Visit to Grand Californian? No way.

[poohbear2]

We are in Anaheim for the week and in previous years I have had no issue visiting the Grand Californian, having lunch and visiting the gift shop but the other day another security officer refused me to enter the hotel. Is this a new thing? I was able to enter 2 years ago but haven't been since.

 

[dcfromva]

Where were you entering from? Downtown Disney, DCA or the front gate?

 

[starry_solo]

If you were attempting to enter from the street, then yes, a security guard would stop you because that entrance is for hotel guests only. You can go in through DTD.

 

[ClaraOswald]

I believe you have to have a hotel reservation or maybe a dining reservation to enter from the front.

If you want to visit any other time, you will need to park at Downtown Disney or one of the parking garages and then walk into the hotel from the DTD side.

 

[poohbear2]

I think it was the front gate. The entrance across from Pixar Pier.

 

[Nonsuch]

We are in Anaheim for the week and in previous years I have had no issue visiting the Grand Californian, having lunch and visiting the gift shop but the other day another security officer refused me to enter the hotel. Is this a new thing? I was able to enter 2 years ago but haven't been since.

Entry from Disneyland Drive has been restricted since 2017.
Security guards are generally only posted in the morning.

 

[Obi-J Kenobi]

I think it was the front gate. The entrance across from Pixar Pier.

Did you have a reservation for lunch? Because if they take your reservation, I think they need to let you in. If not, I don't think they understand the point of the reservation which is to let you into the building for the table they are holding for you.

 

[ParkHopper1]

Back when they included DTD into the security bubble they stopped non GCH hotel guests from using the front door of the GCH as a shortcut and overwhelming the limited security checkpoints backing up actual GCH guests entry through the front. That entry point has been limited to GCH Guests and GCH restaurant reservation holders for some time. Anyone can enter/exit the GCH from DTD or DCA at any time.

They have been at times have been more relaxed on enforcement which is why you may have gotten in with "I am having lunch" but above is the actual policy.