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

[KAT4DISNEY]

I understand what you are saying, but it is inexcusable to not order new shower heads when they could have got them at a bulk price with the same materials they used for the Bay Lake Tower refurb (picture attached).

Especially when they are selling these direct for $330 per point…. and they are still selling them! I bought 97 direct last year.

This was poor financial management and they obviously blew the budget on a stupid external refurbishment that no one cares about whatsoever.

This is on top of bad workmanship on the VDH tower.

That price has zero bearing on quality expectations I hate to say. DVC never has been posh, top of the line. And VGC has been sold out forever. That people can periodically pick up points now is just a bonus.

I've mentioned before I'm personally PO'd over the gigantic increase in construction costs that has happened in the past few years. And I've also said that it varies by parts of the country as I have experience in 2 very different areas - one being west coast. Stating it's mismanagement by Disney isn't really fair and I am not a DVC apologist. There wasn't any reason to expect that cost explosion until it happened. I understand being upset as I've had gripes about past refurb choices but history shows this is very much a norm in the DVC refurb world and some things won't be done that a few are adamant should have been. Send a letter to DVC and who knows, maybe something will happen, but there's a point everyone has to decide if it's truly worth all the angst.

 

[VGCgroupie]

That price has zero bearing on quality expectations I hate to say. DVC never has been posh, top of the line. And VGC has been sold out forever. That people can periodically pick up points now is just a bonus.

I've mentioned before I'm personally PO'd over the gigantic increase in construction costs that has happened in the past few years. And I've also said that it varies by parts of the country as I have experience in 2 very different areas - one being west coast. Stating it's mismanagement by Disney isn't really fair and I am not a DVC apologist. There wasn't any reason to expect that cost explosion until it happened. I understand being upset as I've had gripes about past refurb choices but history shows this is very much a norm in the DVC refurb world and some things won't be done that a few are adamant should have been. Send a letter to DVC and who knows, maybe something will happen, but there's a point everyone has to decide if it's truly worth all the angst.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and angst. I didn’t reply or comment to those who said they were fine with the refurb. I only commented towards those who want me accept various excuses for why it was done the way it was. I won’t accept it.

 

[AstroBlasters]

That price has zero bearing on quality expectations I hate to say. DVC never has been posh, top of the line. And VGC has been sold out forever. That people can periodically pick up points now is just a bonus.

I've mentioned before I'm personally PO'd over the gigantic increase in construction costs that has happened in the past few years. And I've also said that it varies by parts of the country as I have experience in 2 very different areas - one being west coast. Stating it's mismanagement by Disney isn't really fair and I am not a DVC apologist. There wasn't any reason to expect that cost explosion until it happened. I understand being upset as I've had gripes about past refurb choices but history shows this is very much a norm in the DVC refurb world and some things won't be done that a few are adamant should have been. Send a letter to DVC and who knows, maybe something will happen, but there's a point everyone has to decide if it's truly worth all the angst.

I hear you, but Disney does not pay dues on the points it retains because they offer a safety net to make up for any shortfalls.

There shouldn’t be missing grout and wallpaper peeling off the wall…they shouldn’t have gross shower heads…. those things are not that expensive to fix/change out and it is insulting to leave the rooms in that condition after a hard refurb.

And the price should have an impact on what we expect because they are making BANK on the points they are ROFRing and selling at $330pp.

 

[VGCgroupie]

I hear you, but Disney does not pay dues on the points it retains because they offer a safety net to make up for any shortfalls.

There shouldn’t be missing grout and wallpaper peeling off the wall…they shouldn’t have gross shower heads…. those things are not that expensive to fix/change out and it is insulting to leave the rooms in that condition after a hard refurb.

And the price should have an impact on what we expect because they are making BANK on the points they are ROFRing at $330pp.

100% and the hotel side found money to update the bathrooms. Maybe inflation and being in CA didn't impact them over at the hotel (to those reading this, yes I know the hotel side is ran differently than DVC, just making a point that DVC absolutley should not have lower quality rooms than the hotel side)

 

[AstroBlasters]

100% and the hotel side found money to update the bathrooms. Maybe inflation and being in CA didn't impact them over at the hotel (to those reading this, yes I know the hotel side is ran differently than DVC, just making a point that DVC absolutley should not have lower quality rooms than the hotel side)

They could jack up the hotel rooms to $2k a night and make the bathrooms ornate….. so I’m not trying to compare to the hotel side.

We just needed a little bit of TLC so we don’t have peeling shower heads and wallpaper….

 

[gsdweller]

100% and the hotel side found money to update the bathrooms. Maybe inflation and being in CA didn't impact them over at the hotel (to those reading this, yes I know the hotel side is ran differently than DVC, just making a point that DVC absolutley should not have lower quality rooms than the hotel side)

Why shouldn't the hotel side have better rooms?
Why should DVC have the highest quality?
If the market changes on the hotel side, and they can increase their profit margins by charging way more and spending more on refurb, why is that bad? What makes us special? I knew what I was buying when I got my points. Just because the hotel side model changes and the DVC side hasn't it doesn't mean there is something wrong.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I hear you, but Disney does not pay dues on the points it retains because they offer a safety net to make up for any shortfalls.

There shouldn’t be missing grout and wallpaper peeling off the wall…they shouldn’t have gross shower heads…. those things are not that expensive to fix/change out and it is insulting to leave the rooms in that condition after a hard refurb.

And the price should have an impact on what we expect because they are making BANK on the points they are ROFRing and selling at $330pp.

That's where writing DVC or calling maintenance while you're there are the actions to take. I think the talk of mismanagement etc, it's beyond anybody's knowledge, and just knowing how prices have gone provides very plausible explanations that are contrary to those accusations.

Are those pictures from your own room? I've had DVC change out drippy tub controllers and loose electrical plugs so I really do follow the path that I'm sharing. Report and ask for it to be fixed.

 

[KrzyAsian]

We loved sitting on the balcony and hearing the sound of crickets (are they fake?)

I just visited earlier this month and thought the same thing. It sounded too... "perfect" like right out of a movie.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

100% and the hotel side found money to update the bathrooms. Maybe inflation and being in CA didn't impact them over at the hotel (to those reading this, yes I know the hotel side is ran differently than DVC, just making a point that DVC absolutley should not have lower quality rooms than the hotel side)

The timeshare has more restrictions on funding. The hotel raises the rates and so far doesn't seem to have hit a high that won't be paid. It's not apples to apples.

 

[AstroBlasters]

That's where writing DVC or calling maintenance while you're there are the actions to take. I think the talk of mismanagement etc goes it's beyond anybody's knowledge and just knowing how prices have gone provides very plausible explanations that are contrary to those accusations.

Are those pictures from your own room? I've had DVC change out drippy tub controllers and loose electrical plugs so I really do follow the path that I'm sharing. Report and ask for it to be fixed.

Those were pictures from earlier in the thread from refurb’d rooms.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Why shouldn't the hotel side have better rooms?
Why should DVC have the highest quality?
If the market changes on the hotel side, and they can increase their profit margins by charging way more and spending more on refurb, why is that bad? What makes us special? I knew what I was buying when I got my points. Just because the hotel side model changes and the DVC side hasn't it doesn't mean there is something wrong.

Sorry that when I bought DVC I thought I was buying into something magical and dare I say luxury. It's great that you didn't have those expectations but I did. I have spent over $100,000 so Im sorry if my feelings about it are not valid enough for you.

Once again I am not a submissive person and I for sure wont be submitting to DVC that this is something I should accept because we are just scum timeshare owners who don't matter. Go away pheasant you aren't a hotel guest!!

My whole point of any of my posts is if you are someone who is not happy or okay with the way this refurb happened then they should make it a point to let DVC know how they feel, at that point DVC can do what they wish with the complaints, but keeping quiet wont make things better in the future. No matter how many excuses you throw at me I will not accept that this was the refurb VGC needed.

 

[VGCgroupie]

The timeshare has more restrictions on funding. The hotel raises the rates and so far doesn't seem to have hit a high that won't be paid. It's not apples to apples.

Clearly I know this and thats why I said in my comment (to those reading this, yes I know the hotel side is ran differently than DVC, just making a point that DVC absolutely should not have lower quality rooms than the hotel side)

 

[Girlstar30]

I just visited earlier this month and thought the same thing. It sounded too... "perfect" like right out of a movie.

I think it is fake

 

[VGCgroupie]

New to you tube from DVC Fan. So happy that that pesky inflation didnt have an impact on BLT.

Joking aside this looks really noice and I look forward to my stay there in a couple months.

 

[Girlstar30]

Sorry that when I bought DVC I thought I was buying into something magical and dare I say luxury. It's great that you didn't have those expectations but I did. I have spent over $100,000 so Im sorry if my feelings about it are not valid enough for you.

Once again I am not a submissive person and I for sure wont be submitting to DVC that this is something I should accept because we are just scum timeshare owners who don't matter. Go away pheasant you aren't a hotel guest!!

My whole point of any of my posts is if you are someone who is not happy or okay with the way this refurb happened then they should make it a point to let DVC know how they feel, at that point DVC can do what they wish with the complaints, but keeping quiet wont make things better in the future. No matter how many excuses you throw at me I will not accept that this was the refurb VGC needed.

I am with you on this, vgc owners pay a lot, their rooms should be maintained according to standards, especially given what has been done to other recent refurbs (blt, bwv, etc were all highly praised).

There is a reason that multiple vgc owners are unhappy. Yes Disney can raise hotel rates, but dues are raised every year too.

It didn't seem like a hard goods refurbishment compared to other hotels and you have a right to feel this way and good for you on not backing down, why lower your standards and accept less...

Why would people defend gross showers they've seen and expereienced... prices have gone up for everyone, should we stop paying dues because of this? Disney should be held accountable for not fixing things that need refurbishment during their refurbishment that doesn't happen often

 

[VGCgroupie]

New to you tube from DVC Fan. So happy that that pesky inflation didnt have an impact on BLT.

Joking aside this looks really noice and I look forward to my stay there in a couple months.

Just realized I typoed noice instead of nice. Imma leave it because it is noice

 

[gsdweller]

Sorry that when I bought DVC I thought I was buying into something magical and dare I say luxury. It's great that you didn't have those expectations but I did. I have spent over $100,000 so Im sorry if my feelings about it are not valid enough for you.

Once again I am not a submissive person and I for sure wont be submitting to DVC that this is something I should accept because we are just scum timeshare owners who don't matter. Go away pheasant you aren't a hotel guest!!

My whole point of any of my posts is if you are someone who is not happy or okay with the way this refurb happened then they should make it a point to let DVC know how they feel, at that point DVC can do what they wish with the complaints, but keeping quiet wont make things better in the future. No matter how many excuses you throw at me I will not accept that this was the refurb VGC needed.

I guess I could have been clearer.

I understand the fact that you are dissatisfied with the DVC refurb. That is fine, and it is fine that you want to tell DVC about it. I have no problem with that. If they are not meeting your expectations, you should let them know.

My point was that the DVC side and the Hotel side are totally different issues and should never be compared to each other. If the hotel wants to charge $10,000 a night and install gold plated toilets, that is their business and should have no impact on the DVC side. If they want to furnish each room with cardboard and charge $50 a night, more power to them.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Just got back from a wonderful and relaxing stay, our first DVC stay as Members

The Good:

Pool Chairs so plush and plentiful. It was a beautiful and sunny day and there were plenty available before 1pm. I was impressed with the attentiveness of the cast members at the pool who helped us locate seating next to each other in the area we preferred.

Room service for breakfast was delicious! The Mickey waffles weren't hard like in the parks. They sure are not stingy with portions at the restaurants! Everything was huge! Loved the cookie butter creme brulee at Hearthstone and those chicken wings at the pool grill.

Nice DVC merchandise! Got my first Disney Vacation Club jacket that I'm proudly sporting I wish they would ask for proof of membership to purchase to feel a little more exclusive

We loved sitting on the balcony and hearing the sound of crickets (are they fake?) The 70th anniversary Joffrey's coffee was a nice touch and we loved the Bambi watercolor murphy bed!

The entrance to DCA by the dvc villas! Did not know this existed! Game changer!

The walk wasn't bad at all to the main building!

They accept Chase Disney Visa discount as well as DVC discount, both are 10%

The water slide was great fun and faster than it looks! My niece has a BLAST on the kiddie slide! I thought the pool was interesting it kind of pulls you like a lazy river

Most comfortable DVC bed ever, like sleeping on a cloud

The Bad:

I don't know how to describe it, but it seemed like the floor was sinking in in some places??? Some of the wood was softer than the rest maybe someone could give insight.

I didnt like the chairs on the balcony, if you sit down then you can't see over the railing. Taller chairs would be nice or less thick railing?

I don't really think it's fair that you use the same amount of points as someone who scores a theme park view. We didn't get one and were discussing how we would rather spend more points for the view as this was a totally different experience than when we stayed at the hotel side and paid for a theme park view and fell in love.

The rooms seemed a bit dark again comparing to the hotel side which has a "cheerier" theme and chip and dale.

Service was ridiculously slow at the restaurants.

Why did they get rid of the grass at that courtyard where people get married?? I hope they do something besides dirt and gravel!

Parking across the street kind of disappointed us until we realized it wasn't that far.

All in all: It was a wonderful weekend and we can't wait to return, but we will keep the trips short as we'd rather save our points to see our animals at the AKV

I wish they had different booking categories for theme park vs. non as well. Then I could easily get the pool side if we travel during a "loud" event like grad night or OBB.

I really think the darkness of the VGC room vs. the hotel rooms is the most annoying thing for me.

Was service slow at the quick service location or just the sit-down places?

We've never done room service breakfast. Did you think it was worth the price?

I saw the gravel and lack of grass in the courtyard. Hopefully they will plant stuff to make it look nice because otherwise....ick.

I assume the cricket sounds are fake but maybe someone can confirm.

The sinking floor - I wonder if it's just spots where it wasn't glued (or whatever) down enough so it gives that 'sink' feeling when walking on it. The new flooring does look pretty cheapy.

I forgot to mention i loved the cold cucumber and lemon water out at the pools, I felt fancy like i was at the spa , and the strawberry basil mocktail was enjoyed by all!

Where is this located? I didn't notice it when we were there...but it wasn't very warm outside so maybe they don't have it in the winter time.

 

[ark101]

I am NOT an owner at VGC but I am a little surprised by these comments. Hotel side definitely is a factor on how DVC is valued. Do you think VGC would be that in demand or points be that expensive if the hotel side doesn't command that price? Also I personally would not buy DVC if they were run crappy compared to the hotel rooms. I would totally sacrifice the washer/dryer and kitchen and book 2 nicer hotel rooms instead of a 2BR we usually book if that is what is to be expected from DVC.
I also feel like the unparalleled proximity of VGC clouds some judgment for people lol. E.g. If BWV got a decent refurb and BCV was left with crappy showers and bathrooms in general, I would totally book whatever I get at BWV at 7 months and forgo my home resort advantage at BCV even though I prefer BCV currently.
All that being said, I also don't believe Disney did anything nefarious. Just unfortunate decisions that the owners should question and complain about.

 

[ClaraOswald]

For me....my choices were basically VGC or continue to stay on Harbor. There's no way I'm going to pay Grand Californian Hotel prices year after year. I'd rather pay my larger up front price for VGC (resale) and my annual dues than pay $750 (or more) a night for the smallest Grand Cal room (that doesn't even have a proper mini fridge or a microwave, if I'm remembering correctly.) Sure, I prefer their lighting and the cute Chip and Dale on the wall. But overall, I'd still choose VGC.