Disneyland Turnstiles Upgraded to New Entry Gates — What to Know

For so many guests, it’s a rite of passage to head through the entry gates of Disneyland park for the first time, allowing them to enter a world of yesterday, tomorrow and fantasy in a truly unforgettable moment that they will always remember.  

Yet the next step once you pass through those gates is up to you as you enter this ultimate family destination, whether you’re looking to board a classic attraction like Haunted Mansion, snack on a legendary Disney treat or pose for a picture in front of an iconic location like Sleeping Beauty Castle. 

Whether you’re a Southern California local, visiting from out-of-town or staying at one of the three Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, we’re sure you can’t wait to enter the parks as quickly as possible. 

If you’ve been wondering about the easiest ways to enter The Happiest Place on Earth, we’ve got plenty of answers about the upgrades to the entry gates at the entrances for Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park.

Located at the main entrance to both Disneyland and California Adventure, you can enter the parks through the esplanade located between both theme parks. You may be used to seeing turnstiles located at these entry points over the years but will be delighted to see modernized new entry gates! 

Pro Tip: Select guests with valid theme park admission can also skip the main entrances by entering at three other locations:  

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! 

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. 

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. 

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! 

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. 

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! 

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! 

The Disneyland Resort 70^th Celebration is right around the corner beginning May 16, with limited-time entertainment, colorful décor, themed food and beverages, collectible merchandise and so much more! For all the details on this milestone celebration, follow along with the Guide to the 70^th Anniversary at Disneyland Resort. 

Meanwhile, some new and returning entertainment offerings are coming to the parks beginning this spring in harmony with the special entertainment coming for the 70^th anniversary of the resort. Continue the fun in the Downtown Disney District, where you can enjoy new dining and shopping, with more locations coming in the future to this dynamic outdoor promenade. 

For even more details on everything happening across Disneyland Resort, get updates here on the Disney Parks Blog and follow along with @DisneyParks and @Disneyland socials for the latest news! 

_{To enter a park, both a theme park reservation and a valid ticket for the same park on the same date is required. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability, and not guaranteed. Parks, attractions, entertainment, experiences, services, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/updates for more information about visiting the Disneyland® Resort.} 

_{*Message, data and roaming rates may apply for use of the Disneyland app. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.}