GC service stairway shortcut

[goodvibrations]

Hello, this is our first post!
we are a couple celebrating our 50th birthdayscheryl's big 5-0 was dec 2008, mine is feb 2009 so naturally we split the difference and celebrate at DL Sept 14-19 staying at GC with a park view room of paradise pier/CA

i have heard there is a service stairway that is a good shortcut to CA entrance instead of what is otherwise a long hike to the lobby from that section of the hotel anyone have any details on this? and also what are the park hours that time of year?

we are so looking forward to this total immersion in the disney experience! from everything i read staying at the GC will ensure a pleasant and memorable experience. i originally booked at DH but after reading reviews it seemed that staying there could be very iffy as far as having a good or not so good or even unpleasant experience.

our last visit to DL, booked months in advance, was 9/14/01-9/19/01. as horrible as they were, we didn't want to let the events from 9/11/01 stop us from going, in fact if we did not go we felt that those that carried out the attack on our country would have wanted us to stay home afraid to go so we felt it especially important that we go. we enjoyed the visit however it was a strange feeling that week for obvious reasons not to mention the parks were pretty empty and both closed at 6pm.

thanks for this site and i am really thankful for all the wonderful like-minded people that share all the great info. you are all great!

eric and cheryl

 

[nunzia]

We have taken that stairway many times. I get confused in the hotel as it twists around, so I always have problems getting to the correct stairs. By looking at the map in your room for the stair exits you should be able to figure it out. It drops you right by La Brea cafe (which makes a nice quiche btw ). Just be aware tht the door is exit only..you cannot get back in.
I'm not sure of the park hours.. we will be there Sept 6-9 (the dreaded Labor Day weekend &1/2 marathon) but it's my birthday and I really want that gift card

 

[lisah0711]

If you are looking at the Grand Californian Hotel on a Google Earth map, the staircase is in the top left of the hotel, next to the Soarin' building. But remember it is a one way trip so you can't use it to return to your room because the stairway is locked.

We were on the 6th floor last time and used the staircase, although we had to go down one staircase to get to the 5th floor and another to go all the way down. Nunzia is right, it is very twisty and turny and easy to lose your bearings. Also, someone had thrown up right at the doorway so the secret staircase lost its charm and we didn't bother after that!

Enjoy your trip!

 

[avalon451]

i have heard there is a service stairway that is a good shortcut to CA entrance instead of what is otherwise a long hike to the lobby from that section of the hotel anyone have any details on this? and also what are the park hours that time of year?

Welcome! Glad you posted! Happy belated birthday to both of you. What a fun way to celebrate!

The "secret entrance" doesn't go to California adventure; it goes to the top of Downtown Disney, where the previous poster mentioned.

There IS a private entrance to California adventure from GCH, with its own security tables, etc.

Both of those entrances are going to be quite a little hike from where you're located at the hotel. I'm not sure you'd save much time using the secret DTD service entrance since you're on the far side of the hotel. Here's a link to a map that shows its approximate location; as PP mentioned, i think you have to go from the 5th floor down. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=88766 Also, here's the link to the article that comes from, that details the location and advantages/disadvantages of that entrance:http://www.mouseplanet.com/7280/How_Far_Is_It

It might be faster for you to just use the regular DTD entrance from the GCH lobby. Check it out when you get there!

Hope you have a wonderful trip!

 

[Escape2Disney]

Welcome!

We'll be at the same hotel at the same time (13th-19th).

The CA Adventure entrance from GCH is a nice perk! I heard it is almost never crowded!

Have a great time on your trip.

 

[goodvibrations]

thanks for the helpful infoand for making us feel welcome here. thats what seems so nice about this site and disney in general is how everyone is positive and happy

 

[Simba001]

Does anyone know what the number of the rooms are that are close to this exit? It seems like if the room numbers where known you could keep following the signs of where rooms are located until you found the exit. I am planning on trying it when we go next month. Even if it takes longer, I think it would be fun to try at least once. That being said, I can see me running down hallways acting like a crazy women mumbling "Where is the secret exit?" until someone calls security on me

 

[jenjersnap]

Does anyone know what the number of the rooms are that are close to this exit? It seems like if the room numbers where known you could keep following the signs of where rooms are located until you found the exit. I am planning on trying it when we go next month. Even if it takes longer, I think it would be fun to try at least once. That being said, I can see me running down hallways acting like a crazy women mumbling "Where is the secret exit?" until someone calls security on me

Oh, you might bump into me wandering around looking myself!

I think I am going to cut to the chase and ask the front desk for directions. We'll have a stroller too so it sounds like I need to find it from the first floor.

 

[Marilynbn]

I have a map of the hotel rooms that they give you upon check in to show you where your room is. Can Some one tell me how to up load the image. I can scan and post but I don't know how that is done here. Thanks
Marilyn