Hi there Heather,
Welcome back to planDisney! I'm so glad you stopped by with your question.
I'm happy to report that you can most definitely use the "secret" entrance into
Disney California Adventure Park through
Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. In fact, I highly recommend it!
In my opinion, every trip to the Happiest Place on Earth requires at least one entrance for each park through their main entry gates to get the full experience, but from then on I'll often use the other entrances to Disney California Adventure Park depending on what I'm planning on doing in the park.
That's right, I said other entrances - plural! Did you know that there is another "secret" entrance into Disney California Adventure Park for Disneyland Resort Hotel Guests? It's my favorite one because every time I've used it there has been absolutely no line or wait.
To access it, you'll want to walk toward the main entrance of Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, so you'll want to follow the sidewalk along Paradise Way and cross Disneyland Drive toward the hotel's entrance.
Typically, you would need to continue forward and scan your Disneyland Resort hotel key at the gate to access the resort. Instead, turn immediately to the right and you'll see another gate where you can scan your hotel key. This path will take you around the side of the hotel and bring you to another security checkpoint and entry turnstile directly into Disney California Adventure Park that will deposit you between
Corn Dog Castle and
Seaside Souvenirs (you can see the pathway on the map in the
Disneyland mobile app if you need a better visual on where to go).
I've clocked it in a friendly competition with other of my planDisney panelist pals and can confirm this is the fastest way into the Pixar Pier area from the Disneyland Resort hotels!
I hope that's helpful, Heather! Thanks again for your question and enjoy your trip later this year.
Have a Magical Day,
Greg