Here now...

[momrek06]

My info came from a CM at the CG one random Sunday when it was quiet and we were going through the turnstile. We decided to ask what exactly was going on and the CM spilled it all to us.

But then again who knows really why they are doing all this now?

It could be for a number of reasons and we end up hearing them all and not knowing the REAL reason for this new picture business.

 

[todzwife]

ANYONE AND ANYBODY can through the GCH any time at all!!!!!

I was under the impression you had to show a hotel key in order to use the DCA entrance at GCH.

 

[gunka]

I was under the impression you had to show a hotel key in order to use the DCA entrance at GCH.

Just returned from a stay at the GCH. In the morning they were asking for us to show the Hotel Key, not so much in the afternoon.

 

[gunka]

We will be staying at GCH... so hope to take advantage of that. However, this begs me to ask- are they allowing anyone to go through that entry? Seems this perk should be reserved for hotel guests only. (Also, I'd read that some people said previously that going through the GCH entrance in the mornings wasn't necessarily faster and that the main entrance itself instead was the better gate.)

One morning we walked right in at about 7:10 - during EE. The next day EE was at 9:00 and the line was double up all the way down and back to White Water Snacks. The Cast Member there said it would be quicker to go to the main entrance - which we did - and walked right in at about 9:15.

 

[dragonflycurls]

On a recent trip we had dinner at Storyteller's and used the GCH entrance into the park without question.

 

[momrek06]

Just returned from a stay at the GCH. In the morning they were asking for us to show the Hotel Key, not so much in the afternoon.

I have lived here since Nov '11. We bought AP's right away. We use the CG entrance all.of.the.time if we are going to DCA and have never once ever in what 15 months ever been asked for a room key.

And we leave back out of the GC as well. And I have never in all this time seen or heard a CM ask a guest to show a room key.

Even last night, it was 2 extra hours for AP holder's in DCA. We were in and out many times because we ate dinner at Storyteller's and never left DCA until late close to 10pm.

How odd. Why would they ask?

 

[momrek06]

I was under the impression you had to show a hotel key in order to use the DCA entrance at GCH.

Nope.

I am going back today.

I will ask. And see what I am told.

 

[gunka]

I have only been asked during EMH and first thing in the morning, but the rest of the time they do not ask. This has been consistent through several stays.

 

[momrek06]

I have only been asked during EMH and first thing in the morning, but the rest of the time they do not ask. This has been consistent through several stays.

Oh absolutely for EMH! I understand that!

 

[luvndizny]

I don't think it would be considered special treatment to have an AP's only line- seems that would be efficient. You could use the line if everyone in your party has AP's.

I agree...

 

[dreeger]

Here now too! In the ticket booth line to turn in our eTickets for our APs. Long line but sooo excited!

 

[geenerbell]

How does park entry work when you ride the monorail from DTD? I know you have to have a ticket but what else do I need to know?

 

[texasteacher35]

Why do you have to get your pictures taken in conjunction with your park passes? Is this only at DL? We have premier passports, we got them in WDW in December. We didn't have to take pics. Will we have to upon arriving to GCH? Or DL?

 

[Disney Dreams]

Why do you have to get your pictures taken in conjunction with your park passes? Is this only at DL? We have premier passports, we got them in WDW in December. We didn't have to take pics. Will we have to upon arriving to GCH? Or DL?

It's new measures Disney is taking to fight ticket fraud / re-selling.

With an AP, you should not have to have your picture taken.

- Dreams

 

[texasteacher35]

It's new measures Disney is taking to fight ticket fraud / re-selling.

With an AP, you should not have to have your picture taken.

- Dreams

Good to know! Thanks for the info!

 

[Jaina]

Just commenting to say we just finished a 3_day trip. We never used our MM but were at the non EMH park before opening each morning and park hopped several times and never had any problems. They gave us o ur real tickets at the entry gate the first morning but didn't take our pictures until we park hopped later that day to CA. The next morning going into CA their system was down and they just checked 1 of our id's, but the pics seemed to come up fine each time after that. I also tried to pay attention around me and didn't notice any obvious problems.
So don't despair that this new system will ruin your upcoming trip, but it's good to know there -might- be delays and try to be a little earlier than you normally would?

 

[Painted Purple]

Just wanted to update and say that the rest of the entries last week went fine. We got our pics taken Tuesday and getting in was quick. I was surprised at the large magic morning crowds on Thursday. Peter Pan was a long line all week, regardless of the time of day, so we only did that one once.

I have to say that the crowd level was very low for Disney, yet it still felt very crowded and congested. Going to Disney now that they have annual passes is a totally different experience than it used to be when I was younger and everyone went for vacation. Definitely not as fun or magical (for us) but we still had a blast. We can't wait to go again.

 

[LizzyS]

When we were at the parks last weekend/week, we had no problem with the picture taking system at all and I didn't see that it added too much extra time onto entry; the CMs must be getting the hang of it by this point. I'm sure if they have any technical difficulties it would lengthen the process, though.

 

[Cyette]

I agree! The whole reason we stay on site, especially this trip around, is for the convenience and the Disney magic of it all. This will be our first trip to DL and we plan on getting up super early for MMs...

My husband is active duty military. We have all been just recently reunited after our longest separation yet-over 16 months. This is our first family trip together since we've reunited. We have dealt with selling our house, moving, and re-integrating all over Christmas, nonetheless...and have been SOOO looking forward to this vacation together to celebrate and would hate for it to start out dealing with angry people in line!!

For those who have experienced it- PLEASE, please write/call Disney and let them know!

SO happy your husband is home safely. Thanks to all of you for his service. Since this is your first time going to Disneyland, I sincerely hope you have a fantastic time, and I hope these terrible bugs in the system are worked out in time for you to have a stress-free, wonderful time.

We'll be going in November on 5-day hoppers and I will be mortified if that causes anyone inconvenience in line behind us who doesn't have to go through the full Mickey like we'll have to....

 

[Linda67]

I've just read through this thread but I am still pretty confused

I've booked a package - Disneyland Hotel and 5 day park hoppers

Can I just check I have this right?

1. Check in at hotel and recieve my 5 day park hoppers
2. Head to Disneyland Park and present my ticket (any turnstyle will do?)
3. I will be asked to sign my ticket
4. I will have my photo taken
5. I enter the park
6. I can then park hop and return to the parks on subsequent days using my 5 day park hopper without having my photo taken again but I will need to show ID?

Sound OK to you guys?