Paradise Pier Questions

[MommyWithDreams]

I'm attending the Disney Institute Leadership Conference next month and staying at the Paradise Pier. This will be my first time every staying onsite so I have some questions.

Everyone always talks about the extra perks that come with staying onsite, besides the MM and always being a part of the "magic"...what are the other perks? Unfortunately I won't be able to take advantage of the MM since I'm only staying one night. Hence the reason, I want to be able to REALLY be able to make the most of my stay.

I'm traveling with a co-worker and we should arrive at the Hotel close to 9am on a Tuesday the 6th, what are the chances the room would be ready that early? If not, I'm sure they will store our luggage, right?

Also, what is the easiest and quickest way to get into the park? I've heard people say there's a shortcut?

Any other tips and tricks would be very appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Nonsuch]

I'm traveling with a co-worker and we should arrive at the Hotel close to 9am on a Tuesday the 6th, what are the chances the room would be ready that early? If not, I'm sure they will store our luggage, right?

It is unlikely your room will be ready. Bell services will store your bags

Also, what is the easiest and quickest way to get into the park? I've heard people say there's a shortcut?

Walk across the street to the main entrance of the Grand Californian.
Turn left to DTD and DL, or go straight to CA

 

[larina]

I'm attending the Disney Institute Leadership Conference next month and staying at the Paradise Pier. This will be my first time every staying onsite so I have some questions.

Everyone always talks about the extra perks that come with staying onsite, besides the MM and always being a part of the "magic"...what are the other perks? Unfortunately I won't be able to take advantage of the MM since I'm only staying one night. Hence the reason, I want to be able to REALLY be able to make the most of my stay.

I'm traveling with a co-worker and we should arrive at the Hotel close to 9am on a Tuesday the 6th, what are the chances the room would be ready that early? If not, I'm sure they will store our luggage, right?

Also, what is the easiest and quickest way to get into the park? I've heard people say there's a shortcut?

Any other tips and tricks would be very appreciated.

Thanks

There's a small chance your room will be ready, if not they will store your bags for your. I've heard they will text you when your room is ready, but I haven't used this service (we checked in late so our room was ready) so I can't confirm it.

Shortcut through the Grand as Nonsuch said.

My favorite thing about the PPH is the WOC view, so if you can, request the upgrade at check in (or upgrade now and pay for it to guarantee the view!!!)

 

[llump41]

There's a small chance your room will be ready, if not they will store your bags for your. I've heard they will text you when your room is ready, but I haven't used this service (we checked in late so our room was ready) so I can't confirm it.

Shortcut through the Grand as Nonsuch said.

My favorite thing about the PPH is the WOC view, so if you can, request the upgrade at check in (or upgrade now and pay for it to guarantee the view!!!)

We did the text when room ready and never got the text. I wouldn't rely on that. But you can call. We arrived at 11 for a stay in Aug and our room was ready by 2 give or take. This was concierge and I do not know if that gets a priority or not.

You do get into DCA an hour early however only Soaring and Mermaid were open. You do though get a jump on the crowds for Screaming an TSM.

As others have said, cross the street into the GC lobby. Turn left for DL and straight through to DCA.

Absolutely use the Magic Morning if you have one during your stay. You'd be amazed at how much you can do in that 1st hour.

 

[bumbershoot]

If you are able to go the parks upon arrival, if you left about two hours earlier you could make it for MM on arrival day. get to hotel, have one of you check in while the other stores the luggage, then get to the entrance in time for the 8am MM (since it seems the park opens to all at 9).

Or just start early at DCA if you get there at 9. Enter the grand using the directions listed, but instead of turning left towards DTD, cross the lobby and follow the signs to the resort guest entrance.



Ok odd, looking at the calendar it shows MM is not available...probably a mistake though.

 

[Nonsuch]

We did the text when room ready and never got the text. I wouldn't rely on that. But you can call...

I have found the text system to be only about 50% reliable
The problem could be Disney, or ATT/iPhone related.
Rooms should be available by 3PM, but this deadline is often missed.

 

[MommyWithDreams]

Thank you everyone for the responses. Unfortunately, we can't make MM due to our flight times. We won't arrive at the Hotel until closer to 9am.

I also just found out about being able to send park purchases to my room. Is that on ANY purchase, or does it have to be a certain dollar amount? I could really get myself in trouble with that. Also, has anyone had a problem with that, I'd hate to buy something only to find out it's not back at the Hotel.

Thanks

 

[Scribble Kitty]

I believe you can have any purchase sent back to your Disney hotel, regardless of dollar amount. You can also charge your purchases to your room bill using your room key.

I've had my purchases sent back a few times. You fill out a form with your information and what hotel you are in and the next day you can pick up your bags at the guest relations counter of your hotel.

 

[DizMe]

A couple of notes about sending purchases back to the hotel:
*some items are excluded. Food, for instance, even if sealed in a package (like cookies or candy). I think there might be others but I don't remember.
*you must have the receipt, so hang onto it!
*there are only certain places where you can drop your purchases to be sent back. You can't just ask the store where you bought it to do that for you.
*you likely won't see your package again until the next day

I always think it sounds like a great idea but for the above reasons I've only utilized it once. I tend to do most of my purchasing shortly before I have to go home