The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners & Lovers Group - 2.0

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

@celesta
Studios at close to Christmas can be tough but here's a current peak at avails for VGC deluxe studios (which are the hardest to book). We always book immediately at our 11 month points anyway but you shouldn't need to be stressed if doing it close to that time. Other than New Years Eve, the last 12 days are still available - even Christmas/Christmas Eve.

 

[JavaDuck]

I have two VGC contracts and I just booked 4 nights for the weekend over New Year's 2023 with no issues at 11 months. We have had no issues booking 2 other trips at different times as well. We have noticed that around 10 months the availability starts to get smaller.

 

[celesta]

Thanks for all your replies! Now I feel a lot better about making a move on the contract.

 

[franandaj]

I'm debating a small contract at the Grand Californian but after reading about how difficult it is to book, I got worried. From owners, what are your experiences booking at the 11-month mark? Is it a wait to book at 8am EST at 11-month on the dot and hope there are no glitches, or is it more casual than that? I don't want to pay a lot for a contract and still have to bite my nails about being able to book.

Thanks in advance for your insights!

I don't book studios very often, mostly one bedrooms, but last May I was able to book a 2 bedroom lock off (studio and 1 bedroom) for January of this year. I think there were two weeks left until the 7 month window opened, so depending on the time of year, it might be easy to book between 11 and 7 months, but if you want Easter or New Year's that might be a challenge.

 

[dcfromva]

I'm debating a small contract at the Grand Californian but after reading about how difficult it is to book, I got worried. From owners, what are your experiences booking at the 11-month mark? Is it a wait to book at 8am EST at 11-month on the dot and hope there are no glitches, or is it more casual than that? I don't want to pay a lot for a contract and still have to bite my nails about being able to book.

Thanks in advance for your insights!

I mainly book studios. It used to be that as an owner, I could get just about anything I wanted as long as it was more than 7 months out. I "think" in recent years more folks have purchased smaller resale contracts (so, I feel like there is more competition for the studios), so you have to be paying attention and book closer to 11months for some high demand periods. Still, it isn't anything like booking a std view studio at BWV.

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

I mainly book studios. It used to be that as an owner, I could get just about anything I wanted as long as it was more than 7 months out. I "think" in recent years more folks have purchased smaller resale contracts (so, I feel like there is more competition for the studios), so you have to be paying attention and book closer to 11months for some high demand periods. Still, it isn't anything like booking a std view studio at BWV.

Oh that’s a good point. Probably more people (with the current crazy price) buying small contracts and using them for studios than original owners.

 

[sabrecmc]

Not an owner, so I tried right at the 7 month mark, but everything was booked. Not surprised. I have 2 waitlists, one for 2 bdrm and one for a 1 bdrm for Memorial Day weekend timeframe. Do I have any shot of those coming through or should I just make a regular room reservation?

 

[limace]

I’d make a room reservation. You can always cancel it if something comes through.

 

[GeneralLeia003]

Not an owner, so I tried right at the 7 month mark, but everything was booked. Not surprised. I have 2 waitlists, one for 2 bdrm and one for a 1 bdrm for Memorial Day weekend timeframe. Do I have any shot of those coming through or should I just make a regular room reservation?

Make a room reservation and keep the wait list. You never know what could happen. I had to cancel a stay 3 days out because my husband got Covid. Some lucky soul snatched up a 3 day weekend studio stay!

 

[buffalobasingal]

After only 2 years of being a VGC owner, I have decided to sell my contract. I'm very torn because I love everything about staying at the Grand Californian from the quick and easy access to California Adventure and Disneyland to the ambiance of the resort. But, my family outgrew their enjoyment of going to the parks faster than I thought they would, so it is time to let it go. We bought in during February of 2020 and were only able to stay there once this last fall for Oogie Boogie Bash. However, that one trip was as wonderful as I hoped it would be having experienced all of the benefits of being a DVC member and a VGC owner. Hopefully someday I will be able to return with my grandkids to the Happiest Place on Earth and enjoy the Magic that Walt built once again. Farewell to all of the fellow VGC owners. May you all have plenty of magical moments on your wonderful adventures for many years to come!

 

[Mathmagicland]

Hi, wondering if anyone has ideas on why this might happen - I have a studio booked for one night next week. Two days ago I got a call from DVC, saying the GC Hotel reached out to them to advise my assigned studio will not be available and they will be putting me in a regular room. Nine days in advance of the stay seems a bit far out for a maintenance issue to not be able to be resolved. And, I didn’t think rooms were assigned that far out from arrival.

I commented that regular rooms are not the same in terms of the DVC room amenities, ie cooler vs a refrigerator and no microwave or kitchen items. When I asked what the room issue was, they said to inquire at the hotel. DVC did offer to move my points out of holding should I want to cancel, but I chose not to cancel it as the points expire too soon to be able to get another booking.

Amy thoughts would be appreciated- thanks!

 

[wnielsen1]

Hi, wondering if anyone has ideas on why this might happen - I have a studio booked for one night next week. Two days ago I got a call from DVC, saying the GC Hotel reached out to them to advise my assigned studio will not be available and they will be putting me in a regular room. Nine days in advance of the stay seems a bit far out for a maintenance issue to not be able to be resolved. And, I didn’t think rooms were assigned that far out from arrival.

I commented that regular rooms are not the same in terms of the DVC room amenities, ie cooler vs a refrigerator and no microwave or kitchen items. When I asked what the room issue was, they said to inquire at the hotel. DVC did offer to move my points out of holding should I want to cancel, but I chose not to cancel it as the points expire too soon to be able to get another booking.

Amy thoughts would be appreciated- thanks!

Since we are talking about the Grand Cal, I would still go. If you want to have a discussion about compensation, I would have that at the front desk at check in unless you think you can get the property GM on the phone ahead of time.

 

[LAX]

Since we are talking about the Grand Cal, I would still go. If you want to have a discussion about compensation, I would have that at the front desk at check in unless you think you can get the property GM on the phone ahead of time.

If it were me, I wouldn't wait until the day of check-in. Since this is requested by DVC/GC, I would make sure I am appropriately compensated prior to agreeing to move to what I would consider "inferior" alternate accommodation.

LAX

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

"Oh I had planned on a kitchenette so had budgeted a lot less for food for this trip...".
That said, the hotel side was refurbished not eons ago and I love the rooms while VGC (as much as I love it) is 1 year away in a 14 year cycle from a full refurb... it's ready .

 

[dcfromva]

I especially like what Ursula said. You can ask for a microwave to be put in your room hotel side. (I don't know if you could ask for a real coffee maker) They have these drink coolers hotel side (they have a clear glass door--I don't know how well they keep things cool compared to the fridge in the villas). But, you still don't get the other amenities.

 

[NorCalDisFan]

As a non-owner I made a reservation of a GC hotel room for Labor Day weekend from Costco travel. I just wanted to feel what it looks like before heading to purchase. Can't wait the day. I wanted to go earlier but other plans prevent it.

 

[Nonsuch]

As a non-owner I made a reservation of a GC hotel room for Labor Day weekend from Costco travel. I just wanted to feel what it looks like before heading to purchase.

You could request a room in the South wing of GCH, to be near the VGC rooms.
There is also a DVC sales office on the first floor, near the DVC wing.

 

[FireflyTrance]

Hi Everyone! We have a 4 night stay at VGC this June. I am planning one day as a resort day and wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions for what to plan for that day. I was thinking Storytellers Cafe for breakfast, and then go somewhere in Downtown Disney for dinner. We would like to go to the pools for a few hours in the afternoon as well. I saw GCH Craftsman Bar offers reservations but I am not sure if that is necessary or if there is some other poolside dining option we could order from without reservations? Our resort day will be a Friday, are there any resort activities on Friday? Is it worthwhile to try and watch World of Color from the deck? We have stayed at VGC before but it’s been about 3 years. Thanks!

 

[Mathmagicland]

Hi Everyone! We have a 4 night stay at VGC this June. I am planning one day as a resort day and wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions for what to plan for that day. I was thinking Storytellers Cafe for breakfast, and then go somewhere in Downtown Disney for dinner. We would like to go to the pools for a few hours in the afternoon as well. I saw GCH Craftsman Bar offers reservations but I am not sure if that is necessary or if there is some other poolside dining option we could order from without reservations? Our resort day will be a Friday, are there any resort activities on Friday? Is it worthwhile to try and watch World of Color from the deck? We have stayed at VGC before but it’s been about 3 years. Thanks!

Hi - I was just there last week, and there was not much offered yet for resort activities. There was a movie each night at one of the hotels, but not their art of the hotel tours & such. Re World of Color from the deck, it can be hit or miss - if you get there early enough to get a spot at the front corner of the railing, you can see most of it; but if you are back towards the building or too far off to the side or behind others, then it can be difficult to see.

Also, our June weather is hit and miss - it can be warm, but we also get June Gloom where it is cool, overcast, and drizzly. I had more than one of my son’s outdoor birthday celebrations delayed or moved indoors due to June Gloom. So a pool day may not work out well if it is one of the cooler dreary days.

 

[pineapplepalms]

Hi Everyone! We have a 4 night stay at VGC this June. I am planning one day as a resort day and wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions for what to plan for that day. I was thinking Storytellers Cafe for breakfast, and then go somewhere in Downtown Disney for dinner. We would like to go to the pools for a few hours in the afternoon as well. I saw GCH Craftsman Bar offers reservations but I am not sure if that is necessary or if there is some other poolside dining option we could order from without reservations? Our resort day will be a Friday, are there any resort activities on Friday? Is it worthwhile to try and watch World of Color from the deck? We have stayed at VGC before but it’s been about 3 years. Thanks!

I was just there and did the power walk workout in DCA and it was a fun experience. There’s also a boot camp workout that’s a bit more intense. The instructor is great, but it is pretty early (meets at 6:15). You could also do a spa treatment at Tenaya. I got a massage there and it was amazing. For food, we enjoyed the breakfast over at Tangaroa Terrace.