Grand Californian entry question

[tchrrx]

We are staying at the GC. During our early entry days do we have to use the GC entrance, or could we use the main entrance? I thought that the main one may be faster since there are more turnstiles, but I don't know if that's even an option.

 

[phil1914]

Yes you can use the main entrance. As you're noting, the GCH entrance to DCA gets slowed down by the number of CMs checking bags and number turnstiles.

 

[aliceindisneyland]

I breezed through the GC entrance at 7:15 last wk; mentioned to CMs that we had been going through the main entrance because I heard GC entrance took longer. They said after 7:10 it's empty. Since it took us til at least 7:05 to get through main entrance turnstiles, plus waiting over 30 min before entering, I wish I had just gone through GC entrance a bit late the first 2 days.

 

[ValpoCory]

I breezed through the GC entrance at 7:15 last wk; mentioned to CMs that we had been going through the main entrance because I heard GC entrance took longer. They said after 7:10 it's empty. Since it took us til at least 7:05 to get through main entrance turnstiles, plus waiting over 30 min before entering, I wish I had just gone through GC entrance a bit late the first 2 days.

I'd probably get to the main entrance 10 minutes early and follow the wide right technique. Planning to enter at the Grand Cal with no wait at 7:10 might mean an hour wait at RSR.

 

[aliceindisneyland]

I'd probably get to the main entrance 10 minutes early and follow the wide right technique. Planning to enter at the Grand Cal with no wait at 7:10 might mean an hour wait at RSR.

This is true. However, it can still make for a great EMH: hit everything BUT RSR until 7:50, then everyone but FP runner goes to ride RSR; runner goes to RSR FP line for hotel guests. Closer to 8, most everyone who ran to RSR first thing has gone through the line and it's much shorter. Even at the back of the EMH FP line, I was out with FPs by 8:05 [return time about 10:30am].
There are many potential glitches (AP early entry days, ride not running, etc.) to this plan, and on one of the days RSR was indeed an hour at 7:50, so we skipped it at that time, but still had our FPs.

 

[Meggysmum]

We were at GC in August with EE at 7am. We got to the entrance in GC at 6.30 and the queue had gone all the way down to White Water snacks and back up again so theCMs told us that it would be quicker to use the main entrance so we did. Whilst waiting in line for RS we saw one of the families who had been quite a way ahead of us in the GC queue come down the path and join the line for RS quite a way behind us so I think the CM was right.