Disneyland Rules Are Changing in 2026

If you’re visiting the Disneyland Resort in 2026, you might notice some pretty significant changes…

This year has flown by, and Disneyland has already seen a bunch of changes — most notably with its 70th Anniversary celebrations (which are about to come to an end). But it’s not only the rides and food that are seeing changes in 2026. Policies have been shifted, as well. From new technology at the front gates to major adjustments for hotel guests, Disney is continuing to tweak the guest experience in ways that could affect nearly every visitor. If you’re planning a Disneyland vacation in 2026, these are the rule changes you’ll want to know before you arrive.

Facial Recognition Technology Is Expanding

Getting into Disneyland and Disney California Adventure may look very different in 2026.

Disney has expanded the use of facial recognition technology at the entrances to both parks. The system is designed to speed up entry by verifying guests more quickly and reducing bottlenecks at the turnstiles.

For guests, that means less fumbling with tickets and potentially shorter lines. However, this system isn’t mandatory, and guests can OPT OUT by using a designated turnstile at each gate.

Some Rides Make You Store Your Phone

If you’re someone who likes to record every moment of your Disneyland vacation, this next rule is gonna sting.

Disney is implementing stricter cellphone restrictions on select attractions throughout the resort — such as Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. On these rides, guests are required to keep phones and recording devices (as well as other loose items) secured during the entire experience.

The goal is to improve safety while reducing ride interruptions caused by dropped devices. The last thing Disney needs is someone’s phone flying out during the tornado scene on Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway and someone reaching out of their ride vehicle to pick it up.

Park-Hopping Is Getting Easier

Since the resort has operated post-pandemic, Disneyland guests have had to navigate various restrictions and timing requirements when park hopping. With the park reservation system, guests had to select the park they’d like to visit first and couldn’t start park-hopping until 11 AM.

Thankfully, Disney has loosened some of those rules. The updated policy gives guests more flexibility when moving between Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure, making it easier to adjust plans on the fly. Gone is the 11 AM rule. Guests still need to make reservations and select a park, but they can visit whichever park they like, whenever they like (so long as that park is open).

For visitors who enjoy bouncing between attractions, dining reservations, and entertainment offerings in both parks, this change should make vacation planning much less complicated — which is what Disneyland has always been about. Flexibility and “go-with-the-flow” vibes are quintessential at the Disneyland Resort. This change is a welcome update for frequent visitors and first-timers alike.

New Pin Trading Restrictions Have Arrived

Pin trading remains one of Disneyland’s most popular traditions, but Disney introduced additional guidelines in 2026.

In the past, Disneyland allowed personal pin trading in a dedicated area near Westward Ho Trading Company in Disneyland Park until 3 PM each day, but those rules have gotten even stricter in 2026.

Now, “Benches or any other structures for the display of pins will not be permitted. Benches are for seating purposes only.” This means that those with large binders and collections can no longer use public seating areas to spread out and put their pins on display. Additionally, there is “no dedicated area” for pin-trading anymore, and pin bags will need to be of the smaller variety.

There is signage about pin trading etiquette nearby, so it never hurts to check in on those rules next time you’re there.

Hotel Guests Are Losing Early Entry

This may be the biggest change of all for guests used to staying on-property. Disneyland Resort hotel guests no longer receive Early Entry access in 2026.

For years, one of the biggest perks of staying at the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, or Pixar Place Hotel was the ability to enter select parks before regular day guests. Instead, Disney is replacing that benefit with a complimentary Lightning Lane per person for the duration of your stay. Yep, that means only one Lightning Lane, regardless of how many days you’re going to the parks.

While some visitors may appreciate skipping a major attraction without paying extra, others may miss the advantage of having extra time in the parks before crowds arrive.

Ultimately, you’ll likely still need to invest in Lightning Lane Multi Pass like everyone else, or rope drop if you want to try to bypass long waits.

If you’re planning a Disneyland vacation this year, it pays to know the rules before you go. The Happiest Place on Earth may still feel familiar, but a few important details are constantly changing. Fortunately, we’re always keeping up-to-date on all the latest Disneyland developments, so make sure you keep it posted right here at AllEars to stay in the know!

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How are you feeling about these Disneyland changes? Let us know in the comments!

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