Park Entry at GCH after meal?

[tiki23]

Hi! We won't be staying at the Grand Californian but want to tour the hotel and have lunch. Can we use the hotel park entry after we finish lunch?

Thanks!

 

[2tinkerbell]

You should be fine. We leave DCA using the GCH entrance and have lunch at White Water Snacks and enter after lunch. It is our favorite thing as it is a nice break. I believe the only time that there are issues is at the morning during park opening, especially during DCA's EMH.

 

[Tyggress]

The GC entrance to the DCA park is limited to only resort guests until 11am. After that, anyone with a park ticket can use it...so, just do your lunch/tour after 11 and you'll be good-to-go.

 

[Mysteryincorp]

You also can bring the receipt from your meal and they will let you use the entrance.

 

[larina]

You also can bring the receipt from your meal and they will let you use the entrance.

You used to be able to use a receipt from the gift shop as well, but I'm not sure if this is still true.

 

[Malcon10t]

In May, they were not allowing gift store receipts. I don't know if they were accepting SToryteller receipts.

The gates open to all guests at 11 am.

 

[whoever]

In May, they were not allowing gift store receipts. I don't know if they were accepting SToryteller receipts.

The gates open to all guests at 11 am.

Curious if there is an official policy posted anywhere. I've only ever seen it posted as "exclusive to Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests"... not "exclusive to Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests before 11am". Just curious.

Doesn't really affect us either way, but Disney seems aloof when it comes to policy for this unique entrance.

 

[Malcon10t]

Curious if there is an official policy posted anywhere. I've only ever seen it posted as "exclusive to Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests"... not "exclusive to Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests before 11am". Just curious.

Only "official" policy I have seen is the sign that says "Hotel Guests Only" that gets removed by suits at 11am. (Sometimes I spend too much time watching insignificant things.)

There is nothing written anywhere I can find that gives specifics. Even the wording about "exclusive" is vague, as it does not say "exclusive to hotel guests", it says "exclusive entrance".

From the GCH website: "Special Theme Park Entrance

With valid park admission, easily access Disney California Adventure Park and the Downtown Disney District thanks to a convenient entrance located on the hotel grounds."

"Why Stay at a Hotel of the Disneyland Resort?

With a valid park ticket, take advantage of a convenient entrance to Disney California Adventure Park at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and enjoy early admission to the parks—plus experience the legendary quality and service Disney is known for."

"Exclusive Park Entrance

A convenient gateway to Disney California Adventure Park through Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa makes getting to the fun even easier for Guests of all the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Valid theme park admission required."

 

[Tyggress]

I tried to use the GC entrance a few weeks ago around 8:45 in the morning, as I was running late for a reservation at Ariel's Grotto. The CM at the gate asked for my room key, and would NOT let me through.

Last week, I was there with hubby and we used it to go from Rainforest Cafe to DCA after lunch. The "hotel guests only" sign was gone and the CM DID let us through...I asked why it was OK this time, and was specifically told because it was after 11am.

 

[tiki23]

Thanks for the info! Lunch will be a nice break from the park.