Hi, it’s Kimberly from Get Away Today, your Disneyland vacation expert. You may already know that Get Away Today not only has the very best prices on Disneyland tickets and vacation packages, but we also have all of the best tips and tricks. Our staff visits Disneyland on a regular basis so we can keep you up-to-date on everything you need to know. Today I am excited to talk about what I think is the biggest game changer at Disneyland since the FastPass system… The Disney MaxPass System. This genius new idea began this summer to rave reviews. I am excited to share everything you need to know about using MaxPass at Disneyland for your vacation.

Like all new Disney products, there are quite a few questions about the MaxPass system. I think the easiest way to explain it is to go through each question one by one.

FAQ About MaxPass at Disneyland

What is the MaxPass at Disneyland?

MaxPass at Disneyland is an optional service with two game changing features. The most popular is the ability to make FastPass reservations from your phone. You’ll also use your phone as your FastPass return. Just scan your phone (or Disneyland tickets) at the FastPass return, then start making your next FastPass reservation while you’re in line. It’s so slick. The other key component of MaxPass at Disneyland is free digital downloads of all of your PhotoPass pictures while you’re using MaxPass.

How much does MaxPass cost?

Right now MaxPass is $10 per person. There is no price difference for adults or children. However, if your children are two and under, they won’t need a park ticket, so they won’t need MaxPass.

Do I need MaxPass for everyone in my party?

That depends. If you are using MaxPass at Disneyland for the FastPass feature, everyone who wants to make FastPass reservations from your phone will need it. If you just want to use MaxPass for the PhotoPass pictures, you can just pay $10 for one person in your group. Just make sure you link all of your photos to that person’s ticket!

Does everyone need a phone to use MaxPass at Disneyland?

Nope. You can link all of your park tickets to one phone. If you want to split up your FastPasses, then you may want to use two phones. That way you can keep some tickets with mom and some with dad.

Can I use MaxPass and Rider Switch?

Yes you can! This is another time you may want to only purchase MaxPass for part of your family. Let’s say you have two kids who are tall enough to ride everything, but one young one who isn’t tall enough. In that case, you could just purchase MaxPass for one parent and the two oldest kids. Then, use Rider Swap for the second parent and the older kids get to ride again. Keep in mind with the addition of MaxPass, there is now a one hour window return time for Rider Switch.

Do I have to have MaxPass every day of my vacation?

No, and in fact, I don’t recommend it. Chances are, if you’re going for three days or longer, at least one of your days will be less busy. There’s also so much entertainment that you won’t want to miss. I recommend saving a little bit of money and plan on spending one day using the traditional FastPass system (still free) and watching the shows and parades.

Does MaxPass at Disneyland sell out?

Yes, it can on busy days. In order to keep MaxPass a perk, Disney has to limit the number of users each day. I always suggest getting to the park as early as possible. If you’re getting to the park in the morning, you should be just fine.

Do I have to buy MaxPass before I go?

No you don’t. And I wouldn’t recommend it. First, the only way you can pre-purchase it is through Disneyland directly. If you are buying your tickets directly through Disneyland, you’re paying full price! Second, if you are pre-buying through Disneyland, you have to add MaxPass to every day of your vacation. You already know I don’t recommend that either. And third, even if you pre-purchase MaxPass, you can’t activate it for the day until you’ve used your ticket to get into either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure Park. Once you’re in one of the parks, you can add MaxPass through the app and start using it.

Do I have to be inside the park to make reservations?

Yes and no. As long as you’ve entered the park once, you can make reservations through the app wherever you are. That means if you have a Park Hopper, you can make a reservation for Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! while you’re getting ready to ride Space Mountain. Or, get a FastPass for Indiana Jones after you get off of Radiator Springs Racers. Or, even head back to your hotel for a midday rest and make a nighttime FastPass reservation from your room!

Are there any other perks to using the MaxPass?

Aside from the obvious convenience, MaxPass at Disneyland has shorter wait times between making FastPass reservations. With both Disney’s traditional FastPass system and the new MaxPass system, you can get your next FastPass as soon as you’ve used one. But what if it’s 10am and your return time isn’t until 2pm or later? With traditional FastPass, your next reservation will be available two hours after you collect it. With MaxPass, you only have to wait 90 minutes after collecting a FastPass reservation before getting your next one. That extra half hour could turn into lots of extra ride time!

I hope that helps answer everything you need to know about MaxPass at Disneyland! I think it’s a game changer – especially if you are traveling over a busier time of year. Another game changer of course is booking your Disneyland vacation package with Get Away Today. If you already have a place to stay, you can still save with our Disneyland tickets. You’ll get the very lowest price guaranteed and all of our exclusive extras. You can book online at getawaytoday.com or call our agents at 855-GET-AWAY. Either way, be sure to use promo code: CraftingChicks to save an extra $10 off any 2-night or longer Disneyland vacation package.