One Walt Disney World theme park is having physical gates added to the main entrance.
Installation Begins on Entrance Gates at EPCOT
EPCOT’s tapstiles are slowly gaining metal gates. Installation began recently with only three set of gates in place and not yet in use.
So far, one set of gates has been installed at the far west and two at the far east.
The gates are likely to be used to blockade inactive tapstiles. Right now, Cast Members draw a rope across closed stations, as pictured above. Since the park has more tapstiles than it needs on slow days when staffing is reduced, this serves to prevent guests from entering the park through a closed lane.
Now, Cast Members will be able to shut the metal gates, providing a more obvious sign for guests to use another entrance. The reason for the change is unknown, but it may be to prevent both accidental entry and those who are trying to sneak in without a ticket.
These gates feature triangular designs evocative of Spaceship Earth. If gates are added to the other three theme parks, they will likely have unique designs.
Disneyland Resort recently redid their entry lanes, which have glass gates with etched designs.
How do you feel about the physical gates at EPCOT? Let us know in the comments.
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