Anyone who has visited the Disneyland Resort recently may have noticed that the entrance process has changed a bit. What were once turnstiles that guests would enter the parks through are now mostly entry gates. These gates provide for a different entry experience. This experience is a lot simpler and more efficient for guests wanting to go enjoy the magic inside. While not all of the new gates have been completed, most of them are. Below is everything you need to know when entering Disneyland or Disney California Adventure through these new entry gates.
How Do I Use the New Entry Gates at Disneyland?
Once you’re ready to start the fun, head over to the entrance gate of your choice. Every gate is ADA compliant, allowing all guests with ECVs, wheelchairs and strollers to use and pass through them with ease!
Step 1: To enter each park, you will scan each ticket using screens present at individual entry gates.
Step 2: Once each ticket is scanned, every guest in your group will then use the screen to take their own picture by pressing the camera icon on the screen to capture your photo. And don’t worry about the kids: each entry gate is equipped with camera technology that will automatically adjust to each guest’s height while you are snapping the photo!
Step 3: Once your ticket is scanned and the photo is digitally attached to your ticket, the entry gates will automatically swing open for your party to head into the park together.
What is the Entry Process Like?
Many guests want to kick off their early morning at the resort by quickly scanning their tickets at the entrance gates so they can pick up their food and beverages they mobile ordered from Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe or head toward a popular attraction like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
At each entrance gate, you will be able to scan your tickets and take your own pictures to attach to your tickets. If you have a multi-day ticket or a Magic Key pass, you will only have to take your picture linked to your ticket one time, making this process smooth for returning guests!
While this new process allows guests to scan their tickets by themselves, a nearby cast member will also be there to help so you can get to your next ride or make your lunch reservation in time.
What is New About This Entry Experience?
These updates at the entryways to Disneyland and California Adventure aim to improve the arrival experience with even more gates than before.
While a cast member will still be present at the park entrances to validate tickets and photos and welcome guests to the resort, newly accessible gates will open automatically after you scan your ticket and take a photo, including for guests with ECVs, wheelchairs and strollers.
The updated entry gates will also have an access point to tap your MagicBand+, allowing for easy and hands-free access.
How Does My Toddler Enter the Parks?
All guests under the age of 3 do not need a valid admission ticket or theme park reservation to enter either park, though all guests ages 3 years old and above must have both. Guests over the age of 3 will follow the same process of scanning and capturing a photo when entering, with an adult’s help of course!
And there’s plenty to do with your little one at both theme parks once you pass through the entry gates – make sure to hop on a kid-friendly ride like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in Mickey’s Toontown, catch “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” when it debuts on May 16 or dance and play at the Fantasyland Theatre with Pixar Pals Playtime Party when it returns for a limited time beginning May 23!
Can I Use the Disneyland App or MagicBand+ to Enter?
Of course! Once you’ve purchased your tickets and made your theme park reservation, open the Disneyland app* and select the menu (the three horizontal lines in the bottom right of the navigation bar).
Then, once you tap “My Tickets and Passes” and load your tickets to the app by selecting “Link Tickets & Passes,” you’ll be all set to head toward the entry gates to scan your tickets and enter the park. Feel free to use the Disneyland app or tap your MagicBand+ to the access points to enter!
With additional planning tools, exclusive content and park updates including ride wait times and showtimes, the Disneyland app is your new best friend when visiting the resort over the course of your stay.
Are There Any Disney-Inspired Features?
There are! Each entry gate features animated clips of beloved characters welcoming and eventually bidding farewell to guests upon entering and exiting, with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit at California Adventure!
How Do I Re-Enter the Parks?
Whether you’re trying to catch the dazzling nighttime return of the upcoming “Paint the Night” parade in Disneyland park or looking to take in the sights and sounds of “World of Color Happiness!” in Disney California Adventure park, the process remains the same for all guests when re-entering the parks with a theme park reservation and a valid ticket for the same day. Just scan your admission media and come on in!
Mr. Daps is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Daps Magic! Find Mr. Daps regularly at Disneyland with his trilby and bow tie taking pictures and simply enjoying the Happiest Place on Earth. He is the weekly host of Geeks Corner and your reporter for all that Disney And Positive Stuff. Find videos of all of that one the Daps Magic YouTube channel. Mr. Daps is also a Brand Ambassador with Her Universe! Find Mr. Daps on Twitter,Instagram, and Threads! If you see Mr. Daps in the parks, be sure and say hi!
