DCA entrance through the Grand Californian ?

[LAS2AMS]

Entrance might be restricted for EE, but throughout the day it is not restricted.

We ate at Storyteller’s three weeks ago and was told it was strictly for GCH guests only. In the past, anybody could use it after 12PM. Wonder if they make adjustments based upon park capacity?

 

[KimberMama]

We ate at Storyteller’s three weeks ago and was told it was strictly for GCH guests only. In the past, anybody could use it after 12PM. Wonder if they make adjustments based upon park capacity?

We used it a few times our last trip, and no one was checking for room keys, so unless their screen pops up with your hotel when they scan your pass/ticket, they aren’t checking. We were staying at the GCH. But no one was turned away, so I think they just count on people not trying based on what they are told.

 

[LKing]

We ate at Storyteller’s three weeks ago and was told it was strictly for GCH guests only. In the past, anybody could use it after 12PM. Wonder if they make adjustments based upon park capacity?

Really? Who told you? We haven't stayed in the hotel since it first opened and go in and out of both entrances (into DCA and DTD) just about every week.

 

[LAS2AMS]

Really? Who told you? We haven't stayed in the hotel since it first opened and go in and out of both entrances (into DCA and DTD) just about every week.

Security. He asked us for our room key, then suggested we use the entrance to DTD and go through the esplanade. I explained that we had dinner at Storyteller’s and he said he understood but the entrance was for GCH guests only. I very rarely use the entrance - not much reason to.

 

[robinb]

I'm going to be at VDH in March. Would we be able to show our VDH room key and use that entrance for EE?

Also, a related question. I thought that I read that we could also short cut through the GCH to get to DTD and to Disneyland. Is that faster?

 

[ClaraOswald]

Security. He asked us for our room key, then suggested we use the entrance to DTD and go through the esplanade. I explained that we had dinner at Storyteller’s and he said he understood but the entrance was for GCH guests only. I very rarely use the entrance - not much reason to.

Was this at the very beginning of the day? We were never asked for our room key going into DCA from the Grand.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I'm going to be at VDH in March. Would we be able to show our VDH room key and use that entrance for EE?

Also, a related question. I thought that I read that we could also short cut through the GCH to get to DTD and to Disneyland. Is that faster?

I'm confused....the Disneyland hotel goes right into Downtown Disney. Where exactly would you cut through the Grand Californian?

 

[robinb]

I'm confused....the Disneyland hotel goes right into Downtown Disney. Where exactly would you cut through the Grand Californian?

I was confused too! This is my first time staying onsite at DL. I assumed that maybe it was a little quicker to walk behind the Disneyland Hotel and into the Grand Californian?

 

[ClaraOswald]

I was confused too! This is my first time staying onsite at DL. I assumed that maybe it was a little quicker to walk behind the Disneyland Hotel and into the Grand Californian?

I've heard that they won't let you into the Grand from the street side unless you have a reservation. Not sure how true that is or not. We had a car during our last stay and parked across the street. When we walked over, no one stopped us to see if we were guests. But I have heard others say the don't let you in that way.

I really don't see how it would be any quicker though...just based on the map. Hopefully someone who has stayed at the Disneyland hotel can chime in.

 

[Minnie1222]

I was confused too! This is my first time staying onsite at DL. I assumed that maybe it was a little quicker to walk behind the Disneyland Hotel and into the Grand Californian?

Where are you trying to go?

 

[LAS2AMS]

I've heard that they won't let you into the Grand from the street side unless you have a reservation. Not sure how true that is or not. We had a car during our last stay and parked across the street. When we walked over, no one stopped us to see if we were guests. But I have heard others say the don't let you in that way.

I really don't see how it would be any quicker though...just based on the map. Hopefully someone who has stayed at the Disneyland hotel can chime in.

The entrance to GHC off the street, as well as the adjacent entrance to DCA for PPH, are fenced off and require a room key to open the fence.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I don't even remember a fence so we must have just walked in behind someone else who opened it. We hadn't gotten a physical key yet and the app was being glitchy for us so I guess it worked out okay.

 

[LKing]

Do you recognize this sign? The gate for GCH is if you walk straight on the sidewalk (to the left of the green umbrella).



When you get closer, it looks like this. GCH is straight. Pixar Place entrance to DCA is to the right.



These pictures were taken in July. The sign says Disneyland Resort Hotel Keys Required for Entry. I assume any DLR hotel key will work.

 

[ClaraOswald]

Thanks. I wonder why I have absolutely no memory of this. Tired after a long day and maybe walked in behind other guests.

 

[Jawwdoc]

I was confused too! This is my first time staying onsite at DL. I assumed that maybe it was a little quicker to walk behind the Disneyland Hotel and into the Grand Californian?

Definitely not quicker to detour from DLH thru GCH to get to DL or the main entrance of DCA, use the DTD security entrance. The PPH entrance into DCA will save a few minutes if you want to access the Paradise Pier attractions especially if you are staying in VDH or the Frontier tower at DLH.

 

[irlandaise]

View attachment 923524

Why is there a separate entrance fo Pixar Place guests when the lefthand gate says that guests of any of the three hotels can use that entrance?

 

[kristensideaoffun]

Why is there a separate entrance fo Pixar Place guests when the lefthand gate says that guests of any of the three hotels can use that entrance?

Any Disneyland Resort hotel guests can use the “Pixar Pier Guest Only” entrance and exit. I suspect they are trying to make the entrance feel more exclusive for guests of that hotel, but a key from any of the DLR hotels will open the gate.

 

[LKing]

This is the front of the Pixar Place entrance into DCA. Both signs say Pixar Place Hotel Guests Only.



This is the back of that same gate (when you are exiting DCA). The exit says "Disneyland Resort Hotels Key Required for Re-Entry

 

[torchlight]

Any Disneyland Resort hotel guests can use the “Pixar Pier Guest Only” entrance and exit. I suspect they are trying to make the entrance feel more exclusive for guests of that hotel, but a key from any of the DLR hotels will open the gate.

While I think this is generally true, I had the strangest experience at this entrance/exist during our trip in late November. We were staying in DVC rooms at the Grand Californian, so that exit out of DCA is so wonderful - you can pop out of that exit and be back in your room in like a minute.

One evening, our plan had us wrapping up on Pixar Pier and then heading back to the room using that exit. We had successfully used that exit a number of times already on the same trip. That evening, there was a Cast Member standing in the "doorway" of the exit, and she asked us if we were staying at the Pixar Pier hotel. We replied, no we are at the Grand Californian, and then she wouldn't let us use the exit - said it was for Pixar Pier guest only.

It is true that there is a sign posted there that says this, but I've always been of the understanding that Grand Cal guests were welcome to use it also. Plus, we were just wanting to exit rather than enter. I don't believe in arguing with Cast Members - they work so hard to make magic for the guests - so we backed off and huddled up to discuss walking over to the other hotel exit by Grizzly River.

Well, just a couple minutes later, the Cast Member walked away, leaving the exit "unguarded," so we just exited there like we originally wanted to. It was kind of a head-scratcher.

 

[LKing]

That's odd. I've never seen a CM guarding that exit. We're local so don't stay in the hotels. We've used that exit multiple times to get to Great Maple. I'm glad she left and it worked out for you.