Disneyland’s NEW Entry Rules: How to Speed Through Security

If you’ve ever stood in a long, slow-moving security line at the Disneyland Resort, you know it can often feel like the longest wait of the day. But a new change at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa might be signaling a shift toward faster, more efficient guest screening — and Disneyland fans are already taking notice.

A Separate Line for Guests Without Bags

Spotted by Disney content creator Matt (@DisneyScoopGuy) on X, a new “Guests Without Bags” security line has been installed at the private Grand Californian Hotel security checkpoint. Guests staying at or walking through the hotel can now use a separate line if they’re entering the park without backpacks, purses, or diaper bags, allowing them to bypass the traditional bag check process entirely.

Matt shared a photo of the new signage and captioned it:

“If the Grand Californian Hotel can have a ‘guests without bags’ line then the other security checkpoints at the Disneyland Resort deserve one too!”

If the Grand Californian Hotel can have a “guests without bags” line then the other security checkpoints at the Disneyland Resort deserve one too! pic.twitter.com/NG3j6IYCjv

— Matt (@DisneyScoopGuy) July 19, 2025

It’s a fair point — and one that’s striking a chord with frequent Disneyland visitors.

Why Disneyland’s Security Lines Are So Notorious

While Disney World’s parks in Florida have adopted modernized, frictionless Evolv security scanners, the Disneyland Resort still relies heavily on traditional bag check procedures. That means security Cast Members often inspect the contents of every bag by hand, leading to longer wait times — especially during peak periods.

Many Disneyland fans have voiced frustration in recent years over how long it can take to simply get into the parks. On busy days, the esplanade between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure becomes a bottleneck, with wait times to pass security stretching to 20 minutes or longer.

In contrast, Walt Disney World guests are typically waved through Evolv scanners unless the machine detects a flagged item, making the process feel more seamless and tech-forward.

Why This Change at Grand Californian Matters

Though the Grand Californian Hotel entrance is typically less crowded than the main gates, the new “Guests Without Bags” line sets an important precedent. It’s the first example at Disneyland of an intentionally streamlined path through security, which is something guests — especially locals and Magic Key holders — have been asking for.

It also acknowledges a simple truth: not everyone brings a bag into the parks. From frequent visitors who know how to travel light to single adults who just want to pop in for a ride or snack, a separate “no bag” line can dramatically reduce unnecessary delays.

How to Access the Grand Californian Entry

The Grand Californian’s exclusive security entrance leads directly into Disney California Adventure near Grizzly River Run. It is available to:

• Guests staying at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel

• Guests with valid dining reservations at select Grand Californian locations

• Occasionally, visitors using the Downtown Disney walkway who are permitted access via the hotel lobby or entrance path

This new security line won’t help every guest yet — but if it proves successful, it could be a model for future changes across the resort.

Could This Be Rolled Out Resort-Wide?

Fans online are already asking for this system to be adopted at other entry points — including the main security checkpoints outside the Harbor Boulevard entrance and the Downtown Disney security station near the Disneyland Hotel.

It’s not just a matter of convenience — it’s about guest experience and crowd management. When thousands of people flood into Disneyland early each morning, even shaving 10–15 seconds off per person can save hours of cumulative wait time across the day.

In fact, some are wondering why a dedicated “no bag” line wasn’t implemented sooner. After all, airports, sporting venues, and even Universal Studios Hollywood use different lines based on bag size or security needs. Disneyland is simply playing catch-up.

What Comes Next?

While Disneyland hasn’t made an official announcement about broader rollout plans, this small operational shift could be a testing ground for something much bigger. If the feedback remains positive — and the efficiency proves trackable — we could see:

• “Guests Without Bags” lanes at all major security checkpoints

• Wider implementation of Evolv-style scanning tech

• Faster entry during Magic Morning or rope drop hours

• Reduced staffing needs for bag check lines over time

For now, though, Grand Californian guests are enjoying a sneak peek at what a faster, more streamlined Disneyland entry experience could look like.