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

[starry_solo]

Any thoughts on if VGC could open before Disneyland opens? I would still like to take a trip there, even with DL closed. I have to believe there are a fair amount of people who would also be willing to stay there with the parks closed. They still have excellent pools, and could do some socially distanced outdoor movie night, or other activities at the resort. Why doesn't Disney consider this? As a VGC owner I find it unfair that the hotel remains closed, when I own there and would like to stay there before even more points expire.

I don't expect it to open. You don't own the hotel portion, just the villas, which is a separate building and could open by itself (sure, it would take a mini kiosk), but I don't see it opening by itself. If the hotel portion did not open, those staying on site could not cut through the hotel to access DTD, but would exit out the side entrance (side of the hotel, near the taxi area), have to walk across the street, past Paradise Pier, and then walk that way to DTD. Plus, there would be limited (if any) amenities. No pool since it is unlikely the VGC owners would want to pay the full cost of it. I could see no less than three staff members needed, probably four, to open VGC. One to keep the sidewalk area gate closed and wait for the signal from the person at the side entrance that the kiosk could take one more person, one at the inside portion of the side entrance and one at the kiosk.

 

[HappyThoughtsTees]

Hi friends! New owner here with an availability question. Our family takes an annual trip to Disneyland the first week in December. As new owners we are looking to make our first DVC holiday trip in 2021. What are my chances of getting a 2 bedroom (either dedicated or lock-off), at the 11 month booking date? I read about walking reservations, but I'd rather not do that, feels like cheating
Thanks!

 

[shaunacb]

Hi friends! New owner here with an availability question. Our family takes an annual trip to Disneyland the first week in December. As new owners we are looking to make our first DVC holiday trip in 2021. What are my chances of getting a 2 bedroom (either dedicated or lock-off), at the 11 month booking date? I read about walking reservations, but I'd rather not do that, feels like cheating
Thanks!

Welcome! You will have no problem with a dedicated 2BR at 11 mo. Studios can book up right at 11 mo during high demand times, but there is no issue with larger rooms at 11 mo.

 

[SeaDis]

Hi friends! New owner here with an availability question. Our family takes an annual trip to Disneyland the first week in December. As new owners we are looking to make our first DVC holiday trip in 2021. What are my chances of getting a 2 bedroom (either dedicated or lock-off), at the 11 month booking date? I read about walking reservations, but I'd rather not do that, feels like cheating
Thanks!

Congrats and totally agree with above. No problem at 11 month for 2BR. I think the legend of VGC booking is largely spread on the East Coast for people using 7 month points. That is where the walking really comes into play and I think the practice is much more common at WDW anyways for high-demand categories.

Here is an old "predicted availability" chart for VGC. I don't think much has changed since it was created. And, below is the entire thread for other resorts.

https://www.disboards.com/attachments/vgc-1bd-jpg.332359/
https://www.disboards.com/threads/p...-bd-charts-september-2019-2-bd-added.3689931/

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Hi friends! New owner here with an availability question. Our family takes an annual trip to Disneyland the first week in December. As new owners we are looking to make our first DVC holiday trip in 2021. What are my chances of getting a 2 bedroom (either dedicated or lock-off), at the 11 month booking date? I read about walking reservations, but I'd rather not do that, feels like cheating
Thanks!

I also agree you'll have no problem with a 2BR at 11 months. If you are going over the weekend of the Candlelight processional you will want to book right at 11 months though. It is the one time where even the 2BR's book up faster than most other times of the year.

Otherwise there's a lot of times that even studios are available up until 7 months especially mid-week. Holidays or other events such as D23 in Anaheim do change that though.

 

[HappyThoughtsTees]

I also agree you'll have no problem with a 2BR at 11 months. If you are going over the weekend of the Candlelight processional you will want to book right at 11 months though. It is the one time where even the 2BR's book up faster than most other times of the year.

Otherwise there's a lot of times that even studios are available up until 7 months especially mid-week. Holidays or other events such as D23 in Anaheim do change that though.

I think we are usually there right before Candlelight Processional, thanks for the reminder! Is it usually the first weekend in Dec? My Mom's birthday is 12/4, and I know she'd love to go one year, we've never been. Not sure if it will be happening next year with the restrictions...

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I think we are usually there right before Candlelight Processional, thanks for the reminder! Is it usually the first weekend in Dec? My Mom's birthday is 12/4, and I know she'd love to go one year, we've never been. Not sure if it will be happening next year with the restrictions...

Yes, it's difficult to say what next Dec will bring. I definitely wouldn't count on the CP happening but people will still book that weekend with the thought that if it does they will go.

 

[bluecruiser]

Email received from DVC at Noon Eastern time today:

Dear DVC Member,

We have more great news to share with you from Disney Vacation Club. Today we’re excited to announce that The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will reopen beginning December 6.

This is yet another positive step forward – and our Cast couldn’t be happier to welcome you back home!

Just as we have done at Disney vacation destinations around the world, we are responsibly and thoughtfully implementing new health and safety measures as we re-open. Our gradual approach considers the guidance of government and local health authorities, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as that of the U.S. Travel Association and Disney’s team of health and safety professionals. This deliberate approach emphasizes a combination of measures such as:

• Phased Reopening: During this initial phase, only the Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will be open. The rest of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will remain closed.
• Health & Wellness: A range of health and safety measures, such as physical distancing, face coverings and increased hand sanitizer stations have been implemented throughout the property.
• Cleaning & Disinfecting: We’ve updated our procedures for cleaning and disinfecting, with a special emphasis on common areas such as lobbies, elevators and restrooms. And, before your arrival, every room will receive increased cleaning.
• Cast Member Training & Workplace Safety: Safety starts with our Cast, and we’ve adopted a number of new policies and practices for Cast Members at work, with health screenings, new training, and workplace safety procedure.

During the initial reopening period, most dining, amenities, activities and services will be modified, limited in capacity or unavailable based on physical distancing and health guidelines. In addition, some areas and offerings will remain temporarily closed or unavailable. While Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park currently remain closed, Downtown Disney District has begun a phased reopening and offers a variety of shopping and dining experiences, including the expansion onto Buena Vista Street beginning November 19. Members with upcoming reservations will receive additional information on what to expect at The Villas during their stay soon.

We encourage you to use the Disney Vacation Club website for general information or the Member Online Booking Tool to book or modify a Disney Vacation Club Resort reservation. Details about reopening plans and temporary adjustments to Disney Vacation Club policies are available on the Disney Vacation Club website.

While the new Disney experience may seem a little different, a magical and memorable visit awaits you and your family at The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. We look forward to welcoming you back home very soon!

Sincerely,

Disney Vacation Club

 

[TexasChick123]

Yep. I have a lot of thoughts right now on this. I really hope DL reopens soon!!!

 

[upritbass]

There is more information on the DVC website. They are still playing it close to the chest, but personally I am hoping that they will announce more shopping and dining opportunities in the coming weeks. The Villas are opening three weeks after Buena Vista Street, so maybe???

”Disneyland Resort

• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will once again welcome Members home beginning December 6. During this initial phase, the Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will be open only for Members. The rest of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will remain closed. Upon reopening, restaurants, amenities and other offerings may be modified or unavailable, limited in capacity and subject to limited availability or closure.”

 

[HappyThoughtsTees]

Anyone have thoughts/insights on the increase in annual dues? I'm pretty surprised considering VGC has been closed for so long!

 

[TexasChick123]

Anyone have thoughts/insights on the increase in annual dues? I'm pretty surprised considering VGC has been closed for so long!

The pessimist in me says that they’re going to do an equal decrease for 2020 as a credit so that 2021 is the same as 2020 which is garbage. That’s just me being cynical though.

 

[Mathmagicland]

Anyone have thoughts/insights on the increase in annual dues? I'm pretty surprised considering VGC has been closed for so long!

Aren’t the dues to cover operating expenses for the upcoming year? If so, the increase does not surprise me.

I think I saw/heard that owners would receive some sort of partial credit for the resort closure period, which would be a credit from this year’s reduced expenses. I’m hoping someone can confirm as I can’t find it right now. I’m thinking the credit would be applied agaInst next year’s dues balance.

 

[CarolynFH]

Aren’t the dues to cover operating expenses for the upcoming year? If so, the increase does not surprise me.

I think I saw/heard that owners would receive some sort of partial credit for the resort closure period, which would be a credit from this year’s reduced expenses. I’m hoping someone can confirm as I can’t find it right now. I’m thinking the credit would be applied agaInst next year’s dues balance.

Yes, if there is a credit to offset dues for any DVC resort, it will appear on the bill the owners receive but won't show on the budgets that were released today. That's how they handle credits when property taxes paid for the year are less than what was estimated.

 

[FireflyTrance]

Will we see an increase in dues based on only VGC opening, and not the whole Grand Californian hotel. It seems like it will be expensive to just operate this small portion. I am still excited about it opening though.

 

[montreid]

There is more information on the DVC website. They are still playing it close to the chest, but personally I am hoping that they will announce more shopping and dining opportunities in the coming weeks. The Villas are opening three weeks after Buena Vista Street, so maybe???

”Disneyland Resort

• The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will once again welcome Members home beginning December 6. During this initial phase, the Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will be open only for Members. The rest of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa will remain closed. Upon reopening, restaurants, amenities and other offerings may be modified or unavailable, limited in capacity and subject to limited availability or closure.”

I'm guessing they will open BV then VGC and if all looks good; expansion of DCA to full on food festival with Grand Cali opening too. Then stage mainstreet after the new year if all continues to go all. --- at least that's what I'd do if Mickey gave me the keys

 

[shaunacb]

I am planning to cancel a VGC studio reservation January 30 to February 1 [2 nights]. Please message me if you want to coordinate trying to pick it up

 

[taaren]

VGC room availability from Jan-March is wide open for 1 & 2 bedrooms, studios are spotty but most weeks have several days available. Its very weird to see.

 

[montreid]

yeah staycation for points --sad only a portion of DCA is open - would love to have it opened down to the pier at least - maybe after the New Year.

 

[AZMermaid]

If CA goes to a shelter in place.... it seems like the VGC opening will be off? Right?