Staying at GCH in April and park hopper question

[Indie7]

We are 2 adults and 2 kids ages 9 & 11 staying at the Grand Californian April 16-21. I bought 5 day, 1 park per day passes with Genie plus. Our flight arrives Sunday at 10:45 am and we’ll leave that next Saturday at 9pm. Initially, I thought we do 3 Disneyland days and 2 days at DCA Monday thru Friday, try and hit up the pool on Sunday when we arrive and Saturday before our flight but now I’m rethinking this plan. This is a “bucket list” type trip and we will probably not make it back for a few years, so we’d love to fit in fun stuff like shows/fireworks/character breakfast while the littlest still wants to do that stuff.

Is it too late to add a park hopper to the tickets I
already bought? I saw a thread that was saying Disneyland may be closing early that week for something, it would be nice to park hop if so. Im also thinking maybe we should go into the park on Sunday to try and catch fireworks or Fantasmic because they may not happen during the week. We could then have a pool/rest day midweek.

I have one son with ADHD and one with sensory issues so we typically rope drop and take a several hour long break midday. Might be super nice to have that park hopper option. One son also love animation academy and has asked to do it as much as possible so a hopper could help with that.

Also, I would love any tips about things to take advantage of while staying at GCH. Im thinking of a foot massage or whole body if anyone has input.

Thanks so much for any help or tips! Im new to this board, but having been lurking for a couple months and trying to soak up all the great info. Thank you.

 

[DLgal]

You can always upgrade tickets by calling Disney, but you will have to cancel your park reservations and re make them.

 

[nalabear]

with 5 days; the cost of hopper really is mitigated across the days. I don't know if you have to buy Genie+ all the days or can do that individual days. If you bought package, they may be able to swap out the options.

FYI - you may want to look into DAS option for your kiddo with sensory issues if they have trouble staying in line.

 

[Indie7]

You can always upgrade tickets by calling Disney, but you will have to cancel your park reservations and re make them.

Ok, great! Thank you. I should do that soon before dining reservations open for my trip.

 

[Indie7]

with 5 days; the cost of hopper really is mitigated across the days. I don't know if you have to buy Genie+ all the days or can do that individual days. If you bought package, they may be able to swap out the options.

FYI - you may want to look into DAS option for your kiddo with sensory issues if they have trouble staying in line.

Thank you for that tip! I’ll look into it.

 

[DesertScorpion]

FWIW, we originally bought single day tickets but I was able to switch to park hopper tickets online without any problems. We did do the hotel/ticket package though so not sure if that makes any difference with the ability to change the ticket type.

 

[DLgal]

FWIW, we originally bought single day tickets but I was able to switch to park hopper tickets online without any problems. We did do the hotel/ticket package though so not sure if that makes any difference with the ability to change the ticket type.

That does make a difference since you don't actually get your tickets until a few days before your trip. They can be changed on a package up until that point.

 

[GoofyGoofyGoofy]

If you are morning people, since you are staying onsite, you can get into either park at 7:30 instead of 8. It used to be an hour. You can get a jump on the crowds to ride a ride or two, and get in line for the crowds get let in at rope drop. You might not need genie+. Keep in mind only part of the parks are open early for Disney Hotel Guests. DL=Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. DCA = Certain rides.

What ever you decide, hope you have a great time!

 

[Indie7]

Thanks for the tips! I called last night and added park hopper to our passes and this morning they were all updated in the app with our existing reservations. That was so easy!
We are pumped to try early entry.

Does anyone know if we arrive early at 11am and our room isn’t ready…can we use the pool? I may just pack swimsuits in a backpack and ask to leave our bags at bell hop.

 

[amyg1975]

Yes, you can use the pool when you arrive!

 

[Indie7]

Yes, you can use the pool when you arrive!

Great, thank you!

 

[Disney Dudette]

I saw a thread that was saying Disneyland may be closing early that week for something, it would be nice to park hop if so

Oh no I saw a thread that mentioned the possibility of closing early on the 18th but you saw the whole week?! did you see that here on the dis?

 

[Indie7]

Oh no I saw a thread that mentioned the possibility of closing early on the 18th but you saw the whole week?! did you see that here on the dis?

Hi there. Sorry for the confusion. I don’t think the event calendar is up for that week yet-but I saw something in some forum (I don’t remember where tbh) about early closure for an event during that week and so I wanted to have hoppers just in case. I’m sure it wouldn’t be all week long!