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

[RickNJane]

Remember, VGC has the potential of views like this….

Yup One reason we went with it! Thanks for the reminder!

 

[cruisehopeful]

Yeah...if this continues, not sure I see us wanting to buy more VGC points at all. Of course, who knows how things will look in a year or two. But if it's like this...I think purchasing the additional points we want at VDH instead would make more sense.

I'm in the camp of owning both if possible. That's after purchasing both. They are very different experiences. When I only owned VDH, I always wanted to stay at VGC. Now that I have both, I'm finding that I enjoy flip flopping my visits because they are so different.

I can see why the resellers are basically selling at direct prices now. A lot of people have had a hard time getting points for VGC direct if they have a lazier guide who tells them they can't get anything. They aren't reading the DIS and have no idea how to get direct points.

We just added on at VGC. Missed the opportunity when it first opened So we have been waiting and finally pulled the trigger. Our first trip is in February so we will not have EE. Kinda bummed about it since it was the way we got to ride RSR without buying LLSP. All the negative comments have me thinking I should have just added on at VDH instead. VDH is great, but the walk for us can be killer at the end of the day! And the views are really hit or miss, mostly miss! On our last trip the Monorail was down so walking was the only way to go. We bought into VCG because of location and theming. We stayed there years ago before DVC opened and had a blast. Easy access to DCA, Great view of the park. Pretty great time.

Do all the gates inside of VCG get backed up? How do you regulars approach getting into Downtown Disney or DCA? Now that the PP gate is closing how much extra pressure will there be? Any tips to a newbie would be appreciated.

The gates are backed up first thing in the morning and I always go to the downtown Disney entrance instead. PP guests can also enter at the downtown Disney entrance by the DLH and at this point, I'm not expecting anything to be too impacted.

I have to say, the monorail is almost always closed when I stay at VDH. While it's nice to have, it also takes me to the only part of the park that I have zero interest in. I do agree, though, that the walk back feels very far, especially when downtown Disney is completely packed (which is most of the time that I visit). Nothing beats walking directly into the hotel at VGC at the end of the day.

 

[AstroBlasters]

I'm in the camp of owning both if possible. That's after purchasing both. They are very different experiences. When I only owned VDH, I always wanted to stay at VGC. Now that I have both, I'm finding that I enjoy flip flopping my visits because they are so different.

I can see why the resellers are basically selling at direct prices now. A lot of people have had a hard time getting points for VGC direct if they have a lazier guide who tells them they can't get anything. They aren't reading the DIS and have no idea how to get direct points.

The gates are backed up first thing in the morning and I always go to the downtown Disney entrance instead. PP guests can also enter at the downtown Disney entrance by the DLH and at this point, I'm not expecting anything to be too impacted.

I have to say, the monorail is almost always closed when I stay at VDH. While it's nice to have, it also takes me to the only part of the park that I have zero interest in. I do agree, though, that the walk back feels very far, especially when downtown Disney is completely packed (which is most of the time that I visit). Nothing beats walking directly into the hotel at VGC at the end of the day.

The black line is from DD entrance all the way to the other side of Grand Cal to the VGC wing.

The red line is to VDH.

It’s not that much of a difference when coming back from DLand at night. It may feel different because with VGC you are walking through the Grand Cal hotel whereas with VDH you are outside. It also may be that when you are walking back to VDH you see the entrance from DD and think “I could be back at my hotel by now”…. but in reality you still have quite a long way to walk.

Now…. if we are talking my beloved DCA…. then it’s not even close….. especially when the amazing Pixar Place entry/exit…. I’m going to be bitter about losing that one every time I stay at VGC….

 

[808blessing]

I was able to use that back entrance on at least 4 trips after stumbling upon it before it was announced. It was heaven & for the first time in 13 years I preferred my west coast Disney. This year, I alternated VGC and DLH stay in May and July and twice to the same coast in one year! I'm not going west for sure next year, very disappointed about going back with the changes.

 

[Jperiod]

We just added on at VGC. Missed the opportunity when it first opened So we have been waiting and finally pulled the trigger. Our first trip is in February so we will not have EE. Kinda bummed about it since it was the way we got to ride RSR without buying LLSP. All the negative comments have me thinking I should have just added on at VDH instead. VDH is great, but the walk for us can be killer at the end of the day! And the views are really hit or miss, mostly miss! On our last trip the Monorail was down so walking was the only way to go. We bought into VCG because of location and theming. We stayed there years ago before DVC opened and had a blast. Easy access to DCA, Great view of the park. Pretty great time.

Do all the gates inside of VCG get backed up? How do you regulars approach getting into Downtown Disney or DCA? Now that the PP gate is closing how much extra pressure will there be? Any tips to a newbie would be appreciated.

We almost always use the DD gate out of VGC because of where we're headed within the parks. We get in line by 6:45 am and it goes pretty quick. We're usually within the first 10-15 people at the turnstyles if we "walk with purpose." Other times there's very little wait, if any, unless it's dinner time. Not as bad as morning, but it adds an extra 10 minutes or so.

edited to add: I wonder if they'll adjust all the times by 30 minutes now that EE is being eliminated or if they'll just hold everyone on main street.

 

[AstroBlasters]

We almost always use the DD gate out of VGC because of where we're headed within the parks. We get in line by 6:45 am and it goes pretty quick. We're usually within the first 10-15 people at the turnstyles if we "walk with purpose." Other times there's very little wait, if any, unless it's dinner time. Not as bad as morning, but it adds an extra 10 minutes or so.

edited to add: I wonder if they'll adjust all the times by 30 minutes now that EE is being eliminated or if they'll just hold everyone on main street.

We’re getting back to the room at 12:15am in the morning or later… I can’t imagine trying to be in line by 6:45am…. Especially with a teenager and a preteen….

 

[ClaraOswald]

We just added on at VGC. Missed the opportunity when it first opened So we have been waiting and finally pulled the trigger. Our first trip is in February so we will not have EE. Kinda bummed about it since it was the way we got to ride RSR without buying LLSP. All the negative comments have me thinking I should have just added on at VDH instead. VDH is great, but the walk for us can be killer at the end of the day! And the views are really hit or miss, mostly miss! On our last trip the Monorail was down so walking was the only way to go. We bought into VCG because of location and theming. We stayed there years ago before DVC opened and had a blast. Easy access to DCA, Great view of the park. Pretty great time.

Do all the gates inside of VCG get backed up? How do you regulars approach getting into Downtown Disney or DCA? Now that the PP gate is closing how much extra pressure will there be? Any tips to a newbie would be appreciated.

You definitely will not regret own at VGC! It's seriously so great. We never rope drop so I can't speak to the lines then. But the lines at other times of the day have never been too bad for us. Except for when there's an event or party. Like for Pride Night, heading back to the parks in the early evening, things seemed a bit more backed up. But never anything crazy, IMO.

I'm in the camp of owning both if possible. That's after purchasing both. They are very different experiences. When I only owned VDH, I always wanted to stay at VGC. Now that I have both, I'm finding that I enjoy flip flopping my visits because they are so different.

I can see why the resellers are basically selling at direct prices now. A lot of people have had a hard time getting points for VGC direct if they have a lazier guide who tells them they can't get anything. They aren't reading the DIS and have no idea how to get direct points.

The gates are backed up first thing in the morning and I always go to the downtown Disney entrance instead. PP guests can also enter at the downtown Disney entrance by the DLH and at this point, I'm not expecting anything to be too impacted.

I have to say, the monorail is almost always closed when I stay at VDH. While it's nice to have, it also takes me to the only part of the park that I have zero interest in. I do agree, though, that the walk back feels very far, especially when downtown Disney is completely packed (which is most of the time that I visit). Nothing beats walking directly into the hotel at VGC at the end of the day.

Is the monorail only running seasonally? I honestly never pay attention to it when we're there. We often end our night in Tomorrowland so the idea of using it at the end of the day does sound nice.

The black line is from DD entrance all the way to the other side of Grand Cal to the VGC wing.

The red line is to VDH.

It’s not that much of a difference when coming back from DLand at night. It may feel different because with VGC you are walking through the Grand Cal hotel whereas with VDH you are outside. It also may be that when you are walking back to VDH you see the entrance from DD and think “I could be back at my hotel by now”…. but in reality you still have quite a long way to walk.

Now…. if we are talking my beloved DCA…. then it’s not even close….. especially when the amazing Pixar Place entry/exit…. I’m going to be bitter about losing that one every time I stay at VGC….

Yeah, I think the walk seems easier because a large chunk is indoors. Those little bursts of AC are nice in the summer!

We always used to stay on Harbor. And honestly, the walk when we stayed at Park Vue was probably closer than the DVC wing. But it felt longer because there was so much sun and concrete. And none of the DTD ambiance.

 

[AstroBlasters]

You definitely will not regret own at VGC! It's seriously so great. We never rope drop so I can't speak to the lines then. But the lines at other times of the day have never been too bad for us. Except for when there's an event or party. Like for Pride Night, heading back to the parks in the early evening, things seemed a bit more backed up. But never anything crazy, IMO.



Is the monorail only running seasonally? I honestly never pay attention to it when we're there. We often end our night in Tomorrowland so the idea of using it at the end of the day does sound nice.



Yeah, I think the walk seems easier because a large chunk is indoors. Those little bursts of AC are nice in the summer!

We always used to stay on Harbor. And honestly, the walk when we stayed at Park Vue was probably closer than the DVC wing. But it felt longer because there was so much sun and concrete. And none of the DTD ambiance.

Yes, VGC is much better for mid-day breaks. But at night after DCA has closed…. it’s doesn’t feel like much of a difference to me.

 

[Royal Consort]

All the negative comments have me thinking I should have just added on at VDH instead.

I get that sentiment, I really do. My choice was either wait for VDH to be constructed and buy points there or buy VGC resale.

I purchased VGC resale several years before the hard goods refurbishment with the knowledge the rooms will be renewed



Since we know how that turned out, I am a disgruntled owner stamping my foot like Donald telling my husband I should have just purchased VDH: he quietly reminded me I want my balcony in a studio (I do), and that I wouldn't be happy with a premium deluxe HVAC view (I wouldn't).

Grand Cal has a lot going for it and I am still pleased to be an owner here over VDH. You will enjoy it too I am sure.

Just remember VGC is the "preferred view" at VDH.

*Mic drop, exits stage left.*

 

[bluecruiser]

Is the monorail only running seasonally? I honestly never pay attention to it when we're there. We often end our night in Tomorrowland so the idea of using it at the end of the day does sound nice.

Since the monorail doesn't have A/C, it stops running when the temperature is above a certain amount (80 degrees? 90 degrees? I'm not sure). So during hot days it might only run in the morning and evenings, temperature depending. Other than that, the monorail could be down due to planned or unplanned maintenance.