Originally Posted By momofbuzzfan First...I apologize if this should go into Disney Dining. That section doesn't seem to get as much traffic. We will be staying offsite. We plan to eat lunch at Whitewater Snacks this December while at DCA. From what I understand, we can use the GCH exit to leave the park and get to Whitewater Snacks (or is that incorrect?). But to get back inside DCA, do we have to walk all the way around? Or can we get back in through the GCH park entrance? I'm pretty sure I have read that some people have done it after eating there (while staying offsite), so I was wondering if it was a loose policy and they sometimes let some people back in. Thanks for any insight....
Originally Posted By gottaluvdavillains I have always used the GCH entrance to get to and from White Water Snacks...
Originally Posted By mawnck The GCH entrance works just like the main entrance, only it's small and shady and there's no line. And there are no giant letters or tile murals. And they don't ever play "26 Miles" over the sound system. Just don't forget to have your hand stamped.
Originally Posted By retlawfan ALSO: Keep your receipt from Whitewater Snacks. Technically, the DCA entrance at the Grand is for hotel guests only, and they often request to see your room charge slip, or a room key. But, if you show them a receipt from the hotel (Whitewater Snacks, Acorn Gifts), they'll let you re-enter without a problem. PS. Say Hi to Chappy if he's working there. He's a regular cast member at that gate, and always a fun one to chat with as we pass through.
Originally Posted By momofbuzzfan Wow......thanks for all the responses. Good news! We have heard so much about the place and we are excited to try it.
Originally Posted By oc_dean The Grand Californian's entrance into DCA is awfully convenient! Just to avoid the long lines to get through security is worth it. Mind you .. they do check your bags .. It's just not a big pile-up through the main esplanade. And every time I've used it ... I've never been asked for a room key. Just lucky I guess.
Originally Posted By DouglasDubh I think they only check for room keys in the first hour or two the park is open.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< Technically, the DCA entrance at the Grand is for hotel guests only, and they often request to see your room charge slip, or a room key. >>> My understanding is that this is true only for your first entry to DCA for the day. If you are re-entering the park, then any guest is entitled to use it.
Originally Posted By poohbear14 <<<My understanding is that this is true only for your first entry to DCA for the day. If you are re-entering the park, then any guest is entitled to use it.>>> I think this is more true for first time entries before noon. I've never been stopped when using this entrance in the afternoon.
Originally Posted By momofbuzzfan You guys are making me so excited for the upcoming trip. Hurry up December......
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 I agree, you should have no problem with a hand stamp and a receipt. I think the hand stamp is a the "key" here. We usually stay at PPH and walk through the Grand Entrance. Before noon we always have to show our room key. I can't remember being asked later in the day. I have seen them turn people away Chappy! The first time he searched my purse it was kind of funny because he was so technical that we were expecting him to pull out a duster for fingerprints For some reason we dubbed him "Maxwell Smart." Now we look forward to seeing him there
Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove We were asked for a key one late October afternoon (my two DD's and I). We had hand stamps and everything. I guess we looked unworthy. Luckily we were staying at the Grand, so we were permitted to enter DCA that way. I'd be scared to try to enter with just a WWS receipt...I must be on the watch list. xoxo
Originally Posted By bean It wouldn't make sense for management to be stopping flow of guests thru those gates. One of the reasons for having the restauarants and snack shops close to the grizzly gates was to allow park guests to be able to use the eating facilities.
Originally Posted By mawnck >>I'd be scared to try to enter with just a WWS receipt<< Before you exit, you can always ask the gate cast members if they'll let you back in.
Originally Posted By SoThisIsLove True, true. They can compare me with the wanted posters, then decide.
Originally Posted By ni_teach I have gone in and out of the gate for ever since the DCA open and I have never had a problem or asked for a room key.
