List of changes since summer 2014

[theluckyrabbit]

That's correct. And only GCH guests can use that entrance into DTD.

Actually, all guests can use that entrance from the GCH into DtD. I don't know about first thing in the morning since we haven't tried it then, but in the afternoon and evening, all guests can enter the hotel that way (since there is no checkpoint at that gate to enter the hotel) and all guests can exit through that security checkpoint to return to DtD. We just did this last weekend without any problems.

Since the west side security locations have moved further away from the park, are they open earlier than when it used to be near La Brea? Seems like if they weren't, guests entering at the main entrance would have an entry advantage.

It does seem like that would clear up a lot of the congestion going into DL from DTD in the evenings, though. Has it?

The west side checkpoints are supposed to open when the DtD Starbucks locations open, usually around 5 am. It has been wonderful going directly from DtD into the esplanade to the entrance of either park. Even when the parks are crowded, there is much less congestion.

 

[Xenorye]

Actually, all guests can use that entrance from the GCH into DtD. I don't know about first thing in the morning since we haven't tried it then, but in the afternoon and evening, all guests can enter the hotel that way (since there is no checkpoint at that gate to enter the hotel) and all guests can exit through that security checkpoint to return to DtD. We just did this last weekend without any problems.

Yeah, this is where there's some confusion, but I think you're right. All guests can use this entry/exit, but (if you're not a GCH guest) you're not going to be in the hotel unless you've entered from DtD to begin with. They don't allow you in the front doors unless you're a guest or have a reservation at a restaurant there.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Yeah, this is where there's some confusion, but I think you're right. All guests can use this entry/exit, but (if you're not a GCH guest) you're not going to be in the hotel unless you've entered from DtD to begin with. They don't allow you in the front doors unless you're a guest or have a reservation at a restaurant there.

Correct, as I stated above, the front (main) entrance to the GCH is for registered guests and guests with a confirmed restaurant reservations only. (CMs will check for keys and for reservation confirmation numbers.) But once you have gone through security at either the Harbor checkpoint, at the M&F checkpoint for the tram, or at either of the west side DtD checkpoints, you can enter the GCH through the gate by Sephora. There is no checkpoint on the hotel entry side. Guests exiting the hotel will have to go through the security checkpoint at that gate before re-entering DtD.

 

[mom2rtk]

Actually, all guests can use that entrance from the GCH into DtD. I don't know about first thing in the morning since we haven't tried it then, but in the afternoon and evening, all guests can enter the hotel that way (since there is no checkpoint at that gate to enter the hotel) and all guests can exit through that security checkpoint to return to DtD. We just did this last weekend without any problems.

Well duh me. I actually knew that!

Thanks for setting the record straight.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Well duh me. I actually knew that!

Thanks for setting the record straight.

One good thing about the the GCH entrance by Sephora being open to all guests is that it still allows for the old short cut to the PPH and to hotels near Disneyland Dr. The short cut may not work anymore going into DtD or the parks, but at least it still works exiting this way.

 

[mom2rtk]

One good thing about the the GCH entrance by Sephora being open to all guests is that it still allows for the old short cut to the PPH and to hotels near Disneyland Dr. The short cut may not work anymore going into DtD or the parks, but at least it still works exiting this way.

I'm still not a fan. We have stayed at PPH the last 4 years but are now re-evaluating whether to try offsite for the first time.

 

[BriannaRuth]

So on the first page, I have -- "When you enter DTD by Sephora/GCH you will go through security, and only GCH guests can use this entry so have your room key."

This needs to be changed to -- "When you enter DTD by Sephora/GCH, you will go through security."

Is that right?

And is it correct that only GCH guests can now use the GCH entrance into DCA? Rather than any DLR guest?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

So on the first page, I have -- "When you enter DTD by Sephora/GCH you will go through security, and only GCH guests can use this entry so have your room key."

This needs to be changed to -- "When you enter DTD by Sephora/GCH, you will go through security."

Is that right?

And is it correct that only GCH guests can now use the GCH entrance into DCA? Rather than any DLR guest?

The first part needs to be changed to "When you enter DtD by Sephora/GCH you will go by a security checkpoint (it is on the left side, the exit side, of the passage), but not through it. Just walk toward and into the hotel. All guests can enter this way if they have already cleared security at one of the other checkpoints (Harbor side, EOS/ESPN, ESPN/Rainforest Cafe, M&F). You will go through security when you exit the GCH by Sephora/GCH into DtD." Hope that makes sense.

As far as I know, the GCH entrance into DCA is for GCH guests only until 11 am. After that, all guests may use that entrance and exit.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Ok, I'm officially confused. I thought the only way to enter DTD from that Sephora walkway was if you're coming *from* GCH. So where would you be walking *into* the hotel from if you're walking into DTD from the Sephora walkway? Or is there another entrance into DTD from the GCH that I'm thinking of?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

If you look at a photo of that tunnel/gated entrance, it is now divided down the middle. Facing the entryway, on the right side, there is no checkpoint. That is an open entryway from DtD into the GCH for all guests. Coming from DtD, turn into that entryway, go straight toward the courtyard, turn right toward the GCH conference area and enter the hotel. Facing the entryway, on the left side, that is a security checkpoint with metal detectors and security CMs conducting bag checks. All guests exiting the GCH that way must go through that security checkpoint before entering DtD. It is one entryway/tunnel type area (between Sephora and Anna and Elsa's Boutique), but only the side exiting the hotel has a security checkpoint. Is this more clear?

ETA: oi92l6-b88859871z-120161215152733000gjfkjtss-10-jpg.210458
(Hope this link works!) This is a photo (OC Register) from when the new security procedures were first put in place. You can see guests exiting the GCH through the security checkpoint on the left side (facing the entryway) and the right side (behind the gate, so the view is a bit obscured), with no checkpoint, is open for all guests to enter the hotel.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

So on the first page, I have -- "When you enter DTD by Sephora/GCH you will go through security, and only GCH guests can use this entry so have your room key."...

Currently, the two GCH entrances that are for hotel guests only are the main, front entrance (have room key ready to show CMs) and the hotel entrance to DCA (only until 11 am, after that all guests may use that entrance). We've used both the GCH/DCA entrance (after 11 am) and the GCH/DtD entry many times, and no one has asked us to show a room key.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Updated thread to add new FP rules, TSMM FP, Buzz connected.

Can anyone confirm that the info on Hyperion Theater is correct? Are they still doing Frozen FPs, and if so, is the seating assigned? I thought I saw another thread that indicated this wasn't the case.

Also, can anyone confirm that WOC FPs (and Frozen FPs if they are being used) are still disconnected?

Are the character meet and greets locations still correct?

I think this thread is getting a little old but I will probably keep updating it through our trip in August this year.

 

[figment_jii]

Thanks for keeping this thread going!

A few other things that I noticed last week (prior to the change in the FP system).

• FP: Star Tours and Buzz Lightyear FP machines are still in the same basic physical location, but they now have dedicated lines (i.e., there is a sign saying the outer line is for Star Tours and the inner line is for Buzz Lightyear). The two machines closest to the Buzz entrance face out onto the walkway and that's where you get the Buzz FP. The remaining machines face towards the building and that's where you get the Star Tours FP. As mentioned, Buzz is now connected. I have also read that the two parks are now connected to each other.
• FP: I don't know if it's worth mentioning, but WoC FPs are now being distributed via mobile carts placed over near the Little Mermaid (San Francisco street area, closer to the GRR end of the street).
• Other DL Refubs/Changes: Matterhorn is currently undergoing another refurbishment. So who knows what will change when it reopens (one can hope for a smoother track!).
• DL Characters: Boba Fett is no longer unscheduled. His times are posted on the app. Also, I think Darth Vader is back in place of Kylo Ren at Launch Bay.
• Disneyland Dining: You might want to change "PtN" to "MSEP" because that's the parade that's associated with the dining package.
• Other DL Refubs/Changes: No FPs for Frozen at the Hyperion anymore (at least not last weekend).
  
• DCA Characters: I don't know how consistent it is, but I saw Nick Wilde over by Little Mermaid last weekend.
• DCA Characters: I think Mater, McQueen, and Red are normally at the Cozy Cone, but may also show up Filmore's during the really busy times (I saw Mater and McQueen at the Cozy Cones last weekend).
  
• DCA Characters: Olaf (along with Kristoff) is now meeting inside the Disney Animation Building.
• Downtown Disney: I think Chapel Hats, Pandora, Curl, and Sprinkles are all also new.

 

[cgh]

Such a helpful thread! We just added a tiny trip to DL in August and I was last at WDW so I have to get back into the DL game. It's great to know what to expect.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Thanks for all the info. I added it, plus additional info I've seen on Beast, Gaston, Elena in FL, and the change from Village Haus to Red Rose.

 

[BriannaRuth]

figment_jii -- after seeing your posts for the past several years and replying to many of them, I only just now realized it's JII and not JILL! Every time I see your name I think "Jill"! I had to look up what JII was ... but now I know!! Probably lots here on the DL board who were as clueless as me. Or so I tell myself.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Added info on RSR and TSMM FPs now available during MM.

 

[Lights_Out]

Golden Churros (and other PotC anniversary events/offerings)
Secret Menu

I guess these are just events and not changes? Is there a thread for events?

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Yes, those are menu items tied to specific events, not changes in policy or procedure. The special churros and pirate offerings are for the new POTC movie and the 50th anniversary of the POTC ride. The limited time secret menu items are for MSEP. After the events are over, the menu items will be gone.

 

[BriannaRuth]

Golden Churros (and other PotC anniversary events/offerings)
Secret Menu

I guess these are just events and not changes? Is there a thread for events?

Not that I know of, but that's a good idea!