The Villas at Disney's Grand Californian Owners & Lovers Group - 2.0

[wdrl]

EE stands for Early Entry (aka Extra Magic Hours).

I agree with other posters that Disneyland (DL) and California Adventure (DCA) are smaller Parks that are easier to navigate than the Parks at Walt Disney World in Florida. Its difficult for me to describe, but the Disneyland Resort is somewhat easier to get around, but at the same time there are subtle differences compared to what we are use to in WDW.

Unless DLR has changed this Summer, DLR alternates Early Entry between DL and DCA. There are signs around VGC showing which Park has EE for each day.

Its nice that VGC has a direct entrance to DCA. However, be prepared for a long line that starts forming about an hour before the Park opens. Also, families and groups often send one person to save a place in line at 7:15 AM; then, about 15 minutes before the gates open the rest of the family or group shows up. Fortunately, the line moves quickly once the gate opens.

I suggest you make Radiator Springs Racers your number 1 priority on the day you visit DCA. Like Toy Story Mania and Hollywood Studios, it seems as if 98% of the guests go directly to that attraction at hose drop (that's right: Hose drop). On the way to RSR, you will pass the area where FastPasses are distributed for RSR and you might see some people already getting in line for RSR FastPasses. However, DCA does not start distributing FPs until the Park opens to the general public, so it makes more sense to ride RSR on standby first, then come back to get a FP.

Flo's V8 Cafe in Cars Land has a good breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I like their breakfast burritos, and they offer wine by the glass at lunch and dinner.

DLR will take a photo of you the first time you enter a Park. Its a quick snapshot, sort of like what DCL on the cruise ships.

Also, if you leave the Park and intend on returning to either DCA or DL the same day, then remember to get your hand stamped.

Since the overwhelming majority of guests go directing to Cars Land and RSR, the rest of the Park is pretty empty for the first hour or so. The VGC gate is closer to Paradise Pier and California Screaming, TSM, and the Fun Wheel, so its easy to walk over there and ride those rides all within the first hour.

 

[Anal Annie]

EE stands for Early Entry (aka Extra Magic Hours).

I agree with other posters that Disneyland (DL) and California Adventure (DCA) are smaller Parks that are easier to navigate than the Parks at Walt Disney World in Florida. Its difficult for me to describe, but the Disneyland Resort is somewhat easier to get around, but at the same time there are subtle differences compared to what we are use to in WDW.

Unless DLR has changed this Summer, DLR alternates Early Entry between DL and DCA. There are signs around VGC showing which Park has EE for each day.

Its nice that VGC has a direct entrance to DCA. However, be prepared for a long line that starts forming about an hour before the Park opens. Also, families and groups often send one person to save a place in line at 7:15 AM; then, about 15 minutes before the gates open the rest of the family or group shows up. Fortunately, the line moves quickly once the gate opens.

I suggest you make Radiator Springs Racers your number 1 priority on the day you visit DCA. Like Toy Story Mania and Hollywood Studios, it seems as if 98% of the guests go directly to that attraction at hose drop (that's right: Hose drop). On the way to RSR, you will pass the area where FastPasses are distributed for RSR and you might see some people already getting in line for RSR FastPasses. However, DCA does not start distributing FPs until the Park opens to the general public, so it makes more sense to ride RSR on standby first, then come back to get a FP.

Flo's V8 Cafe in Cars Land has a good breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I like their breakfast burritos, and they offer wine by the glass at lunch and dinner.

DLR will take a photo of you the first time you enter a Park. Its a quick snapshot, sort of like what DCL on the cruise ships.

Also, if you leave the Park and intend on returning to either DCA or DL the same day, then remember to get your hand stamped.

Since the overwhelming majority of guests go directing to Cars Land and RSR, the rest of the Park is pretty empty for the first hour or so. The VGC gate is closer to Paradise Pier and California Screaming, TSM, and the Fun Wheel, so its easy to walk over there and ride those rides all within the first hour.

Thanks. If you have park hoppers why do you need to get your hand stamped?

I was wondering about our breakfast options. Glad to hear about Flo's. I was thinking about packing a box of pop tarts or something.

 

[carissa1970]

My experience with Early Entry thought the VGC gate is that it is consistently horrible. We have done it several times, no idea why we don't just go out to the other entrance. Many times we get into the park AFTER the EE time is over. So basically we stand in line the entire hour. No kidding.

 

[wdrl]

Thanks. If you have park hoppers why do you need to get your hand stamped?

I was wondering about our breakfast options. Glad to hear about Flo's. I was thinking about packing a box of pop tarts or something.

DLR requires hand stamps because, well, it requires hand stamps. Why does DLR take photos of guests while WDW doesn't? Mickey works in mysterious ways.

Even if you don't eat at Flo's, take the time to walk through the cafe. The Disney imagineers did a great job of designing a 1960's roadside diner. It has some outdoor seating on the side that offers a good view Radiator Springs Racers. This photo doesn't do it justice, but here is the view from one of the dining areas from inside Flo's V8 Cafe. You can see the outdoor tables and RSR in the background.

And here is a better photo of RSR from Flo's outdoor area:

 

[DebbieB]

DL does not do the finger scan, which is why they do hand stamps. Prevents you from going into a park, leaving and handing it/selling it to someone outside to get in.

I think they only take pictures of annual pass holders.

 

[wdrl]

DL does not do the finger scan, which is why they do hand stamps. Prevents you from going into a park, leaving and handing it/selling it to someone outside to get in.

I think they only take pictures of annual pass holders.

I forgot that DLR does not do finger scans. We had a 5 Day Park Pass and they photographed me the first time I used it.

 

[Anal Annie]

DLR requires hand stamps because, well, it requires hand stamps. Why does DLR take photos of guests while WDW doesn't? Mickey works in mysterious ways.

Even if you don't eat at Flo's, take the time to walk through the cafe. The Disney imagineers did a great job of designing a 1960's roadside diner. It has some outdoor seating on the side that offers a good view Radiator Springs Racers. This photo doesn't do it justice, but here is the view from one of the dining areas from inside Flo's V8 Cafe. You can see the outdoor tables and RSR in the background.

And here is a better photo of RSR from Flo's outdoor area:

Any chance that Flo's has similar food to 50's Prime Time Cafe in HS? We like diner food….

DL does not do the finger scan, which is why they do hand stamps. Prevents you from going into a park, leaving and handing it/selling it to someone outside to get in.

I think they only take pictures of annual pass holders.

AHHH. OK. I sure hope we can remember about this hand stamping thing!!


I will tell DH & DS we need to go to the main entrance then if the VGC one is all gunked up!! THANKS guys!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Any chance that Flo's has similar food to 50's Prime Time Cafe in HS? We like diner food…. AHHH. OK. I sure hope we can remember about this hand stamping thing!! I will tell DH & DS we need to go to the main entrance then if the VGC one is all gunked up!! THANKS guys!!

Last we were there they did have a diner sort of menu but since it is a QS we did not think the quality matched up at all to 50's prime time.

 

[Msmithmd]

My experience with Early Entry thought the VGC gate is that it is consistently horrible. We have done it several times, no idea why we don't just go out to the other entrance. Many times we get into the park AFTER the EE time is over. So basically we stand in line the entire hour. No kidding.

Our "play" on EE is to stay at the VGC, but to walk around to the main DCA gate for admission rather than using the hotel gate. It seems like 2/3 of the EE guests line up at the hotel gate, since all 3 hotels are clustered.

The entry from the main gate is a bit more of a walk from VGC, but we have never waited more than 5-10 minutes to get through the entry gates from there. There are triple the entry portals, and it just seems to flow dramatically faster.

 

[Breyean]

DL does not do the finger scan, which is why they do hand stamps. Prevents you from going into a park, leaving and handing it/selling it to someone outside to get in.

I think they only take pictures of annual pass holders.

They take pictures of all guests using multiple day tickets on the the first visit using that ticket. This was a big issue discussed quite a bit on the board about a year ago, I think, when it was started. Disney started doing that to combat local ticket brokers who were buying multiple day tickets, then "selling" or better, "renting" them at a price lower than Disney's one day price but above what the brokers paid for the multiple day tickets. Now you have to not only have your picture taken, but you have to have your name on the back of the ticket, since these brokers were "renting" them to people, then getting them back at the end of the day to "rent" to another customer for the following day.

Plus, you will probably be asked for a picture ID as well, at least that first time into a park. They match the name on the ticket to the ID's. Then take your picture, which is how they know it's still you the next time you re-enter a park.

EXCEPT, when the photos don't work, which happened to us quite a bit last month. Then they ask for the picture ID again (sometimes for only one person in a family). That's also why they still hand stamp. The photo displays seem to go down every so often, so this way they know it's still you using the ticket for re-entry.

As for the entrance at VGC - it's great for leaving DCA or for entering later in the day. But there's a reason not to use it if you are trying to get the most out of the early entry to DCA. The security booths at the main entrance open WAY before the parks do. You can get through security there and go stand on one of the many lines to show your ticket, ID, get a picture, sign the ticket, etc. So as soon as the park opens, you start going in, plus a lot of the times we've been there, CMs will take the pictures etc of people while we're just standing on line. So when the turnstiles open, the lines tend to move quickly.

At the VGC entrance, I think there is one table with a security checker on either side. And those are with a few feet of the actual turnstile. So, even with fewer people than at the main gate, the line moves slower. And if you are motivated to get to the main entrance as early as possible, and can get to the front of one of the lines there, you can move through very quickly.

Right up to the point where you are stopped by the CMs from RSR with the gas hose and walked slowly to the ride.

 

[AZMermaid]

Everyone pretty well covered it. The entrance from GCH is great anytime.... except at opening. Unless you plan to get to it an hour before opening, walk around to the main gates. It isn't that far. The EE (Magic Morning) hours should be posted, but as a general rule, DL has it on the S and T days (Sat, Sun, Tues, Thurs) and DCA has it on MWF. This varies though, so I would check beforehand.

I have never eaten at Flo's and you all have convinced me it is a must do next time! We always only go for 2-3 days and tend to eat at our old stand bys!

We rode RSR first thing and then the other Carsland rides. After that, we went back into the Paradise Pier area and both Toy Story and Screamin were walk ons until about 30 minutes after the park opened to the public.

 

[DebbieB]

We typically walk to the main entrance. The last time we stayed at VGC in August, the hotel entrance was backed up to the store/quick service.

It's been a long time since I've had a regular ticket, so I didn't know they started taking pictures. My last few trips I've had a DVC AP.

 

[franandaj]

DL does not do the finger scan, which is why they do hand stamps. Prevents you from going into a park, leaving and handing it/selling it to someone outside to get in.

I think they only take pictures of annual pass holders.

With as many locals as there are it's feasible for one person to go in the morning, do a bunch of rides, go home and give the pass to someone else and they can go back and close the park. Between that and the ticket brokering situation mentioned here, they have done handstamps as long as I can remember. I think since DCA opened.

Any chance that Flo's has similar food to 50's Prime Time Cafe in HS? We like diner food….

Mostly it's open faced sandwiches and salads. I still have never eaten there yet.

AHHH. OK. I sure hope we can remember about this hand stamping thing!!


I will tell DH & DS we need to go to the main entrance then if the VGC one is all gunked up!! THANKS guys!!

You won't forget. CMs ask everyone leaving the park. Sometimes I get 3-4 stamps in a day.

 

[Breyean]

With as many locals as there are it's feasible for one person to go in the morning, do a bunch of rides, go home and give the pass to someone else and they can go back and close the park. Between that and the ticket brokering situation mentioned here, they have done handstamps as long as I can remember. I think since DCA opened.



Mostly it's open faced sandwiches and salads. I still have never eaten there yet.

I'm pretty sure Flo's is a little more upscale than the Prime Time Cafe. You can check the menu on the DL board.

You won't forget. CMs ask everyone leaving the park. Sometimes I get 3-4 stamps in a day.

We were there July 4th. Maybe because I was sweating like a pig, but I wound up getting 3 stamps in one day because they had a tough time reading them when I went from park to park. A CM also mentioned sunblock also can impact how long the stamp lasts. But I remember years ago getting a hand stamp at WDW, swimming, showering, running a marathon, showering again, and the stamp was still visible when I was in the dark rides the following day!

Maybe they changed the ink?

 

[DebbieB]

I'm pretty sure Flo's is a little more upscale than the Prime Time Cafe. You can check the menu on the DL board.

Flo's is counter service. I got the turkey dinner last time, it was pretty good. We like sitting out on the side and watch the cars on RSR as pictured above.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I'm pretty sure Flo's is a little more upscale than the Prime Time Cafe. You can check the menu on the DL board. We were there July 4th. Maybe because I was sweating like a pig, but I wound up getting 3 stamps in one day because they had a tough time reading them when I went from park to park. A CM also mentioned sunblock also can impact how long the stamp lasts. But I remember years ago getting a hand stamp at WDW, swimming, showering, running a marathon, showering again, and the stamp was still visible when I was in the dark rides the following day! Maybe they changed the ink?

Flo's is counter service. 50's prime time is table service so no, Flo's is not more upscale. Flo's is fine but if the 2 were side by side I'd head to 50's PT for better food.

 

[islandtimect]

This is so helpful. Can you enter via the main gate during EE, or only the gate near GCV?

 

[finchy3]

This is so helpful. Can you enter via the main gate during EE, or only the gate near GCV?

You can use the main gate for EE.

 

[Breyean]

Flo's is counter service. 50's prime time is table service so no, Flo's is not more upscale. Flo's is fine but if the 2 were side by side I'd head to 50's PT for better food.

I was just going by the menu I've checked passing by. It seemed to me the food selections were more exotic, is that a good way to put it, than at Prime Time.

I know we go to the latter on all our WDW trips and enjoy many things on the menu, but we've never been tempted by anything on the Flo's menu. I guess our tastes run to the simple.

 

[Anal Annie]

Morning folks! I was just looking at that TouringPlans.com site that I subscribed to (nothing like waiting until THE LAST WEEK) and it looked like if we want park hoppers that include the MM feature we need to order them in advance?! Am I reading that right? Can't we just buy our tix when we get there and still have the MM option?! Maybe it was just the wording on their website (coupled with the fact that I confuse easily)?! Thx for any clarification you can give me!!