For decades, the Monorail has been an iconic part of the Disneyland Resort experience, seamlessly transporting guests between Downtown Disney and Tomorrowland. However, recent changes have prevented some visitors from accessing one Monorail entrance.
A New Barrier Appears
The Disneyland Monorail first opened in 1959, making history as the first daily-operating monorail system in the United States. Over the years, it has evolved from a simple scenic ride into a fully operational transportation system, with a station near the Disneyland Hotel added in 1961. That original station was removed in 1999 to make way for the Downtown Disney District station, with the Monorail resuming operations after an extended closure.
Now, in 2025, the Disneyland Monorail is undergoing another transformation. The system closed for refurbishment in January and is expected to remain out of service until March 7. But while the closure itself was expected, eagle-eyed guests have spotted something new: a massive metal gate near the Downtown Disney Monorail station.
Disneyland’s New Monorail Security Measures
According to WDWNT, Disneyland Resort has installed a tall black metal gate in front of a previously accessible Monorail service entrance in Downtown Disney. For years, the area had only been blocked off by a temporary chain-link fence, which did little to stop confused guests from wandering into the restricted backstage area.
Many guests had mistakenly walked toward the Monorail entrance, only to find themselves in a restricted section of Disneyland Resort. The new gate, which is reinforced with black mesh material, is designed to prevent guests from pushing items through it or attempting to bypass the barrier. It extends into the surrounding landscaping, completely sealing off the previously open area.
Why the Change?
Before the new gate was installed, guests approaching from the Pixar Pals Parking Structure often followed a brick walkway toward the Monorail, unaware that they were actually stepping into a restricted backstage area. Although signs on nearby lampposts direct guests to the proper Monorail entrance, they often went unnoticed by guests walking from the Pixar Pals Parking Structure.
The addition of the metal gate aims to eliminate guest confusion while reinforcing Disneyland Resort’s backstage security.
What Happens to the Disneyland Monorail Next?
While the Monorail is expected to reopen on March 7, it remains to be seen whether this new security measure will have a lasting impact. Some Disneyland Resort guests might still make their way toward the service entrance out of habit, but the reinforced gate makes it clear that this path is not an option.
Have you noticed anyone walking through the Monorail service entrance in Downtown Disney? Share your experience with Disney Fanatic in the comments.
