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

[Nonsuch]

I have a handicap placard & was wondering where I could park at? Does anybody know if you can get free Valet parking if your handicap?

There are a few handicap parking spaces in the small lot, otherwise the lot is used for valet. I don't know about free valet, however those few handicap parking spots seem inadequate for the size of the Grand.

 

[taaren]

Was able to book a full week in a studio villa for the second week of December(4 days at 7 months, 1 day checking almost twice a day for months, and then the last two days setting up separate wait lists which came through right before the 30 day point). Haven't been to Disneyland since 1989, quite excited to finally go somewhere for my birthday with my wife and 16 month old daughter.

Expecting it to be quite busy due to the holidays but with 6-7 days in the parks it should allow us to take it slow and get a chance to catch everything. Highly anticipating the new additions to the park, and finally getting to ride the Matterhorn I coveted so highly when I was 6. This thread is great, so much good information.

Wow, that's great that you were able to get those days! Lucked out with those wait lists! Enjoy our home.

 

[kerickson]

Hello! Hoping to get some waitlist advice.

First of all, do you think I have any chance of upgrading to a 2 bdr from the 1 bdr I have booked at VGC from 1/24-1/27/13?

I'm not sure the demand difference between 2BR and 1BR. When did you put yourself on the waitlist? If at or before the 7mo mark, then you probably are pretty high on the list. I think many folks have good luck, but with such small inventory it's hard to predict) I'd make sure you have a back up plan if you really need the extra room.

Second, do I need to submit separate waitlist requests for a 2 bdr dedicated and a 2 bdr lock-off? (I know I can only have 2 waitlists per UY, which is fine by me, but I don't want to do it if it's not necessary).

My understanding is yes, since they are different inventory. If I remember correctly, I booked a 2BR lock off at Aulani and waitlisted for the dedicated last June.

Third, how smart is the waitlist system? Since I have 1 bdr booked, and a studio becomes available during my time, will they recognize that as having a 2 bdr available for me in particular? (My guess is absolutely not, but I have to ask.)

I assume the system doesn't have that intelligence. Once they cancel your studio it will automatically go to the first person on the waitlist. I don't think the have a way to convert from a 1BR to a 2BR on an existing reservation.

Fourth, I am requesting to replace an existing reservation. If my waitlist comes through, and that reservation is cancelled, I will have enough points for the 2 bdr. If they try to book it before cancelling the first reservation, I will not have enough points without borrowing. I don't want to borrow, obviously, as I have no plans to use this this UY, so I declined that option on the waitlist request. But am I shooting myself in the foot, since they cancel a waitlist that doesn't have available points? (In other words, which comes first, the chicken or the egg?!)

That's sounds a bit tricky for the system or a CM to handle. The CM might have a way to do it (hold the 2BR for you, then cancel the Studio, then book the 2BR), best to call and ask them directly how their current process/system will handle your scenario. You might want to call back and get another opinion just to be sure. Have you thought about getting on a waitlist for 1BR instead, or does your party have to be all in the same unit? The villas are all in the same wing, so if you have adults in both units, it's probably not that inconvenient to walk for the studio to the 1BR in the morning for breakfast, for example.

 

[aymekae]

Thanks for your response. I currently have a 1 bdr, not a studio. And I spoke to my family members, who said they'd rather get their own accommodations rather than cram in with us, lol. I'll still take a 2 bdr if I get it for the extra space, but we're all covered otherwise.

I guess I'll have to call them with my question about having available points.

 

[ChrisSD]

We stayed in 5508 and loved it. Watched WOC every night from our balcony! We will be going back in a year with my brother and sister-in-law and was wondering if anyone had pictures of the view from 3522. I am also planning a small family reunion and would love to see pics of the view from the park side grand villa if anyone has stayed there. 8

I had 3522 in 2011. I'll get some pics up. This year I had 4518 - that room, well, sucks as far as the view. Was so disappointed when I checked in.

 

[nunzia]

I had 3522 in 2011. I'll get some pics up. This year I had 4518 - that room, well, sucks as far as the view. Was so disappointed when I checked in.

My son and his family just had 4516..decent view of the GRR bear and nice greenery I thought. I had 4510 which is fine except the building juts out right at Mickey's Wheel of Death so not much view of WOC.

 

[PoohsFan1]

Well I got my dates set (6/6-6/14) and staying in a Studio....I know, I know I had mentioned earlier we were interested in only a 1-bedroom, however DH and I discussed it and we decided that we would go down to a studio because we wanted to save points, plus we wanted to go for a longer time to check out other parts of Southern California.

Now with that all said, I know we would love to have a view of Paradise Pier (possibly WOC, but if not that is o.k.) and would like to know what your suggestions would be (and if anyone has any pictures of their studio views, I would love to see those as well). Also, how far away are the villas (with the theme park views) from the entrance to the parks?...either the entrance in GCH or the main entrances. I have read on the DLR threads that if our main concern is to ride RSR one morning, to go through the main park entrance rather than the hotel's entrance. Therefore, I was just curious how far away it is from the villas. Thank you to anyone who can help.

 

[Nonsuch]

...I know we would love to have a view of Paradise Pier (possibly WOC, but if not that is o.k.) and would like to know what your suggestions would be (and if anyone has any pictures of their studio views, I would love to see those as well).

The only studios with WOC view are: 6504, 5504, 4504, 3504
These studios have a partial view of Paradise Pier: 5510, 4510, 3510

This quote sums up the view from x510

...I had 4510 which is fine except the building juts out right at Mickey's Wheel of Death so not much view of WOC.

...how far away are the villas (with the theme park views) from the entrance to the parks?...either the entrance in GCH or the main entrances.

All the villas are located in the same wing of the hotel, so the view does not change the walking distance. It will generally be better to use the main entrance at park opening.

 

[franandaj]

There are a few handicap parking spaces in the small lot, otherwise the lot is used for valet. I don't know about free valet, however those few handicap parking spots seem inadequate for the size of the Grand.

Technically if there are no disabled spots available up front they are supposed to give you complimentary Valet parking as an ADA exemption, but check your bill before you leave. We stayed Saturday night last weekend and they charged us even though we had a placard and no spots were available. I didn't open the bill until we got home and they charged us. It was only one night so I didn't sweat it, but I will always check the bill before checking out in the future.

 

[Hollywood Glitter]

Technically if there are no disabled spots available up front they are supposed to give you complimentary Valet parking as an ADA exemption, but check your bill before you leave. We stayed Saturday night last weekend and they charged us even though we had a placard and no spots were available. I didn't open the bill until we got home and they charged us. It was only one night so I didn't sweat it, but I will always check the bill before checking out in the future.

This I didn't know. Thanks for the info

 

[sueandyong]

I am sure this is posted somewhere but I am looking for 2 bedroom villa suggestions. Would like park/ world of color views.

We stayed in room 4500 earlier in the year. Great view from the balcony to see WOC. Awesome 2BR villa if you stay here.

 

[Cinderpamela]

A big huge thank you to Nonsuch for the fabulous room request advice!!

Checking in for our stay last Friday (11/23) morning at 6:30 am the cast member confirmed that they had my very specific room requests. She was pretty suprised that I was in the know as it was our first time at that resort! I said I did some research, to which she replied "Well then your research should definitely be rewarded" I knew she could not tell me the room number but I took that as a sign that it was a good one!

We got the text around 3 pm that our room was ready.... I was so excited!! It was 6502!!!

 

[Nonsuch]

A big huge thank you to Nonsuch for the fabulous room request advice!!

You are very welcome

...I knew she could not tell me the room number...

While the CM will not tell you the room number, it is printed on the registration form you signed
Knowing the room number at 6:30AM could be helpful if you wanted to change the room assignment. Few guests have checked in that early, so there would be a little flexibility. Late in the afternoon, it is unlikely any changes can be made.

There is some speculation that early reservations might be given priority for room assignments. How far in advance did you book?

 

[DISNEYFOURME]

We got the text around 3 pm that our room was ready.... I was so excited!! It was 6502!!!

Oh nice..we were in room 3502 in March 2011 and LOVED it!

 

[DebbieB]

You are very welcome

While the CM will not tell you the room number, it is printed on the registration form you signed
Knowing the room number at 6:30AM could be helpful if you wanted to change the room assignment. Few guests have checked in that early, so there would be a little flexibility. Late in the afternoon, it is unlikely any changes can be made.

There is some speculation that early reservations might be given priority for room assignments. How far in advance did you book?

I've found that if the room is not ready, it shows xxxx under room number.

 

[Nonsuch]

I've found that if the room is not ready, it shows xxxx under room number.

The room has always been listed on the registration form since I started looking for it. Several visits to the villas and hotel over the last couple years
The number was listed even though the room was not ready.

 

[Cinderpamela]

There is some speculation that early reservations might be given priority for room assignments. How far in advance did you book?

We booked right at the 7 month mark, and then I Emailed Member Services with your handy dandy request list for one bedrooms about 3 days later.

 

[Goofy4Pooh]

I had 3522 in 2011. I'll get some pics up. This year I had 4518 - that room, well, sucks as far as the view. Was so disappointed when I checked in.

Thanks! Would love to see you pics of 3522 8 Bummer about the room this year. Hope you get a better choice next time!

 

[floribr1]

First of all, I just want to thank everyone for all of the wonderful information that is contained in this thread! As a complete DL newbie, this has been invaluable to me. I am well-acquainted with WDW and DLP, but know virtually nothing about the West Coast resort. But the education has been fun!

I have been studying the maps, and I notice that all of the DVC rooms in the Villas wing are in the format x5xx, e.g., 1506, 2506, 3510, 4510, etc. However, there are some rooms in this category that are not DVC rooms, e.g., x503, 1500, 1511, 1513. Does anybody know what is the deal with these rooms? My only guess is that these rooms represent the 2% of inventory that DVD is required to hold for rentals... but that is just a guess.

Does anybody know?

Thanks again!

 

[Nonsuch]

I have been studying the maps, and I notice that all of the DVC rooms in the Villas wing are in the format x5xx, e.g., 1506, 2506, 3510, 4510, etc. However, there are some rooms in this category that are not DVC rooms, e.g., x503, 1500, 1511, 1513. Does anybody know what is the deal with these rooms?

Those are regular hotel rooms. The confusion about those rooms was part of my motivation to create the floor by floor maps.