The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners & Lovers Group - 3.0

[Royal Consort]

And the reason I ask is because the cynic in me is starting to wonder if VGC got intentionally short-changed on the refurb because of VDH. After taxes, it's not notably cheaper to stay at VDH relative to VGC. But, VGC is more convenient and if they dumped a ton of resources into a hard refurb that made VGC the envy of even VGF, it would be so much more difficult to justify buying in at VDH over finding a VGC resale contract. And, if that was even a fraction of the motivation here, that would infuriate the HECK out of me. I hope this was not the case of propping something up by cutting something else down.

I am pleased that I'm not the only one who has learned to be cynical of the company ethos over the last several years.

I also imagine that with comparatively few owners compared with WDW resorts, the quality of the job just didn't matter.

 

[Canchaser143]

I am leaning on the side of I do not think they are taking shorts cuts to cut costs, but that there are so few rooms at VGC that they having a hard time finding a window of opportunity to do all that major projects like the bathroom. It will be interesting to see how things pan out over the next few months as we get to see the rooms.

 

[Dobermanns]

I am trying very hard to remain optimistic until I stay in a refurbished room.

 

[AstroBlasters]

VGF's bathroom floors (including shower) and vanity are marble. The showers walls are not marble - they are white subway tile.

But points like these are the genesis of my two questions yesterday.

VGC and VGF are the "flagship" resorts of their respective parks. VGF is walking distance from MK - not nearly as short of a walk as VGC, but sort of a fair comparison. VGF's points charts are similar to VGC's as well. And the MF are a little better for VGF, but I suspect that has more to do with state and local tax differences than anything. So, I think VGF is fair game for comparison.

And the reason I ask is because the cynic in me is starting to wonder if VGC got intentionally short-changed on the refurb because of VDH. After taxes, it's not notably cheaper to stay at VDH relative to VGC. But, VGC is more convenient and if they dumped a ton of resources into a hard refurb that made VGC the envy of even VGF, it would be so much more difficult to justify buying in at VDH over finding a VGC resale contract. And, if that was even a fraction of the motivation here, that would infuriate the HECK out of me. I hope this was not the case of propping something up by cutting something else down.

I don’t think this has anything to do with them trying to make VDH look better.

VGF is also just a completely different style.

It would be nice if the association was more transparent with every owner about exactly what they are doing. I realize we don’t get a vote in what happens, but it would be nice to understand the timeline and the decisions being made.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I think this is what I find odd too, this feels a lot more like a soft good refurb and not a hard goods refurb. The reality is that there are a small number of DVC rooms at VGC and they are constantly booked up meaning they have been well used for over 15 years. Any residence needs a big refurbishment after that many years, especially when you consider that it's hotel guests staying there and not necessarily people treating stuff with the care they might at home. I would have expected the tub to be replaced, the toilets and sinks, the kitchen cabinets (at least the doors and drawers), the tile - sure, it's cleaned, but there's also been wear and tear on the tiles/grout etc.

The toilet in the bathroom of our 1br villa in Jan definitely needed, at the very least, a new seat. The balcony door needs to be fixed/replaced.

Yes, a refurbishment may take away from some of the look of the Grand, but I don't think it HAS to.

The part in bold....are you saying that homeowners typically do large renovations every 15 years? Replacing things like tiles and cabinets?

I understand a hotel is not a home and obviously has more wear and tear over a shorter period of time. But I would be surprised if most people are tearing their homes down to the studs every 15 years.

 

[AstroBlasters]

The part in bold....are you saying that homeowners typically do large renovations every 15 years? Replacing things like tiles and cabinets?

I understand a hotel is not a home and obviously has more wear and tear over a shorter period of time. But I would be surprised if most people are tearing their homes down to the studs every 15 years.

From Google AI:

In refurbishment, "hard goods" refers to major structural components like furniture, appliances, flooring, and cabinetry that require significant replacement or overhaul during a renovation, while "soft goods" encompass smaller, more easily replaceable items like curtains, upholstery, linens, and wall coverings, which are typically updated with a less intensive refurbishment process.

Key differences:

• Scope of work:
  Hard goods refurbishment involves extensive structural changes, often requiring complete removal and replacement of major elements, while soft goods refurbishment focuses on updating surface-level finishes and decorative items.
  
  
• Cost:
  Hard goods refurbishment is usually more expensive due to the larger scale of work involved, whereas soft goods refurbishment is typically less costly.
  
  
• Frequency:
  In situations like hotel renovations, soft goods might be updated more frequently (every few years) compared to hard goods which may only be addressed every decade or longer.
  

Example scenarios:

• Hotel room refurbishment:
  • Soft goods: Replacing old bed linens, curtains, and throw pillows with new ones.
    
    
  • Hard goods: Replacing the bathtub, vanity, flooring, and bed frame with a different design.
    
    

 

[Royal Consort]

It would be nice if the association was more transparent with every owner about exactly what they are doing. I realize we don’t get a vote in what happens, but it would be nice to understand the timeline and the decisions being made.

This is the crux. Disney is adept at advertising to members but not communicating with their members.

Communication and rationale helps set expectations and understanding among owners. If not, we see the refurbishments at Wdw (I.e. BRV that has a similar style) and feel ripped off in comparison. No communication why the refurb was delayed and no rationale as to why we got this.

 

[AstroBlasters]

This is the crux. Disney is adept at advertising to members but not communicating with their members.

Communication and rationale helps set expectations and understanding among owners. If not, we see the refurbishments at Wdw (I.e. BRV that has a similar style) and feel ripped off in comparison. No communication why the refurb was delayed and no rationale as to why we got this.

Or if “this” is even the final version of what we are getting.

 

[AZMermaid]

I remember when we looked at houses 15 years ago specifically discussing that Spanish tile is a pain to tear up. But it’s also not a huge area of it. So not sure if that’s part of it. But I’m in the boat that they put it in with the 15 year plan… if it’s a pain to take out, so be it.

 

[lilsonicfan]

The part in bold....are you saying that homeowners typically do large renovations every 15 years? Replacing things like tiles and cabinets?

I understand a hotel is not a home and obviously has more wear and tear over a shorter period of time. But I would be surprised if most people are tearing their homes down to the studs every 15 years.

No, I'm not saying that homeowners typically do large renovations every 15 years but that depending on the wear and tear of any residence, 15 years is probably about right for at least considering a large renovation. My mom's house is about 30 years old now and she keeps it in pristine condition, but even so, by the 15 year mark, everything was dated and the carpet was worn. It could have benefitted from a full refurb. Of course, as homeowners we don't typically plan for that but the hard goods refurbishment at DVC villas is specifically planned for and paid for by owners in the yearly dues, so I really don't get this situation (except that maybe it's not fully finished...)

 

[ClaraOswald]

Dang, you must know RICH rich people. Carpet replacement....yeah. I get that. But I don't know people who tear out cabinets or tiled showers every 15 years or try to stay "up to date" on everything like that. I can't even imagine it.

I totally understand wanting our money to be used properly. But I don't think things that are still in decent shape need to be torn out just because. That's why I'm okay with some of those bigger things staying at this point. And then I think our dues should make any massive jumps for a while. I know that's likely just wishful thinking. I guess I'm more of a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" person when it comes to some things.

That said, I'm still hoping it's not fully done though just because there are a few things that could stand an upgrade.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Dang, you must know RICH rich people. Carpet replacement....yeah. I get that. But I don't know people who tear out cabinets or tiled showers every 15 years or try to stay "up to date" on everything like that. I can't even imagine it.

I totally understand wanting our money to be used properly. But I don't think things that are still in decent shape need to be torn out just because. That's why I'm okay with some of those bigger things staying at this point. And then I think our dues should make any massive jumps for a while. I know that's likely just wishful thinking. I guess I'm more of a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" person when it comes to some things.

That said, I'm still hoping it's not fully done though just because there are a few things that could stand an upgrade.

The financials will definitely be interesting this year…. how much was spent per room vs other hard refurbs….

 

[lilsonicfan]

Dang, you must know RICH rich people. Carpet replacement....yeah. I get that. But I don't know people who tear out cabinets or tiled showers every 15 years or try to stay "up to date" on everything like that. I can't even imagine it.

I totally understand wanting our money to be used properly. But I don't think things that are still in decent shape need to be torn out just because. That's why I'm okay with some of those bigger things staying at this point. And then I think our dues should make any massive jumps for a while. I know that's likely just wishful thinking. I guess I'm more of a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" person when it comes to some things.

That said, I'm still hoping it's not fully done though just because there are a few things that could stand an upgrade.

Again, I’m not saying everyone, or even most people, gut their homes at 15 years. As I said, after 15 years, most homes would benefit from consideration of a refurbishment.

I’m not rich rich but we moved into a home that was about 20 years old and we absolutely gutted it down to the studs. I will tell you my in laws thought the house looked fine but as some examples: the tub, sinks and toilet in the master bath were black, the roof needed repair, the bathroom had that amazing glass block type of “window”, the laminate countertop behind the kitchen sink was rotting away, the kitchen cabinetry was straight out of the 90s (pink counters, anyone?) and there was a full bar setup in the family room that was the deepest shade of green with gold accents. Some stuff was in okay condition but it just badly needed updating. Clearly it did not matter to those owners but it sure as heck mattered to me!

I am just saying, a timeshare property after 15 years needs updating, all the more so when said updates are planned for and paid for by the owners.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

VGF's bathroom floors (including shower) and vanity are marble. The showers walls are not marble - they are white subway tile.

But points like these are the genesis of my two questions yesterday.

VGC and VGF are the "flagship" resorts of their respective parks. VGF is walking distance from MK - not nearly as short of a walk as VGC, but sort of a fair comparison. VGF's points charts are similar to VGC's as well. And the MF are a little better for VGF, but I suspect that has more to do with state and local tax differences than anything. So, I think VGF is fair game for comparison.

And the reason I ask is because the cynic in me is starting to wonder if VGC got intentionally short-changed on the refurb because of VDH. After taxes, it's not notably cheaper to stay at VDH relative to VGC. But, VGC is more convenient and if they dumped a ton of resources into a hard refurb that made VGC the envy of even VGF, it would be so much more difficult to justify buying in at VDH over finding a VGC resale contract. And, if that was even a fraction of the motivation here, that would infuriate the HECK out of me. I hope this was not the case of propping something up by cutting something else down.

You might be on to something because it's working on me. Have VGC booked for this Summer but now wish I would've booked a 2-bedroom at VDH instead and you know how hard those are to come by.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Again, I’m not saying everyone, or even most people, gut their homes at 15 years. As I said, after 15 years, most homes would benefit from consideration of a refurbishment.

I’m not rich rich but we moved into a home that was about 20 years old and we absolutely gutted it down to the studs. I will tell you my in laws thought the house looked fine but as some examples: the tub, sinks and toilet in the master bath were black, the roof needed repair, the bathroom had that amazing glass block type of “window”, the laminate countertop behind the kitchen sink was rotting away, the kitchen cabinetry was straight out of the 90s (pink counters, anyone?) and there was a full bar setup in the family room that was the deepest shade of green with gold accents. Some stuff was in okay condition but it just badly needed updating. Clearly it did not matter to those owners but it sure as heck mattered to me!

I am just saying, a timeshare property after 15 years needs updating, all the more so when said updates are planned for and paid for by the owners.

Our house was built in 2011 and I can tell you with near certainty there will not be a major remodel in 2031…. the quality of the initial build matters.

But…. The number of people some families slam into these rooms…. I don’t know how it could be a good experience. That’s a LOT of wear and tear… and people are not treating it like it’s their own property. Which is why the 7/14 refurbishment timeline exists.

 

[upritbass]

From Google AI:

In refurbishment, "hard goods" refers to major structural components like furniture,

Large Murphy bed, couch, lamps

appliances,

Stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer/dryer

flooring,

Hard floor, carpet, rug

and cabinetry that require significant replacement or overhaul

Repair as needed

Grout/caulking repair is easy-peasy, tile and granite are good for many decades.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Large Murphy bed, couch, lamps

Stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer/dryer

Hard floor, carpet, rug

Repair as needed

Grout/caulking repair is easy-peasy, tile and granite are good for many decades.

I agree. But then there is the following:

1) Jetted tub is still there. Removed in every other remodel.
2) Wood sliding window between bathroom and bedroom is still there. Removed in every other remodel.
3) Toilet- Was it replaced?
4) Shower head - embarrassing at this price point of resort.
5) Old pull down bed under TV?
6) No artwork on pulldown bed under TV?

 

[ClaraOswald]

Are the pulldowns under the t.v. not in good condition anymore? I would like some art.

The rest, I'm really hoping they still do. It would honestly be so odd if they didn't.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Are the pulldowns under the t.v. not in good condition anymore? I would like some art.

The rest, I'm really hoping they still do. It would honestly be so odd if they didn't.

We had one where the hardware that becomes the leg of the bed was pretty beat up.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Again, I’m not saying everyone, or even most people, gut their homes at 15 years. As I said, after 15 years, most homes would benefit from consideration of a refurbishment.

I’m not rich rich but we moved into a home that was about 20 years old and we absolutely gutted it down to the studs. I will tell you my in laws thought the house looked fine but as some examples: the tub, sinks and toilet in the master bath were black, the roof needed repair, the bathroom had that amazing glass block type of “window”, the laminate countertop behind the kitchen sink was rotting away, the kitchen cabinetry was straight out of the 90s (pink counters, anyone?) and there was a full bar setup in the family room that was the deepest shade of green with gold accents. Some stuff was in okay condition but it just badly needed updating. Clearly it did not matter to those owners but it sure as heck mattered to me!

I am just saying, a timeshare property after 15 years needs updating, all the more so when said updates are planned for and paid for by the owners.

Agree. 15 years of use and abuse. I am sure studios probably look a bit worse than the 2 beds and grand villas.

Also just because someone renovates after 15 years doesnt mean they are rich rich. So many factors at play its not fair to assume someone is uber rich based off of that statement.