The new Disneyland entrance tapstiles opened on Tuesday in a “pre-launch” mode and are expected to officially launch with full functionality in early 2025.
New Disneyland Entrance Gates
Disney filed permits for the new gates in December 2023. Work began on the Disney California Adventure gates in early 2024 and the Disneyland gates in the fall. Though some Disney California Adventure tapstiles were completed first, only new Disneyland Park gates are now open.
The gates are referred to as “tapstiles” as a portmanteau of “tap” and “turnstiles,” referencing the old physical turnstiles and the relatively new tap technology.
Per Scott Gustin, the gates are in pre-launch mode and full functionality will launch early next year. Until the gates are fully operational, Cast Members stand at them to scan tickets and take photos with computer tablets, which they do at the pre-existing gates.
The new digital signs above the gates aren’t on yet either.
In March 2024, Disneyland Resort tested a new facial recognition entry system at the Disney California Adventure gates. That technology is not currently in use, but it appears the new gates will implement facial recognition. There are screens with built-in cameras mounted on the tapstiles.
When open, the Disneyland Park screens display a Sleeping Beauty Castle icon. When closed, they display a started Mickey face saying “Oh boy! This gate is not available.” The black lines in our pictures above are only due to how the screens photograph and aren’t visible in person.
The physical gates are transparent with a slight frosting and filigree around the edges.
The simple design features stars and feathery swirls.
A decal on the sides of the tapstiles warns of potential chemical exposure at Disneyland. Such warnings have been on display at Disneyland Resort for several years as required by Proposition 65.
Some areas or features in Disneyland Park can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/amusement-parks.
Even though the Disney California Adventure gates aren’t open, the screens are turned on.
The Disney California Adventure screens show Mickey’s Fun Wheel (a.k.a. Pixar Pal-A-Round).
Disney likely decided to open the gates before they were fully functional to have more gates open during the busy holiday season.
For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news worldwide, visit WDWNT.
Tapstiles?
Yes, they can’t be turnstiles as nothing turns anymore.