Does CA open early for GCH Guests?

[Mich Mouse]

I think I remember reading that CA opened @ 9:30 for all GCH guests? Does this still happen every day? If so, where do we wait?

Only ten more days until we check in at GCH!

 

[DangerMouse]

DCA opens at 9:30 for all guests, not just resort guests. Only a portion of the park will be open and only Soarin will be open for that first 30 minutes until official park opening at 10 am.

However, a little known perk for GCH guests that is not advertised, is that if you get to the resort entrance of DCA right around 9 am, and tell the CM you want the Condor Flats Tour, a CM will come and take you on a little tour of Condor Flats area prior to the 9:30 opening. You will also be the very first group on Soarin and be guaranteed front row center seats.

I did this in June 2005 with my daughter, and I believe they are still offering this to GCH guests. Just ask at the GCH turnstiles into DCA.

 

[Adi12982]

DCA opens at 9:30 for all guests, not just resort guests. Only a portion of the park will be open and only Soarin will be open for that first 30 minutes until official park opening at 10 am.

However, a little known perk for GCH guests that is not advertised, is that if you get to the resort entrance of DCA right around 9 am, and tell the CM you want the Condor Flats Tour, a CM will come and take you on a little tour of Condor Flats area prior to the 9:30 opening. You will also be the very first group on Soarin and be guaranteed front row center seats.

I did this in June 2005 with my daughter, and I believe they are still offering this to GCH guests. Just ask at the GCH turnstiles into DCA.

Is the tour free?

 

[DangerMouse]

Yes, it's free and an exclusive benefit for GCH guests. You will need to show your room key and charge slip.

 

[Mich Mouse]

CA is scheduled to open @ 10:00 on the day we are visiting. ...When you said it opens @ 9:30 for all guests I wonder if this is an every day occurance?

Will we be able to enter @ the CA entrance @ 9:30 on a day the park is scheduled to open @ 10:00?

 

[DangerMouse]

Regular park opening is at 10 am. They will open the turnstiles both in the esplanade and the GCH entrance at 9:30 am for guests. Soarin will be the only ride open until park opening at 10. Yes, this is an every day occurance for DCA.

The special GCH Condor Flats tour begins about 50 minutes prior to park opening, which in this case would be 9:10 am. But best to ask about it a bit before 9 am so they can arrange for a CM to come take you on the tour.

 

[Mich Mouse]

How long does this tour take?

 

[DangerMouse]

Really, the "tour" is just a leisurely stroll from the GCH entrance to Soarin. The CM might offer some information or ask if you have any questions. Then you get on the ride, then the tour is over because by the time you are done they are lining up the people who have just come in at 9:30. So, I'd say about 20 minutes total.