Disneyland frequently tries out new changes to its arrival processes to speed up the process and improve the guest experience. We recently reported on efforts to speed up the entry lines with a test. Now, that technology appears to be in use more widely across the Disneyland entrance experience.
Yesterday, we spotted a sign in the theme parks that confirms Disneyland is now more broadly using a big change to how guests access the theme parks and the required ticket media. This updated technology should lead to faster access to the parks for guests. See all the details on this new change below. Mickey Visit brings you the latest Disney news and planning resources, including Disney’s hope to reduce phone use and a ride overlay returning.
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Disneyland Expands New Technology at Front Gates
Last month, we reported that Disneyland was testing facial recognition for guests at the front gate of Disney California Adventure. During that test, guests would scan their park ticket under the screen. If it was the first time the guest had participated in the facial recognition test, the computer would then scan the guest’s face and save the scan. If the guest had used the facial recognition before, the computer would then verify the guest’s face and admit them into the park.
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Our assumption is that in the future, guests will not need to scan their ticket at all and that the facial recognition technology will be able to match the guest and ticket or pass with just the face.
During the test last month, a sign was posted in that entry lane letting guests know that the test is happening. Now, there has been a change. As of yesterday, there are signs posted at the entrances to the Esplanade at either end and at Mickey’s Friends Parking Structure. The signs now give guests the option to opt out instead of opting in. Language from the website, which I have included in full below, now frames this as a broad option rather than a limited-time test. So, we can assume that the facial recognition tests were successful as the tech is now rolled out more broadly.
Here’s a look at what the new signs in the Esplanade read:
“Disneyland Resort park entries use facial recognition technology. Use of these lanes is optional. If you do not wish to participate, please enter the line lane with the following overhead signage.”
Here’s a look at the new signs posted in the Esplanade.
When you scan the code on the Esplanade sign it takes you to a disclosure page on the Disney website which explains more about their ongoing efforts around facial recognition.
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The changes to the wording on that webpage indicate that this has shifted from a test to wider use at Disneyland.
Previously, the beginning of the disclosure page stated:
The Disneyland Resort is offering a limited-time test of facial recognition technology at certain entrance lanes at Disney California Adventure Park and/or Disneyland Park. While dates are subject to change, the test is expected to be offered periodically between December 2025 and March 2026. The test (i) uses images of your face taken by a camera at the entrance and the image of your face that was saved upon first ticket use, (ii) employs biometrics technology to convert those images into unique numerical values, and (iii) deletes those numerical values within 30 days of their creation. See the full text of the disclosure page during the March 2026 test here.
Now, the disclosure page states:
Guests may choose to use entrance lanes equipped with facial recognition technology at the entrances to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. This technology facilitates ease of reentry into our parks and helps prevent fraud. These entrance lanes: (1) use images of your face taken by a camera at the entrance and the image of your face that was saved when you first used the ticket or pass; (2) employ biometric technology to convert those images into unique numerical values; (3) compare the numerical values to find a match; and (4) except in cases where data must be maintained for legal or fraud-prevention purposes, delete all numerical values within 30 days of creation. Participation is optional. Entrance lanes that do not employ facial recognition technology are also available.
To use this service, please choose an entrance lane displaying “Entrance” on overhead signage when you enter our parks.
If you do not wish to use this service, please enter through the parks’ main entrances located along the Esplanade and choose an entrance lane displaying “Entrance” on overhead signage. When using these entrance lanes, you may still have your image taken. However, these lanes will not utilize biometric technology on your image. Instead, a Cast Member will manually validate your ticket.
Children under the age of 18 may use this service with the consent of a parent or guardian.
The security, integrity, and confidentiality of your information are extremely important to us. We have implemented technical, administrative, and physical security measures that are designed to protect Guest information from unauthorized access, disclosure, use, and modification. From time to time, we review our security procedures to consider new technology and methods, as appropriate. Please be aware that, despite our best efforts, no security measures are perfect or impenetrable.
Theme Parks Test Alternatives For Second Verification
Long gone are the days of the hand stamps with the neon color that glowed in black light. Now, theme parks generally have been looking for ways to verify identity tied to ticket use. At Walt Disney World, guests scan their fingerprints along with their tickets. They have previously also tested facial recognition, but they did not opt to use it long-term.
Universal Orlando Resort has integrated facial recognition into all parts of the park experience to rave guest reviews. Facial recognition is in use at the theme park gates for Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, and Universal Epic Universe. They also use facial recognition for access to some Express Pass line entrances.
Epic Universe also uses Face ID for lockers available to guests to store belongings during rides.
During my recent flights, I have been experiencing how smooth this process can be with the new TSA Touchless experience. With that offering, I opted in during the airline check-in process, and now I am able to use that line. I don’t have to show my boarding pass or ID. The process has been extremely smooth at John Wayne Orange County, San Francisco, and LAX. I have heard it is also being offered at Orlando Airport. Facial recognition technology is becoming even more widely used across all aspects of travel.
What do you think of the newly expanded offering to speed up theme park lines at Disneyland? We’ll continue to report on how these changes to the gat process will work.
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