Disneyland for DVC Members | Disney Vacation Club at Grand Californian Resort & Spa

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Have you visited Disneyland as a DVC member? Tell us about your experience.

[@MikeTerry1969]

Very helpful, I've been seaarching for this information and it's hard to find good answers.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Thanks! I had noticed that there isn't much about DVC at Disneyland, so hopefully this video will help out some members. Best wishes!

[@MikeTerry1969]

@@TheMagicInTheMusic Yes, I wish there was more information out there. I still can't find information on using DVC points at the Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier so I'm guessing that's not an option? Are those hotels just normal pay with cash hotels?

[@edlyngaus8733]

@@MikeTerry1969 Yes you CAN use your DVC points for all 3 of the hotels !,

[@edlyngaus8733]

@@MikeTerry1969 Although I had to call DVC member service to make reservations. If you look at the DVC website you will find the points chart but I have not figured out how to reserve online. You normally are charged a fee of $95 BUT in FL but NOT in CA.

[@randallreacts8210]

It was a really fun and different but in a good way! I had a blast 💥

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

It's definitely worth a visit!

[@estellejh]

Thanks for the review, Jen! We are owners at Grand Californian. Love our home resort stay, but we’ve never heard “welcome home!” :(

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Well, it’s still a wonderful resort to own with absolutely unparalleled convenience. Thank you for watching!

[@jasonlewis6389]

@Estelle that’s unfortunate. Hopefully that’ll change when Disney finishes construction on the new DVC tower and has a greater push for DVC there.

[@mimiperedoesperanza4656]

OMG, I own at Aulani and have had stays at Disney World. "Welcome home!" has always been said to us across the board. The term itself gives me chills in knowing I'm in for a treat.

[@davidmariarivas]

What is that flying across the screen? look at 5:19 pf the video and you see something flying through the shoot.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

I think it’s just a reflection effect from the lights. When you take videos and photos, it tends to happen in night shots.

[@margaretpolous520]

We are owners at the grand cal and I seriously thought I was going insane with how unwelcoming it felt. Mind you we have nothing to compare it to but everything you said is so spot on. I hope they change their manners and activities. Ive never had a smooth stay and have been at the front desk multiple times. When I saw what other resorts offer, I was blown away.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

You’re not crazy. It’s a different vibe. BUT the amazing location and theme park access is pretty awesome. And that contract of yours is worth a lot! That should put you a smile on your face, at least! 😎

[@margaretpolous520]

@@TheMagicInTheMusic that location with 3 kids is unbeatable. However I think thats another reason why staffing and the dvc feel lacks. They obviously know why people are there and they know they will have guest flooding it regardless. Theres no competition and the only resort connected to the park. So why try and sprinkle pixie dust. We bought resale at a super high price point hoping to feel that special disney sparkle for our kids to expierence. Im hoping it will come around. We did however land a super sweet dvc guide. So that was 1 good thing.

[@lauramiller289]

Sorry to hear you had such a weird visit with the DVC office. I was wondering about that new tower too! Can't believe they didn't have lots of info for you on it!

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Yeah, it really does seem like a missed opportunity. But maybe they have so much interest in the new tower, they think they’ll just fly through their inventory? Who knows? 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@lauramiller289]

@@TheMagicInTheMusic true but it still doesn't seem like the Disney way. The rest of your trip looks and sounds like it was wonderful though!

[@kristinapreedy7069]

Thanks for the review, Jen! We have our smaller contract at VGC (if I knew what I know now when I bought our initial contract at SSR before VGC opened, it would be our larger contract, LOL, but at least we have enough points to get our foot in the door at the 11th month mark) and have stayed there several times. In fact, Facebook has been showing me memories of our first stay in 2010 where we were lucky enough to snag one of the two Grand Villas - the one that overlooks DCA. Otherwise, we’ve stayed in 1BR and 2BR units and one thing I really love about VGC is the extra 3/4 bath, just like at Kidani. We usually rent a 1BR for us and our 2 (now adult) sons; having the pullout couch plus under-TV bunk (small but doable for an adult) PLUS their own 3/4 bath has really spoiled us for when we stay at Aulani for instance and there’s only one bathroom. First world problems, I know! As much as I love Disneyland and how easy it is to get around, you are right on with the “DVC Who?” Attitude in CA and the long lines. I just figure as long as I get my awesome unit using points and don’t have to pay the hotel prices, I’m thrilled. 😊

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Thanks for the info about the extra bathroom. That’s a great tip! Also a room category I have never stayed in at GC. “DVC Who?” Lol! That’s a perfect description! 😆

[@SantiagoCano1516]

Thanks for the info Jen. I didn’t know anything about Dvc in Disneyland. I hope one day I’ll be able to grab a studio at the Grand Californian for my first visit to Disneyland 🤩🤩🤩

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

It's a great resort! I'd absolutely recommend giving it a try! It's not easy to get that GC reservation, but it IS possible. Thanks for watching!

[@jcbnyc2009]

Best pool side. Loved it. Long story short, we ended up in a room facing the park....

[@deniset.9902]

So happy you did this honest review! I really wish the studios could fit 5 like VGF and Poly.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Agreed. It would be nice if it had that extra fold down twin bed. Thanks so much for watching!

[@dominiqueglaisyer6733]

We rented points last year for GCV our first stay, I thought the rooms needed an upgrade but I honestly preferred the walking distance. We took this trip with our children 10 months and 7 year old. We made this trip different because we wanted to spend some time at the pool which was amazing. Food options were amazing because you have all of Downtown Disney and the Hotels restaurants that were great even during covid. After our stay we ended up purchasing a resale contract because DVC doesn't buy those contracts, so you can only purchase resale. I told my husband with being from NorCal and I normally having an ap so discounts aren't important. We have determined we will still purchase a contract at the new tower.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Sounds like you're going to have two amazing DVC contracts once you get that new DLH tower! Thanks so much for watching!

[@edlyngaus8733]

Loved your review! 🙂 We have been DVC members since 2008 but purchased our 1st contract at Beach Club Villas through Resale. We are Southern California locals so when we found out DVC would be here in Disneyland we thought no need if we are only 30 minutes away BUT we fell in love with the thought of 2/3 day staycations and paired it with Our Annual Passes !😁 Purchased directly from Disney before it's grand opening ! We have not gone to WDW since 2014 but have used our AP's @ DLR with the Grand Californian Villas OR rent out their hotel rooms with DVC points for many years with no regrets! I think the DVC cast members on the west coast know that their parks are mostly locals who might only want The Grand Californian Villas and constantly remind them there is a waiting list for points. I have not seen a show room for Any of the newer villas SINCE their VGC show room back in 2009. Now that Disneyland DVC Towers will open soon maybe they will have one. We are already making an appointment with our DVC cast member in a week for That sale ! 🤗

[@RobRoyRoadie]

SoCal DVC owner here (SSR and BRV). I get the feeling the guides at Grand Cal are not getting any support from DVC in general. The main DVC "office" in Anaheim is in the large orange building (affectionately called The Bob for Big Orange Building) behind the Frontier Tower at DLH, where they have actual offices and the full-sized mock-ups of the Aulani rooms. That office still isn't open, but it's 5 or 6 times bigger than the little space at Grand Cal (think a mini version of the center at SSR if you will) and that's where all of the "real" DVC stuff happened before the pandemic. The office at Grand Cal was really just sort of an annex Also, none of the DVC desks/kiosks inside the parks or at DTD are staffed yet. I get the feeling it's a skeleton crew right now, and they may be feeling the lack of love from Orlando after 20 months in exile. To add, when we were in there a few months back, the welcome bags were filled with leftover shipboard DVC stuff from the cruise line. They're definitely not getting full support. The real question is why they haven't opened up the main office yet, when it's virtually in the shadow of the new tower, and they are still actively selling Aulani. I could see them eventually shutting those rooms down to focus on the DLT, but that is still a year or two away. Still no excuse for poor guest service, but it must make their jobs pretty tough right now.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Thanks for that insight! I wondered where their main office and room mockups were located. When we were staying at GC in 2019, we never got the chance to see them. I agree that you would think they would open the preview center again. I'm sure they will as the new tower goes on sale. It would not surprise me at all if the DL DVC folks felt a bit out of the loop on things.

[@CarouselofDouglas]

We have family who lives near Anaheim, and even though we are DVC members, we hadn't considered staying on property, but now that I've watched this, we might swing points over for at least one night to check it out.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

I think it's worth checking it out as a DVC member. It's a really different experience from staying at the DW DVC resorts.

[@_Zenyatta_Mondatta]

Great video. We have never been to Disneyland and have been contemplating a trip there. As a DVC member, GCV have always been a bit of a mystery, not a lot of info readily available about it. Thanks for the info!

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! I agree that there's not a lot of DVC info about GC. I'm glad to add some useful content!

[@WilliamTheUnkownShoutout]

Happy Late Valentine's❤ Day To Everybody😀

[@Tweetykl97]

We are new owners at VGC. We have been twice so far this year. We are Disneyland people and have never been to WDW. We love this resort. It will be interesting to compare our experience going to WDW with such a different feel.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Yes! I would love to hear back after you visit Disney World and see how the experiences compared for you. Generally speaking, most people prefer whatever they experience first. It creates kind of a "baseline" expectation. So if you are used to DL, you'll probably prefer that, but I would love to hear your perspective on it. Thanks for watching!

[@nicoletwisk5122]

That treatment is shocking by the DVC cast members. And I got that drawstring bag when I toured at Aulani. Still hoping we can stay there someday!

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

I recently heard someone else saying what a great experience they had there with the DVC Cast Members, so maybe they’ve addressed that since we were there. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@nicoletwisk5122]

I have had a few at WDW cop an attitude when I tell them I own resale. But had the opposite experience at VGF where the guide was like "good deal saving money!" Especially when the perks are lacking right now!

[@theshow16]

Is there way to "try out" a DVC experience, before jumping in with both feet?

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Yes! You can rent DVC points. It’s a great way to try it before you buy it. You can find several copies who facilitate these rentals online. Just search for DVC rental.

[@firefawnakl]

Sadly your experience with bad cast members was most definitely not a one off.😂 We’ve had that happen to and choose not to buy there due to that.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear that. I was assuming that it was just because they weren't actively selling any of the DL properties at the time. Or maybe I just had a CM having an "off" day. It happens to all of us sometimes.

[@wakeywarrior]

We have booked a 1 bed here at 7 months 3 years running. Unfortunately due to being in the U.K. and USA closing its borders, we had to cancel twice but we are finally there in August. Fantastic view of the park there but my wife insists on a very quiet room so we will be requesting not to have a park view.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

I’m so glad you’ll finally be able to take your trip. Have a wonderful time! 😎

[@davidmariarivas]

Who was the Rep in California?

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Didn’t catch a name. Even if I did, I wouldn’t name them unless it was to compliment them.

[@edwardmichl2441]

From the very beginning I felt the same way you did about the Grand Californian In general they were never very informative about DVC unlike the attitude in Walt Disney World

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

I’m glad I’ not the only one! Thanks for watching.

[@briannaspeezy4258]

Thats that California rudeness that you experienced. If its not in their job description they could careless about. No knock on them, thats just that California callous.