Staying onsite and WOC?

[sweet maxine]

I'm not clear on this, even after reading through the WOC Superthread.

If I am staying onsite, I can possibly get a FP for the WOC in the morning at the Grand Calif. hotel, right? But if I went for the early entry into DL that morning, I would have to circle back to the hotel to do that, is that right too? I'm a bit confused, as it seems counterproductive to do that. How could we do the early entry in DL, then get back to get the WOC FP without too much trouble? Thanks for any help in clearing this up for me.

 

[blackjackdelta]

You go to MM at 0700(if that is the opening time) and back to the DCA entrance when it opens. If walking is considered trouble, you are going to have some problems.
We always hit the parks as early as possible and back to CA when it opens. This year we will be doing a bit different because of the new rides.

Jack

 

[sweet maxine]

No, walking is not any trouble at all. When I think of going between parks, I am thinking of the distance between parks at US/IOA in Florida. I really have no concept of the distance between the two parks at DL. Sorry for my ignorance, but this will be our first time to go in about 25 years, so I have no idea how to manage our trip. I am studying the boards right now for help. Thank you for any assistance possible.

 

[blackjackdelta]

Sorry, did not mean to sound negative. It is a very short distance from one entrance to another(never been to WDW) maybe 300 yards from entrance to DCA hotel entrance. Since I am on a phone I do not have a map to post for you but others will chime in. Have a great stay.

Jack

 

[helenb]

The parks are very close: across an open area (plaza, esplanade) from each other! If you leave DL Park (even the furthest reached of DL Park) by 8:40, you should make it to the GCH entrance to DCA before 9 am... and that's a *very* generous time estimate! If you are fast walkers, like we are, the walk time is closer to 5-10 minutes, including walking all the way out of Disneyland Park.

 

[sweet maxine]

Okay, got it. That helps me tremendously, so I will plan accordingly. We should be fine. Thanks for your help!

 

[engo]

Check out the satellite image on google map. You will feel a lot better.

 

[skiingfast]

The parks are very close: across an open area (plaza, esplanade) from each other! If you leave DL Park (even the furthest reached of DL Park by 8:40, you should make it to the GCH entrance to DCA before 9 am... and that's a *very* generous time estimate! If you are fast walkers, like we are, the walk time is closer to 5-10 minutes, including walking all the way out of Disneyland Park.

Okay, got it. That helps me tremendously, so I will plan accordingly. We should be fine. Thanks for your help!

Just to reiterate. To take advantage of being an onsite guest. Go to MM in DL first.

Now, while the gates of DL and DCA face eachother. They are only a little closer than the USO and IOA gates. You can enter DCA being an ontsite or regular guest at 9:30, through the regular entrance. To use the special GCH entrance(resort guests entrance) you have to add another 1,000 feet. Go into the GCH, just before the check in desk, make a left along the lobby. Going this way to the entrance will bring you into the park right near the WoC show pass distribution allowing entrance at 9:00.

 

[HydroGuy]

Check out the satellite image on google map. You will feel a lot better.

For example

Interactive Map of DLR - http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.809...2&z=19&l=0&m=b

 

[sweet maxine]

For example

Interactive Map of DLR - http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=33.809...2&z=19&l=0&m=b

Thank you so much! That really helps put it all in perspective for me.

 

[DahliaRW]

If you have someone who is in good shape it's quite simple to do. Last time we went DL and DCA opened at either 9 or 10 I believe. It was a MM day, so DL was 1 hour earlier. We all went in the gate for MM, dh grabbed all our tickets, ran to the GCH gate, got right in, grabbed WOC FPs, and got back to us in FL after we had ridden Peter Pan once! It was quick!

 

[SuzanneSLO]

The other advantage to using the GCH entrance after leaving DL is that the line will probably be shorter and certianly be less confusing while the construction walls are up. -- Suzanne

 

[Nonsuch]

If I am staying onsite, I can possibly get a FP for the WOC in the morning at the Grand Calif. hotel, right? But if I went for the early entry into DL that morning, I would have to circle back to the hotel to do that, is that right too?

I did both MM and WOC fastpasses in the same morning.

Line up at the security checkpoint at 6:30 to be in the front of the DL maingates for 7:00 magic morning. Ride Star Tours (or whatever you want), and pickup Star Tours fastpasses at 8:00.

Walk back to Grand Californian and line up by 9:00 (I shoot for 8:30). WOC fastpasses are handed out by cast members, so there is no need to enter California Adventure. Room keys are checked, and you may get passes for your whole party.

Many guest leave the line after receiving WOC fastpasses, but the entrance opens at 9:30 for resort guest to ride Little Mermaid. Little Mermaid is open only for resort guests until 10:00, room keys are checked.