Our Thoughts on the Villas at Disneyland Hotel - Reacting to the Newest DVC Property

Join us as we preview the newest Disney Vacation Club property - the Villas at the Disneyland Hotel. This much-anticipated west coast DVC resort addition brings a much-needed 2nd DVC resort option to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, CA. In this video, we take you through a tour video put out by DVC, and provide our thoughts and feedback on these new DVC villas.
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[@ttwedell]

VDH is my first DVC purchase, and I stayed there opening night! All the little design touches were fantastic, and the property is beautiful!

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Congratulations! Welcome home! I hope you're enjoying your membership so far. I'm so jealous that you got to stay there opening night!

[@ttwedell]

@@TheMagicInTheMusic I was poking around your site and bought a shirt for my musician friend for Christmas. Great selection!

[@francisschell]

We bought 175 points in June. We have gone to Disneyland every year for 35 years. We stay in Southern California for the first 3 weeks of June so we add several days to the front. We have stayed at the Grand Californian for the last 10 years. We love the GC but it just doesn't have enough DVC rooms to assure we could get them when we need them. I need two rooms since I usually travel with my son and his partner since my wife passed. It costs about $800 a night per hotel room at GC in June plus parking. I used your spreadsheet concept back in May to help decide. I think one should not get emotional about a tax or parking. It either makes sense financially or not as a whole, and resale restrictions are less important because of limited availability at DL. Most important, will it bring you joy? We go to Disney World every few years also. I went with my son and his partner in January for a week and stayed at the Yacht Club. (My wife loved the Yacht club. Our last stay there together was Dec 2019.) Anyway, I enjoy your channel. Thanks!! Btw, my son and I are doing a trip to Capistrano for a week in December and have booked our first stay at the DL Villas, we each have our own Deluxe Studio!

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

You bring up an excellent point - availability sometimes comes before everything else. This new resort opens up more availability, which is good. Thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts. Best wishes!

[@vaq130]

We did a tour of the Villas and it was really good , we are buying DVC next week. the Property is amazing

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

I’m so glad you liked it. Congrats on deciding to become members!

[@MiwaN_USA]

Hi! I’m a new DVC member and bought points for Aulani. I live close to Disneyland and go there few times a month, so I wasn’t really interested in purchasing the property there. However, those rooms are stunning! I would definitely book a room when my family and friends visit me from Japan. I had been thinking about becoming DVC member for a while and your channel helped me a lot for my decision, so thank you so much!! 😊.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

I'm so glad to help! Congrats on your new contract! Welcome home!

[@RockSpuds]

We bought 150 at VDH mainly to have the 11 month booking window. With more inventory it "should" be easier to book than GC at 7 months, but i think it will still be tight. Also, you're only paying the tax when you stay there, no matter which points you use, so its a negqtove for everyone, not just those that own VDH. And I really think that VDH is going to hold its resale value very well, again, because still limited inventory at Disneyland. Thats the biggest negative to resale restrictions at Riviera (which we also own at), the resale value at Riv is much lower than VGF, won't be the case at VDH. It will be lower than GC, but it is crazy high because of only ~70 rooms.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Yeah, that's a good point about the tax applying to all stays. Even if we stay there on other points, we would still pay it. I just couldn't see using VDH points anywhere else - they're just too valuable. I agree that they will likely have a pretty good resale value. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts on this!

[@vocaljazzfan]

So... Haha. We are in LOVE! You know we've been neck deep in this since they first announced it and I was nervous about how it would come across in person. LIKE EVERY DVC RESORT there are positives and negatives. Negatives like you covered: no balconies for most studios, studios only sleep 4 and don't have a split bathroom, no grand lobby/dedicated gift shop (but most DVCs that are part of an existing resort don't so... I think they did a great job with the space that's there. And girl... the preferred views on the backside... you're going to want lower floors where you see pool and palm trees. Higher floors you see the top of the ugly convention center/parking and not so lovely Anaheim Walnut street neighborhood (sorry neighbors it's fine but it's not preferred view ;-). It's also a bummer they didn't include a restaurant of some sort but the bar will have some food and you're so close to several DLHotel options and tons in Downtown Disney. I do think they also missed the mark not having an observation opportunity on the top - maybe making it another floor or two taller (perhaps zoning issues). But yeah a Top of the World 2.0 would have been lovely. Yes you can see fireworks a little if you are on the Monorail pool facing side and closer to the Frontier tower end - not great but something. But that's a small percentage of peeps who will enjoy them. And yes, TOT sucks but... it's Anaheim - you're going to get it everywhere (just a lot more for this high valued resort). But wow the positives - so well themed. Love those D shaped hallways, the doorway surround, the amazing mural in the lobby, the lobby hang space, being staggering distance from Trader Sam's, the pool is small but lovely (and Steamboat Willie is adorbs). Lighting like you said is on point - I am so hoping they improve it at VGC with the refurb - people can always turn on less lights if they prefer a cabin aesthetic. As you mentioned, the bonus bathroom in 1-3 bedrooms (like Grand Cal, Kidani and BLT) is amazing - it really turns a 1 bedroom into a very function space for 2 couples or whatever with their own dedicated spaces. And of course Murphy beds for the win for all new/refurbished properties - I just couldn't ask friends to share a room if a pull out couch was their option. The colors are so vibrant and theming so immersive - it's like Riviera meets DLHotel. We stayed in a studio the second weekend and loved it! Enjoyed the tour and could live in a 1-2 bedroom - so gorgeous. Enjoyed riding the monorail back from Disneyland to save our feet sometimes which is so close to the DVC Lounge (chef's kiss on that!). Other than sub-par preferred views on the backside, it's exactly like what we envisioned only better in person. So happy this is our third DVC home and look forward to many stays in the future. Great show as always - enjoyed your reactions and comments! :-). XOXO - Nich (and Steve)

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Hey there! Thanks so much for watching and sharing your impressions of the resort. I think your relationship to VDH is like my relationship to Riviera! I knew from the moment they announced it, that I WANTED IT! Overall I'm really happy with how VDH turned out. I agree that there are small things here and there, but nothing's perfect. They did a great job on the things that mattered most - fitting in with the existing resort, creating functional layouts that meet the needs of members and theming them in a way that makes you feel like you're at Disneyland. I can't wait to see it in person!

[@vocaljazzfan]

@@TheMagicInTheMusic Excited for your thoughts after your first stay / tour. XOXO

[@CarouselofDouglas]

I love your take on the decor, I like how they added in the Disney IP, too… Made the rooms fabulous! I really like the etch-work on the mirrors!

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Maybe you should plan a trip out to the west coast!

[@kristinapreedy7069]

We bought 150 pts at VDH for a bunch of reasons, mostly so we could have more pts to rent the larger accommodations we find ourselves wanting for our growing extended family. We have 250 SSR pts (our original contract) and 100 pts at VGC (wish we would have purchased more at the time) but make a lot more trips to DLR and Aulani than WDW (fellow Seattlites 😊) so it will also be nice to have that extra DLR 11-month option (despite the transient tax, which isn’t ideal). My two favorite “design styles” are Craftsman/Arts and Crafts and Mid-Century Modern, so now I have the best of both worlds with VGC and VDH! I also love the details at VDH and have been bingeing videos since they opened and can’t wait to see it in person sometime (but first, going to Aulani next March with my extra points LOL). Some reviews have complained that VDH is a “basic” hotel with not enough theming and I’m like “HUH???” I think the theming is perfect and the tower blends well with the existing towers. It’s not like they could plop a totally different architecture next to the other three towers (and why I’m guessing they went light on the balconies - no balconies on any of the other DLH towers). I love how you do a running video commentary and your previous VDH videos helped me decide to buy there! Thanks! ETA - and YES yes yes to the “extra” bathroom!!! We have been so spoiled at VGC with that second bath in the 1BR and really miss it when we go to DVC resorts that don’t have it (looking at you, Aulani 😢).

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

That's a really excellent point about the balconies - they are probably trying to match the existing towers that DON'T have balconies. I hadn't thought about that. Thanks so much for watching and congrats on the VDH contract!

[@chrishintz1077]

Looks like the wallpaper or decoration in the Fantasia themed room is patterned after the graphic demonstration of audio signal on film, if I’m remembering correctly. ;). Thanks for video. You’re the only ones who have pointed out the « D » design in the hallways (that I’ve seen so far).

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Yes! That's it! It's definitely supposed to be evocative of sound waves. Thanks for watching.

[@lauramiller289]

Oh my gosh I think these rooms are STUNNING. to me, they have struck the perfect balance between modern and classic with the perfect dose of Disney theming magic thrown in!

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

I agree. Given that they had to match the existing DL Hotel, I think they did a great job with it. Thanks for watching!

[@debbabe2254]

The rooms ARE stunning. We were staying at the VGC opening weekend of VDH and we were able to visit the new DVC and tour everything but the Grand Villa. So much more impressive in person.

[@spectroman71]

I agree with the tax; I just paid about $60 upon checkout for a deluxe studio for 1 night. But that said, the artwork and videos do not do it justice. You really have to see it in person. It's stunningly midcentury with a Disney twist. And having the existing DL Hotel facilities right there is an added bonus. The decor is definitely not "too much Disney"; it's at the level the original DVC properties were when they first debuted. How this one got so much love when, say, Boardwalk's latest redo resembles a hospital? I can only guess because it's a new addition to CA and will drive future sales, whereas Boardwalk owners are already established. Definitely come out to visit and stay! P.S. The corridors in your video must've been an artist rendering because they are more fully plussed than the video indicates.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Yes, this video was before it opened, so we only had concept art. We're excited to get out there and see it in person. A friend who was there opening weekend gave us a tour via Facetime, and it looked great!

[@sade66119]

I have stayed at the villas at Disneyland hotel, I liked the Mary Blair artwork. I did not like all of the unfinished finishings, in that very first scene in the video you see, Disney purposely did not show the ceiling in the first space because there is supposed to be a chandelier, the supports are there for it, but there is no chandalier there. Also, the closet door in our studio was not installed correctly and kept jamming. I also don't like how anyone staying at Disneyland Hotel can use the pool and bar at the villas, I'd like it to be more exclusive to people staying at the Villas. I heard from some other people staying here their rooms were missing power outlets. So, beautiful hotel, but its not finished and was rushed. I also called and asked for a kitchen knife and a cutting board and the person who answered the phone thought I was crazy, so maybe some more training for the cast members to recognize Disney has villas at their hotel now would be great 😅

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@jcbnyc2009]

"At this point."

[@debbabe2254]

The photos and "tour" do not do the new Villas at the Disneyland Hotel justice. The resort is lovely, filled with Disney art and Disney touches. The rooms are stunning -- and this comes from someone who walked in skeptical. The bathrooms in each room will take your breath away. This is the ONLY DVC resort with entirely different designs for each room category. Each detail is carefully thought out and enchanting in display. Unlike most of the WDW DVC one bedrooms, both the VDH and the VGC have TWO bathrooms in a one bedroom. A major plus, IMO. The pool has a fun mid-century modern vibe & a soon-to-open pool bar. Some vloggers have expressed disappointment with the pool area, however the splendid DLH monorail is nearby. Also, California weather is not Florida weather; California has a shorter "pool season." The lobby is consistent with the lobby in the other Disneyland Hotel lobbies. This new tower is supposed to blend in with the existing hotel, but stand out as DVC building. I am glad that you pointed out that Disneyland guests usually stay for a much shorter duration than WDW guests. We know that Disney took this into consideration when they designed the new Tower at the Disneyland Hotel and all the amenities therein. The absolute plus to staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel is NO BUSSES. One can walk from the Grand Californian, DIsneyland Hotel or Pixar Place to the Parks in a short amount of time. No waiting on busses or other transport. Also, Disneyland itself has more attractions in the park than any other Disney theme park. I will be waiting for your review when you are actually able to visit the brand new Villas at the Disneyland Hotel.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I agree that the close proximity to the monorail main pool means that you won't be far from a super eye-catching feature pool. I'm really excited to see the new bar area. I know we'll definitely be visiting it when we eventually stay there.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

How do you feel about these new DVC properties? What changes (if any) would you like to see?

[@lvanthony]

Thinking of finally purchasing into DVC. Family of 3 (son is 1 year) Disneyland Hotel would be our home hotel. If we want to do 1 bedroom suite 2 trips a year for 3 nights, would 250 points be enough? Teacher here so limited on traveling in the summer and October. Love watching your videos!!!

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

It really depends on when you want to travel. I would suggest that you put your desired travel dates into this points calculator (click display points) to see the point costs of different stays. That should give you a good sense of what you'll need.

[@lesliereynolds4492]

That was a very nice review. I was going to buy the 150 points but not with the extra charges. I might just get 50 and stay at a nice hotel down the street if I need extra days. I like them but I wish the beds had color. They don’t look finished to me. I drive down (7-8 hours) do I don’t like paying for parking. If Grand California came up I’d probably just get it.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Yeah, I can see how GC might appeal to some people more. I do like the location of GC better.

[@tutuluvsminnie7129]

great tour. I don't go to the west coast so i will not buy there. the convenience to the park is excellent. I am a WDW girl - since i can drive there and therefore can go more often.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

I'm jealous! I have to fly to DW. Best wishes!

[@littlemissnobuy6164]

Those look like pretty standard hotel rooms to me! It’s amazing how much value a poster of sorcerer Mickey adds for some people.

[@TheMagicInTheMusic]

Well, I'd say that specially designed lighting fixtures, art, mirrors, wall tiles and art adds a lot of theming for me. What is it that you would like to see in terms of theming?