Latest and greatest January 3

The new security checkpoints are working pretty well.  The overall time to get to the park AFTER you get out of your car has improved, the trams have also had some changes that have improved dwell time at the stops while loading and departing.  

If you are going to walk in on the west side of the Park, Disneyland Drive side, ask for directions before you go through the bag check.  There is a bag check before getting on the trams and another before entering Downtown Disney.  If you go through the tram check and then decide to walk, you will need to go through the other check.  [color=#ff0000]THE RESTROOMS ARE BEFORE YOU GO THROUGH THE TRAMS BAG CHECK[/size=3].  If you go through the check and then need to go to the head or take a kid, you will need to get checked again. But the restrooms that were after the central check are now right there and you can do right over after getting off the tram.


IF YOU NEED DISABLED PARKING ANYWHERE, ANYTIME AT THE RESORT - LET THE CAST MEMBERS KNOW AT THE TOLL BOOTHS.  LET THEM KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Waiting until you are being directed into a parking space is way too late, and may especially inconvenience you trying to get you to the nearest available disabled parking.



(If you decide to go to the Structure, go ahead on up to the top level and check out the construction on Star Wars Land.)



Update.
Relocated Security Checkpoints on the west side of the park are in place and visitor flow is satisfactory, Still significant delays at peak periods or on peak days but still better than would happening at the old checkoint location between the Esplanade and Downtown Disney.  These checkpoints are the west side entrances to the Resort  and are at the Mickey and Friends  Parking  Structure and the two at the west end of Downtown Disney.

So almost all of Downtown Disney, the tram route and the center esplanade between the parks will be in the security perimeter and free access to all those areas will be available.  .

only guests with appropriate credentials able able to enter the Grand California from the Disneyland Drive side, with checks as guests leave the hotel via the current security point at the California Adventure side entrance and at a new checkpoint in to Downtown Disney.

This is not the official guidance, just some information to help you get around for a while.

Thanks for the heads up

Wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (scooters)  The Rental Shop is located on the east side of the Disneyland Main Gate.  That is very close to where the buses from the east side parking lot shuttle buses drop off.  It is NOT all that close   (about 120 yards) to where the Structure Trams and Assistance Courtesy Vans drop off.

The structure tram ramp and courtesy van loading and of-loading locations are pretty close to the structure elevators and escalators are located.  The upper level disabled parking is adjacent to the elevators and escalators and we do our best to direct guests to those places.  Due to construction, many of the most conveniently ground level disabled parking places are not available or blocked from the normal short routes to the tram zone.  ALL of the ground level spots in the structure are being used for disabled or over-sized vehicles, although not placarded for disabled.  SSo while we have as many if not more sp[aces available, many are not within an easy walking distance for people who are not able to walk longer distances.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE IN YOUR PARTY NEEDS ADDITIONAL MOBILITY ASSISTANCE, LIKE RENTING A WHEELCHAIR OR SCOOTER, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU PARK IN THE TOY STORY LOT OFF HARBOR AND KATELLA.  IF YOU ARE GOING TO PARK IN THE MICKEY AND FRIENDS STRUCTURE, YOU SHOULD PROBABLY BRING A WALKER, WHEELCHAIR OR SCOOTER IF ONE IS AVAILABLE.  THE CURRENT DISTANCE TO THE RENTAL STORE IS FURTHER THAN MANY EXPECT.  YOU SHOULD ALSO ARRIVE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE

We have been getting more than the usual number of guests arriving at the structure expecting a wheelchair or van right next to where they parked and/or upset that there are no up close spaces when they arrive 6-8 hours after the lot opens  With the construction and larger holiday season attendance, longer delays and distances are to be expected.

Pay attention to the signs, or ask directions, don't just follow groups of people.  Ask as soon as you arrive for assistance, the sooner we know you need assistance the sooner we can get you to the best locations.  Waiting until you are walking down a walkway and you don't know where you are, or until you get directed in to a parking space leads to frustration because reversing course to get back on the correct route is NOT easy or timely.

(and when they say NO selfie sticks, weapons objects that appear to be weapons, take them back to your car, they mean it.  Hiding them in your pocket or purse is no longer a viable option.  They really do look now and they really wand now.)

Thanks for the update