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

[KPeterso]

Im sorry to hear that, ive been stalking, but haven't seen anything, its must have gone to a waitlist

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom.

Im so sorry. Glad MS was able to do the right thing.

Thank you so much! I am happy MS is making things right too. It is hard to give up the reservation last minute and the thought of VGC points in holding did not help. But, ultimately, DVC MS had a heart and wished my mom well too. And I see all my points back on the dashboard.

 

[Girlstar30]

Thank you so much! I am happy MS is making things right too. It is hard to give up the reservation last minute and the thought of VGC points in holding did not help. But, ultimately, DVC MS had a heart and wished my mom well too. And I see all my points back on the dashboard.

I hope she gets better soon and dvc will be here waiting

 

[aammtt20]

Hi all! DVC owner (but not VGC owner) here with a question. Live in SoCal, so I have used my points for WDW and Aulani, but never at DL because I'm just a 30 min drive away, so I don't need to stay overnight (but it's definitely nice to be able to!). However, I was able to find 1 night in a VGC 1 bedroom this month for the exact day I was already going to be at DL and I borrowed some pts to grab it. Excited to finally stay at the resort for the first time!

Quick Q - for the self-parking, do you just show the reservation in the app at the parking booth or do you need to go and check in with the front desk first before parking? Since it's just one night, we won't really have much besides backpacks, so will probably just self park in the morning, go to the parks, and then check in during the afternoon once the room is ready for an afternoon break before heading back to the parks in the evening. Does that work? Then, going to have a little pool day/downtown Disney day on checkout day as well; let me know if you have any helpful advice or secrets of the Grand Cal we should explore for the 2nd day. Thanks!

 

[Girlstar30]

Hi all! DVC owner (but not VGC owner) here with a question. Live in SoCal, so I have used my points for WDW and Aulani, but never at DL because I'm just a 30 min drive away, so I don't need to stay overnight (but it's definitely nice to be able to!). However, I was able to find 1 night in a VGC 1 bedroom this month for the exact day I was already going to be at DL and I borrowed some pts to grab it. Excited to finally stay at the resort for the first time!

Quick Q - for the self-parking, do you just show the reservation in the app at the parking booth or do you need to go and check in with the front desk first before parking? Since it's just one night, we won't really have much besides backpacks, so will probably just self park in the morning, go to the parks, and then check in during the afternoon once the room is ready for an afternoon break before heading back to the parks in the evening. Does that work? Then, going to have a little pool day/downtown Disney day on checkout day as well; let me know if you have any helpful advice or secrets of the Grand Cal we should explore for the 2nd day. Thanks!

You just go to the parking booth and give them your name and they put something on your car to indicate that you're dvc. Self parking is across the street btw, but you have to go to that booth first and get your pass then they'll direct you there (unless we've been doing it wrong and you can just go to the parking across the street first, i have not tried that)

They also have valet for some ridiculous amount

 

[eticketplease]

Hi all! DVC owner (but not VGC owner) here with a question. Live in SoCal, so I have used my points for WDW and Aulani, but never at DL because I'm just a 30 min drive away, so I don't need to stay overnight (but it's definitely nice to be able to!). However, I was able to find 1 night in a VGC 1 bedroom this month for the exact day I was already going to be at DL and I borrowed some pts to grab it. Excited to finally stay at the resort for the first time!

Quick Q - for the self-parking, do you just show the reservation in the app at the parking booth or do you need to go and check in with the front desk first before parking? Since it's just one night, we won't really have much besides backpacks, so will probably just self park in the morning, go to the parks, and then check in during the afternoon once the room is ready for an afternoon break before heading back to the parks in the evening. Does that work? Then, going to have a little pool day/downtown Disney day on checkout day as well; let me know if you have any helpful advice or secrets of the Grand Cal we should explore for the 2nd day. Thanks!

Curious if you will go early for the extra half hour since you’re so close.

 

[aammtt20]

Curious if you will go early for the extra half hour since you’re so close.

So if it was just me - definitely yes, because while I've been to early entry at WDW, I've never had the opportunity to do it at DL. But I'm visiting with friends who work for Disney and they're getting me in on a comp ticket, so I'm on their schedule for that day. But I can't complain bc the free ticket is worth a lot more than the extra half hour, but hopefully next time I snag a room I can enjoy that perk!

 

[Flash_Sloth]

I'm a new VGC owner & recently wrapped up my first stay there. Here are some of my thoughts.

I was in a studio, room #3504, 3rd floor, great theme park view of DCA. It was very close to the elevators and associated hallway noise, but not too bad overall. I don't think that I put in any particular room requests.

In the shower, there was an extremely narrow range between too hot and too cold. And even when you think you have it dialed in and aren't messing with it, there are some bursts where the water temp gets notably colder or hotter.

The bathroom sink gurgles up some burps even when you haven't used any water in the room in a long time. This woke me up at night a few times. I tried engaging the stopper. Maybe that helped?

Do they do daily room checks at VGC? I assume that they do. Typically when I stay at WDW DVC resorts, they'll do daily room checks and take out the trash, but no daily trash service here. Not really an issue; just an observation.

I stayed for 6 nights, and they serviced the room after the 3rd night. However, it seems like they only took out the trash and gave me fresh towels. They didn't make up the bed or give me fresh sheets. I'm not sure if they vacuumed or swept the floors; I didn't get the floors dirty enough to notice a difference. Is this normal? I expected clean sheets.

The private entrance to DCA is awesome. 3 days I rope dropped DCA, and each morning they asked to see my room key card to allow me to use that entrance. Maybe I'm too used to the security screening at WDW, but the bag check & security screening is old school by comparison.

My arrival day was a blockout day on my MagicKey (new MK holder, too). I watched World of Color from the terrace, and it was OK. It was a little bit of a side view, and sometimes difficult to clearly make out the video projected onto the water. The audio is piped in so you can at least hear what's going on. I watched it from the park the next day, and it was much better there.

My next trip to WDW, I may be disappointed by the transportation to/from the park, park hopping, etc. It is easy to get spoiled at VGC.

 

[eticketplease]

So if it was just me - definitely yes, because while I've been to early entry at WDW, I've never had the opportunity to do it at DL. But I'm visiting with friends who work for Disney and they're getting me in on a comp ticket, so I'm on their schedule for that day. But I can't complain bc the free ticket is worth a lot more than the extra half hour, but hopefully next time I snag a room I can enjoy that perk!

Years ago they let you go in an hour early. We got some great pics infront of the castle with nobody in the shot!! Those days are long gone though. Hope you enjoy your trip!!

 

[eticketplease]

I stayed for 6 nights, and they serviced the room after the 3rd night. However, it seems like they only took out the trash and gave me fresh towels. They didn't make up the bed or give me fresh sheets. I'm not sure if they vacuumed or swept the floors; I didn't get the floors dirty enough to notice a difference. Is this normal? I expected clean sheets.

I think the full clean is on day 8 but last week I had my sheets changed on day 5 at HHI so perhaps it just varies by resort.

 

[Girlstar30]

I'm a new VGC owner & recently wrapped up my first stay there. Here are some of my thoughts.

I was in a studio, room #3504, 3rd floor, great theme park view of DCA. It was very close to the elevators and associated hallway noise, but not too bad overall. I don't think that I put in any particular room requests.

In the shower, there was an extremely narrow range between too hot and too cold. And even when you think you have it dialed in and aren't messing with it, there are some bursts where the water temp gets notably colder or hotter.

The bathroom sink gurgles up some burps even when you haven't used any water in the room in a long time. This woke me up at night a few times. I tried engaging the stopper. Maybe that helped?

Do they do daily room checks at VGC? I assume that they do. Typically when I stay at WDW DVC resorts, they'll do daily room checks and take out the trash, but no daily trash service here. Not really an issue; just an observation.

I stayed for 6 nights, and they serviced the room after the 3rd night. However, it seems like they only took out the trash and gave me fresh towels. They didn't make up the bed or give me fresh sheets. I'm not sure if they vacuumed or swept the floors; I didn't get the floors dirty enough to notice a difference. Is this normal? I expected clean sheets.

The private entrance to DCA is awesome. 3 days I rope dropped DCA, and each morning they asked to see my room key card to allow me to use that entrance. Maybe I'm too used to the security screening at WDW, but the bag check & security screening is old school by comparison.

My arrival day was a blockout day on my MagicKey (new MK holder, too). I watched World of Color from the terrace, and it was OK. It was a little bit of a side view, and sometimes difficult to clearly make out the video projected onto the water. The audio is piped in so you can at least hear what's going on. I watched it from the park the next day, and it was much better there.

My next trip to WDW, I may be disappointed by the transportation to/from the park, park hopping, etc. It is easy to get spoiled at VGC.

I was told that owners get first dibs on tpv's at this hotel by the front desk so this seems to solidify that

 

[ClaraOswald]

I was told that owners get first dibs on tpv's at this hotel by the front desk so this seems to solidify that

What is "tpv?"

 

[Flash_Sloth]

What is "tpv?"

TPV is Theme Park View. It is a bookable room category at some resorts, like BLT and VGF in WDW; maybe the new Poly tower too?

 

[Girlstar30]

TPV is Theme Park View. It is a bookable room category at some resorts, like BLT and VGF in WDW; maybe the new Poly tower too?

Yes definitely at poly for a small fortune lol

 

[AstroBlasters]

What is "tpv?"

FYI, room booking is a jigsaw puzzle and the person selecting the room and the software they use has no idea who is an owner of VGC and who is not.

I do wish that newer members who are not owners of a resort would stop going into threads intended for owners and spreading rumors….

 

[bluecruiser]

I stayed for 6 nights, and they serviced the room after the 3rd night. However, it seems like they only took out the trash and gave me fresh towels. They didn't make up the bed or give me fresh sheets. I'm not sure if they vacuumed or swept the floors; I didn't get the floors dirty enough to notice a difference. Is this normal? I expected clean sheets.

I think the full clean is on day 8 but last week I had my sheets changed on day 5 at HHI so perhaps it just varies by resort.

From https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/faq/resort-reservations/housekeeping-cleaning-schedule (note your check-in day counts as day 1):

Housekeeping Information for Disney Vacation Club Resorts:

For stays of 7 or less consecutive nights in the same Vacation Home, the Disney Vacation Club Resort will provide a “Trash & Towel” service on the fourth consecutive day of the stay.

For stays of 8 or more nights, Full Cleaning Service is provided on day 4 and Trash & Towel Service is provided on day 8 (after which the cycle begins again on day 12). This service schedule applies regardless of whether you are using a Member-discounted cash reservation, Vacation Points, or a combination of both.

 

[cruisehopeful]

Quick Q - for the self-parking, do you just show the reservation in the app at the parking booth or do you need to go and check in with the front desk first before parking? Since it's just one night, we won't really have much besides backpacks, so will probably just self park in the morning, go to the parks, and then check in during the afternoon once the room is ready for an afternoon break before heading back to the parks in the evening. Does that work? Then, going to have a little pool day/downtown Disney day on checkout day as well; let me know if you have any helpful advice or secrets of the Grand Cal we should explore for the 2nd day. Thanks!

I visit often enough that I just drive to the self parking lot and tell them I am checking into the Grand. They just let me through without checking anything. It's directly across the street from the Grand.

You can do online check in 5 days before check in date. The room is often ready early when I do that. You'll be able to enter DCA from the hotel entrance if you want to do that. And, yes, if you want to carry your stuff to the park you can. You can also check any bags with Bell Services in the lobby and then either pick up your bags on the way to the room later or have them delivered to your room. You do have to be in the room for the delivery.

There are resort activities and you can get the info sheet from the front desk. You can participate in all 3 hotel offerings. Depending on what day you are staying, you might be able to take a tour of the hotel or of the Disneyland hotel. The Disneyland hotel tour is offered on Saturday and was very nostalgic (I loved it) when I took it.
If you want to take any of the fitness classes, those are booked through the spa and you'll need to book in advance as they fill up. Some are only available to resort guests.

Room service is available and the menu is somewhat different than the restaurants onsite. They also have door hangers if you want to pre-order breakfast for delivery in the morning. I think it has to be on the door by 11pm or midnight.

 

[Girlstar30]

I visit often enough that I just drive to the self parking lot and tell them I am checking into the Grand. They just let me through without checking anything. It's directly across the street from the Grand.

You can do online check in 5 days before check in date. The room is often ready early when I do that. You'll be able to enter DCA from the hotel entrance if you want to do that. And, yes, if you want to carry your stuff to the park you can. You can also check any bags with Bell Services in the lobby and then either pick up your bags on the way to the room later or have them delivered to your room. You do have to be in the room for the delivery.

There are resort activities and you can get the info sheet from the front desk. You can participate in all 3 hotel offerings. Depending on what day you are staying, you might be able to take a tour of the hotel or of the Disneyland hotel. The Disneyland hotel tour is offered on Saturday and was very nostalgic (I loved it) when I took it.
If you want to take any of the fitness classes, those are booked through the spa and you'll need to book in advance as they fill up. Some are only available to resort guests.

Room service is available and the menu is somewhat different than the restaurants onsite. They also have door hangers if you want to pre-order breakfast for delivery in the morning. I think it has to be on the door by 11pm or midnight.

I didnt know you could do the activities from all the hotels, I wondered why they listed them all, now it makes sense! We always go on weekends so I always miss the grand cal resort tour, ive been wanting to take it

 

[miksicnarf]

I cant use Hallmark ornaments on my trees because we go out in the woods and fresh cut our tree and the branches are too weak typically.

I hang heavier ornaments on the string lights wire. This year I got a thin, wire garland with little red beads...it's very long so I can wrap it around the whole tree and it'll support a lot of ornaments.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Who here has done grocery delivery to the grand before? Who did you use?

I assume the groceries are dropped off at bell services. Do you just call or walk down there when you want them? Do they take them up to our room at that time or do you have a wait a while? What's a good tip for this?

 

[VGCgroupie]

I hang heavier ornaments on the string lights wire. This year I got a thin, wire garland with little red beads...it's very long so I can wrap it around the whole tree and it'll support a lot of ornaments.

This is a great idea.