I haven't stayed at PP but just wanted to mention that the new entrance into DCA is a great new feature. We used it when we stayed at DLH, and it made a huge difference. I imagine it will be even more convenient if you're staying at PP.
If you’ve ever stayed at the GCH it’s right next to the pedestrian entrance into the hotel. There’s a separate gate to the right and the path to get there almost always has people walking so you’ll know where to go.
Were you able to walk through the GCH when staying at the westin? We stayed there last summer and weren’t able to, but I have heard people say they’ve been able to. That makes a huge difference! If you’re staying at the PPH you can cut through the GCH when going to DL which can save a lot of time (or the monorail as well). If you’re looking with a hotel with a more complete feel, I’d choose the Westin. However, if you’re only looking for a place to sleep or just take a mid-day break, then I would go with the PPH. There’s currently no pool, no actual lobby, and no restaurants, but the rooms and beds are still there. I agree that EE, although we personally don’t fully utilize it all that often, is a handy tool, especially when wanting to hit rides on the pier before you start your day! Haven’t stayed at DLH recently, but I imagine it’s still amazing as ever. The walk through DTD to the parks can now be cut with the new entrance into DCA, and the monorail can assist in things on the DL side.
We weren't able to cut through GCH. We didn't try, but we did see non-GCH guests get turned away. The Westin was really nice. We booked our trip last minute last year, and the Westin was one of the last hotels available. We didn't really take advantage of any of the amenities, so we don't need anything that nice. This year, we really want to take advantage of early entry, so that's why we're looking at PPH (and DLH).
And every minute counts. I did early entry last august from the GCH and was in line at the gates/turnstiles at 0703 with about 2 people ahead of me.
When we did EE through the new entrance, we got to the gate at around 725 and were in at around 738, so you will definitely need to arrive early to take full advantage of EE at that entrance, as the line was very backed up at 730.
I think this has to do with timing. On almost every day we’ve used the GCH entrance when staying at the PPH, there’s always someone standing and making sure each party individually has a key to enter. The latest we’ve seen it still happening was at around 1030 am. I think after a certain point in time that cast member will just leave and then that would explain how non GCH guests are able to use that entrance.
I take it you have to walk over to the DTD Security entrance and then walk through DTD to the entrance. How early does the DTD security entrance open? Just want to get an idea of how early to arrive to take full advantage. I probably wouldn't do any of those rides you did unless it was during a earl entrance or late night since I hate those lines.
Leaving the grand californian we went through the hotel security area that puts us into downtown Disney in between the Disney dress shop and Sephora
We just used our hotel key for the PPH and were allowed in.
We've just forked out for 2 days park view tacked onto the end of our Candy Cane holiday-DH suggested it as its my birthday on the last full day, so I'm curious to know what people think ! I think its the only time we will ever stay at a Deluxe Disney hotel!!
I was worried about this too. We stayed at Paradise Pier in October and I think only once during our 4 days there I thought...this elevator will never come. We stayed on the 6th floor and never had issues with the elevator messing up our EE time. We were about 10-15 people back in line every morning. When it is busy, there is someone in the lobby asking what floor and working the elevators themselves. The elevators were a non-issue for us!
Theme park view is awesome! It’s gorgeous at night, and if you’re high enough you may even have great views of the fireworks at DL! It’s so enjoyable to see people wandering around the pier late at night or early in the morning, and the sunrise is gorgeous!
) so i really hope for a great view!!
