Earlier this year at the main entrance of Disney California Adventure, new turnstiles were tested for a limited period. At the time, Kevin Gidden, General Manager of Arrival Experience, said, “We continue to invest in the overall guest experience, and our updated, enhanced entry gates will really elevate the process of arriving at our theme parks. The test entry gate installed at Disney California Adventure Park will enable our teams to get hands-on experience that will help inform the final install beginning later this year.”
Since that time, work has been seen happening around the main gates, particularly in front of Disneyland. The beginning of the final installation is now close to happening. The Disneyland Resort confirmed that on October 7th, the first bank on the west side of the main entrance turnstiles will close at Disneyland. This will begin a phased approach to replacing the rest of the main entrance turnstiles in the coming months. The project is expected to be completed sometime in 2025. The phased approach is being taken to minimize disruption for cast members and guests as they are welcomed to The Happiest Place On Earth!
The new turnstiles will be a major improvement for the Disneyland Resort. The new gates will be ADA-compliant and allow for strollers, wheelchairs, and Electric Conveyance Vehicles (ECVs) to enter. This will make for a smoother (and most likely quicker) entry experience for guests as they come to the parks.
When guests arrive, the gates will open automatically after a guest scans their ticket and takes a photo. There will be one cast member at each entry gate to validate tickets and photos along with welcoming guests as they enter the parks. These updated entry gates will also have an access point for Guests to tap their MagicBand+.
Ultimately the new turnstiles will be utilized at the entrances to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure from the Esplanade along with the entrance to Disneyland at the Monorail station in Downtown Disney District.
What do you think of these new gates for the Disneyland Resort parks? Are you looking forward to experiencing them? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
