VGC will charge fee for switching rooms after check-in

[squidmo]

So, on DVCMember.com, they put up the VGC information pages today. I noticed one interesting detail in the middle of the "Resort Services" section (http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/member...mbersGrandCalifornianResortServicesDetailPage)- DVC says they will be charging anyone who requests a room change after check in:

Room Change Fees:
Fee will apply if Members or Guests exchanging in from RCI or Buena Vista Trading Company requests a room change for a different view or room location after check-in.

Studio - $30
One-Bedroom - $45
Two-Bedroom - $60
Three-Bedroom Grand Villa - $75

It sounds like they are worried about lots of complaints regarding the view, given that there are no separate categories for pool view and theme park view. So, I guess it would be wise to make your stand at the desk BEFORE check-in if you are hoping for a specific view.

 

[dcfromva]

The policy of charging you a room change fee is currently in effect at all the other DVC properties...

 

[Chuck S]

This has been DVC-wide policy for some time, the fee is equal to a full housekeeping service to reclean the room for the next guest. Remember it says "after check-in," meaning if you go to you room and you don't like the view, they charge you to change.

If, while you're checking in, they say, "Your room is ready, it is 1245," and you want to change THEN there is no charge.

 

[newfamilyman]

It sounds like they are worried about lots of complaints regarding the view, given that there are no separate categories for pool view and theme park view.

Don't forget about parking lot view, since a number of these units (unless they are all hotel rooms) will be facing the parking lot. That's where I have a real problem, that they are charging the same number of points for views of a parking lot or DCA.

 

[La2kw]

Don't forget about parking lot view, since a number of these units (unless they are all hotel rooms) will be facing the parking lot. That's where I have a real problem, that they are charging the same number of points for views of a parking lot or DCA.

There really is no parking lot at the hotel. The valet lot is under the building, and the hotel lot is actually across the street. There will be views of the entry drive and Disneyland Drive, but those are supposed to be standard hotel rooms, not DVC rooms. The DVC units are supposed to be facing Paradise Pier and the pool areas.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Did you also notice that there's a charge for Valet? Self park is free, but $17/day for valet.

 

[kerickson]

Did you also notice that there's a charge for Valet? Self park is free, but $17/day for valet.

Same as the resort. I was hoping DVC members would get free Valet

Also, is that the Concierge lounge in set of pictures on the member site?

 

[bethy]

Here is what I'm wondering about! Is this saying that we won't get MM each day that is offered like other DLR resorts guests???

Theme Park Early Entry
Guests can purchase tickets to Disneyland Park and on one day enter an hour before it opens to the public with the Magic Morning entry benefit*.

*Magic Morning entry allows admission into selected attractions at Disneyland® Park before the Park opens to the public on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. Based on capacity and subject to restrictions. Applicable days and times of operation and all other elements including, but not limited to, operation of attractions, entertainment, stores and restaurants and appearances of Characters may vary and are subject to change without notice.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Same as the resort. I was hoping DVC members would get free Valet

Also, is that the Concierge lounge in set of pictures on the member site?

Where are the pictures that you're looking at? I couldn't find anything.

Never mind - one more click and I was there. And yes - that's the concierge lounge. It would probably be better to not show something that VGC stays don't have access to I would think.

 

[kerickson]

It also states:
Theme Park Early Entry
Guests can purchase tickets to Disneyland Park and on one day enter an hour before it opens to the public with the Magic Morning entry benefit*.

Don't resort guests get MM every available morning, not just one? Do you think this is a typo or that DVC members will have to pick one?

Also, doesn't state that internet is free, hoping it will be like WDW...

 

[bethy]

It also states:
Theme Park Early Entry
Guests can purchase tickets to Disneyland Park and on one day enter an hour before it opens to the public with the Magic Morning entry benefit*.

Don't resort guests get MM every available morning, not just one? Do you think this is a typo or that DVC members will have to pick one?

Also, doesn't state that internet is free, hoping it will be like WDW...

I'm wondering that, too. However, it doens't state anywhere officially that regular resort guests get MM every day either. It's never been an "official" perk. Also, the only Park tickets that have an MM are 3 day Park Hoppers and greater. So I wonder if this deal you could also offically get MM with shorter PH's (not that many people buy those.) And where would this leave AP holders?

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

It's difficult to believe that they would exclude 50 units from the MM perk but it's strange they list anything on purchasing the ticket for it.

 

[JimC]

Some random comments:

My experiences at DL are that they have a different service attitude and culture from WDW. I don't find it as accommodating or as enjoyable. For instance it seems harder to just engage a CM in conversation. I find that a bit odd, but I do know that they had many years under a management team that took a great deal of criticism for its policies and attitudes towards CMs. That era ended some time ago and I did notice a some improvement in our 2008 trip.

The concierge lounge at GC is not worth the additional cost in my opinion. The CMs who work the lounge are mediocre at best. In fairness, that was four years ago, so they may have improved since then.

DL concepts of view certainly require a vivid imagination. Two out of four trips I have taken issue with their definition of what constitutes a theme park or DD view. They have moved me at no charge each time. I have mentioned this to the Dreams Unlimited agents who handle my non-DVC Disney travel (and who are super by the way!!!!) and they confirm that it is not just me who has had that problem.

No free valet parking is not surprising -- as I said they do things differently out there. DVC only got a very small portion of that addition and from what I understand the regular resort has no trouble meeting its occupancy expectations. They just don't need to offer the service.

I believe in 2008 our early entry was for one day as well. Not much of an issue because it only takes two or three days to do those two parks.

 

[dcfromva]

The valet lot is under the building, and the hotel lot is actually across the street.

My guide had said the parking for DVC was under the building, too. I wonder if it will be both?

 

[dcfromva]

It also states:
Don't resort guests get MM every available morning, not just one? Do you think this is a typo or that DVC members will have to pick one?

Yes, hotel guests get MM every available morning--you just show your hotel ID. I hope it is a typo (or maybe they just have it worded strangely)

Also, doesn't state that internet is free, hoping it will be like WDW...

The internet access has always been part of the resort fee. The resort fee has always been included when staying on points. It seems like the trend has been to include it (ie it's now free at WDW).

 

[dcfromva]

DL concepts of view certainly require a vivid imagination. Two out of four trips I have taken issue with their definition of what constitutes a theme park or DD view.

We were just at the CG about 2 1/2 weeks ago. We had a STD view-2 connecting rooms. Most of the time we stay right above the entrance to the hotel with a STD view.

This time, we were on the end towards DTD. Our view was mostly the rooftop of the building below us and Haagen Das Ice Cream. I wasn't sure if it was an upgrade to DTD view. I'm thinking if someone had paid for DTD, they might be put off by the view of the roof below-but we were fine with it as we had signed up for a STD view. Anyway, at night it turned out we had the most awesome view of the fireworks. The best STD view I've ever had!

Last OCT, we had themepark view (because the STD view was all booked up). We were on an upper floor looking out over Condor Flats. Obviously, it was a themepark view, but it was a long hike from the lobby and while the view was nice, I thought I would be able to see more of the park.. .

 

[SoCalKDG]

Going tonight, so I'll try and ask some of these questions. Since GC guests get early entry, and the expansion being both VGC and GC rooms I expect early entry for everyone. I'm also hoping for free Valet parking as well. I'd also expect views for VGC to be much better than the rest of the hotel, and if you don't like your view, go to the observation area on top at night and watch the show.

 

[stopher1]

It also states:
Theme Park Early Entry
Guests can purchase tickets to Disneyland Park and on one day enter an hour before it opens to the public with the Magic Morning entry benefit*.

Don't resort guests get MM every available morning, not just one? Do you think this is a typo or that DVC members will have to pick one?

Also, doesn't state that internet is free, hoping it will be like WDW...

Yes you'll get the MM entry every morning it's available - that's the key though, since MM is only offered on the days of the week specified regardless of which hotel property you stay in, and it does not matter if you are a DVC member or a regular non-member guest - it's not a daily occurance like at WDW where they mix it up between the 4 theme parks. As long as you are a resort guest staying in one of the resorts on any of the MM offered days you may use that benefit.

 

[DebbieB]

I stayed at Paradise Pier last year and was given info on MM. Also got free internet but not free valet.

 

[nunzia]

Where are the pictures that you're looking at? I couldn't find anything.

Never mind - one more click and I was there. And yes - that's the concierge lounge. It would probably be better to not show something that VGC stays don't have access to I would think.

I agree! Luckily we are staying there with DP in Sept so we can enjoy and see what we'll never do again
I'm more interested in the MM thing..I'd hope we could take advantage of every MM just like any resort hotel guest.