Opening Date: September 23, 2009
Deed Expiration: Jan 31st, 2060
2023 Annual Dues per Point: $8.04 (See Dues History)
Direct Cost (2023): $310 / point
Average Resale Cost (2023): CLICK FOR RESALE CONTRACT LISTINGS AT DVCSTORE.COM
Next Expected Refurb date: 2024
In September of 2007, Disney announced an expansion plan for the Grand Californian hotel in Anaheim at Disneyland. In the announcement was mention that this would include the first ever west coast DVC location. Disney started selling points at the Villa's at Grand Californian Hotel (VGC) on March 26, 2009 stating that there would be 50 2-bedroom equivalent rooms set aside for DVC. Septemnber 23rd of the same year the resort opens, just one month after BLT to become the 10th DVC Resort in the system. In the end there were only 48 units at the resort. Sales started at $112 per point. The resort was sold out by October, 2010 - meaning it sold out in 1.5 years.
VGC is not just the first Disneyland DVC, it is the only DVC that has an entrance DIRECTLY into a Disney park, specifically Disney California Adventure (DCA). Certain rooms actually have a view of the Pixar/Paradise Pier, but they are not in a separate room category. VGC is also the smallest of all DVC resorts - with only 1,136,865 points.
The resort has a total of 48 units. Every single studio and 1-bedroom at the resort is part of a 2-bedroom lockoff, meaning there are no dedicated studios or 1-bedrooms.
Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian
1600 S. Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
GPS: 33.807014, -117.923718
Phone: (714) 635-2300
FAX: (714) 300-7300
A little known benefit of the DVC wing is that on the 6th floor there is a terrace where you can have a view of Pixar Pier and watch the World of Color show, even if you do not have a room that is facing that way. This terrace is open to all, but few use it.
All DVC studios have a kitchenette which containers a small coffeemaker, toaster, microwave, small sink, and dorm-sized refrigerator. Paper plates/bowls and plastic utencils are usually provided. All DVC 1-bedroom and larger have a complete kitchen with full-size refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, dishwasher and sink. Also provided are dining ware and cook ware in basic amounts. DVC 1-bedroom and larger also have a free washer and dryer in the room, while studios have free access to a common laundry facility.
Deluxe Studio:
1 Bedroom Villa:
2 Bedroom Villa:
2 Bedroom Lock-Off Villa:
3 Bedroom Villa - First Floor:
3 Bedroom Villa - Second Floor:
Download a PDF of Room Locations
In addition to internal dining, VGC may have the best dining options of any DVC resorts in that it is located in the middle of Disney Springs and also within a 10 minute walk of the Disneyland Hotel and such eateries as Steakhouse 55 and Trader Sams. The in resort dining is somewhat limited, but there is enough variety including the fantastic Napa Rose.
The Grand Californian has an odd array of three small pools:
There is one laundry location at VGC - it is on the first floor near the entrance to the wing and contains 2 washers and 4 dryers. Washers and Dryers can be monitored by using the website Laundryview.com (or their app).
Downtown Disney is at your disposal. For those too lazy to walk 500 feet or for DVC merchandise, there is a small shop off the lobby called Acorn Gifts and Goods
It's pretty much foot power around the Disneyland resort, with again the entrance to California Adventure being right at the resort. The Disneyland Park entrance is about a 7-10 minute walk from the DVC wing, but the alternative is a 5 minute walk to the Downtown Disney monorail station and a 10 minute ride into Tomorrowland. This isn't a faster option, but it can be useful for sore feet - but be warned the monorail does not run all day when the weather is hot.
Self-parking at the Grand Californian is free for DVC members staying on points. Be aware that the self-parking lot is rather inconveniently located.