Want to rope drop on arrival day - where to stay the night before?

[2vets]

WDW veteran here, visiting DL/DCA for the second time (first was almost 20 yrs ago and only for a day) next weekend. I blew it out for three nights, staying CL at GCH, and I can't wait! I know that being on site isn't as important as it would be at WDW, but this was intended to be a splurge since it is really my first true visit. Most of my trip is with my sister and niece, but I have one solo day on Friday to do all the things that the two of them would not want to do.

I live in San Diego and was originally thinking I'd just get up early and drive up, but Friday night is a grad night, and I was thinking resort guest early entry would be a great plan to ensure I can make the most of the day. So I'm now considering coming up the night before, leaving after work. I am having a tough time justifying an on-site hotel for that night - any recommendations for an offsite place that would make bleary-eyed, crack of dawn navigation to GCH as easy as possible? I was looking at the Westin Anaheim, which looks like it's right there. There are decently priced discounted duo studios at DLH for that night, also tempting since I am a solo female, and that also gets me right into the bubble the night before, despite $$. Wed is my birthday and all!

Thanks!

(Edited to clarify early entry for resort guests, not rope drop)

 

[Pluto468]

WDW veteran here, visiting DL/DCA for the second time (first was almost 20 yrs ago and only for a day) next weekend. I blew it out for three nights, staying CL at GCH, and I can't wait! I know that being on site isn't as important as it would be at WDW, but this was intended to be a splurge since it is really my first true visit. Most of my trip is with my sister and niece, but I have one solo day on Friday to do all the things that the two of them would not want to do.

I live in San Diego and was originally thinking I'd just get up early and drive up, but Friday night night is a grad night, and I was thinking resort guest rope drop would be a great plan to ensure I can make the most of the day. So I'm now considering coming up the night before, leaving after work. I am having a tough time justifying an on-site hotel for that night - any recommendations for an offsite place that would make bleary-eyed, crack of dawn navigation to GCH as easy as possible? I was looking at the Westin Anaheim, which looks like it's right there. There are decently priced discounted duo studios at DLH for that night, also tempting since I am a solo female, and that also gets me right into the bubble the night before, despite $$. Wed is my birthday and all!

Thanks!

If GCH isn't an option, I'd go with your idea of DLH. They will move your luggage for you, so that will make it even easier.

 

[2vets]

If GCH isn't an option, I'd go with your idea of DLH. They will move your luggage for you, so that will make it even easier.

I just had a work colleague who is a DL pro tell me to suck it up and spring for a non-CL arrival night at GCH....

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

I just had a work colleague who is a DL pro tell me to suck it up and spring for a non-CL arrival night at GCH....

It would be nice to not have to move your luggage or car the next day. That would be a pain.

But gosh, driving up to Anaheim from San Diego after work can be really brutal. I would plan on 3-4 hours drive.

For me, I don’t know if that extra experience and the rough drive/late arrival would be worth the 60 minutes early entry. But I can see the draw!

 

[2vets]

It would be nice to not have to move your luggage or car the next day. That would be a pain.

But gosh, driving up to Anaheim from San Diego after work can be really brutal. I would plan on 3-4 hours drive.

For me, I don’t know if that extra experience and the rough drive/late arrival would be worth the 60 minutes early entry. But I can see the draw!

I agree, the drive is going to stink if I leave at 4 or 5. I work primarily with East Coast colleagues and am not bound by 8- or 9-to-5 hours, thankfully (or not, since I am often online at 5 or 6 am). Right now, it looks good for a 1 or 2 pm departure as long as I'm busting it at work the rest of the week, and if that's the case, only the 405 would likely be truly awful.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Westin being right there and within the bday budget would seal that deal for me. Despite the much heavier traffic I feel like I would still end up with a lot more energy to hit rope drop and do that day in the parks than if I got up at the crack of dawn and did the drive in the morning.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

I agree, the drive is going to stink if I leave at 4 or 5. I work primarily with East Coast colleagues and am not bound by 8- or 9-to-5 hours, thankfully (or not, since I am often online at 5 or 6 am). Right now, it looks good for a 1 or 2 pm departure as long as I'm busting it at work the rest of the week, and if that's the case, only the 405 would likely be truly awful.

Oh that’s much better! Although the backup will likely start once you hit I-5 through Mission Viejo. They are doing major construction there and the traffic has been much worse than usual. It’s been so annoying!

Leaving at 1pm rather than 2pm will help but it’s a bear going north in the afternoon/evening.

Edited to add… Sitting in the blasted Mission Viejo traffic right now on our way to DL. 1pm.

 

[2vets]

Oh that’s much better! Although the backup will likely start once you hit I-5 through Mission Viejo. They are doing major construction there and the traffic has been much worse than usual. It’s been so annoying!

Leaving at 1pm rather than 2pm will help but it’s a bear going north in the afternoon/evening.

Edited to add… Sitting in the blasted Mission Viejo traffic right now on our way to DL. 1pm.

We drive to LA throughout the year for scuba diving charters - I know exactly what you're talking about. that plus the "curve of terror" (or I should say, perceived terror) are the main reasons I always try to get my husband to drive, haha . I'm sure you're seeing this as well, but it is apparent from the roads here this week that summer tourist season is juuuust kicking in - not July yet or anything, but definitely a change from a week or two ago- that always throws a wrench into traffic, as well. There are pros and cons to Thurs PM or Fri am, but I am hoping that if I can get ahead at work Thursday will make for a calmer, saner, more enjoyable Friday!

Truly appreciate the responses, thank you!

 

[2vets]

Westin being right there and within the bday budget would seal that deal for me. Despite the much heavier traffic I feel like I would still end up with a lot more energy to hit rope drop and do that day in the parks than if I got up at the crack of dawn and did the drive in the morning.

Agree. There's another detail here, as well, I snagged a chef's table at Napa Rose on Friday night - I do NOT want to be unconscious for that! Thank you!

 

[irlandaise]

I live in San Diego and was originally thinking I'd just get up early and drive up, but Friday night night is a grad night, and I was thinking resort guest rope drop would be a great plan to ensure I can make the most of the day. So I'm now considering coming up the night before, leaving after work. I am having a tough time justifying an on-site hotel for that night - any recommendations for an offsite place that would make bleary-eyed, crack of dawn navigation to GCH as easy as possible?

I'm not quite clear what your goal is here. You mention "resort guest rope drop" which sounds like you're talking about Early Entry, which is only available to Disney hotel guests and happens before rope drop. But you also mentioned "rope drop," which is available to anyone. And if you stay off-site, why would you need to transfer to the Grand Californian at dawn?

If you want Early Entry without paying GCH prices, then as others have mentioned, one night at the DL hotel would cost less and make for easy transfer of your luggage the next day.

 

[2vets]

I'm not quite clear what your goal is here. You mention "resort guest rope drop" which sounds like you're talking about Early Entry, which is only available to Disney hotel guests and happens before rope drop. But you also mentioned "rope drop," which is available to anyone. And if you stay off-site, why would you need to transfer to the Grand Californian at dawn?

If you want Early Entry without paying GCH prices, then as others have mentioned, one night at the DL hotel would cost less and make for easy transfer of your luggage the next day.

I am a resort guest as of Friday (check-in day), so I would have access to early entry for resort guests Fri morning - that was what I meant. I would move my stuff first thing because - honestly - I would not want to leave again, especially at those rates!

 

[irlandaise]

I am a resort guest as of Friday (check-in day), so I would have access to early entry for resort guests Fri morning - that was what I meant. I would move my stuff first thing because - honestly - I would not want to leave again, especially at those rates!

Oh, I see. I didn't realize that Disney guests could use Early Entry before they checked in. In that case, if you choose not to stay at the GCH or DLH the first night, maybe just pick someplace convenient to the GCH via rideshare or taxi so you can drive over and transfer your luggage early morning and then walk from the GCH to the park that has EE.

[edited to reflect the information that the OP will have a car.]

 

[Disney Dad ADL]

I am a resort guest as of Friday (check-in day), so I would have access to early entry for resort guests Fri morning - that was what I meant. I would move my stuff first thing because - honestly - I would not want to leave again, especially at those rates!

We do this kind of thing all the time. We usually stay in any of the hotels near by, like the Hilton or Sheraton or whatever. Then we wake up early and drive over to GCH and check in early before early entry and ask them to hold our luggage for us. If you have a car it doesn’t really matter which hotel you pick. We do like the Sheraton or the Hilton around there, but the distance when driving is not significant. Then we go to the park EE. You may need a bit more time than you expect because there can be a line at check in, and you also have to park your car

 

[2vets]

This is all super-helpful, thanks so much! I am back and forth on blowing the extra cash on GCH - to avoid a line or delays early, that is obvs the best onsite option, otherwise, I'll just pick whatever is right in that vicinity and save some cash. If I think I can get there early enough to enjoy the room for a bit, I may just go for it.

Truly appreciated! Looking forward to it .

 

[Disney Dad ADL]

Oh, I see. I didn't realize that Disney guests could use Early Entry before they checked in. In that case, if you choose not to stay at the GCH or DLH the first night, maybe just pick someplace convenient to the GCH via rideshare or taxi so you can drive over and transfer your luggage early morning and then walk from the GCH to the park that has EE.

[edited to reflect the information that the OP will have a car.]

You can’t use EE before checking in. You have to check in first. But you can check in anytime after midnight (I think) , so it is possible to check in before EE opens and then you can use it.

 

[StarlitNight05]

You can’t use EE before checking in. You have to check in first. But you can check in anytime after midnight (I think) , so it is possible to check in before EE opens and then you can use it.

I heard it was anytime after 5am on check-in day, but we have never tried checking in earlier than that.

OP, we have done this multiple times, as another poster described. We like Hyatt House or whatever is cheapest when we book. We've done Hotel Indigo as well, and while it's not as new feeling as Hyatt House, it was an amazing deal and they have free parking.

ETA: Hotel Indigo was nice to grab dinner at McCormick & Schmick's (a few doors down). It was a great meal!

 

[crystal1313]

I heard it was anytime after 5am on check-in day, but we have never tried checking in earlier than that.

OP, we have done this multiple times, as another poster described. We like Hyatt House or whatever is cheapest when we book. We've done Hotel Indigo as well, and while it's not as new feeling as Hyatt House, it was an amazing deal and they have free parking.

ETA: Hotel Indigo was nice to grab dinner at McCormick & Schmick's (a few doors down). It was a great meal!

The Wyndham next door to the indigo also has free parking.

 

[2vets]

You can’t use EE before checking in. You have to check in first. But you can check in anytime after midnight (I think) , so it is possible to check in before EE opens and then you can use it.

On the app, it says I can check in 5 days prior? I'd still want to log any special requests with an actual CM, but I can always wait until the park gets busy and I want a break, which will be hours before 3 pm . Then again, I don't want to ruin EE by assuming I'm all set.

The more I think about it, the more I want to get to GCH the night before so I'm all parked and semi-settled. But ack, those prices.

 

[Pluto468]

On the app, it says I can check in 5 days prior? I'd still want to log any special requests with an actual CM, but I can always wait until the park gets busy and I want a break, which will be hours before 3 pm . Then again, I don't want to ruin EE by assuming I'm all set.

The more I think about it, the more I want to get to GCH the night before so I'm all parked and semi-settled. But ack, those prices.

Is your date available during the sale? If you stayed at GCH that night you could settle in, get a good night's sleep and be ready for EE with no hassle. It might be worth it if the cost difference isn't too much compared to staying elsewhere.

 

[Disney Dad ADL]

On the app, it says I can check in 5 days prior? I'd still want to log any special requests with an actual CM, but I can always wait until the park gets busy and I want a break, which will be hours before 3 pm . Then again, I don't want to ruin EE by assuming I'm all set.

The more I think about it, the more I want to get to GCH the night before so I'm all parked and semi-settled. But ack, those prices.

You can check in on the app before, but you need to check in at the front desk that morning because you need the hotel keycard in order to access Early Entry (unless they have changed the process ). When you go into the park they ask to see your hotel key. You will not have a room assignment yet most likely but they will still give you a key and then they will text you when your room is ready.