We Tested Disney’s Expensive New Ticket Scanning System…Here’s How It Went

The way you enter the Disney California Adventure Park is about to change.

New automatic entry turnstiles

Earlier this year, Disney began testing a new automated turnstile system at the Disneyland Resort, which would eventually be installed at Disney’s theme parks, hotels, monorail, and Downtown Disney by 2025. The first segment of the new entry system is online and testing now. Here’s how it worked.

As of April 30th, 2024, two of the new entrance turnstiles were online at Disney California Adventure.

The line!

However, from our experience, there are still some bugs that need to be worked out. As detailed by our reporter, “Before you get to the new gate, a Cast Member scans your pass on your phone. Then, you walk up and scan your ticket on your phone under the screen, and a camera is supposed to take your photo and let you in.” In our case, the system didn’t quite work, and the camera did not take a photo. Instead, a Cast Member scanned the pass manually on their device.

Things seemed to be going well…

Following this glitch, we noticed that Cast Members were closing the gate we used to enter the park, likely due to a system reset. Eventually, both new sets of turnstiles were functioning again.

…until they weren’t.

Once these kinks are worked out and the new turnstile system is fully installed and operational — scheduled to fully launch in 2025 — the $4.8 million project will feature “clear doors that will open once visitors scan their theme park ticket, annual pass, or MagicBand. After completing the scan at the turnstile, a photo of the visitor will be taken before they enter. Additionally, the updated entry gates are expected to make entry for strollers and wheelchairs more easily accessible. Cast Members will still be standing by to assist with ticket validation and help with any issues that may arise.”

Looking back on the esplanade through the closed gate.

While this new massive overhaul to Disneyland’s entrances will likely be a popular change when fully installed and operational in 2025, there’s no denying that there are still some kinks to work out. Stay tuned to AllEars for more Disneyland news.