us, but we wanted more for our growing family. We've been watching the resales for a few weeks now, but the PERFECT contract became available this weekend. 50 points, August UY, $85/point. It just so happens we wanted 50 more points (or 300, but we'll start small! ) in our August UY. We felt fortunate. The contract is with Disney waiting for ROFR now. Can't wait use those new points.

 

[Disney Princess]

Got a studio for 9/21 to 9/28 today (7 months)!

So glad you got what you wanted. Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[Snurk71]

Is there somewhere to find out what cash rates are for the villas? ...without calling...

These rates are 2 years old, and they weren't easy to get (had to call a few different numbers), but in Apr 2010 the rates were...

Magic season rack rates (without tax)
Studio - $575 weekday, $645 weekend
1BR - $1,015 weekday, $1,140 weekend
2BR - $1,255 weekday, $1,410 weekend

I needed the prices to help us set a shared cost for DSIL since we were combined treating their parents to a 50th anniversary trip (we settled on $300/night for their contribution - they took the 2nd dedicated BR, in-laws were in the master, and we took the foldout for the week).

 

[Nonsuch]

I wonder if 1509 has a slider to the pool

None of the first floor patios have direct access to the pools. The easiest patio to access the pool would be 1516 (facing Redwood Creek), which is near a seldom used gate (with room key access). 1516 is the Handicap Accessible studio.

 

[Nonsuch]

...50 points, August UY, $85/point. It just so happens we wanted 50 more points (or 300, but we'll start small! ) in our August UY. We felt fortunate.

May you pass ROFR
Keeping all your points in the same UY makes things easier
Even with only one UY, I managed to forget to bank a few points
(I ended up using them, so they did not go to waste)

 

[nunzia]

That's insane!

I know!! It really is..but I don't think any are actually available ever for cash anyway.. I'd just get a regular room at about $400 and do without the microwave and little sink

 

[nunzia]

Hi

Just wanted to share we order from VONS or bring our own and have bell desk hold in their refrig until our room is ready.

There are no grocery stores within walking distance

DH has also walked to wonderland Liquor for chips/beer/soda its just around the corner and they do deliver.
Wonderland Liquor
1178 W Katella Ave
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 535-0127

We are looking forward to Earl of Sandwich Coming in this summer at DTD there is a big need for cheaper yummy food options

My SIL went there once on a trip. I have tried TWICE to find it with no luck..as you exit the Grand, you turn left I guess? Then at Katella...which way?

 

[bigAWL]

..and studios have been reported as $850 for cash rate

These rates are 2 years old, and they weren't easy to get (had to call a few different numbers), but in Apr 2010 the rates were...

Magic season rack rates (without tax)
Studio - $575 weekday, $645 weekend
1BR - $1,015 weekday, $1,140 weekend
2BR - $1,255 weekday, $1,410 weekend

I needed the prices to help us set a shared cost for DSIL since we were combined treating their parents to a 50th anniversary trip (we settled on $300/night for their contribution - they took the 2nd dedicated BR, in-laws were in the master, and we took the foldout for the week).

Thanks, much. Maybe we can start renting our points for $15 per point... or more.

 

[Snurk71]

Thanks, much. Maybe we can start renting our points for $15 per point... or more.

I had hoped/thought points at the smaller and/or more difficult to book resorts could/should be more valuable and go for a higher price. Doesn't it seem logical that high demand 11 month points at VGC would be worth more than more abundant SSR points (laws of supply & demand and their impact on price)? Unfortunately (from a VGC owner perspective), there's been a lot more success getting rooms at 7 months than I would have thought with the size of the resort. So, so far there's no cause for a higher point rental.

Of course, I haven't rented and don't plan to rent my points. So it's not really impacting me.

 

[monami7]

I have 2 contracts. One at SSR and one at VGC. I NEVER rent my VGC points. i treat them like they are gold. We have had trouble booking at 7 months. That is why we added on. I think it depends on when you want to go. For me the security of being able to book at 11 months is priceless.

 

[bigAWL]

We go much more often to WDW than we do to DL, but we bought at VGC because it's small and the only DVC in Ca. We figured (and so far it has worked out for us - knock on wood) that with so many options in WDW, we would be able to find somewhere to stay at 7 months. That might not be the case at DL.

 

[Disney Princess]

May you pass ROFR
Keeping all your points in the same UY makes things easier
Even with only one UY, I managed to forget to bank a few points
(I ended up using them, so they did not go to waste)

We are hoping keeping the UY the same will help. We are already at 2 different resorts, and that has proved interesting at times. We're hoping ROFR is quick and painless!

 

[gonecrusin]

Hi

Just wanted to share we order from VONS or bring our own and have bell desk hold in their refrig until our room is ready.

There are no grocery stores within walking distance

DH has also walked to wonderland Liquor for chips/beer/soda its just around the corner and they do deliver.
Wonderland Liquor
1178 W Katella Ave
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 535-0127


We are looking forward to Earl of Sandwich Coming in this summer at DTD there is a big need for cheaper yummy food options

We will be checking in late on 3/11. This is our first time staying in the VC (only been there twice and both times we stayed in the hotel, bought points so we could have the 11 month advantage and use this as a stop over for HI and the west coast cruises) and as when we stay in WDW we like to have breakfast food in the room so we can be ready to go. Where would be the closest and best grocery store to the resort? We will have a car but didn't want to go wondering around looking for a place to buy groceries. It's funny when we come to the west coast it's almost as if we are going to foreign country after enough trips I'm sure it will be like coming home.

 

[franandaj]

My SIL went there once on a trip. I have tried TWICE to find it with no luck..as you exit the Grand, you turn left I guess? Then at Katella...which way?

At Katella make a right turn. Wonderland Liquor is in a little strip mall on the left side of Katella. It's a small place but they have a lot of variety in there.

We will be checking in late on 3/11. This is our first time staying in the VC (only been there twice and both times we stayed in the hotel, bought points so we could have the 11 month advantage and use this as a stop over for HI and the west coast cruises) and as when we stay in WDW we like to have breakfast food in the room so we can be ready to go. Where would be the closest and best grocery store to the resort? We will have a car but didn't want to go wondering around looking for a place to buy groceries. It's funny when we come to the west coast it's almost as if we are going to foreign country after enough trips I'm sure it will be like coming home.

The closest grocery store is Food 4 Less, which is about 1 mile west on Katella. However, F4L is a discount no frills grocery store. If you're looking for a top quality grocery store, I think there is a Ralph's on Orangethorpe, there is a Target on Harbor, I'm sure there must be a Vons or Albertson's as well as Whole Foods nearby. Vons will also deliver and they normally offer free delivery on your first order.

 

[nunzia]

At Katella make a right turn. Wonderland Liquor is in a little strip mall on the left side of Katella. It's a small place but they have a lot of variety in there..

Thanks!

 

[zeferjen]

Hi All - We will be spending one night at VGC at the end of August. I currently have a studio reserved for Monday, Aug 27. Is there another night of the week that would work better? I am confused about how the early entry works. We plan to get only a two-day park hopper, if that makes a difference.

Also, any recommendations for a room request? I know it is not a guarantee, but it can't hurt, right? Thanks!

 

[zeferjen]

Hi All - We will be spending one night at VGC at the end of August. I currently have a studio reserved for Monday, Aug 27. Is there another night of the week that would work better? I am confused about how the early entry works. We plan to get only a two-day park hopper, if that makes a difference.

Also, any recommendations for a room request? I know it is not a guarantee, but it can't hurt, right? Thanks!

 

[Nonsuch]

Hi All - We will be spending one night at VGC at the end of August. I currently have a studio reserved for Monday, Aug 27. Is there another night of the week that would work better? I am confused about how the early entry works. We plan to get only a two-day park hopper, if that makes a difference.

Early entry to California Adventure is available to DLR guests every morning, 9:15 for a 10:00 opening. I hope early entry will include access to Cars Land, but we will need to wait for June to find out.
DLR guests also get access to Magic Morning at Disneyland, generally offered: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.

Also, any recommendations for a room request? I know it is not a guarantee, but it can't hurt, right? Thanks!

6504, 5504, 4504, 3504
I recommend making a room request, and early check also helps

 

[Breyean]

6504, 5504, 4504, 3504
I recommend making a room request, and early check also helps

I was wondering, do you know which of the rooms at VGC are HA? I made a reservation yesterday and used your maps and posts to request my room, but I always throw in a request for a non-HA room no matter which resort we are staying at.

It got me to thinking by asking for specific rooms, if one is HA, I might be requesting something I really don't want.

I ask because I don't see them marked on your floor plans.

Thanks.

 

[Nonsuch]

I was wondering, do you know which of the rooms at VGC are HA? I made a reservation yesterday and used your maps and posts to request my room, but I always throw in a request for a non-HA room no matter which resort we are staying at.

1516 Studio
1514 1-bedroom
3513 2-bedroom dedicated
4522 3-bedroom grand villa

I ask because I don't see them marked on your floor plans.

Maps are updated