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Brand New Entry Gates at Disneyland Park

The Disneyland Resort has officially upgraded its classic turnstiles to brand new entry gates, marking a major enhancement for guests visiting the Happiest Place on Earth. These state-of-the-art automated gates are now welcoming visitors to both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, streamlining the entry process and adding a dash of Disney magic from the very first moments of your park experience. As Disneyland Resort gears up for its dazzling 70th Celebration in May 2025, these upgraded entry gates are just one of many enhancements designed to make your visit smoother, more magical, and more memorable.

The Evolution from Turnstiles to Automated Entry Gates

For decades, the familiar click-clack of turnstiles was a rite of passage for Disneyland visitors, marking the moment you left the ordinary world behind and stepped into Walt Disney’s magical kingdom. But as technology evolves and guest expectations rise, Disney continues to innovate. The new automated entry gates are a complete reimagining of how guests enter the parks, blending modern convenience with that signature Disney sense of wonder.

The old turnstiles have been replaced with sleek, modern entry gates featuring digital screens, cameras, and automated opening doors. This transformation was carefully phased in to minimize disruption, with testing beginning in early 2024 and the first gates appearing later that year. By May 2025, both parks are fully equipped with these new gates, making entry faster and more efficient for everyone.

How Disney Made the Magic Happen

Disneyland’s entry gate upgrade was no small feat. Testing began at Disney California Adventure in March 2024, allowing the team to gather feedback and perfect the system. Construction on the main entrances kicked off in October 2024, and by December, the first set of new gates debuted at Disneyland’s west entrance in a “pre-launch” phase.

Now, all entry points at both parks are fully operational, featuring the latest technology for photo validation, MagicBand+ compatibility, and automated entry.

How to Use the New Disneyland Entry Gates: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a returning visitor, the new gates may look different, but the process is designed to be intuitive and quick. Here’s how to breeze through the new Disneyland entry gates:

Step 1: Scan Your Ticket, Pass, or MagicBand+

Walk up to any available gate and scan your admission. You can use a physical ticket, the Disneyland app on your smartphone, or your MagicBand+. Just tap or scan your ticket or band at the designated reader.

Step 2: Take Your Photo

After scanning, the system prompts you to take a photo. A camera icon appears on the screen-press it, and the camera will snap your picture, linking it to your ticket. The camera automatically adjusts for height, making it easy for both kids and adults.

Step 3: Enter the Park

Once your ticket is validated and your photo is taken, the gates swing open automatically. No more squeezing through turnstiles or struggling with strollers-just step right in and start your adventure! If you have a multi-day ticket or Magic Key pass, you only need to take your photo once; on future visits, the system will recognize you instantly.

MagicBand+ Entry

MagicBand+ and the new entry gates are a match made in Disney heaven. MagicBand+ debuted at Disneyland Resort in 2022 and now works seamlessly with the upgraded entry system!

Tap and Go

With MagicBand+, you simply tap your band at the gate’s reader. Your band is linked to your park reservation and ticket, so there’s no need to fumble for your phone or paper ticket. The system recognizes your band and welcomes you with a magical flourish!

But MagicBand+ does more than just streamline entry. It lights up and vibrates during special park moments, syncs with nighttime spectaculars like “World of Color” and “Fantasmic!”, and adds interactive fun throughout the parks. You can also use it to check in at Lightning Lane entrances, making your whole day more convenient and immersive!

What Makes the New Gates Special

Disney never misses a chance to add a little extra magic. The new entry gates are packed with fun features and whimsical details.

Character Greetings

Each gate features animated Disney characters who greet you as you enter and wave goodbye as you leave. At Disneyland Park, Mickey Mouse himself welcomes you, while at Disney California Adventure, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit makes a special appearance.

Hidden Magic

The gates themselves are beautifully designed, with frosted glass, delicate filigree, and starry swirls that add a touch of fantasy to your arrival. Every detail is carefully crafted to make your first steps into the park feel magical.

Accessibility for All

One of the best things about the new gates is their universal accessibility. Every gate is ADA compliant, so guests using wheelchairs, ECVs, and strollers can use any entrance. No more searching for a special gate or waiting for assistance-the new system is designed so everyone gets the same magical welcome.

The gates open wide automatically after your ticket is validated, making entry smooth and easy for all guests.

Alternative Entry Points

While the main entrances are the most popular, there are a few lesser-known ways to enter the parks that can save you time:

Disneyland Monorail

If you have a Disneyland Park reservation, you can board the Disneyland Monorail in Downtown Disney and ride straight into Tomorrowland, skipping the main gate.

Grand Californian Hotel Entrance

Guests at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa can use a private entrance near Grizzly Peak to enter Disney California Adventure, provided they have valid admission and a reservation.

Pixar Place Hotel Access

Early risers staying at the Disneyland Resort hotels can use a special entrance near Goofy’s Sky School at Disney California Adventure from 30 minutes before park opening until noon.

The Technology Behind the Magic

The new entry system uses advanced technology to keep the process quick and secure. When you scan your ticket or MagicBand+, the system prompts you to take a photo, which is then linked to your ticket. This helps prevent ticket sharing and ensures a smooth re-entry process for multi-day visits.

Unlike some facial recognition systems, this process is guest-initiated and doesn’t scan faces automatically. It’s all about making entry fast, secure, and convenient.

What’s Next for Disneyland Resort

The new entry gates are just the beginning. As Disneyland Resort celebrates its 70th anniversary, guests can look forward to:

  • The return of the spectacular “Paint the Night” parade at Disneyland Park

  • Limited-time décor, food, and beverages celebrating 70 years of magic

  • Special anniversary merchandise and collectibles

  • New entertainment, including “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” and the Pixar Pals Playtime Party at Fantasyland Theatre

Disneyland is always evolving, and these upgrades are just a taste of the magic to come.

Disneyland

FAQ: Disneyland’s New Entry Gates

1. How do the new Disneyland entry gates work?
Guests scan their ticket, MagicBand+, or Disneyland app at the gate, then take a quick photo using the gate’s camera. The gates swing open automatically once the ticket and photo are validated, making entry faster and more convenient. Cast Members are available to help if needed.

2. Can I use MagicBand+ or the Disneyland app to enter?
Yes! You can tap your MagicBand+ at the access point or scan your ticket in the Disneyland app for easy, hands-free entry. Both options work seamlessly with the new gates.

3. Do children need to take a photo at the gate?
Children under 3 do not need a ticket or reservation and can enter without scanning or taking a photo. Kids ages 3 and up will follow the same scan-and-snap process as adults, with the camera automatically adjusting for their height.

4. Are the new entry gates accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and ECVs?
Absolutely. Every gate is ADA compliant and designed for easy access by guests using wheelchairs, ECVs, or strollers. The gates open wide automatically, so everyone can enter together without hassle.

5. What if I need to leave and re-enter the park?
Re-entry is simple. As long as your ticket and park reservation are valid for the day, just scan your ticket or MagicBand+ again at the gate. Your photo is already linked, so you can come and go as needed.

A Magical New Beginning at Disneyland

The transformation from old-school turnstiles to modern entry gates is more than just a tech upgrade-it’s a symbol of Disney’s commitment to making every guest’s visit as magical and effortless as possible. As Disneyland celebrates its 70th anniversary, these new gates are a perfect blend of the park’s rich history and its innovative future.

Whether you’re a lifelong Disney fan or a first-time visitor, these gates are designed to get you into the magic faster, with less waiting and more wonder. From the moment you scan your ticket or tap your MagicBand+, you’re swept into a world of imagination, adventure, and unforgettable memories.

So get ready for your next Disneyland adventure-the magic starts the moment you walk through those sparkling new gates! Be sure to check out our friends over at Yeti Travel, they can help plan and book your next vacation at the lowest offered prices at no extra cost! Let someone else stress over the planning of your next trip!