Hello, Tyler!
Welcome back to
planDisney, and thank you for asking me another question about the
Disneyland Resort.
While I was visiting the resort over the weekend, I saw two new touchpoint-enabled turnstiles on the far right side while facing the entry to
Disney California Adventure Park. These new gates appear wider than before to allow better accessibility for strollers, wheelchairs, and scooters, and the gate panels are clear which also makes for a more open and welcoming look. The new gates will open automatically once Guests successfully scan their MagicBand+, theme park ticket, or
Magic Key pass. There is also a built-in camera that can take a photo of each Guest upon entry. It all sounds pretty high-tech and magical!
Permits were filed with the City of Anaheim late last year, and these plans detailed work that would begin on the gates and turnstiles, including automatic entry gates, fixed manual gates, removable railings, and new overhead shrouds and awnings at both theme parks. While these upgrades are expected to begin this year, it’s my understanding that the new gates currently located at Disney California Adventure Park are part of a temporary test that’s being conducted ahead of the official installation of the complete system. The test gates will be operational for a short period and then removed to make way for construction that will occur later this year, so I can’t promise that they will still be there when your trip arrives. However, you can absolutely use your
MagicBand+ to enter the parks when you have a valid linked
theme park ticket and
theme park reservation! Simply present your band at the turnstiles and a Cast Member will use their handheld device to scan it. You'll be off exploring the park before you can say "bibbidi-bobbidi-boo!"
I hope this information helps, Tyler, and that your time in the theme parks is pixie-dusted to perfection! Please don’t hesitate to send us more questions as your planning continues.
Wishing you magic,
Courtney