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

[VegasDisneyMom]

Thanks, that helps a lot! Can I ask which room type you stay at when at VGC? I'll have to look into how resale works as opposed to buying direct. It seems like that is definitely a better deal but wouldn't even know what sites are good for that sort of thing. We don't plan to go back until June 2024, at the earliest so thankfully I have tons of time to do some research. If we do decide we can afford DVC, I think the Grand Californian is the only place we'd want as our "home" resort!

I’ve only booked studios and 1 bedrooms. The prices are down right now for VGC. I think VDH will be a good alternative to VGC, but not as convenient as we have those two entrances into DCA. This is the only thing that makes me have second thoughts about adding on at VDH since I love the convenience of VGC. Also, you’ll have to go with resale if buying in at VGC because it’s a sold out resort.

 

[AZMermaid]

As long as you book at 11 months…. You can usually get in. The exceptions would be Run Disney weekends (as we are seeing now) and some major holidays. One bedrooms are easier to come by than studios, but at 11 months you’ll be fine most of the year. We like one bedrooms because we like the king sized bed, separate sleeping areas, and the full kitchen. Check out You Tube for some room walk through videos.

the cons for you- VGC is high priced, even for resale. Supply and demand. But yes,
prices are coming down. Resale owners don’t get “perks“ like food discounts or member nights. The member nights are like twice a year and never line up for my planned travel anyway! Food discounts are a nice perk- but also fairly available if you have a Disney visa. Resale members can’t book cruises or regular hotel rooms which is not a great way to use you DVC membership anyway, but you lose that option. The one that might be most impactful is you may not be able to use resale points at the new DL hotel rooms. That’s yet to be seen, but that’s what happened for Rivera. You can use them at the other WDW DVC resorts (currently. Things could change, but that seems unlikely). Cancelling DVC rooms under 30 days is a real problem- especially for VGC. Those points can only be used less than 60 days out which is basically impossible at VGC. Cancelling before 30 days is much better, but you’ll still need to pay attention to use year deadlines. If it’s after your banking date, you have to use them by the end of your year.

An August or September UY works well for Dec and Feb trips, not as great for June because your banking deadline would be March 31 or April 30. June would work well. Banking deadline is January 31. Feb trips are afterwards, but within 30 days anyway. Same with October- deadline is May 31, so June hits after but also within 30 days…

Jen Laforge has some great DVC videos on You Tube that explains all that better than i could.

 

[ClaraOswald]

As long as you book at 11 months…. You can usually get in. The exceptions would be Run Disney weekends (as we are seeing now) and some major holidays. One bedrooms are easier to come by than studios, but at 11 months you’ll be fine most of the year. We like one bedrooms because we like the king sized bed, separate sleeping areas, and the full kitchen. Check out You Tube for some room walk through videos.

the cons for you- VGC is high priced, even for resale. Supply and demand. But yes,
prices are coming down. Resale owners don’t get “perks“ like food discounts or member nights. The member nights are like twice a year and never line up for my planned travel anyway! Food discounts are a nice perk- but also fairly available if you have a Disney visa. Resale members can’t book cruises or regular hotel rooms which is not a great way to use you DVC membership anyway, but you lose that option. The one that might be most impactful is you may not be able to use resale points at the new DL hotel rooms. That’s yet to be seen, but that’s what happened for Rivera. You can use them at the other WDW DVC resorts (currently. Things could change, but that seems unlikely). Cancelling DVC rooms under 30 days is a real problem- especially for VGC. Those points can only be used less than 60 days out which is basically impossible at VGC. Cancelling before 30 days is much better, but you’ll still need to pay attention to use year deadlines. If it’s after your banking date, you have to use them by the end of your year.

An August or September UY works well for Dec and Feb trips, not as great for June because your banking deadline would be March 31 or April 30. June would work well. Banking deadline is January 31. Feb trips are afterwards, but within 30 days anyway. Same with October- deadline is May 31, so June hits after but also within 30 days…

Jen Laforge has some great DVC videos on You Tube that explains all that better than i could.

That's a lot to digest. I'm definitely confused about the banking and deadline stuff so I'll need to look into that.

I also didn't know it was a sold out resort so resale is the only option.

So for cancellations within that 30 day window....you only have 60 days to use those points? And it has to be at the GC?? So if there are no rooms are literally lose potentially a year of points?? That scares me because we came really close to having to reschedule our recent trip within a few days of it this year due to illness.

 

[AZMermaid]

Yes. If you cancel less than 30 days out- points go into holding. Holding points can only be used for stays booked at less than 60 days ahead and expire at the end of the use year. So if the stay was at the start of the year… you’d have all year to use them, but only for stays less than 60 days from booking day. No, you wouldn’t have to use them just at VGC. So thats a positive. DVC rooms are tough to get last minute in general, but Saratoga springs in WDW is typically your best bet. But even then… it’s not for sure. It usually requires flexibility and booking what’s available, now people sometimes book something and then rent that reservation out to recoup some money. But yeah, cancelling under 30 days is a real pain in the neck.

 

[ehh]

If you cancel a DVC reservation less than 30 days from check-in, the points go into a state called "Holding".

Points in Holding cannot be banked and can only be used on stays where check-in is within 60 days of booking. You don't have to use them within 60 days of cancelling, just that your stay must be within 60 days of booking.

Ironically, the only time I've ever had points in Holding was before owning at VGC and I was able to use them for our very first stay at VGC through some stalking. Definitely not something to count on, though.

You also will be unable to use VGC resale points at VDH due to resale restrictions implemented in 2019, something to keep in mind. This means any late cancellations will most likely mean needing a trip to a different destination or losing the points.

 

[AstroBlasters]

That's a lot to digest. I'm definitely confused about the banking and deadline stuff so I'll need to look into that.

I also didn't know it was a sold out resort so resale is the only option.

So for cancellations within that 30 day window....you only have 60 days to use those points? And it has to be at the GC?? So if there are no rooms are literally lose potentially a year of points?? That scares me because we came really close to having to reschedule our recent trip within a few days of it this year due to illness.

There are a lot of YouTube series and podcasts (DVC Fan, My DVC Points, Magic and the Music) that go over important details and terms for people who want to understand DVC in general. Most of it is WDW focused, but it will give you a good idea of how everything works. I think you would benefit greatly from this research. Also research DVC travel insurance.

In general DVC requires a large up front cash commitment, ongoing dues that will most likely increase about 4-5% per year, and the need to plan 7 to 11 months in advance.

Grand Cal in particular is expensive, has limited availability, and is only available on the resale market (because it is sold out from Disney with a long waiting list). With that being said, there is only one Grand Cal.

Many people in your position are also waiting to see the details about Disney’s second DVC offering at Disneyland, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel. That may end up being less expensive, but no one knows really knows.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Yes. If you cancel less than 30 days out- points go into holding. Holding points can only be used for stays booked at less than 60 days ahead and expire at the end of the use year. So if the stay was at the start of the year… you’d have all year to use them, but only for stays less than 60 days from booking day. No, you wouldn’t have to use them just at VGC. So thats a positive. DVC rooms are tough to get last minute in general, but Saratoga springs in WDW is typically your best bet. But even then… it’s not for sure. It usually requires flexibility and booking what’s available, now people sometimes book something and then rent that reservation out to recoup some money. But yeah, cancelling under 30 days is a real pain in the neck.

Oof...definitely a negative to consider! By that point, we'd already have purchased tickets to Disneyland so I can't see us wanting to go to WDW instead.

If you cancel a DVC reservation less than 30 days from check-in, the points go into a state called "Holding".

Points in Holding cannot be banked and can only be used on stays where check-in is within 60 days of booking. You don't have to use them within 60 days of cancelling, just that your stay must be within 60 days of booking.

Ironically, the only time I've ever had points in Holding was before owning at VGC and I was able to use them for our very first stay at VGC through some stalking. Definitely not something to count on, though.

You also will be unable to use VGC resale points at VDH due to resale restrictions implemented in 2019, something to keep in mind. This means any late cancellations will most likely mean needing a trip to a different destination or losing the points.

Oh...so if we bought VGC with resale, we'd NEVER be able to use them at the new Disneyland villas they will be opening? That sucks. If someone were to buy direct for the new DLH villas when they become available, do you think they would would be able to book the VGC at the 7 month mark?

There are a lot of YouTube series and podcasts (DVC Fan, My DVC Points, Magic and the Music) that go over important details and terms for people who want to understand DVC in general. Most of it is WDW focused, but it will give you a good idea of how everything works. I think you would benefit greatly from this research. Also research DVC travel insurance.

In general DVC requires a large up front cash commitment, ongoing dues that will most likely increase about 4-5% per year, and the need to plan 7 to 11 months in advance.

Grand Cal in particular is expensive, has limited availability, and is only available on the resale market (because it is sold out from Disney with a long waiting list). With that being said, there is only one Grand Cal.

Many people in your position are also waiting to see the details about Disney’s second DVC offering at Disneyland, The Villas at Disneyland Hotel. That may end up being less expensive, but no one knows really knows.

Thanks, I'll check out those series/podcasts.
I hadn't really considered the Disneyland hotel. I've never stayed there and haven't really been following any of the new DVC info from there. I think I'll definitely need to keep my eye on it. Realistically, we wouldn't be looking to buy DVC for another year or so just due to...life. Ha!

 

[ehh]

Oh...so if we bought VGC with resale, we'd NEVER be able to use them at the new Disneyland villas they will be opening? That sucks. If someone were to buy direct for the new DLH villas when they become available, do you think they would would be able to book the VGC at the 7 month mark?

Correct on both points. Post-2019 purchasers of VGC resale will never be able to use those points at VDH.

And, yes, VDH direct buyers will be able to use their points at VGC at 7 months. As of now (and probably 'forever', it's a big selling point), there are zero resort limitations on direct points purchases other than the 7 months at non-Home Resort rule.

Riviera has another resale restriction: Riviera points sold/bought through resale can only be used at Riviera. It's very likely that VDH will have this same restriction, but not yet confirmed. This, in theory, lowers the resale value of these contracts as they are less functional than direct contracts that can be used at all 15+ resorts.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Correct on both points. Post-2019 purchasers of VGC resale will never be able to use those points at VDH.

And, yes, VDH direct buyers will be able to use their points at VGC at 7 months. As of now (and probably 'forever', it's a big selling point), there are zero resort limitations on direct points purchases other than the 7 months at non-Home Resort rule.

Riviera has another resale restriction: Riviera points sold/bought through resale can only be used at Riviera. It's very likely that VDH will have this same restriction, but not yet confirmed. This, in theory, lowers the resale value of these contracts as they are less functional than direct contracts that can be used at all 15+ resorts.

While there are no resort limitations on direct points, I wouldn’t buy at VDH (or any other resort) with the expectation that there will be availability to use those points at VGC at the 7 month mark on a consistent basis. VDH will have 326 rooms, VGC has 71 total (23 studios, 23 1BD, 23 2BD).

 

[ClaraOswald]

Correct on both points. Post-2019 purchasers of VGC resale will never be able to use those points at VDH.

And, yes, VDH direct buyers will be able to use their points at VGC at 7 months. As of now (and probably 'forever', it's a big selling point), there are zero resort limitations on direct points purchases other than the 7 months at non-Home Resort rule.

Riviera has another resale restriction: Riviera points sold/bought through resale can only be used at Riviera. It's very likely that VDH will have this same restriction, but not yet confirmed. This, in theory, lowers the resale value of these contracts as they are less functional than direct contracts that can be used at all 15+ resorts.

Interesting. So if someone wants to ditch their ownership at Riviera (or probably VDH) 10 or 15 years down the road, it's value won't be as great. Does Disney every buy those back or no?

While there are no resort limitations on direct points, I wouldn’t buy at VDH (or any other resort) with the expectation that there will be availability to use those points at VGC at the 7 month mark on a consistent basis. VDH will have 326 rooms, VGC has 71 total (23 studios, 23 1BD, 23 2BD).

Wow, huge difference in amount of rooms. And yeah, I figured it is probably hard to get a VGC room at the 7 month mark.

You mentioned that the VGC are sold out and that there's a long waiting list. I didn't realize there was any sort of wait list to buy direct. Where can I find more info on that?

 

[AstroBlasters]

Interesting. So if someone wants to ditch their ownership at Riviera (or probably VDH) 10 or 15 years down the road, it's value won't be as great. Does Disney every buy those back or no?



Wow, huge difference in amount of rooms. And yeah, I figured it is probably hard to get a VGC room at the 7 month mark.

You mentioned that the VGC are sold out and that there's a long waiting list. I didn't realize there was any sort of wait list to buy direct. Where can I find more info on that?

I suggest you go check out the “Purchasing DVC” forum and start a new thread over there if you need to.

 

[mathgeek]

You mentioned that the VGC are sold out and that there's a long waiting list. I didn't realize there was any sort of wait list to buy direct. Where can I find more info on that?

I called my guide last summer regarding the wait list, and he said there isn't one that I could be added to since they are not selling VGC direct at all. So I found a small resale contract that fit my needs and am looking forward to my first trip as an owner later this year.

 

[ClaraOswald]

So how are the sofa beds in the studio villas? I tried to find pics to see how thick/thin the mattress is but didn't have luck. Usually when staying in a room, my husband or I share a bed with our son since he's autistic and we want to be easily woken up if he gets out of bed. Just curious if the sofa bed will be too uncomfortable for a 40-something year old adult. Ha!

I also read there will be a refurbishment of the VGC in 2024. Anyone know what things they plan to upgrade?

 

[ajiuo]

So how are the sofa beds in the studio villas? I tried to find pics to see how thick/thin the mattress is but didn't have luck. Usually when staying in a room, my husband or I share a bed with our son since he's autistic and we want to be easily woken up if he gets out of bed. Just curious if the sofa bed will be too uncomfortable for a 40-something year old adult. Ha!

I also read there will be a refurbishment of the VGC in 2024. Anyone know what things they plan to upgrade?

Grand Californian is definitely due for a full refurbishment. At the 2021 meeting when asked about the 7% increase in dues they mentioned a 2024 referb as part of the reason. At the 2022 meeting they did announce referbs for 2023 & 2024 but grand Californian was not on the list. Animal Kingdom is also due in 2023 but no info was given.

I think 2024 for Grand Cal is still likely. My guess is that they are waiting for the completion of the new Disneyland Tower and then will shift focus over to the Grand Cal… just a guess though. I also hope that AKV makes it in for 2024 but I’m sure it will be 2025 at the latest, as it will be the last resort to not have a referb.

 

[CarolynFH]

I also read there will be a refurbishment of the VGC in 2024. Anyone know what things they plan to upgrade?

When DVC started out in 1991, plans were to "refresh" the resort after 12 years and "completely refurbish" it every 25 years. By the 25th anniversary of DVC in 2016, DVC management had realized that schedule was ridiculous and changed to a 7 year "refresh" and 14 year "complete refurbishment" schedule. Unfortunately, they seem to have gotten off track; last year they bumped Poly and VGF ahead of BRV, which is just being done now, and there seem to have been various other delays. The expected (but not set-in-stone) schedule is here: https://dvcnews.com/other-resources/site-content/5196-dvc-resort-refurbishment-tracker.

Anyway, VGC is due for a "full refurbishment" next year, or whenever it happens. That means they'll probably take all the villas down to the studs and replace flooring, wall coverings, furnishings, kitchen appliances, etc. They'll also replace the sofa beds with the Murphy bed/sofa combos, which are gradually going into all DVC villas and are much more comfortable than the sofa beds because they're real mattresses.

 

[ajiuo]

If they do the VGC referb in 2024… will there be less room availability for VGC owners or will they just put us in hotel rooms to accommodate?

 

[ClaraOswald]

When DVC started out in 1991, plans were to "refresh" the resort after 12 years and "completely refurbish" it every 25 years. By the 25th anniversary of DVC in 2016, DVC management had realized that schedule was ridiculous and changed to a 7 year "refresh" and 14 year "complete refurbishment" schedule. Unfortunately, they seem to have gotten off track; last year they bumped Poly and VGF ahead of BRV, which is just being done now, and there seem to have been various other delays. The expected (but not set-in-stone) schedule is here: https://dvcnews.com/other-resources/site-content/5196-dvc-resort-refurbishment-tracker.

Anyway, VGC is due for a "full refurbishment" next year, or whenever it happens. That means they'll probably take all the villas down to the studs and replace flooring, wall coverings, furnishings, kitchen appliances, etc. They'll also replace the sofa beds with the Murphy bed/sofa combos, which are gradually going into all DVC villas and are much more comfortable than the sofa beds because they're real mattresses.

Interesting. So during a refurb year, what does that mean for members or those renting points? It is hard to get a reservation? Is it super loud and annoying?

 

[CarolynFH]

If they do the VGC referb in 2024… will there be less room availability for VGC owners or will they just put us in hotel rooms to accommodate?

At the WDW DVC resorts, they've been taking rooms out of service in advance, reducing availability so that no one can book those rooms. Thus there's no one to move. So your first idea is correct - there will be less availability.

 

[CarolynFH]

Interesting. So during a refurb year, what does that mean for members or those renting points? It is hard to get a reservation? Is it super loud and annoying?

It's harder to get a reservation for sure. They do what they can to minimize noise and disruption - for the current BRV and BCV refurbs, they've blocked off entire hallways of rooms, for instance, so there's no construction next door to anyone or (hopefully) none above.

 

[ajiuo]

At the WDW DVC resorts, they've been taking rooms out of service in advance, reducing availability so that no one can book those rooms. Thus there's no one to move. So your first idea is correct - there will be less availability.

I don’t know if that would work in California though. In Florida there are a lot of other resorts to choose from in California there will only be 1… and 0 if you are a resale member, which many people at VGC are. I’m actually just closing on a vgc contract. 2024 is supposed to be my first trip. I won’t be super happy if I have to skip because of this…. I want to visit in May… perhaps I’ll start walking a reservation as soon as my points are loaded