Disney Vacation Club enthusiasts know that keeping resorts fresh and functional is important for offering the best member and guest experience. The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian, located within Disneyland Resort, recently underwent their first significant refurbishment since opening in 2009.
This article highlights the updates made to these beloved villas, providing a clear breakdown of the changes and their impact on the guest experience.
Updates to Sleeping Arrangements
A key focus of the refurbishment is the addition of a pull-down queen sofa bed in the villa’s living area. This feature allows space to transform seamlessly between daytime and nighttime use while still offering comfort comparable to a traditional mattress. The bed is adorned with artwork highlighting Flower, the well-known character from Disney’s Bambi.
The twin pull-down bed, a hallmark of the Grand Californian, remains unchanged. This feature continues to be appreciated by families seeking flexibility in their sleeping arrangements. The updates bring both form and function to the living areas, ensuring they remain adaptable for various guest needs.
Living and Dining Area Enhancements
The villas’ living spaces now feature updated flooring, as laminate has replaced the previous carpeting. To add warmth and aesthetic appeal, a vibrant area rug has been introduced. The dining table has also been refreshed with new upholstery on the chairs. However, key design elements in the space—such as mirrors, lighting fixtures, and seating—remain consistent, maintaining the presence of the Craftsman design so distinctive to this resort.
Kitchen and Bathroom Tweaks
Though the kitchen renovations are subtle, they still bring functional enhancements through the introduction of modern appliances. Elements like cabinets, countertops, and flooring retained their prior design, keeping the original aesthetic intact.
Bathroom updates were similarly restrained, with wall-mounted soap and shampoo dispensers being the most apparent change. Larger features, such as the jacuzzi tub in the master bathroom, remain unchanged, which may please guests accustomed to these familiar comforts.
Bedroom Refinements
The master bedroom received an updated look with the introduction of colorful carpeting that replaces the previously darker tones. This small but meaningful change brings a fresher vibe to the space. Similarly, the guest bedroom underwent flooring updates, but furniture, including the desk, which has been removed at other DVC resorts, remains consistent.
Balancing Durability with Design
The refurbishment demonstrates the durability of the original furnishings and fixtures still in use since the resort’s opening. Rather than adopting an entirely new design approach, this project focused on integrating modern touches while preserving the timeless Craftsman-style that defines the Grand Californian. The consistency of its design ensures that guests continue to enjoy the atmosphere they have come to value over years of visits.
Final Thoughts
The updates to the Disney Vacation Club Villas at Grand Californian reflect a balanced approach, emphasizing refreshed interiors and functionality while preserving the resort’s iconic design. Whether you’re planning a visit as a long-time Disney Vacation Club member or exploring the resort for the first time, these enhancements aim to deliver comfort and convenience without losing the timeless qualities that make the Grand Californian unique.
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Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
