The Official VILLAS at DISNEYLAND HOTEL (Discovery Tower) Owners and Fans Info Thread

I'm assuming the answer is "You shouldn't" but I'm staying in a two bedroom and we'll have seven people total in the room. My sister in law and her husband happen to be at the park, at a different hotel, on of the days we're there. Can I add them to the room for that day and they can use the early entry with us? Typing it out sounds dirty but I know when you book for Moonlight Magic you can use the total number the room offers. Didn't know that worked for Early Entry too. Also I guess this isn't really a resort specific question but that's where we'll be. TIA sorry is this is in poor taste.
 
I'm assuming the answer is "You shouldn't" but I'm staying in a two bedroom and we'll have seven people total in the room. My sister in law and her husband happen to be at the park, at a different hotel, on of the days we're there. Can I add them to the room for that day and they can use the early entry with us? Typing it out sounds dirty but I know when you book for Moonlight Magic you can use the total number the room offers. Didn't know that worked for Early Entry too. Also I guess this isn't really a resort specific question but that's where we'll be. TIA sorry is this is in poor taste.
Yes, we have absolutely done this.
 
I'm assuming the answer is "You shouldn't" but I'm staying in a two bedroom and we'll have seven people total in the room. My sister in law and her husband happen to be at the park, at a different hotel, on of the days we're there. Can I add them to the room for that day and they can use the early entry with us? Typing it out sounds dirty but I know when you book for Moonlight Magic you can use the total number the room offers. Didn't know that worked for Early Entry too. Also I guess this isn't really a resort specific question but that's where we'll be. TIA sorry is this is in poor taste.
So, 7 people are in the room or 7 people are on the reservation for the on-property perks? Or, 7 people are in the room and you additional have 2 family members who didn’t want to stay in a college hostile environment and want to add them to the reservation for on property perks?

IMO, you are entitled to “up to 9” on-property perk slots and should have no hesitation in using them.
 

I'm assuming the answer is "You shouldn't" but I'm staying in a two bedroom and we'll have seven people total in the room. My sister in law and her husband happen to be at the park, at a different hotel, on of the days we're there. Can I add them to the room for that day and they can use the early entry with us? Typing it out sounds dirty but I know when you book for Moonlight Magic you can use the total number the room offers. Didn't know that worked for Early Entry too. Also I guess this isn't really a resort specific question but that's where we'll be. TIA sorry is this is in poor taste.
Answer “you should”. Just add them now to the entire reservation stay for the 9. They will have same resort access/early entry as you which includes the pools, being added as hotel guest. With DVC points stay can park up to two cars free, having that bonus too. They can get their own hotel card at front desk.
 
Thanks for the advice. I'll add them from the start. We will have 7 in the room the whole time, so adding them will make it nine. They won't be sleeping in the room, maybe not even visit but I wanted to get them in with us for early access.
 
/
VGC literally has more 1BRs and 2BRs than VDH!
THIS is why it's important to look at the room allocations before you buy points (I know you can find them online somewhere, but I look at my book from http://www.dvcfieldguide.com Even with the 11 month advantage (which is less advantage to you than the big point owners who can Walk every reservation), you do Not want to base points on the hard to get rooms, but on the rooms you can more likely book.
 
I feel like my new idea of maybe getting VDH points is dying quickly. 😕
What are your concerns? I find the people here (while obviously leaning DVC) are pretty helpful at bouncing around options! I found the math for VDH difficult to reconcile (I have cheaper offsite options I like) but it worked for other family members...
 
I'm assuming the answer is "You shouldn't" but I'm staying in a two bedroom and we'll have seven people total in the room. My sister in law and her husband happen to be at the park, at a different hotel, on of the days we're there. Can I add them to the room for that day and they can use the early entry with us? Typing it out sounds dirty but I know when you book for Moonlight Magic you can use the total number the room offers. Didn't know that worked for Early Entry too. Also I guess this isn't really a resort specific question but that's where we'll be. TIA sorry is this is in poor taste.
Haha, instead of feeling guilty for adding two people to a room for early entry, feel like a hero for not actually have them all in the room stomping around irritating the people in the room below you! But seriously, using all the benefits you are clearly paying for by renting a two bedroom is not something to feel second thoughts about ;) Enjoy!
 
I feel like my new idea of maybe getting VDH points is dying quickly. 😕
I don’t love VDH. I used to dislike it actually but it’s growing on me. If you go only once or twice a year and plan ahead then VGC only might be good enough. I bought VDH because I go often and need that extra availability VDH gives.
 
Last edited:
I feel like my new idea of maybe getting VDH points is dying quickly. 😕
I’d put it in the “let’s see how things unfold” bucket. There are 19 one bedrooms and right now I think that only 6 are declared (one of which is the accessible one).

If Disney is right and most people are buying for duos and studios and not for the villas then it should get easier to book the villas as more inventory gets declared.

Then in December you’ll have to see if the place is even your vibe…. and until then you can see if your perfect VGC contract pops up first.
 
I’d put it in the “let’s see how things unfold” bucket. There are 19 one bedrooms and right now I think that only 6 are declared (one of which is the accessible one).

If Disney is right and most people are buying for duos and studios and not for the villas then it should get easier to book the villas as more inventory gets declared.

Then in December you’ll have to see if the place is even your vibe…. and until then you can see if your perfect VGC contract pops up first.
If she does not have any Direct or VDH points, it's hard to see availability at VDH in the Book A Vacation section, if she bought a OTU point (I know that would require a convoluted booking, to then be cancelled) and requested the booking person allocate that point from VDH (not sure if the MS people can pick the resort for the OTU points?), in theory she could then watch availability for a bit and see if she felt more comfortable? Just a random theory... lol
 
If she does not have any Direct or VDH points, it's hard to see availability at VDH in the Book A Vacation section, if she bought a OTU point (I know that would require a convoluted booking, to then be cancelled) and requested the booking person allocate that point from VDH (not sure if the MS people can pick the resort for the OTU points?), in theory she could then watch availability for a bit and see if she felt more comfortable? Just a random theory... lol
True, but it should pop up in the availability charts.
 
We are at VDH in a 1br now. We are loving the theming. It is great. The layout is strange, but growing on me. I much prefer the layout at Boardwalk. There is not much storage space, which is kind of a bummer. Nightstands do not have drawers and there is not much cabinet space.

The walk to the parks is not too bad. I put it on par with Boardwalk to Epcot. However you have to go through Downtown Disney, which can be crowded. it will be nice when the monorail is open, but it is down for our visit. Fortunately they have the gate by the Hat open for DLH guests, so the line to get past security is not all that bad. The other security gates get really backup.

Our rooms view is not great. We overlook the small pool. There is a backstage area that gets a lot of truck deliveries. However you can see the mountains in the distance. Over all the view is pretty disappointing.

According to the DVC staff here, only about 1/2 of the points have been declared. So as others have stated, competition can be pretty stiff. We did not have any trouble at 11 months out, but this is not considered a busy season.

We just put in for points for VGC. The location cannot be beat. Very short walk to everything. We love the decor and theming. our plan would be to alternate years between VDH and VGC, but who knows. We are from the PNW so it is great to get away from the cold and rain for a bit and the flight down is really pretty short.


IMG_6603.jpeg

The parks are off to the right behind the other wing of the DVC tower. The low building is the convention center. The larger tower in the background is the fantasy tower where the main lobby and shops are located. This is on the 6th floor.

Another thing to think about before buying at VDH is the TOT. It can be a bit hefty. It is a tax that must be paid at checkout. The amount of tax is based on the point value of your room. I think that is one reason Studios are much more popular here. Studios have a much lower TOT than 1 or 2br units. TOT is included in the dues at VGC not, unfortunately at VDH.
All and all we are happy we bought here. We are making plans to bring the Grandkids without parents next year. They will love the pool and the lush greenery that is abundant around the grounds. Brave or stupid, time will tell!

Hope all this helps.
 
What are your concerns? I find the people here (while obviously leaning DVC) are pretty helpful at bouncing around options! I found the math for VDH difficult to reconcile (I have cheaper offsite options I like) but it worked for other family members...

Mainly, right now, the biggest concern would be lack of 1-bedrooms.

I don’t love VDH. I used to dislike it actually but it’s growing on me. If you go only once or twice a year and plan ahead then VGC only might be good enough. I bought VDH because I go often and need that extra availability VDH gives.

I honestly never thought much of it past it being farther away than VGC.

No matter what, the plan is for more points. We will just have to decide if we get more VGC resale or if we get direct VDH instead.

I’d put it in the “let’s see how things unfold” bucket. There are 19 one bedrooms and right now I think that only 6 are declared (one of which is the accessible one).

If Disney is right and most people are buying for duos and studios and not for the villas then it should get easier to book the villas as more inventory gets declared.

Then in December you’ll have to see if the place is even your vibe…. and until then you can see if your perfect VGC contract pops up first.

Yeah, that's definitely where I'm at now. In December, we are planning 1 non-park day so we'll sleep in and then head over to check out VDH. Maybe we'll fall in love with it. Or maybe we'll be be like, "nah."

The tricky part will be if the unicorn VGC contract pops up before that.

If she does not have any Direct or VDH points, it's hard to see availability at VDH in the Book A Vacation section, if she bought a OTU point (I know that would require a convoluted booking, to then be cancelled) and requested the booking person allocate that point from VDH (not sure if the MS people can pick the resort for the OTU points?), in theory she could then watch availability for a bit and see if she felt more comfortable? Just a random theory... lol

You are correct in that I can't check VDH availability. I'll have to just keep an eye on the charts or beg people here to look for me once in a while. I'd love to know what things are looking like right now for late January next year. Or soon what the 11-month mark looks like for early February since those are two times we like to travel.

True, but it should pop up in the availability charts.

Is that site you mentioned before the best one to watch?

We are at VDH in a 1br now. We are loving the theming. It is great. The layout is strange, but growing on me. I much prefer the layout at Boardwalk. There is not much storage space, which is kind of a bummer. Nightstands do not have drawers and there is not much cabinet space.

The walk to the parks is not too bad. I put it on par with Boardwalk to Epcot. However you have to go through Downtown Disney, which can be crowded. it will be nice when the monorail is open, but it is down for our visit. Fortunately they have the gate by the Hat open for DLH guests, so the line to get past security is not all that bad. The other security gates get really backup.

Our rooms view is not great. We overlook the small pool. There is a backstage area that gets a lot of truck deliveries. However you can see the mountains in the distance. Over all the view is pretty disappointing.

According to the DVC staff here, only about 1/2 of the points have been declared. So as others have stated, competition can be pretty stiff. We did not have any trouble at 11 months out, but this is not considered a busy season.

We just put in for points for VGC. The location cannot be beat. Very short walk to everything. We love the decor and theming. our plan would be to alternate years between VDH and VGC, but who knows. We are from the PNW so it is great to get away from the cold and rain for a bit and the flight down is really pretty short.


View attachment 941448

The parks are off to the right behind the other wing of the DVC tower. The low building is the convention center. The larger tower in the background is the fantasy tower where the main lobby and shops are located. This is on the 6th floor.

Another thing to think about before buying at VDH is the TOT. It can be a bit hefty. It is a tax that must be paid at checkout. The amount of tax is based on the point value of your room. I think that is one reason Studios are much more popular here. Studios have a much lower TOT than 1 or 2br units. TOT is included in the dues at VGC not, unfortunately at VDH.
All and all we are happy we bought here. We are making plans to bring the Grandkids without parents next year. They will love the pool and the lush greenery that is abundant around the grounds. Brave or stupid, time will tell!

Hope all this helps.

What about the layout do you find strange?

I don't mind that view as long as the pool isn't loud.

Are you getting a resale VGC contract are direct?

The TOT is definitely a bummer but since you basically pay it no matter where you stay, it's not really a deal breaker for me.

I watched some studio videos and they do look nice as well.
 
Mainly, right now, the biggest concern would be lack of 1-bedrooms.



I honestly never thought much of it past it being farther away than VGC.

No matter what, the plan is for more points. We will just have to decide if we get more VGC resale or if we get direct VDH instead.



Yeah, that's definitely where I'm at now. In December, we are planning 1 non-park day so we'll sleep in and then head over to check out VDH. Maybe we'll fall in love with it. Or maybe we'll be be like, "nah."

The tricky part will be if the unicorn VGC contract pops up before that.



You are correct in that I can't check VDH availability. I'll have to just keep an eye on the charts or beg people here to look for me once in a while. I'd love to know what things are looking like right now for late January next year. Or soon what the 11-month mark looks like for early February since those are two times we like to travel.



Is that site you mentioned before the best one to watch?



What about the layout do you find strange?

I don't mind that view as long as the pool isn't loud.

Are you getting a resale VGC contract are direct?

The TOT is definitely a bummer but since you basically pay it no matter where you stay, it's not really a deal breaker for me.

I watched some studio videos and they do look nice as well.
It’s the one I look at, but it will only ever give you an idea.

https://www.dvchelp.com/page/how-do-the-charts-work
 
Mainly, right now, the biggest concern would be lack of 1-bedrooms.



I honestly never thought much of it past it being farther away than VGC.

No matter what, the plan is for more points. We will just have to decide if we get more VGC resale or if we get direct VDH instead.



Yeah, that's definitely where I'm at now. In December, we are planning 1 non-park day so we'll sleep in and then head over to check out VDH. Maybe we'll fall in love with it. Or maybe we'll be be like, "nah."

The tricky part will be if the unicorn VGC contract pops up before that.



You are correct in that I can't check VDH availability. I'll have to just keep an eye on the charts or beg people here to look for me once in a while. I'd love to know what things are looking like right now for late January next year. Or soon what the 11-month mark looks like for early February since those are two times we like to travel.



Is that site you mentioned before the best one to watch?



What about the layout do you find strange?

I don't mind that view as long as the pool isn't loud.

Are you getting a resale VGC contract are direct?

The TOT is definitely a bummer but since you basically pay it no matter where you stay, it's not really a deal breaker for me.

I watched some studio videos and they do look nice as well.
The pool is loud if the door to the balcony is open. Otherwise it is not lout at all.
I find the kitchen to be a bit strange as It is all along one wall. Not much cabinet space. it is like a galley kitchen with the cabinet side of the galley missing. The cabinets above the microwave and the refrigerator do not open. Don't know if this is just our unit, or by design.

Have you seen any videos of 1 BR? All in all it is pretty nice. We really love the colors and the theme. Very comfortable. Bathrooms are great!

We have a chance to go direct for VCG. I know we could save a lot going resale, but have always gone direct and have not regretted it. This will put us at 1K points, so I think I have a problem!

Good luck with your decision.
 
The pool is loud if the door to the balcony is open. Otherwise it is not lout at all.
I find the kitchen to be a bit strange as It is all along one wall. Not much cabinet space. it is like a galley kitchen with the cabinet side of the galley missing. The cabinets above the microwave and the refrigerator do not open. Don't know if this is just our unit, or by design.

Have you seen any videos of 1 BR? All in all it is pretty nice. We really love the colors and the theme. Very comfortable. Bathrooms are great!

We have a chance to go direct for VCG. I know we could save a lot going resale, but have always gone direct and have not regretted it. This will put us at 1K points, so I think I have a problem!

Good luck with your decision.

How did you luck out with VGC direct? And how many??

I did watch videos of 1 bedroom and it looks nice. We had the bigger kitchen at BRV last month and we honestly didn't put anything in the kitchen cabinets. Just left stuff on the counters. We're weird though. 😆

Totally jealous of your 1000 points! We just have 160 VGC and 200 BRV.
 



















DIS Facebook DIS youtube DIS Instagram DIS Pinterest

Back
Top