To/From Storytellers Cafe

[robododo]

My family would like to go to the character breakfast at Storytellers, but we're not staying at the GCH - we'll be at DLH.

I've read mostly positive reports online saying that the CM will probably let us go from GCH -> DCA as long as we show our dining reservation. However, I can't seem to find any info about going the other way (DCA -> GCH). Perhaps my search-fu is failing me.

Has anyone had luck using the hotel's park entrance for dining reservations? Thanks!

 

[dieumeye]

For the most part, there is nothing stopping you from using the GCH/DCA entrance and exit. I use it all the time to go both ways when not staying at the hotel.

I understand that they do check for hotel keys first thing in the morning (but I haven’t experienced that recently since I haven’t been at that gate at opening for a long time) so I can’t confirm if they still do it or not.

However, even shortly after opening, you shouldn’t have any issue going either way. Especially leaving the park, there’s not even really anyone to stop you from exiting the park into the hotel.

 

[ParkHopper1]

Only restricted access is in through the front doors of the GHC off the street....and that is supposed to be accessible with a dining reservation. From DLH you would not be going that way anyway...you would enter GCH from DTD and anyone at any time can use that entry point in and and out unrestricted.

From inside the DCA, anyone can enter the GHC any time. The DCA entrance is supposed to be only for GCH guests, but it its often unmonitored and if it is, your Storytellers receipt should suffice. It is literally only tens of steps between Storytellers and the DCA gate if for some reason they don't let you though to DCA.

 

[robododo]

Thanks, gang!

We're planning to use the EMH and get a few rides in then head to breakfast around 10. Going through the GCH<->DCA entrance will hopefully safe us a bit of hassle.

 

[TinkerTay]

As said, they only check room keys when going from GCH into DCA, and that’s USUALLY for the EMH and for a couple hours after. I’ve stayed at GCH several times, (and will again in Nov) and I’ve never been asked for a room key going into the hotel, either from the DCA entrance, or the DD entrance. Regardless, your reservation would suffice anyway... by 10am, there shouldn’t be an issue as the crowds at that entrance will have slowed significantly...

 

[DLgal]

We stayed st GCH for 3 nights in July and were never once asked to show a room key going into DCA, even first thing in the morning (not on EMH days). I don't think they care much who uses that entrance unless it's during EMH.

Anyone, at any time, can enter the GCH from DCA. That is a public entrance.

 

[Mommb]

I have stayed at the Grand Californian several times, and agree that you should have no problem entering from California Adventure around 10 am. The only time I've needed to show a room key is first thing in the morning going into the park on EMH days. After breakfast, traffic will be light going back from the hotel to California Adventure, and even in the unlikely event you're questioned, showing you were at breakfast at Storytellers will definitely allow you through.

 

[BrandonH]

What is the entrance to use if I want to go to the GCH Craftsman Grill at 6 AM for a burrito?

 

[DLgal]

What is the entrance to use if I want to go to the GCH Craftsman Grill at 6 AM for a burrito?

Downtown Disney. My recommendation is to mobile order and do it before you even arrive at the hotel (click the I'm here button when you are still a few minutes away). They are SLOW at breakfast time. Even the mobile order will take 10-15 minutes, but at least you won't waste time standing in line to order and pay. They always only have one register open.