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

[VGCgroupie]

The shower tile and wall border is all the same as before, right?

seems like it to me

 

[DVChris]

Looks like some of the bathroom flooring is the same but the primary bathroom has large square tiles with just an inlay with smaller tiles. Is the tile the same in the showers? I can't quite tell.

I hope that's a soaker with no jets and I hope all the rooms get those!

We stayed in the GV back in 2023 and here is the photo of the bathroom from that visit.

 

[ajiuo]

Maybe it is just me, but if the size of the TV ruins your vacation, you might be vacationing wrong.

I never said that it ruined my vacation… and that’s besides the point…. For whatever reason they have seriously cheaped out on the grand Californian referb compared to other Disney Vacation Club hard goods refreshes.

And yes, I actually do like to spend one day of my vacation, relaxing at the resort and sometimes it’s nice to watch a movie… that’s not vacationing wrong.

 

[ajiuo]

Bad news guys. I just went into the the DVC office at the Grand Californian. They told me that the renovation on the DVC rooms just finished and the bathrooms are “Not” being referbished. This is a huge disappointment.

I have a bad feeling that this is going to be the new standard for a hard goods refresh. And in case you’re wondered, that means we’re also not getting updated electrical newer TVs or the Keurig combo pots.

I for one want an accounting as to why they cheated out so hard on this refresh compared to other DVC resorts… huge disappointment for the grand Californian and for Disney Vacation Club as a whole.

I really hope grand Californian members don’t let their opinions go unheard on this.

On a positive note, I’ve been told by two different cast members that Disneyland is going to add magic band support for hotel room keys and charges… one cast member specifically said that the Disneyland hotel would be the last to get it…. I tried touching my magic band of the lock just out of curiosity. It doesn’t work, but it does error out so it can detect it. I wonder if they installed new locks at the grand Californian and Pixar place during the referbs… take this one with a grain of salt though.

I also posted this on the Facebook group.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Bad news guys. I just went into the the DVC office at the Grand Californian. They told me that the renovation on the DVC rooms just finished and the bathrooms are “Not” being referbished. This is a huge disappointment.

I have a bad feeling that this is going to be the new standard for a hard goods refresh. And in case you’re wondered, that means we’re also not getting updated electrical newer TVs or the Keurig combo pots.

I for one want an accounting as to why they cheated out so hard on this refresh compared to other DVC resorts… huge disappointment for the grand Californian and for Disney Vacation Club as a whole.

I really hope grand Californian members don’t let their opinions go unheard on this.

On a positive note, I’ve been told by two different cast members that Disneyland is going to add magic band support for hotel room keys and charges… one cast member specifically said that the Disneyland hotel would be the last to get it…. I tried touching my magic band of the lock just out of curiosity. It doesn’t work, but it does error out so it can detect it. I wonder if they installed new locks at the grand Californian and Pixar place during the referbs… take this one with a grain of salt though.

I also posted this on the Facebook group.

Everyone needs to go hardcore on reporting any and all maintenance issues with these rooms to both on property as well as via email to DVC.

 

[ajiuo]

Everyone needs to go hardcore on reporting any and all maintenance issues with these rooms to both on property as well as via email to DVC.

I really hope DVC fan make a stink about this on YouTube…, I’m also going to pass the news on to WDWNT and see if they will report.

 

[VGCgroupie]

I really hope DVC fan make a stink about this on YouTube…, I’m also going to pass the news on to WDWNT and see if they will report.

It’s rather infuriating that they would not treat it like other resorts.

 

[AstroBlasters]

From Google AI:

Okay, here's a draft of a complaint email you can adapt for your specific situation:
Subject: Complaint Regarding Disney Vacation Club Membership [Your Membership Number or Name on Account]
Dear Disney Vacation Club Member Services,
Subject: Complaint Regarding Disney Vacation Club Membership [Your Membership Number or Name on Account]
Dear Disney Vacation Club Member Services,
[Body of Email]

• Provide Details: Describe the issue clearly. Include dates, times, locations, names of any cast members involved, and any relevant details.
• State Your Desired Resolution:What action is requested from Disney Vacation Club to address the complaint? Examples include:
  • A full or partial refund.
  • A credit towards future bookings.
  • A change in policy or procedure.
  • An explanation or clarification.
• Be Specific and Concise: Avoid emotional language or lengthy explanations. Stick to the facts and be clear about the request.
• Attach Documentation (If Applicable): Include photos, screenshots, or any other evidence that supports the complaint.

Example Complaint Scenarios and Corresponding Email Body Sections:

• Booking Issues:
  "Difficulty booking a reservation at [Resort Name] for the dates [Start Date] - [End Date] despite attempting to book within the home resort priority window. The availability online seems inconsistent, and there is a concern that rooms are being held for non-members."
  "Desired resolution: Assistance is requested in securing a booking at [Resort Name] during the desired dates or a comparable alternative, or points returned to the account if a suitable booking is not possible."
• Poor Experience at a Resort:
  "During the stay at [Resort Name] from [Start Date] to [End Date], multiple issues were encountered, including [List each issue clearly, e.g., broken appliances, unclean room, poor service]. This significantly impacted the quality of the vacation experience."
  "Desired resolution: Compensation for the negative experiences during the stay is requested, along with assurance that steps will be taken to prevent similar situations in the future."
• Billing/Fees Issues:
  "A charge of [amount] on the account related to [description of charge or fee] is disputed. The charge is believed to be incorrect because [reason for disputing charge]."
  "Desired resolution: Please investigate this charge and remove it from the account or provide a detailed explanation for the fee and how it aligns with the DVC agreement."

Closing
A prompt response to the concerns and a resolution to this matter are anticipated. Contact at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] if any further information is needed.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Membership Number (If applicable)]
Important Notes:

• Email Address: Send the email to members@disneyvacationclub.com.
• Copy Yourself: Keep a copy of the email for records.
• Be Polite, but Firm: Maintain a professional and courteous tone while expressing dissatisfaction.
• Follow Up: If a response isn't received within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., 7-10 business days), consider calling Disney Vacation Club Member Services at 800-800-9800.

 

[AstroBlasters]

What I wrote:

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to express my concern about the utilization of my dues for the hard good refurbishment of the Villas at the Grand Californian.

I would like a response for an explanation for why the bathrooms have not received an update during this refurbishment, why the jetted tubs and open window are not being replaced, why the shower heads are not being replaced, why the Murphy beds under the TV have not been replaced, and why the TVs are not being replaced.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Thanks for the template, I will also email.

 

[ajiuo]

Also… if they get away with this here, you know they’re gonna try to get away with it at other resorts… I’m also a member at animal Kingdom Lodge, which is getting a hard goods refresh… i’m pretty concerned about that one as well now.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Someone wrote that other DVCs did not get a bathroom update during the first hard good refurb.

Also, I wish I would have included the hot water issue that people seem to have in the middle bathroom in the villa rooms.

 

[PolyRob]

Someone wrote that other DVCs did not get a bathroom update during the first hard good refurb.

Also, I wish I would have included the hot water issue that people seem to have in the middle bathroom in the villa rooms.

I am not an owner, but this upsets me too!

Not trying to flame the fire, but BLT got all new bathrooms in the refurb. The new bathrooms share materials like tile and mirrors from the cash room refurbishment not that long ago, but they are 100% updated. BLT has the same expiration as VGC and isn't a flagship. It's really wrong for VGC!


https://dvcfan.com/1-bedroom-villa-bay-lake-tower-at-disneys-contemporary-resort/


https://dvcfan.com/news/first-look-refurbished-bay-lake-tower-rooms-impress-with-vibrant-updates/

 

[supercarrie]

I am not an owner, but this upsets me too!

Not trying to flame the fire, but BLT got all new bathrooms in the refurb. The new bathrooms share materials like tile and mirrors from the cash room refurbishment not that long ago, but they are 100% updated. BLT has the same expiration as VGC and isn't a flagship. It's really wrong for VGC!


https://dvcfan.com/1-bedroom-villa-bay-lake-tower-at-disneys-contemporary-resort/


https://dvcfan.com/news/first-look-refurbished-bay-lake-tower-rooms-impress-with-vibrant-updates/

Agreed. As a BLT owner, I'm happy, but I feel really frustrated for the VGC owners. Many of you paid a massive upfront premium for those points, and your dues aren't cheap. They owe you an explanation.

We stayed at VGC last summer and were woefully unimpressed with the state of the rooms then.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Also… if they get away with this here, you know they’re gonna try to get away with it at other resorts… I’m also a member at animal Kingdom Lodge, which is getting a hard goods refresh… i’m pretty concerned about that one as well now.

Animal Kingdom condition at least the room I was in is worse than VGC. So I hope they change them there.

Someone wrote that other DVCs did not get a bathroom update during the first hard good refurb.

Also, I wish I would have included the hot water issue that people seem to have in the middle bathroom in the villa rooms.

Hmmm which ones?

 

[ajiuo]

Someone wrote that other DVCs did not get a bathroom update during the first hard good refurb.

Also, I wish I would have included the hot water issue that people seem to have in the middle bathroom in the villa rooms.

I have noticed hot water issues this week…. Most of the time it eventually comes, but it can take a good 5+ minutes to heat up… which is wasting huge amounts of water in a state that doesn’t have much to spare. One day it didn’t seem to get to hot at all… last time I was on a lower floor and didn’t seem to have any issues.

In November I had a hot water issue once or twice at AKV and once at VDH on the same trip… seems like it’s worse at certain times. I usually take my showers on off times so I don’t notice it as much… I’m sure high demand times are worse….. but point is this isn’t unique to VGC.

 

[Duckbug.Ducktales]

I am not an owner, but this upsets me too!

Not trying to flame the fire, but BLT got all new bathrooms in the refurb. The new bathrooms share materials like tile and mirrors from the cash room refurbishment not that long ago, but they are 100% updated. BLT has the same expiration as VGC and isn't a flagship. It's really wrong for VGC!

View attachment 961734
https://dvcfan.com/1-bedroom-villa-bay-lake-tower-at-disneys-contemporary-resort/

View attachment 961733
https://dvcfan.com/news/first-look-refurbished-bay-lake-tower-rooms-impress-with-vibrant-updates/

Was about to say the same thing! Though I'm not sure the "flagship" thing is relevant. Contemporary cash prices can be higher than Grand Cal!

I do think it's odd that BLT basically got gutted and VGC didn't. Are labor and materials costs that much higher in CA, maybe? Maybe they felt that BLT needed it more because the original furnishings weren't the highest quality, but that wouldn't explain the bathrooms and TVs

 

[supercarrie]

Was about to say the same thing! Though I'm not sure the "flagship" thing is relevant. Contemporary cash prices can be higher than Grand Cal!

I do think it's odd that BLT basically got gutted and VGC didn't. Are labor and materials costs that much higher in CA, maybe? Maybe they felt that BLT needed it more because the original furnishings weren't the highest quality, but that wouldn't explain the bathrooms and TVs

If it is down to labor and materials cost, I am scared for Aulani’s next refurb.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Was about to say the same thing! Though I'm not sure the "flagship" thing is relevant. Contemporary cash prices can be higher than Grand Cal!

I do think it's odd that BLT basically got gutted and VGC didn't. Are labor and materials costs that much higher in CA, maybe? Maybe they felt that BLT needed it more because the original furnishings weren't the highest quality, but that wouldn't explain the bathrooms and TVs

I definitely did not want anything close to a gut job because I was terrified of them putting in low quality materials like they used at VDH (and I am assuming PolyT). So if my option is that or this then I will take lower dues and this.

We will be staying for nearly a week in a 2BD in August and I am very interested to inspect these in person.

 

[Royal Consort]

All of us expected a standard refurbishment to this property and we've all been very patient with the delays. I wonder whether the exterior refurbishment of the villas cost a lot of the capital. Either way, the lack of communication and ultimate disappointment in this project is a bitter pill to swallow for the most expensive property in the portfolio.

I am at this stage where I expect the Disney Co to screw their customers any which way. Those bathrooms and kitchen needed work. Heck, they didn't necessarily need to replace the cabinetry, just refresh it. I'd at least like a justification from DVC to help me understand why this is the worst project they've ever done.