A small change at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa may be signaling a much-needed shift in the way Disneyland Resort handles security. Guests entering the park through the hotel’s private entrance now have access to a designated line for those without bags—a change that has already caught the attention of regular parkgoers and sparked a larger conversation about efficiency throughout the resort.
A Faster Entry for Some
The new “Guests Without Bags” line was spotted and shared online by Matt (@DisneyScoopGuy) on X (formerly Twitter), where he posted a photo of the streamlined setup with the caption:
“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
The idea is simple: if you’re traveling light, you skip the bag check. This isn’t a radical concept—other theme parks and entertainment venues across the country have used it for years—but it’s the first clear example of it being implemented at Disneyland in recent memory.
Why Security Moves Slowly at Disneyland
For those unfamiliar with the Disneyland experience, it’s no secret that the park’s security checkpoints can often feel like one of the biggest hurdles of the day. Lines can move at a crawl, especially during peak hours, as every backpack, diaper bag, stroller, and snack pack is opened and examined. And unlike Walt Disney World, which has adopted contactless security scanners at many of its entrances, Disneyland has largely stuck to manual bag checks combined with metal detection.
That traditional system has its strengths—most guests report feeling safe and cared for—but the trade-off is longer lines, less predictability, and a clunky start to what should be a magical day.
A Small Pilot With Big Implications
While the “Guests Without Bags” line at the Grand Californian Hotel is relatively minor in scale (as it only services guests using the private entrance to Disney California Adventure), its existence could point to a larger opportunity for the entire resort. If a no-bag lane can expedite security at the hotel, why not offer the same option at the resort’s two main Esplanade checkpoints, which serve tens of thousands of guests daily?
It’s worth noting that the Grand Californian entrance has always been among the smoothest entry points at the resort. Its limited foot traffic, in comparison to the bustling Harbor Boulevard security checkpoint, makes it easier to test new ideas. But the real challenge—and opportunity—would be applying this strategy at larger, more congested points of entry.
A Growing Push for Modernization
Disneyland’s recent adoption of mobile food ordering, digital park maps, and virtual queues shows the resort is not afraid of integrating modern tech into the guest experience. Yet, security is one area where it has remained surprisingly analog. Disneyland has lagged behind Walt Disney World when it comes to hands-free Evolv security scanners, which allow guests to walk through without removing items from their bags. These systems are already being used at Universal Orlando, SeaWorld, and major sports venues around the country.
With the introduction of this “no bags” line at the Grand Californian, fans are asking whether the company is finally looking to chip away at the slow-moving reputation of Disneyland security.
What Guests Are Saying
The online response has been overwhelmingly supportive. While most guests understand the importance of keeping parks secure, many have long wished for a more nuanced approach—one that distinguishes between someone carrying a backpack full of gear and someone walking in with just a phone and water bottle. For them, the new line feels like an acknowledgment that one-size-fits-all security doesn’t always serve the guest experience.
Is This Just the Beginning?
Disney has not officially commented on whether this is a test for a broader rollout, but the buzz from frequent visitors suggests a growing appetite for smarter, faster solutions. If the Grand Californian model proves successful and scalable, it could usher in a much-needed improvement for the thousands of guests who pass through Disneyland’s gates every day.
For now, if you’re staying at the Grand and happen to travel light—consider this your magic shortcut. For the rest of us? The wait might just be a little bit longer, but hopefully, not for long.
The post Disneyland Activates All-New Entry Procedure, Guests Undergo New Security Protocol appeared first on Inside the Magic.
