Eating at the DLR hotels.

[KeKy4]

1st of all, you can eat at the Disneyland hotel restaurants without actually being a guest there right?
We are staying offsite but wanted to try some of the restaurants at the hotels.

Then 2nd, what are the fastest ways to get to them?
Is the DCA entrance the most efficient way to go to GCH?
Then to get to the Disneyland Hotel, I know you can get there from Downtown Disney but don't really know where it is. Is the Monorail drop off in DTD close to the hotel?
Thanks!

 

[GatorChris]

Yes, you can eat there if you're not staying there. Though, oddly enough, the only time I eat there is when I'm staying there.

To get to DLH, you can take the monorail out of DL and it'll get you halfway through DD. You'll need to hoof it the rest of the way. As for getting to GCH, if you're in DCA, the back exit is pretty quick. If you're coming from DL or a Harbor hotel, just come through DD.

 

[figment_jii]

Correct, the restaurants, lounges, and quick service locations are open to anyone.

If you're already in DCA, then using the exit to the GCH is probably the fastest option. You enter GCH near to many of the dining locations (Napa Rose, Storytellers, and White Water Snacks). You can also access GCH from DTD if you're heading there from DL. (Take the walkway from DTD to GCH near A&E Boutique.)

For PPI and DLH, it really depends on where you are starting from. You can walk to any of them from the DTD (which is probably what I'd do) or take the monorail (if you're already in DL). The monorail is a lot of fun, but it might not be the most time efficient method (depending on the line). The DTD monorail stop is by RFC and the Lego shop, but you still have to walk past ESPN and the movie theaters to get to DLH.

DLH: I would take either the monorail (if you have time) or walk. The red line in the image below is the approximate walking path from the Esplande to DLH. It's about 0.5 miles.
PPI: I would walk. Exit the park, cut through the GCH lobby and then use the side walk to get to PPI (it's the blue line on the map).
GCH: If in DCA, use the park exit. If in DL, exit the park and then walk through DTD to the GCH entrance.

 

[KeKy4]

Thanks so much figmentjii! Funny thing is even though I've been to Disneyland quite a bit, it's hard to tell where everything is in relation to each other when you're inside the park/DTD! This makes it so easy! Thanks again!

 

[Blue32]

Just to piggy back on this thread.....if you were going to drive to the DLH for brunch or dinner, can you use their parking lot for free? Or would I need to park in the DD lot?

 

[disneyobsessed808]

Just to piggy back on this thread.....if you were going to drive to the DLH for brunch or dinner, can you use their parking lot for free? Or would I need to park in the DD lot?

If you eat at a table service or buffet restaurant, you can get validation for up to 5 hours at the hotel parking lots.

 

[GoBears 1980]

Just to piggy back on this thread.....if you were going to drive to the DLH for brunch or dinner, can you use their parking lot for free? Or would I need to park in the DD lot?

Depending on which restaurant, I find DTD parking just as easy as the DLH.

I love Napa Rose, Hearthstone Lounge and Steakhouse 55. I still miss Hook's Pointe.....

 

[Blue32]

If you eat at a table service or buffet restaurant, you can get validation for up to 5 hours at the hotel parking lots.

Depending on which restaurant, I find DTD parking just as easy as the DLH.

I love Napa Rose, Hearthstone Lounge and Steakhouse 55. I still miss Hook's Pointe.....

Thanks for the replies! We are thinking of doing Goofy's Kitchen next time and have never had to park anywhere in that area. Just wanted to know what my options are.