Trip Report First Disneyland Trip in 6 years - some thoughts (September 20-27)

[DizMe]

There was a security CM standing by the elevators and he asked us for our room key. Apparently there's a new rule where you need to show proof of stay to use the elevators.

Maybe they've had trouble with...paid entertainers coming into the hotel? And I don't mean Disney CMS.

I wonder what's going at the DVC side that they need to see room keys. I don't think I ever posted about it, but a while ago (about a year to 18 months ago), my studio room had a note in it on official letterhead that the hotel staff carried items to defend themselves and that they were legally allowed to do that and it had whatever law code it was referencing.

cruisehopeful, this is also news to me and it's a bit creepy! Makes you wonder what people are doing to cause staff to carry defensive gear.

 

[maleficent55]

whooooaaa to those incidents. I would have absoluetly complained as well, after just the first one.
Hopefully bedsides all of that it was smooth sailing otherwise.

The rest of your trip sounds great!

 

[dcfromva]

Sure, but it was a combination of things vs. one event.

• When our room was ready, my sister and I went towards the elevators to go to our room and call bell services to drop off our bags. There was a security CM standing by the elevators and he asked us for our room key. Apparently there's a new rule where you need to show proof of stay to use the elevators. Fine with me. So I open my app and show my reservation. What I did not expect was to be yelled at by this CM for not having a physical room key and that the phone reservation could be "faked" ??????????????????????????? genuinely don't understand what that means btw. I told him that I was planning on using the app to open the door and after a bit of back and forth he let us through but I heard him say "MY GOD" right as we were entering the elevator.

Great trip report...
We were there just before you 15-19 Sept (on the DVC side) and the security dude was a little salty with DH--demanding to see his ID. DH was fumbling around for it and then the security dude corrected himself and asked to see his room key. DH was a little surprised by the interaction. Later, DH asked me why they were doing that- I told him I didn't know, so I came up with my top 3 best theories (does anyone know? )

After the first interaction we always had a room key at the ready.

On another occasion, the security dude was standing in the automatic door (air conditioning the outdoors... Actually--just making the elevator lobby hot and muggy )

 

[Smugpugmug]

Great trip report...
We were there just before you 15-19 Sept (on the DVC side) and the security dude was a little salty with DH--demanding to see his ID. DH was fumbling around for it and then the security dude corrected himself and asked to see his room key. DH was a little surprised by the interaction. Later, DH asked me why they were doing that- I told him I didn't know, so I came up with my top 3 best theories (does anyone know? )

After the first interaction we always had a room key at the ready.

On another occasion, the security dude was standing in the automatic door (air conditioning the outdoors... Actually--just making the elevator lobby hot and muggy )

I guessed that they had issues with non guests using the elevators but there's nothing to see on the higher floors....it's just hallways leading up to rooms...?

After that interaction I was never asked to show my room key for the rest of the trip so I ask what was even the point of that?

 

[LKing]

LOL I received the opposite question from most people. What are you doing here when you're closer to WDW? A lot of guests I spoke to had never been to WDW before which was so unusual for me. I think comparing Disneyland to Magic Kingdom, I prefer Disneyland 10000%.

When I was at WDW earlier this year, I was surprised at how many CM had never been to DLR. They were talking smack about DLR and, after questioning them, it ended up just being hearsay.

I was very surprised at how few people I saw with Magicbands when each pin store has a small display with maybe 10 designs. I assumed most locals don't wish to pay for them? Maybe I have the WDW mindset but if I was a local I'd pay for one so that I wouldn't have to use my phone /shrugs

Since locals don't tend to purchase LLMP, MB don't do much other than let you into the park and light up during the evening shows. They interact with a few statues/displays but it is hit and miss if the interaction works or not. They are super easy for locals who enjoy taking pictures with PhotoPass photographers. At WDW, they work at the resorts, have PhotoPass ride recognition, and more interactions on attractions.

I tend to see a greater percentage of guests with MB than you noticed. I see teens and college age kids with the MB in their pocket, pulling it out to tap into a park or onto an attraction. I wear a MB most of the time but didn't wear it this past month because it was too hot.

The Ursula Enchanted Waffles at Schmoozies were pretty terrible; one of the biggest disappointments for me food wise. They would've been amazing if they were served hot but mine were freezing cold and soggy. It was a shame because it tasted good flavor wise. The Pambazo Torta at Award Weiners was not great either. WAY too much bread and not enough filling.

I agree with your opinion on both of those. We tried the torta last week and were disappointed. I was also disappointed in the deep fried Snickers. The waffles have a cult following but they've never impressed me. I like ube but didn't care for the texture of the ube gel in the Ursula waffles. What did you try at Craftsman Grill?

My mom is a pin trader so she brought her pins to the tables in Frontierland and multiple times she experienced people that KNEW her pins were higher value than theirs try to swindle her out of those pins. It's a bit scummy to know that other guests are trying to scam you but thankfully not everyone was like that. She did manage to have a few good trades but those were outliers compared to the amount of people trying to rip you off. Left a bad taste in my mouth personally.

Unfortunately, this can be a problem at those tables. We usually strike up a conversation with someone standing in the outskirts around the tables or with someone in line at a pin board.

I was born in Southern California and I think In-N-Out is just mid.

 

[twodogs]

I guessed that they had issues with non guests using the elevators but there's nothing to see on the higher floors....it's just hallways leading up to rooms...?

After that interaction I was never asked to show my room key for the rest of the trip so I ask what was even the point of that?

There are a few small lobby/sitting areas on the higher floors, which are truly nice and peaceful places to relax. There is also the WOC viewing area (is this still open during construction?). So there are a few areas that folks might enjoy on the floors that are above the beautiful lobby.

We stay there almost every trip, most recently over Labor Day last month. We were asked for our rooms keys a couple of times in the main elevator area and the Napa Rose elevator area, but it was inconsistent. We have never been asked to show a room key ever, in the past.

I suspected they were doing it either because there had been some kind of incident with a non-guest causing trouble, or they are trying to give it a more exclusive/secure feel.

In any case, in order to "fake" out the security person, a guest could show a physical room key from any stay ever (not necessarily a current stay since stay dates are not printed on the keys anymore, I don't think), or someone could use a screen shot from the app of someone else's reservation. Basically, either type of key could be "faked". If they really wanted to confirm that you were currently staying at the GCH before admitting you to the elevators, they should have you scan your key (physical or digital key) on the scanners like they do for Early Entry. That would allow either key type to be used by the guest, and it would get around anyone trying to "fake" things.

I am glad you gave constructive feedback to the manager, as it sounds like there was room for improvement in the CMs (and that guest!).

 

[PaladinButters]

I guessed that they had issues with non guests using the elevators but there's nothing to see on the higher floors....it's just hallways leading up to rooms...?

After that interaction I was never asked to show my room key for the rest of the trip so I ask what was even the point of that?

Interesting. We also got elevator stopped (although the guy took our app and did not demand a key) exactly once our whole trip. I was actually starting to question if that guy even worked there or it was all some weird social experiment.

Maybe they've had trouble with...paid entertainers coming into the hotel? And I don't mean Disney CMS.


cruisehopeful, this is also news to me and it's a bit creepy! Makes you wonder what people are doing to cause staff to carry defensive gear.

I'm used to showing my room key in Vegas which I am mentioning for no reason at all related to that guess........

 

[Smugpugmug]

In any case, in order to "fake" out the security person, a guest could show a physical room key from any stay ever (not necessarily a current stay since stay dates are not printed on the keys anymore, I don't think), or someone could use a screen shot from the app of someone else's reservation. Basically, either type of key could be "faked". If they really wanted to confirm that you were currently staying at the GCH before admitting you to the elevators, they should have you scan your key (physical or digital key) on the scanners like they do for Early Entry. That would allow either key type to be used by the guest, and it would get around anyone trying to "fake" things.

Sorry, I should've clarified that the CM thought that you could fake the digital key on your phone which was the part that made my sister and I look at each other like....what does that even mean? We pulled up the reservation on the app that has the confirmation number and check in day/check out day but nope. We HAD to have a physical key. He even saw me open the app and pull it up so it wasn't a screenshot.

It was just a weird interaction and the one that made me go, yeah I need to speak to someone higher up about this so that it doesn't happen again.

 

[LKing]

Parts of DLR have spotty reception so I always take a screenshot of my Magic Key. I would estimate that one in 500 CM will tell me that they can't take a screenshot but need to see me pull it up on the app. I'm sure this is technically the true but I have more CM suggesting that I take a screenshot than those that tell me they can't accept it.

 

[Smugpugmug]

Parts of DLR have spotty reception

Oh that's something I left out of my report. I had to turn off the wifi sometimes as it would not work. Have had that happen at WDW too as their wifi isn't great but was more of an issue at Disneyland.

 

[DizMe]

Did they have someone at the staircase (near the front desk) checking keys? You can only go up a floor or 2 but I doubt they have a guy checking keys above the first floor? It's pretty odd with no explanation about why it was being done or who was doing it.

 

[cruisehopeful]

With the level of inconsistency at such a high price point, they should just pony up and have everyone get a physical key and use the key to make the elevator work. Most other hotels that I have stayed at do that. You need to scan the key inside the elevator to get it to work.

 

[Smugpugmug]

Did they have someone at the staircase (near the front desk) checking keys? You can only go up a floor or 2 but I doubt they have a guy checking keys above the first floor? It's pretty odd with no explanation about why it was being done or who was doing it.

There was a security CM standing near the elevators but after that one experience, I was never asked to show my key ever again.

With the level of inconsistency at such a high price point, they should just pony up and have everyone get a physical key and use the key to make the elevator work. Most other hotels that I have stayed at do that. You need to scan the key inside the elevator to get it to work.

Definitely agree with that. A few of the hotels I stayed in Japan that were significantly cheaper than the Grand Californian operated this way.

 

[Soupermom]

Would someone mind sharing the link to thread about using the LL passes? I can't seem to find it.

Thank you!

 

[twodogs]

Sorry, I should've clarified that the CM thought that you could fake the digital key on your phone which was the part that made my sister and I look at each other like....what does that even mean? We pulled up the reservation on the app that has the confirmation number and check in day/check out day but nope. We HAD to have a physical key. He even saw me open the app and pull it up so it wasn't a screenshot.

It was just a weird interaction and the one that made me go, yeah I need to speak to someone higher up about this so that it doesn't happen again.

It sounds like you did all of the right things! Maybe the CM was having a bad day, but I agree with your feelings about it. Glad you let the manager know also.

 

[LKing]

Would someone mind sharing the link to thread about using the LL passes? I can't seem to find it.

Thank you!

I believe this might be the thread. @Smugpugmug please correct me if I am wrong.

Thread 'Rope Drop Strategy for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure with Lightning Lane MultiPass and SinglePass - 2025 Update'

Dec 13, 2021

UPDATED 9/6/25 for Disneyland
This covers both a Early Entry (EE) and Non-EE plan.

The HUB (Rope Drop Area)
AL= Adventureland
GF= Galaxy's Edge and Frontierland
FL= Fantasyland
FTL= Fantasyland and Tomorrowland
EE= Early Entry path


Park Entrance for Early Entry
THERE IS NO EE entrance
MAKE SURE that if you are attending EE that you show up to the main entrances early. They are allowing both EE Disney hotel guests and Normal guests into the park at the same time. If you arrive late you are going to be far back in line. Ruining your 30 minutes of EE...

• DLRExpert
• Replies: 469
• Forum: Disneyland (California)

• 
• 

There is also this thread but the process has changed a bit so read the last few pages for up to date information.

Thread 'Fishing,accelerating modifying and MEP'

Jun 2, 2023

So trying to work my head around all of this!
A few questions…
If I book a LL and modify it for a later time does my next window start after the original time was up (or 2 hours) or does it change when I modify?

Does accelerating with a MEP really help or do you just end up doing all the LL rides earlier then have standby later? I can see this being good if you have multiple MEPs but does it really help with just one and no park hopper?

Of those who’ve done these things…what did you find most effective?
Thanks!

• 3DisMunchkins
• Replies: 302
• Forum: Disneyland (California)

• 

 

[Smugpugmug]

I believe this might be the thread. @Smugpugmug please correct me if I am wrong.

Thread 'Rope Drop Strategy for Disneyland and Disney California Adventure with Lightning Lane MultiPass and SinglePass - 2025 Update'

Dec 13, 2021

UPDATED 9/6/25 for Disneyland
This covers both a Early Entry (EE) and Non-EE plan.

The HUB (Rope Drop Area)
AL= Adventureland
GF= Galaxy's Edge and Frontierland
FL= Fantasyland
FTL= Fantasyland and Tomorrowland
EE= Early Entry path


Park Entrance for Early Entry
THERE IS NO EE entrance
MAKE SURE that if you are attending EE that you show up to the main entrances early. They are allowing both EE Disney hotel guests and Normal guests into the park at the same time. If you arrive late you are going to be far back in line. Ruining your 30 minutes of EE...

• DLRExpert
• Replies: 469
• Forum: Disneyland (California)

• 
• 

There is also this thread but the process has changed a bit so read the last few pages for up to date information.

Thread 'Fishing,accelerating modifying and MEP'

Jun 2, 2023

So trying to work my head around all of this!
A few questions…
If I book a LL and modify it for a later time does my next window start after the original time was up (or 2 hours) or does it change when I modify?

Does accelerating with a MEP really help or do you just end up doing all the LL rides earlier then have standby later? I can see this being good if you have multiple MEPs but does it really help with just one and no park hopper?

Of those who’ve done these things…what did you find most effective?
Thanks!

• 3DisMunchkins
• Replies: 302
• Forum: Disneyland (California)

• 

I think the first thread was it or at least the OP of that one discussed it. I read it a while ago but remembered the information before our trip. I found the method to work - just keep booking Indy or Matterhorn in the morning and you'll have a few redemption passes. It is kind of sad how unreliable these rides seem to be though.