Disneyland has modernized its front gates and added more turnstiles to make one of the first lines you wait in at the Anaheim theme park as short and quick as possible — and we’ve got a detailed guide to help make the process move even faster.
The $4.8 million project to overhaul the Disneyland and Disney California Adventure entrance pavilions with 62 new automated entry gates has taken more than a year to complete in order to limit the impact of construction.
Here’s the three-step process to navigating the new automated entry gates as quickly as possible.

Step 1: Scan your ticket
As you walk up to the turnstile, you will be greeted by a video screen with an animated Mickey Mouse at Disneyland or Oswald the Lucky Rabbit at California Adventure.
Don’t be distracted by the screen — which isn’t used in any way to scan your tickets.
Most visitors will have their tickets on their mobile phone via the Disneyland app. Have the app open and your tickets ready as you approach the turnstile.
The ticket scanner is beneath the video screen and not immediately obvious. Look for the logo of Mickey’s gloved hand holding a cell phone with the words “Scan Here” on the black countertop of the turnstile.
Hold your phone under the scanner with the barcode facing up.
Scan everyone’s ticket one by one if you have several people in your party.
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The process works the same for printed tickets.
You can also use your Magic Band as a ticket if you already have your annual pass or daily admission ticket linked to the high-tech wristband.
The Magic Band scanner is a white domed light on the front of the turnstile. Simply hold your wristband to the scanner until the system identifies your Magic Band.

Step 2: Take your photo
Once your ticket is scanned, it’s time to take your photo using the video screen.
Press the camera icon on the video screen to take your photo. Your picture is digitally attached to your ticket to prevent fraud.
Repeat this process until everyone in your party has been photographed.
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No need to lift smaller kids up to the camera’s level. The camera automatically adjusts to each visitor’s height.
You will only need to take your photo once if you have a multi-day ticket or a Magic Key annual pass.

Step 3: Enter the park
The automated gates will swing open once your ticket is scanned and your photo is taken.
Your entire party must pass through the gates together. The gate won’t close and reopen for each member of your party.
Every gate is ADA compliant with enough room for motorized mobility scooters, wheelchairs and strollers.

Parkhopping
The process is simpler when you’re reentering the park or parkhopping from one park to another. At that point, you’re a returning visitor.
All you need to do is scan your ticket using the Disneyland app on your mobile phone, a printed ticket or your Magic Band. The gate will open automatically and you can enter the park.
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Magic Key annual passholders and visitors with multi-day tickets will have the same experience once their photo is taken. You only need to have your picture linked to your ticket one time.
A Disneyland employee will always be nearby if you need help scanning your ticket or have trouble taking your photo.

Five locations
The new automated entrance turnstiles have been installed at five locations throughout the Disneyland resort.
At the start of each day, you will need a ticket or annual pass and a reservation for the specific park you are trying to enter. Parkhopping starts at 11 a.m. daily.
The two main turnstiles are located off the entry esplanade — with Disneyland on one side and Disney California Adventure on the other.
The Downtown Disney ticket turnstiles let visitors take the Disneyland Monorail to Tomorrowland.
You will need a Disneyland ticket or a parkhopper ticket to enter at the Monorail station. You can’t use a DCA-only ticket at the Monorail station. A DCA parkhopper ticket can be used at the Monorail station after 11 a.m.
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The Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel ticket turnstiles let visitors into Disney California Adventure near Grizzly River Run.
You will need a DCA ticket or a parkhopper ticket to enter at the Grand Californian entrance. You can’t use a Disneyland-only ticket at the Grand Californian entrance. A Disneyland parkhopper ticket can be used at the Grand after 11 a.m.
The DCA rear entrance near Goofy’s Sky School is accessible only by guests of the three Disney hotels. Much like the Grand, you’ll need a DCA ticket and reservation or a Disneyland parkhopper ticket after 11 a.m.