No Walking through Grand Californian if not a guest

[Piglet99645]

We are staying at the Anabella after research here indicated we could walk 1/3 mile to the GC then enter either CA or DTD though the hotel. But they won't let us go thru the hotel. There is security on the sidewalk checking room keys and restaurant reservations. The first two days we just kept walking and went in by the Conference Center, which didn't have security. (The first day by accident. Second day on purpose). But the third day the security on the first corner actually redirected us to cross the street toward DTD instead of walking toward the conference center. They are being very strict, so the advice elsewhere on here that you can save about 15 minutes by cutting thru the hotel is no longer valid. (That being said, we've had no problem leaving CA or DTD thru the hotel). I even saw them turn away guests from Paradise Pier and not let them into the GC. I thought that went a bit far, since those folks were paying Disney property room prices.

I understand Disney's policy. But I would not have stayed at the Anabella if I'd known this. It's just too far to walk going the legit way.

 

[Geemo]

This change came with the new security locations right after the first of the year.
It's been in review on the board for a few weeks now.
With most of the info back in January.

I agree with you it does add to the overall walking.

Here are a few threads about changes
https://www.disboards.com/threads/walking-from-paradise-pier-with-new-rules-and-security.3573153/
https://www.disboards.com/threads/p...y-and-connecting-rooms.3577325/#post-57091716
https://www.disboards.com/threads/walking-from-pph-to-esplanade-not-through-the-gch.3571697/


On another note...
I'm curious how the bridge project over Harbor will be for the hotels on Harbor.
If there isn't an easy entrance from all the places on Harbor that will really cause a challenge for guests.
However, that looks to be a few years out. If you decide to stay on Harbor during or after the bridge construction, be sure to check back and see if the route into the parks has been greatly altered. Wouldn't want you to be surprised on a future trip.

Geemo

 

[Piglet99645]

Thanks for the heads up on harbor.

I never would have seen those other threads as I was searching Anabella reviews. I posted this so anybody else searching Anabella will get the more current info.

Unfortunately even tho the info may be "out there," if one doesn't even realize there may be an issue, one may not search the key terms that would reveal info like this.

 

[Geemo]

Thanks for the heads up on harbor.

I never would have seen those other threads as I was searching Anabella reviews. I posted this so anybody else searching Anabella will get the more current info.

Unfortunately even tho the info may be "out there," if one doesn't even realize there may be an issue, one may not search the key terms that would reveal info like this.

You are so right!
Being retired I read my fair share of threads here.
You never know when the info will come in handy.

 

[CateinPhoenix]

Yes, it has us changing from our "go-to" Good neighbor hotel, the Best Western Stovalls because that walk is already a doozy.

But anyone can still EXIT through GCH, so that's still a positive!

 

[lvdis]

I guess I understand why they are doing it, but it kind of feels wrong. I mean, a potential guest may want to come in and see the hotel for future reference and there are places to eat and shop within the hotel. We've become accustomed over the years to being able to check out the different Disney hotels. It's fun just to see how they are decorated. I realize you can still enter from DTD or DCA, but it just feels funny to be restricted from entering a hotels main lobby from the front entrance. Just my feelings....