California Adventure thru GC

[MinnieVanMom]

I thought I read something about being in the Dream tower and walking thru the grand california hotel to get to California Adventure.

Could someone please let me know if there is a short cut?

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

There is an entrance through GCH for guests...

**Is it GCH guests or DLR guests?***

 

[bumbershoot]

The entrance is for ALL Disneyland Resort hotel guests.

We stayed in the Dreams Tower, and instead of walking all the way through DTD, to the esplanade, into DCA, and up to Grizzly to get to TSMM, we opted to enter GCH through the DTD entrance (between Club 365 and Sephora), then use the DCA entrance, which puts you right near Grizzly.

We never checked out the distance of both ways, but hubby felt it was shorter to go through DCA, and it certainly was less hot.

Now, if your plan is to go on Soarin', or if you're going later when the rest of the park is open and you want to go on TOT, I don't think it's a good plan at all...since we wanted proximity to Grizzly and we were heading to TSMM, and the way gave us a head start on getting that way, it worked for us, but having to backtrack wouldn'tl have made me happy.

 

[blackjackdelta]

The entrance is for ALL Disneyland Resort hotel guests.

We stayed in the Dreams Tower, and instead of walking all the way through DTD, to the esplanade, into DCA, and up to Grizzly to get to TSMM, we opted to enter GCH through the DTD entrance (between Club 365 and Sephora), then use the DCA entrance, which puts you right near Grizzly.

We never checked out the distance of both ways, but hubby felt it was shorter to go through DCA, and it certainly was less hot.

Now, if your plan is to go on Soarin', or if you're going later when the rest of the park is open and you want to go on TOT, I don't think it's a good plan at all...since we wanted proximity to Grizzly and we were heading to TSMM, and the way gave us a head start on getting that way, it worked for us, but having to backtrack wouldn'tl have made me happy.

Was there a time restriction to when the entrance could be used by onsite guests?

Jack

 

[Talldewy]

Here is the path to take from DLH to DCA through the GCH. it measured in at .34 miles. there are no time restrictions for Disney hotel group people, be sure to have hour hotel key.

 

[DizMe]

It probably doesn't save you a whole lot, but it's nice!

If you are a resort guest and go line up at the GCH entrance to CA 1/2 hour early, though, and tell them you want the Soarin' Tour, they will lead you down to ride Soarin before it officially opens. You can sometimes get in 2 rides before the park officially opens, or you can walk over and get in the line by GRR where they have you wait for opening time and get a head start on everyone else for TSMM.

I've not done the above, as we always start at DL and it opens earlier, but it sounds like a good idea! We were staying at GCH when I learned about it, but I *think* the tour is open to all resort guests. Only resort guests can get in through the GCH entrance in the morning. It opens to everyone after a few hours.

 

[Hound 109]

Since i almost always start my day at DL (because it opens earlier), the GCH entrance is far more important (to me) for taking my mid day break....especially if staying at the GCH or the Paradise Pier, but i suspect also for the DLH.

- Start the day at DL (at opening) for 2 1/2 - 4 hours (collecting FPs & touring).
- Hop to DCA & tour & collect FPs for 1.5 - 2.5 hours (ending with a wet Griz ride ).
- A few steps to your room & a nap/break/swim.
- Back to DCA for 1-2 hours (with the FPs).
- Hop back to DL in the late afternoon or early evening with the morning FPs (or not).

& on the map above.....the Paradise Pier is directly to the left (across the street & down a smidge) from the GCH.

Also, to pick a nit.....the route thru the GCH (into DTD) doesn't look accurate to me. The hallway leads from DTD to the beautiful lobby of the GCH (so the route should be a tad bit further left of the line on the map) & then around the pool area to the GCH/DCA entrance. Not a big deal though..probably doesn't change the distance but a couple of steps.

 

[rappaport]

Was there a time restriction to when the entrance could be used by onsite guests?

Jack

No time restrictions for any of the onsite guests. Love the fact that you can enter DCA before it opens and get in line for the walk down to TSMM before the park opens to the general public.

 

[disney4metoo]

Here is a picture of the entrance from GCH into DCA. It is in the vicinity of Grizzly Rapids.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

Thanks for the info. We leave in about 1/2 hour. We are on day 3 of 4 and having fun. Today and tomorrow are CA. We finished all of DL and didn't miss a ride.

I checked with guest services and there is no soarin tour.

 

[bumbershoot]

I checked with guest services and there is no soarin tour.

If that's the park people, they won't know. Just find out when you check in.

I found out that about 3/4 of the things attributed to being available only for GCH guests here (like build a bear workshop, sephora makeover before store opens, etc) are actually available to ALL Disney Resort Hotel guests, and I bet guest services wouldn't know about taht, either...so just be sure to ask.

 

[rappaport]

Thanks for the info. We leave in about 1/2 hour. We are on day 3 of 4 and having fun. Today and tomorrow are CA. We finished all of DL and didn't miss a ride.

I checked with guest services and there is no soarin tour.

Ask the CM's at the DCA entrance into GCH for the Condor Flats tour.