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

[Snurk71]

Hello!
Does anyone there know what days DCA opens for magic mornings now that Carsland is open ?
And does everybody get carded by the entrance ? I'm wondering if I have to bring my kids room keys or not.
Thanks

Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday for DCA.

We only had to show one key, but I've seen others mention being asked for everyone's.

 

[Nonsuch]

Does anyone there know what days DCA opens for magic mornings now that Carsland is open ?

Disneyland Early Admission Options -- official site
Early Admission (MM/EMH/APEE) Super Thread -- long thread, but only read the first post and the last few pages

 

[cseca]

Thanks Snurk71 and Nonsuch!

 

[Snurk71]

We just did EE at DCA again today and aCM was giving the family behind us a hard time because they only had 3 of their 4 room keys. They did end up letting them in though.

 

[tchrrx]

We just returned from our first trip to the Grand Californian. We stayed in a 1-bedroom and enjoyed almost everything about it. One word of advice to newcomers: Pack your own toilet paper! I have never seen such low quality toilet paper in my life. Even the t.p. in the parks is higher quality than what they provide at the GC. Very odd given the cost (high points) needed to stay there.

 

[Chereya]

Is there a concierge or ticket desk inside the GCH? I have a 2br villa reserved for Sunday 4/14 - Friday 4/19, 5 nights and 6 days. We're staying the Saturday night prior 4/13 across the street at Desert Inn. Originally I was going to check in at 6 am and get started in EMH at CA on Sunday and have a non-park day in the middle of our trip on Wednesday. But our family tends to be late risers and the idea of waking up later on Wednesday for EMH was sounding better and better. So then I decided to switch things around and have Sunday be our non-park day but we'd have to give up our one chance to see Fantasmic.

Ideally, I'd like to be able to add a 6th day to our tickets. I think it makes perfect sense that if we're going to be staying there for 5 nights and 6 days, to allow us to add a 6th day. I know there are no guarantees though and it may depend on getting lucky on approaching the right ticket cast member at the main ticket booths. I was hoping that I might have a better chance by talking to the ticket people at GCH and explaining that since I am staying there for the 5 nights and 6 days, could I add the 6th day?

Any thoughts on how likely this might be?

 

[cseca]

We just did EE at DCA again today and aCM was giving the family behind us a hard time because they only had 3 of their 4 room keys. They did end up letting them in though.

Thanks I'll be sure to bring everyone's tix then. I just hate to bring so many cards.

 

[floribr1]

Ideally, I'd like to be able to add a 6th day to our tickets. I think it makes perfect sense that if we're going to be staying there for 5 nights and 6 days, to allow us to add a 6th day. I know there are no guarantees though and it may depend on getting lucky on approaching the right ticket cast member at the main ticket booths. I was hoping that I might have a better chance by talking to the ticket people at GCH and explaining that since I am staying there for the 5 nights and 6 days, could I add the 6th day?

Any thoughts on how likely this might be?

I assume you are asking whether you could add an extra day to the 5-day ticket that is sold (5 days being the maximum)? While I can't say for 100% sure, I can say I think that is highly unlikely. The ticket pricing is set by corporate management, and I am pretty positive the people selling the tickets would not have the authority to set their own pricing for a 6-day ticket. The pricing is tiered in a very specific way: to go from a 3-day to a 4-day ticket costs an extra $25 (per adult), to go from a 4-day to a 5-day costs an extra $15, and to go from a 5-day to a 6-day ticket would cost what...? The ticket sellers would not have the authority to make that call.

Of course, you always have the option to purchase an extra 1-day ticket for $125 (or $87 without hopping privileges), but I doubt that is what you are looking to do.

 

[boiseflyfisher]

Is there a concierge or ticket desk inside the GCH? I have a 2br villa reserved for Sunday 4/14 - Friday 4/19, 5 nights and 6 days. We're staying the Saturday night prior 4/13 across the street at Desert Inn. Originally I was going to check in at 6 am and get started in EMH at CA on Sunday and have a non-park day in the middle of our trip on Wednesday. But our family tends to be late risers and the idea of waking up later on Wednesday for EMH was sounding better and better. So then I decided to switch things around and have Sunday be our non-park day but we'd have to give up our one chance to see Fantasmic.

Ideally, I'd like to be able to add a 6th day to our tickets. I think it makes perfect sense that if we're going to be staying there for 5 nights and 6 days, to allow us to add a 6th day. I know there are no guarantees though and it may depend on getting lucky on approaching the right ticket cast member at the main ticket booths. I was hoping that I might have a better chance by talking to the ticket people at GCH and explaining that since I am staying there for the 5 nights and 6 days, could I add the 6th day?

Any thoughts on how likely this might be?

Looks like mixed results. Here is a thread on the Disneyland board that may be of some help:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3061507&highlight=adding+extra+day

 

[BeccaG]

Is there a concierge or ticket desk inside the GCH? I have a 2br villa reserved for Sunday 4/14 - Friday 4/19, 5 nights and 6 days. We're staying the Saturday night prior 4/13 across the street at Desert Inn. Originally I was going to check in at 6 am and get started in EMH at CA on Sunday and have a non-park day in the middle of our trip on Wednesday. But our family tends to be late risers and the idea of waking up later on Wednesday for EMH was sounding better and better. So then I decided to switch things around and have Sunday be our non-park day but we'd have to give up our one chance to see Fantasmic.

Ideally, I'd like to be able to add a 6th day to our tickets. I think it makes perfect sense that if we're going to be staying there for 5 nights and 6 days, to allow us to add a 6th day. I know there are no guarantees though and it may depend on getting lucky on approaching the right ticket cast member at the main ticket booths. I was hoping that I might have a better chance by talking to the ticket people at GCH and explaining that since I am staying there for the 5 nights and 6 days, could I add the 6th day?

Any thoughts on how likely this might be?

Others have reported being able to do this at Guest Services. The 5 day max was implemented to stop ticket renters. However others have reported being told No. I'd check in with guest services or your concierge and ask, not a ticket booth.

 

[floribr1]

Looks like mixed results. Here is a thread on the Disneyland board that may be of some help:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3061507&highlight=adding+extra+day

Well, this is very interesting...

Thanks for posting this link. I will just add this to the ever-growing list of how a trip to DL is a completely different animal from a trip to WDW!

 

[Chereya]

Others have reported being able to do this at Guest Services. The 5 day max was implemented to stop ticket renters. However others have reported being told No. I'd check in with guest services or your concierge and ask, not a ticket booth.

Thanks, BeccaG This is more what I had in mind - talking to someone who had a larger interest in making my overall stay at the VGH better as opposed to someone who automatically gives the standard "not possible" answer. I tried searching for a specific phone number for the Concierge desk at GCH but didn't turn anything up. I think I found the main number for GCH (714) 635-2300, I could try calling there and pre-asking to see how amenable they would be to the idea. I don't expect to be able to do anything concrete with the tix until I'm physically there.

 

[lilpooh108]

Hi guys!

I'm not a VGC owner but I just wanted to say that I LOVE your resort (we own at AKV & Aulani, so similar styling). We did a Storyteller's character brunch the other day, walked around the resort to do pin trading, then peeked in the pool area, and peeked at the hallway where VGC connects to DCA (so jealous...) Everything looks wonderful and the vibe is so laid back!

The only thing is---there is a bald headed man (super tall) concierge/guest services guy (at the standalone guest services desk) that wasn't terribly friendly. He gave us a weird preamble before we started trading pins. Other than that, we're now convinced to give VGC a try even though we're locals. Loved the live piano music in the lobby and the little rocking chairs for the kids. My DD, 11 months, loved it. The look on her little face was priceless.

I had only been to VGC a few times before to dine at Napa Rose & Storytellers, but this past weekend we really took our time at the resort (sort of like we would at WDW when visiting VWL for the Christmas ambiance or the Poly for Dole Whips). VGC is such a great place!

My poor DD (age 3) kept asking me if we were "going up to the hotel room" as we were leaving I'm like, no honey, we live 15 minutes from here.

 

[hjgaus]

Hi guys!

I'm not a VGC owner but I just wanted to say that I LOVE your resort (we own at AKV & Aulani, so similar styling). We did a Storyteller's character brunch the other day, walked around the resort to do pin trading, then peeked in the pool area, and peeked at the hallway where VGC connects to DCA (so jealous...) Everything looks wonderful and the vibe is so laid back!

The only thing is---there is a bald headed man (super tall) concierge/guest services guy (at the standalone guest services desk) that wasn't terribly friendly. He gave us a weird preamble before we started trading pins. Other than that, we're now convinced to give VGC a try even though we're locals. Loved the live piano music in the lobby and the little rocking chairs for the kids. My DD, 11 months, loved it. The look on her little face was priceless.

I had only been to VGC a few times before to dine at Napa Rose & Storytellers, but this past weekend we really took our time at the resort (sort of like we would at WDW when visiting VWL for the Christmas ambiance or the Poly for Dole Whips). VGC is such a great place!

My poor DD (age 3) kept asking me if we were "going up to the hotel room" as we were leaving I'm like, no honey, we live 15 minutes from here.

Hello neighbor! We are locals (20 minutes away-no traffic) and own here @ VGC as well as BCV!! Buying local was the BEST decision we ever made!
We've been able to use our AP's along with quite a few reservations here!!
We LOVE the freedom to do weekend or overnight staycations when the parks seem to get crowded! The Grand Villa has been the most FUN to stay in that I'm considering having either a Thanksgiving dinner with family or just a nice dinner party with friends one day!! I'm sure you'll love staying @ VGC eventhough you live close cuz at least you don't need to pay for a flight to stay in a Disney bubble!!

 

[islandtimect]

We're an east coast family that hopes to visit CA next April, and stay part of our trip at VGC. We would have to book at 7 months, as AKV and BLT are our home resorts. Will the week of April 15, 2014 be a super crowded week? Would probably book a studio. If it isnt likely to be available at 7 months, is it possible to find someone who would want us to book them our home resorts at 11 months, and they could reserve VGC for us at 11 months??

 

[Checkers]

We're an east coast family that hopes to visit CA next April, and stay part of our trip at VGC. We would have to book at 7 months, as AKV and BLT are our home resorts. Will the week of April 15, 2014 be a super crowded week? Would probably book a studio. If it isnt likely to be available at 7 months, is it possible to find someone who would want us to book them our home resorts at 11 months, and they could reserve VGC for us at 11 months??

I live in PA and my "home" resorts are OKW & BWVs and I was able to book a 2br at VGC for this Apr. (13-19). I was on the line at 8am at the 7 mo. window and didn't have a problem. Even called back a few days later and added a day. Keep in mind that Easter is in the latter part of April next year so that could affect your chances, too. Good luck! I am so anxious to visit Walt's original.

 

[islandtimect]

I live in PA and my "home" resorts are OKW & BWVs and I was able to book a 2br at VGC for this Apr. (13-19). I was on the line at 8am at the 7 mo. window and didn't have a problem. Even called back a few days later and added a day. Keep in mind that Easter is in the latter part of April next year so that could affect your chances, too. Good luck! I am so anxious to visit Walt's original.

Crud, Easter and Good Friday will fall during next year's spring break. Maybe we'll have to go the 2nd week of June instead. Would that be hard to book too?.

 

[lilpooh108]

Hello neighbor! We are locals (20 minutes away-no traffic) and own here @ VGC as well as BCV!! Buying local was the BEST decision we ever made!
We've been able to use our AP's along with quite a few reservations here!!
We LOVE the freedom to do weekend or overnight staycations when the parks seem to get crowded! The Grand Villa has been the most FUN to stay in that I'm considering having either a Thanksgiving dinner with family or just a nice dinner party with friends one day!! I'm sure you'll love staying @ VGC eventhough you live close cuz at least you don't need to pay for a flight to stay in a Disney bubble!!

Hi there

With traffic and parking (ugh!), that 15-20 minutes turns into an hour, don't you think? Not that I'm ungrateful for living so close...but I remember the days (in high school) where I'd drive right up to the gates and park at Daisy (or was it Donald) and walk 5 minutes to the entrance...

Grand Villa?!! You guys are awesome. I don't know that I could splurge w/points for a GV since we live so close. We have out-of-town relatives that visit all the time. Some of them we don't *want* staying at our house I was joking w/my brother about joining together to buy VGC points so we can put our relatives in a studio. But then I realized that I'd use up all the points myself, hehe. A Staycation would be awesome!

For Thanksgiving, we actually had our morning brunch at Storyteller's. It was awesome That's actually the trip that made us decide to explore VGC a little more. LOVE the vibe there. We ended up going back to Napa Rose for Christmas and it was super fun. I think your idea of hosting holiday parties at VGC for friends is wonderful. I might have to steal your idea. Have a great time!

 

[aroundtheriverbend]

We're an east coast family that hopes to visit CA next April, and stay part of our trip at VGC. We would have to book at 7 months, as AKV and BLT are our home resorts. Will the week of April 15, 2014 be a super crowded week? Would probably book a studio. If it isnt likely to be available at 7 months, is it possible to find someone who would want us to book them our home resorts at 11 months, and they could reserve VGC for us at 11 months??

We actually check in tomorrow (so right at Easter), we had no problem booking a 2 bedroom right at 7 months (our home resorts arr blt and akv), i figured it was due to the high point requirements at spring break.

 

[ppony]

I live in PA and my "home" resorts are OKW & BWVs and I was able to book a 2br at VGC for this Apr. (13-19). I was on the line at 8am at the 7 mo. window and didn't have a problem. Even called back a few days later and added a day. Keep in mind that Easter is in the latter part of April next year so that could affect your chances, too. Good luck! I am so anxious to visit Walt's original.

Thanks for the info too. We're owners at AKL and were toying w/ a trip out to DL in a few years but I was worried about even having a snowball's chance. I've been lucky to get villas at BCVs during food and wine at the 7mo. window, so I'll just cross my fingers that that kind of luck holds for GCV.