Gates are between the parks, gates are open an hour before and an hour after park hours.....I think...... but not on both sides of the esplanade. If you get in late and want to pick up tickets for the next day you'll need to go to the gates on the DTD side of the esplanade. If you're staying at a DLR hotel that will be the side you walk in, if you're staying at a Harbor hotel you'll have to walk thru the esplanade to the gates on the far side. I hope that makes sense.....