Based on a stay this past Fri/Sat (Jul 16/17) The security line at GCH to DCA opened at 7:30am. The line moved incredibly quickly. Craftsmans was open for breakfast, and many folks took their breakfast over to the breezeway lounge area to eat outdoors at tables. Technically, that area is closed since the lounge is closed, but I never saw folx asked to leave. (That was between 8-10am -ish, they might get more adamant closer to lounge opening.) Hearthstone lounge was "no entry - closed" in the morning, so I can (sadly) confirm prior post.
The registration line moved quickly and was never long the times we were there. Admittedly, we could have just been incredibly lucky, or just didn't pass through the lobby often enough to see a long line. The toiletry amenities are still the individual tubes, so the big pumps haven't yet infiltrated the cash stay portion of the hotel.... I don't know if they're elsewhere in the resort.
My favourite spot of the resort is the area I call the "Haven Hideaway." With registration on your right, exit the lobby. Take a left and discover a hearth area with tables, chairs and outlets. It used to be a wedding area, you can still see the paved aisles for the parties to walk. In the morning, with your back to the hearth, there are several hummingbirds that flit to and fro from the trees in the center and right. There were butterflies and a few honeybees. Mostly hummingbirds. That was between 7-8a during a period where the dew was just evaporating from the morning sun. A lovely haven to enjoy a quiet spot of nature and morning cuppa.
Overall, it was a great first time stay. I definitely felt the "Disney bubble" much more in GC than DL or PP. Thanks all for your posts to help first timers and returning guests!