DL...transferrring hotels, security cross

[nitrot150]

Ok, so we are booking 1 night in a best western for a DL trip, then the last 3 nights we are transferring to VGC (points issue) anyway, has anyone done this and walked across the "quad" thru security with all their stuff? ANy tips or reactions from the security people? We are plannign on staying in the hotel across the street from where all the shuttles do the drop offs (closest to the park really).

Thanks!

 

[karrit2000]

To me it isn't worth the hassle of dealing with security at the "quad'. You'd be better off getting a Cab to drive you around to VGC. We did this once many years ago when we stayed at Park Vue Inn and had to move to DL hotel. You really don't want to deal with having to open up all your luggage to go through the security checkpoint. Your other option if you don't want to pay for a cab would be to walk the long way around the outer perimeter to get to VGC.

 

[Disney Princess]

I've never done it, but I wouldn't recommend it either. If you go through security, they will have to inspect your bags. That is a mess for you to have to open your suitcases; it also will slow things down for the guests waiting to enter to go to the park. I would either walk to the front of the hotel to check in, or take a cab so you get dropped at the entrance.

 

[nitrot150]

The cab thing might be an option. BUT we are dealing with 10 people, including two infants and a 4 year old....oh and no carseats...although, maybe we could do a work around with that....hmm, some going thru security, some doing the cab with teh "stuff"

 

[Disney Princess]

The cab thing might be an option. BUT we are dealing with 10 people, including two infants and a 4 year old....oh and no carseats...although, maybe we could do a work around with that....hmm, some going thru security, some doing the cab with teh "stuff"

I would definitely do a cab then - you'll have 10 people's worth of stuff! I would have everyone help get the cabs situated - with 1-2 adults per cab. Then the remaining adults and kids can walk through the esplanade and either start in the parks or meet you in the lobby. Early in the morning, you may not have your room ready. So, it might help if the kids start touring while some adults get the bags to bell services and get checked in. And when you arrive at VGC, BS can help with your bags getting out of the cab, so you won't need the extra members of your party.

Good luck, and have fun!

 

[karrit2000]

Definitely send a few with the stuff in a cab or two & then the rest can walk. Some of the "cabs" are SUV's or Minivans so you could have the Front Desk of BW call for you & specify that you need a larger vehicle to transport a couple of people & the luggage.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Just to clarify: your bags are not searched when you need to cross the Esplanade with your luggage to get to one of the Disney hotels or vice versa. The practice is for a security officer to escort you across. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to wait for one to become available. I did it on a Friday afternoon in May after arriving on an ART shuttle from Amtrak and it was quick and easy. -- Suzanne

 

[bumbershoot]

" You'd be better off getting a Cab to drive you around to VGC."

Absolutely. Send a person or two with all the stuff in a cab. Make sure that person has some cash to tip the Bell Services people to help with all that stuff!

Have everyone else just walk.

The other option, IF you really really do want to walk with it all, is to get up very very early and go through the esplanade BEFORE security shows up. But that could be as early as 5 or 5:30, if the park opens at 7 for Magic Morning. If security isn't there, you just walk on through. (this comes up when people want to be FIRST in line at the gates, get there too early and just go through to the gates, and are later herded out to the now-formed lines at security, and lose their places at the gates)

But remember, to walk from Harbor through the esplanade to the Grand isn't as short as you think it will be. The entrance to the Grand is nearly halfway up DTD, and then you have to go in gates (across from haagen dasz, just after sephora), walk along an outdoors pathway, then up a long hall inside, to get to the lobby). It's NOT a hop, skip, and jump away. It's a pretty long slog.