We did not realize the bag check is now before entering downtown disney, which means one can no longer enter from the west on Disneyland Drive through the Grand Californian, adding quite a few extra minutes walk from the Best Western Stovall’s on Katella since you now have to loop up north a bit to get in. At least one can still exit though the hotel.
Yes this was a change made about a year, maybe a little more ago. We stayed at the Paradise Pier shortly after the change last Jan & also experienced a slightly longer walk. But yes, you can use the GC to exit shortening the walk back just a bit.
Hope authors update the chart in next edition. Also that they consider adding a what’s new/changed page(s) so one doesn’t have to reread every page.