DCA ENTRANCE STRATEGY

[guynhawaii]

Aloha,

Which entrance is the quickest route to DCA's TSM at the start of EMH? The Main Entrance or GCH? I ask because I have read stories that GCH tends to open later/slower than the Main Entrance at the start of EMH (SUN, MON, WED and FRI). Appreciate y'alls advice.

 

[ludari]

Yeah, the main entrance is father away from TSM but I prefer the main entrance unless the park has already been open and the bulk of the crowds have gone through. Keep in mind that if you are not staying at one of the Disney Resorts you will not be allowed to use the GCH entrance until I believe after 11AM.

 

[HydroGuy]

The GCH entrance is generally much slower first thing in the morning (at EMH or regular park opening) because there are more people who want to use than can fit through quickly. So it backs up. The main entrance is recommended.

There is no fixed time of which I am aware when non-DLR hotel guests can use the GCH entrance but 11AM is a pretty safe time.

 

[sweethannah]

I would use the main CA entrance for sure. The GCH entrance would back up during EE and line up towards White water snacks. We would use it during mid-day even if there was a line up because of our room location, and really, it went pretty quickly. Otherwise, exiting via the 'secret' exit-only stairwell might work better depending on your room location.


We had no trouble getting from the main entrance to TSM during EE with lines less than 10 minutes without rushing and/or being at the main entrance 30 minutes a head of time. Most people still rush to RSR and it's not like MM at Disneyland which is open to a lot more people.

Also I found that entering or exiting through the GCH required a quick check of a resort room key before 11am.

 

[Malcon10t]

There is no fixed time of which I am aware when non-DLR hotel guests can use the GCH entrance but 11AM is a pretty safe time.

11am is the time non-hotel guests will be allowed to enter. This morning, they had a line of about 50 people waiting at 10:55 to enter.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Trip after trip we tried GCH first thing in the morning & it was slow as molasses each time. (We get lazy towards the end of the trip & don't want to walk to the main gate, so we try GCH & always regret it lol!) Take the stroll to the main gate for sure. But GCH entrance/exit is great all other times of day!

 

[HydroGuy]

11am is the time non-hotel guests will be allowed to enter. This morning, they had a line of about 50 people waiting at 10:55 to enter.

Hmmm, good to know. I always thought it was unofficial and up to the judgment of the CMs at the GCH entrance.

I wonder if it remains 11AM when DCA opens 8AM, 9AM or 10AM?