New Magic at the Gates: Disneyland’s Entry Experience Gets a High-Tech Upgrade

Disneyland’s new ADA-compliant entry gates featuring digital screens and scanners at the park’s main entrance.

Welcome to a Smoother Disneyland Entry Experience

Entering Disneyland Resort is a memory guests cherish forever. Now, this iconic moment just got even more magical with the launch of modernized entry gates designed for convenience, accessibility, and speed.

Where to Find the New Disneyland Entry Gates

The new gates are located at the esplanade between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Guests will recognize the area but will be greeted by sleek, tech-forward entry gates replacing the old turnstiles.

Alternate Entry Points Include:
  • Disneyland Monorail (Downtown Disney): Direct entry to Tomorrowland with valid ticket and reservation.

  • Grand Californian Hotel & Spa Entrance: Direct access to Disney California Adventure near Grizzly Peak for hotel guests with valid admission.

  • Pixar Place Hotel Entrance: Early morning access to Disney California Adventure near Goofy’s Sky School for hotel guests, available until 12 p.m.

How to Use the New Gates

  1. Scan Tickets: Simply scan tickets at the entry gate screen.

  2. Take a Photo: Capture a quick selfie using the built-in camera, which adjusts for all heights—even the littlest visitors.

  3. Enter Automatically: Once verified, the gates swing open, welcoming your group inside.

A Quick and Friendly Process

Guests with multi-day tickets or Magic Key passes only need to take their entry photo once. Cast members remain nearby to assist with any questions, ensuring everyone can enjoy their day without delays.

New Features to Enhance the Experience

  • More Entry Gates: Reducing wait times with additional gates.

  • ADA Compliance: Gates designed for easy use with strollers, wheelchairs, and ECVs.

  • MagicBand+ Integration: Hands-free access with a simple tap.

  • Animated Character Greetings: Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit bring extra Disney magic to every entry and exit.

What About Young Guests?

Children under 3 do not require a ticket or reservation. Guests aged 3 and up follow the same scan-and-photo process with adult help if needed.

App and MagicBand+ Entry Options

Guests can load tickets in the Disneyland app or use MagicBand+ for seamless entry. The app also offers mobile ordering, park maps, showtimes, and real-time wait times.

What’s Coming Next to Disneyland Resort?

The Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration kicks off May 16, 2025, featuring limited-time entertainment, themed food, special merchandise, and new experiences across the resort. Downtown Disney continues to expand with new dining and shopping.

Closing Magic

Whether arriving for a first visit or returning for nighttime spectaculars, the upgraded gates make park entry faster and more magical than ever before. Don’t miss the chance to be part of Disneyland Resort’s exciting next chapter starting May 16.

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