GC walking tour?

[lulu2]

I thought I read somewhere that before opening guests staying at the GC can take a guided walk through DCA. Can anyone confirm and give me any information? What is the fee?
Thanks

 

[FourM's]

We stayed at the GCH last week and took the tour on a friday morning. It is free, but only available certain days of the week. You have to register for it by calling the front desk. I would describe it as fitness walk. Fairly fast paced, we did two miles in 30 minutes. The employee that took us didn't really take us behind the scenes, but it was neat to be in the park before it opened. He also had some info on the changes going on at California Adventure park. It was fun, I would recommend it!

 

[biolabetty]

There used to be a tour of the areas walking from the hotel to Soarin' over California. They would give you a bit of info, but the primary reason was to ride Soarin' before anyone else. We did this about 5 times, and every time we just went to the gate about an hour before opening, and asked the people setting up to open about the tour. If you didn't ask, you didn't get it. People would come to the gate and ask if they could get into the park yet, but if they didn't specifically ask for the tour, no one would offer the information to them. There were a few times that we did the tour that we were the only people on the ride. We asked the people working the front desk, and they knew nothing about it. I don't know if they still do it or not, but it was free, very short and fun.

 

[kikiq]

. I would describe it as fitness walk. Fairly fast paced, we did two miles in 30 minutes.

I would say it is a fitness walk We've done it each time we've stayed at GCH. And each time, we have been the only guests. I'm left in the "dust" so to speak every time as my DH and the CM start talking and walking in long strides. I was almost jogging to keep up with them. My DH loves it because he is able to ask the CM all kinds of questions and they're off. We haven't had the same "tour" as it depends on what path way is open. One time we were able to go the "back way" from the Bug's Life rides to the Tower of Terror, which took us a little longer than expected so the guys really cranked it up to get back to the hotel.

 

[Krissy Marissy]

would we be able to take strollers on this tour? And we just call the front desk and ask about it? Or does it need to be done before we arrive? Sounds neat. TIA!

 

[lulu2]

There used to be a tour of the areas walking from the hotel to Soarin' over California. They would give you a bit of info, but the primary reason was to ride Soarin' before anyone else. We did this about 5 times, and every time we just went to the gate about an hour before opening, and asked the people setting up to open about the tour. If you didn't ask, you didn't get it. People would come to the gate and ask if they could get into the park yet, but if they didn't specifically ask for the tour, no one would offer the information to them. There were a few times that we did the tour that we were the only people on the ride. We asked the people working the front desk, and they knew nothing about it. I don't know if they still do it or not, but it was free, very short and fun.

OOOHHH, this sounds interesting! When was the last time you did this? Were you using the entrance to DCA exclusive to the GC?
another question: I read somewhere that sometimes DCA opens half hour early to ride Soarin, is this only the main gate or the GC entrance gate also?

 

[DangerMouse]

OOOHHH, this sounds interesting! When was the last time you did this? Were you using the entrance to DCA exclusive to the GC?
another question: I read somewhere that sometimes DCA opens half hour early to ride Soarin, is this only the main gate or the GC entrance gate also?

The last time I did this Condor Flats/Soarin tour was in 2005. DCA opens both entrances (esplanade and GCH private) at approx. 9:30 to everyone. So if you want to do the Condor Flats tour you need to go to the DCA private entrance around 8:45(ish) and ask the gate CM if there is someone available for the Condor Flats tour. They will radio a special CM to meet you there and take you into the park before anyone else so you can be the first guests on Soarin. You'll be front row-center and it's awesome!

At least that's how it worked when I did it a few years back.

 

[biolabetty]

OOOHHH, this sounds interesting! When was the last time you did this? Were you using the entrance to DCA exclusive to the GC?
another question: I read somewhere that sometimes DCA opens half hour early to ride Soarin, is this only the main gate or the GC entrance gate also?

The last time I did this was in 2007, I think, maybe 2006. It doesn't hurt to ask at the gate.