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How to Take Disneyland MaxPass to the Max!

by Leap on November 18, 2021 398 Los Angeles

Disney MaxPass - Pinterest

A note from Leap: The free FastPass service is now retired and the Disney MaxPass service has been replaced with Genie+, with a few differences. Genie+ is a paid offering available, as of Dec. 8, 2021. Guests have the option to schedule return times for individual attraction selections in the app and use the Lightning Lane entrance to the rides for $20 per ticket, per day. Initially, 19 attractions are on Genie+, and PhotoPass downloads are included. Guests can make one selection at a time throughout the day. Some high-demand rides, such as Radiator Springs Racers, are not included. For those rides, guests may opt for the additional-cost, individual Lightning Lane selections, which allows the guest to pay for FastPass-like access for a specific ride (but riders may only reserve a particular ride once per day). Standby lines remain in place for no extra cost. Genie+ and individual Lightning Lane selections are sold separately and can be purchased together, individually or not at all. Hop to our Disney Genie guide for more information! 

Take everything you know about theme park lines and throw it away. Just kidding ... well, kind of. Perhaps you are familiar with the Disneyland FASTPASS system, which allows you to skip the main queue by making a FASTPASS reservation and returning to the ride within a one-hour window to skip most of the line. That free system is still in place, but Disneyland has another option, a paid service called Disney MaxPass. MaxPass allows you to make FASTPASS reservations for rides and some shows from your smartphone. Since its debut, our frog squad has spent our days hopping from one ride to the next without standing in line or running all over the park to collect FASTPASSes. While our daily step count is down, our ride numbers are way up. Ribbit!

How to Take Disney MaxPass to the Max! - Monsters Inc

What is Disneyland MaxPass? While Disney MaxPass is hard to explain, it’s actually pretty easy to use. This post outlines the basics of what you need to know, followed by more advanced tips. Our MaxPass tips help maximize your investment in this service. We've tried to answer common questions and have played around with Disney MaxPass to see what works, what doesn’t and — most importantly — how to conserve cell phone battery in the park!

MaxPass Basics | Cost & How to Purchase | Using MaxPass in the Parks | Using MaxPass with PhotoPass | Is MaxPass Worth It? | Tips for Large Groups | Advanced MaxPass Tips

Basic Disney MaxPass Information You Need to Know

  • The price for MaxPass is per ticket, per day (there was a one-year option for annual passholders before APs were canceled). We now offer discount Disneyland Base and Park Hopper tickets preloaded with MaxPass!
  • You must download the Disneyland mobile app and link park tickets to use MaxPass.
  • All FASTPASSes (traditional paper or through MaxPass) are electronically linked to the user’s park ticket.
  • You cannot use MaxPass or start making reservations until you have entered a theme park for the day — all riders in the party must have entered a park that day to be included in the reservation.
  • You can make reservations for anyone whose ticket is linked to your account in the app.
  • Once you have entered a park, you can be anywhere inside or outside of the parks when you make reservations.
  • MaxPass includes unlimited downloads of PhotoPass photos taken any day MaxPass is active.
  • You can hold more than one FASTPASS reservation at a time, but there are waiting periods during which you will be temporarily ineligible to make a ride reservation (more on that in detail below).
  • Shows like Fantasmic! and World of Color are now available on MaxPass (shows do not have any waiting periods after booking and do not affect your ability to reserve rides).
  • Bring or buy an external charger to keep your phone powered all day.

Disneyland MaxPass Price

The Disneyland MaxPass price is $20 per person, per ticket, per day. (Be sure to get a hop on your discount Disneyland tickets by purchasing through Undercover Tourist! As a bonus, you can now purchase discount Disneyland Base and Park Hopper tickets with Disney MaxPass from your favorite frogs too!) Guests can purchase Disney MaxPass as an add-on through the Disneyland mobile app once they enter either theme park. All guests still have the option to scan their park tickets at individual FASTPASS attractions at no additional charge.

Disneyland has canceled all annual passes for now, but before the temporary Disneyland closure, passholders could purchase just a day through the app after entering the park, or purchase an annual plan for $125 that expired when their current pass expired (there was no prorating for buying mid-year). The future of annual passes is not known at the moment, but Disney says it will have new membership offerings in the future. Hopfully we see the return of a MaxPass option for frequent visitors.

Tips for Purchasing Disney Maxpass

The app will walk you through the steps of linking park tickets and purchasing MaxPass after you have entered the park. Just be sure to name each ticket with the appropriate guest’s name when you add them, because you can’t change it. Trust us, it makes your life much easier if you can see the names (as opposed to ticket number) when choosing who wants to ride. You may link tickets ahead of time if you have a barcode or ticket number, but MaxPass won't be active until the day you visit. Also, be aware that a multi-day MaxPass ticket will charge you for the cost of MaxPass for every day of the ticket. A 3-day MaxPass ticket will add $60 per person. If you aren’t sure you want all three days of MaxPass, wait to purchase MaxPass each individual day when you get to the park.

You’ll make life easier if you arrive prepared for Disney MaxPass. Before your trip, download the free Disneyland mobile app to your smartphone. Play with it so you can get familiar with how it works and to research the wait times, see where to find characters, make dining reservations, find Wi-Fi hotspots or see the types of parades and shows in the park. Load your credit card into the app. Share the login and password with family members who also want to log in and use Disney MaxPass on their device. They may also choose to set up their own accounts.

We recommend that people from other households set up their own accounts. Just link all of the tickets to at least one manager and you will be good to go. If you are purchasing Disney MaxPass in the app once you have entered the park, this will make for a smoother and faster process, allowing you to reserve FASTPASSes right away. If you have a barcode on your tickets, you can scan tickets in advance. Just open the app, click My Tickets and click the + at the top. Click Link Tickets & Passes and center the barcode on the screen.

How to Take Disney MaxPass to the Max! - MaxPass for Toy Story

Using Disney MaxPass in the Parks

How to Use MaxPass to Reserve Rides

Disney MaxPass - Guardians of the Galaxy MaxPassOpen the app and click + at the bottom of the home screen. Select Get FASTPASS with Disney MaxPass. Under Create a FASTPASS Party, it will automatically select all tickets linked to the account. Deselect any guests who do not wish to get a FASTPASS for that ride. Continue and select the park (if park hopping). Scroll through the selection of attractions and choose a ride and return time that works for you. Follow the prompts and confirm.

You can make a new selection even if you have not used the other FASTPASSes yet, as long as you are not in a waiting period. Scanning in at a ride erases any waiting period for that FASTPASS, so you can immediately book the next ride after scanning in. Each ride may have different FASTPASS party members. You may bring your park ticket to scan in at the FASTPASS return line during the one-hour window you selected, or you can scan in from your phone.

Keep in mind that you can arrive up to five minutes early and up to 15 minutes late. After that, the FASTPASS will disappear. If you are on the edge of your return window, and encounter a longer than usual FASTPASS return line, screen shot your FASTPASS as proof that you had one. The cast member might sprinkle some pixie dust and let you in anyway.

There are several strategies for maximizing your MaxPass. Our best tips are to start using MaxPass early in the day. Select a few rides that are available within a short timeframe before choosing a return time that is several hours away. See more advanced tips below!

Now You Can Use MaxPass to Reserve Shows

We are hoppy to announce that Disneyland recently added World of Color and Fantasmic! to MaxPass. You can find the shows the same way you book rides — at the bottom of the list of rides under Nighttime Extravaganzas in their respective parks. The shows are disconnected from the ride FASTPASS system and are not subject to waiting periods. You can reserve shows for both World of Color and Fantasmic!, but you can hold only one FASTPASS per show, per day. You can get a 9 p.m. OR a 10:30 p.m. Fantasmic!, but not both, so choose wisely. If you change your mind and won’t see the show after all, be sure to cancel your FASTPASS so another guest can use it.

How to Take Disneyland MaxPass to the Max! - Overlapping Return WindowsPointers for FastPass+ Users Familiar with the Walt Disney World System

If you have not used Disney World's FastPass+ system, you can skip ahead to the next section. If FastPass+ is all you know and Disneyland FASTPASS is new to you, here are a few key differences that will toadally help you maximize MaxPass (or the free FASTPASS system):

  • You have no need to make advance FASTPASS reservations at Disneyland because you cannot start reserving until you enter a park for a day.
  • Disneyland has no MagicBands (instead, you'll scan your park ticket or a code from the Disneyland app at the FASTPASS return point).
  • You do not have to use a FASTPASS before making a new selection at Disneyland, so you can hold multiple FASTPASSes at once.
  • With MaxPass, the system will offer you the first available window for each ride. You cannot view multiple return windows for a ride. If a ride's return window does not work for you, choose a different ride and try again later.
  • There is a variable waiting period before making your next selection (covered below under "Tips for Maximizing MaxPass").
  • With Disneyland MaxPass and FASTPASS, you CAN choose return times that overlap (see the photo where we have two rides for almost the same window).
  • Free PhotoPass downloads are included with MaxPass, so you do not need to purchase a photo package.

Using PhotoPass with Disney MaxPass

Disneyland MaxPass - PhotoPass at Disney California Adventure

Right now, you're familiar with PhotoPass and the friendly cast members who take your picture in front of iconic locations such as Sleeping Beauty Castle. With Disney MaxPass, you're allowed unlimited downloads of the pictures taken that day. You can also download your on-ride photos by typing the ID number into the app. For those of you who cherish those pics, Disney MaxPass may be a great purchase, especially since MaxPass for one person costs a little more than one photo download without MaxPass. If you have three days of MaxPass, then you can enjoy three days of downloads. However, any PhotoPass photos taken the day before or after your MaxPass will not be free to download. On the day you purchase MaxPass, you will get any photo taken that day from 6:00 a.m. until 5:59 a.m. the next day.

If the PhotoPass benefit is your motivation for getting MaxPass, you can save money by having just one person in your party purchase MaxPass. Make sure that that the MaxPass holder presents his or her phone (or scans any PhotoPass cards into the account) so all of the photos are in that account. The MaxPass holder can share photos via social media, text or email right from the app. Download the images within 45 days before they disappear. You can choose to print the photos for free at home or at a discount location. The photo stores inside the parks can print photos (for a premium fee). You can print through the app if you want to take advantage of some customized souvenir features and photo gifts.

If you have character dining reservations, your PhotoPass photos from that event will be included in your Disney MaxPass benefits. But, you must have paid for MaxPass and entered a park with your ticket the same day as the dining event — benefits only kick in once you have activated that park ticket!

How to Take Disney MaxPass to the Max! - Magic Shot with Jack JackHow to Use Disney MaxPass for PhotoPass

To use PhotoPass with MaxPass, tap + at the bottom of the home screen. Tap Link PhotoPass Photos and you can choose to link attraction photos, link a PhotoPass card or Show PhotoPass Code to show to a photographer. Annual passholders (when available) can link their pass so that the photographer can scan the pass each time. Photos should appear under My Photos in about 60 minutes, although it can take much longer. Magic Shots may take a few days to load. For an extra speedy experience, take a screenshot of your code to show to the cast member rather than waiting on the app to load each time.

You should confirm while you are in the park that the photos have appeared without watermarks. If you have any trouble, hop into the photo shops in either park for assistance. They have helped us track down missing photos and assisted in linking our passes to the account!

What Are the Advantages of Disney MaxPass? Is It Worth It?

For most people, the biggest advantages are convenience and time. While we stick to our park plans, MaxPass allows us to see all of the available return times without walking anywhere. We're big on hopping between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure on our visits. We like to make FASTPASS reservations in the other park and use the wait time to walk over. We are hoppin' excited that guests can now obtain FASTPASSes for shows such as Fantasmic! and World of Color through Disney MaxPass instead of having to pick up a paper ticket. Time-saver! That also means if people cancel their plans, other guests who missed the distribution window may be able to hop in and grab the reservation even after tickets are gone for the day. Score!

There are several advantages to Disney MaxPass over traditional FASTPASS:

  • Some days, many return windows are just a short time away ... as in zero to a few minutes away. Reserve and ride — instant gratification!
  • You can see all available rides and return windows in one park at once — no walking involved.
  • You can reserve another ride in a much shorter time window. As soon as you scan your ticket at a ride, you can immediately reserve the next ride while you wait for your current ride — traditional FASTPASS users have to wait, ride the ride and then walk to a distribution machine.
  • The return windows offered through MaxPass are often sooner than the traditional FASTPASS windows that are being distributed at the same time.
  • The length of maximum waiting period is shorter with MaxPass (90 minutes versus 120 minutes with traditional paper FASTPASS).

How to Take Disney MaxPass to the Max! - FASTPASS Roger Rabbit

  • It saves paper. The traditional, free FASTPASS issues a paper reminder. People use their pass or park ticket to use FASTPASS. The paper is not needed except to remind you of your return window.
  • MaxPass users have free PhotoPass photos available for download and sharing.
  • Replacement FASTPASS notifications in case of ride closures will keep you hopping from ride to ride without interruption.
  • You can make FASTPASS reservations from anywhere! In line, at a restaurant, on the Monorail, in a hotel room ... and park hoppers can make FASTPASS reservations from the other park, as long as you have entered a park for the day.
  • It makes reserving as a group much easier.
  • You can start making FASTPASS reservations before rope drop during early entry for Magic Morning or Extra Magic Hour.
  • MaxPass users are able to pick up ride and show cancelations, gaining access to rides or shows that otherwise stopped distribution for the day.
  • The Monorail entrance at Downtown Disney counts as a park entrance. You can start booking as soon as you enter that turnstile.
  • If a ride or show is done distributing FASTPASSes for the day, you can keep refreshing the app to search for any cancelations that may pop up.

Is Disney MaxPass Worth It?

For most people, we think the Disneyland MaxPass price is worth it. It is worth it for our family on both crowded and uncrowded days. Guests who are making shorter visits — one- or two-day visits, especially during busier times — will benefit from the time-savings and ability to do more in a short time. MaxPass definitely saves time and allows users to ride more attractions than other guests. Many annual passholders, who made a big chunk of the Disneyland-going population, used the service often, as well.

After using Disney MaxPass for more than a year, we can say the investment (especially since it comes with PhotoPass downloads) makes for a more fun experience with almost zero lines and less walking even on a busy peak day. Yes, a theme park ticket is already pretty pricey, but time is money. For $20, you can trade hours of wait time for riding more rides or getting to enjoy more aspects of the parks. Save the $20 somewhere else. Perhaps bring some snacks and only drink free water in the park instead of buying expensive soda or food in the park that day to break even. If you would be downloading PhotoPass photos without MaxPass anyway, MaxPass will end up saving you a lot of money (plus, you get the convenience of using it for FASTPASS!).

Disney MaxPass is the best investment for someone who plans to arrive early in the day (especially if visiting Disney California Adventure) and stay most of the day. MaxPass is a useful tool for people who like to park hop. If you are arriving late in the day, you might want to take a moment to look up some FASTPASS attractions and their distribution times to see if MaxPass is worth it to you. Click on the ride and the wait time to see the "Now Distributing" time. On less-crowded days, there are more options than very crowded days, when there may be none.

If you are not interested in riding the FASTPASS attractions (you can find a list of FASTPASS rides here), then Disney MaxPass will not be a great value. You can get it for some family members and not others. If someone in your party does not enjoy most of the attractions that offer FASTPASS or is too short to ride, you might avoid buying them a MaxPass and just use the Rider Switch service. There are just a few rides on FASTPASS without a height requirement. Tadpoles under 3 do not need a park admission ticket or MaxPass to join their family on an attraction.

You can save money by purchasing MaxPass on just one day of a multi-day journey, and then using traditional FASTPASS on the other days. You could also just focus on other rides and attractions in the parks the other days you do not have MaxPass.

What Are Disneyland MaxPass Disadvantages?

The only Disneyland MaxPass cons we can think of is paying extra for this service (but we think the benefits outweigh the cost) and that there are not as many options for people restricted by height requirements. (Hop over to our Guide to Disneyland Height Requirements.) It's also challenging to have some people in a group use MaxPass if others are trying to use traditional free FASTPASS. The Disneyland app can be glitchy at times, and in-park Wi-Fi is not perfect. Other than that, we are MaxPass fans!

What Doesn’t Work in Disney MaxPass?

We played around with Disney MaxPass, trying to think of every scenario that might come up. There are a few things you cannot do with MaxPass:

  • You cannot book the same ride twice in a row until you have used the first FASTPASS for the ride. So no going on Big Thunder Mountain or Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters 10 times in a row, Tad! At least not without using the previous FASTPASSes first. Once you scan your ticket at a ride, you can book a new reservation for that ride if you'd like.
  • You cannot cheat the system by using your park ticket to get a traditional FASTPASS while you are in a waiting period for your next selection window. All FASTPASS reservations are linked to your park ticket.
  • FASTPASSes cannot be booked for future visits — they are same-day only.
  • You have to enter the park to start reserving.
  • You cannot add a Disney gift card into the app for payment. It must be a credit card.
  • You cannot get a refund if you aren’t happy with MaxPass.
  • You cannot book rides that are not on the FASTPASS system. Although you might get a Replacement FASTPASS that works for many rides if there is a ride breakdown.

Disneyland MaxPass Tips for Managing a Large Group

If you have a large group, it’s easiest if all riders have MaxPass because MaxPass may offer different return times than the distribution machines. MaxPass users might reserve a ride that is across the park while standing in line for a different ride. The traditional FASTPASS users in the group cannot easily get to the distribution machines, so they become out of sync with the MaxPass users.

Decide whether members of your group will each manage themselves or if one person will manage everyone. Even a little of both can occur! Keep in mind that individuals looking for FASTPASSes at the same moment may acquire slightly different return times. On the other hand, one person making a reservation for a group of 10 will definitely get one return time for all party members. The system looks for the earliest time that has space to accommodate your party size.

If you have several families traveling together, have each family set up their own family account in the app and load their own credit card for food and MaxPass purchases. Then, choose one or two people to manage the whole group so it is easier to get the same reservation windows.

People who are managed by others can use their own accounts and manage just themselves if they want to split up. For example, when we visit Disneyland with Flora's sister's family, Flora adds everyone to our family MaxPass so she can make FASTPASS reservations for the group. The other family also creates their own family account on their devices in case they want to purchase food through Mobile Order service, make their own restaurant reservations or split up and make their own FASTPASS reservations.

If you are managing a group, each time you reserve an attraction, you can specifically select which party members will go on each ride. You might all want to ride Soarin’. Then, a smaller group might feel like braving Incredicoaster, while others would rather go on Goofy's Sky School. Some park-hopping party members might want to break off and visit attractions in the other park. Disney MaxPass allows for that flexibility, but anyone who uses their device to log in to a managed account can reserve rides, view upcoming FASTPASS reservations and use PhotoPass. Having the information on multiple devices makes it easy to adjust if group members decide to split off for a while, or one of the devices runs out of battery and someone needs to take over.

You might even have party members linked to your app who do not have MaxPass benefits that day. If some members of the group are using the free FASTPASS paper ticket service, you can still link their ticket to your phone. You'll see their FASTPASS plans show up in the app. (Parents like keeping tabs on older children this way.) Just be sure to deselect the people without MaxPass benefits from the ride party or you will be asked to purchase MaxPass for them.

Tips for Maximizing Disney MaxPass

You are investing a lot on your trip to Disneyland and paying extra for your MaxPass to help maximize your day. Here are some extra Disneyland MaxPass tips and tools to help you take your MaxPass experience to the max!

How to Take Disney MaxPass to the Max! - Scanning in at Ride

Reserve FASTPASS Through MaxPass During Magic Morning and Extra Magic Hour

If you’re eligible for Magic Morning or Extra Magic Hour, you can get a hop on your FASTPASS reservations once you have entered the park (even if it’s before regular park hours). This is true even if you do not have Magic Morning or Extra Magic Hour privileges. Both Disneyland and California Adventure allow guests to enter the parks about a half an hour early. Guests have access up to the hub and Carthay Circle in preparation for rope drop. All guests in the parks can make FASTPASS reservations before rope drop. Once you’re past the turnstiles, you’re able to start reserving! While you can access the MaxPass system early, note that all of the return windows begin once each respective park is officially open to the public. If you have a Park Hopper ticket, you can make FASTPASS reservations for the other park, as well.

Understand the Waiting Periods

When you make a FASTPASS reservation for a ride (not a show), there is a waiting period before you are eligible to make the next reservation. That period can vary depending on how far off your return window is from when you booked it. That is why having a strategy can help you make the most of this system.

If a ride’s return window is less than 30 minutes away, then the waiting period is 30 minutes. That is, unless you activate the FASTPASS within that 30 minutes. Once you scan it at a ride, it erases the waiting period and you are then free to make another reservation. Let's say at 9 a.m. you book a FASTPASS that is from 9:05 a.m. to 10:05 a.m. and you scan in at FASTPASS Return Immediately; then, you can book a new ride right away, because that waiting period is lifted. But if you plan to ride at 9:40 a.m., then you would have to wait until 9:30 a.m. (when the 30-minute waiting period is over) to select the next FASTPASS.

If the return window begins between 30 to 90 minutes from when you booked it, then the waiting period ends as soon as the return window begins. So if at 2 p.m. you reserve a ride that has a return window of 3:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., you can make your next reservation as early as 3:15 p.m. when the return window opens.

When you choose a ride that has a return time that begins more than 90 minutes from booking, then your waiting period is 90 minutes. Being able to see all of the available rides and return window choices can help you plan and make decisions to best manage your day. You can have multiple FASTPASS reservations at a time. You just have to book the next one after the waiting period ends. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you to book the next ride as soon as you are eligible.

Know the Return Window Limits

Here's another one of our favorite Disneyland MaxPass tips. You can arrive up to five minutes early and up to 15 minutes late for a ride. That means your return window is really an hour and 20 minutes.

Use the Cancel Feature

With Disney MaxPass, you can exercise your prerogative to change your mind by simply canceling the FASTPASS. Under My Plans, tap the name of the ride or show. On the bottom left, you can click the x that says Cancel under it. We love the flexibility of this feature because you can cancel for some party members but not all. This cancelation feature is another good reason to link the park tickets of people who might be using the paper FASTPASS system. If they are using the app, they can also cancel a reservation.

Canceling a reservation for a ride or a show makes another guest’s day. Canceled FASTPASSes are released back into the system for others to claim. That’s why you’ll sometimes see a crazy early return window that seems too good to be true, or a show FASTPASS pops up after distribution has ended for the day. Jump on those ASAP before another frog gets that fly!

Maximize Replacement FASTPASSes

Disney MaxPass - Disneyland MaxPass Replacement PassWhen you have a FASTPASS reservation for a ride and it breaks down, you will receive a Replacement FASTPASS. This is among our favorite parts of using Disney MaxPass! If the ride breaks down in your return window or has a long FASTPASS return line, you might get a notice that Disneyland has made changes to your FASTPASS reservation. It is like a fairy godmother waving her wand over your smartphone! The new replacement pass automatically pops up on your phone or app. It allows you to take this FASTPASS to a different ride in that same park. You will receive a list of rides that you may use the FASTPASS for (including the original ride you held the FASTPASS for in case it reopens). You can even use it for rides that have run out of FASTPASSes for the day.

This Replacement FASTPASS expires when the park closes. That means you do not have to use it right away if you do not want to. If your FASTPASS return window is at the end of the night (usually within an hour before park close) and you get a breakdown, your FASTPASS may be good for a ride until park close the next day!

If you've been using MaxPass for a while, the Replacement FASTPASS is more limited than the former Multiple Experiences pass. With Replacement FASTPASS, you may have fewer ride choices. Keep in mind that the choices may vary based on the ride for which you originally held the FASTPASS.

The rides are now tiered, and that tiering affects which rides you can access. Consider Tier 1 rides the most popular rides. Most of the FASTPASS attractions fall in Tier 2.

Tier 1 Disneyland MaxPass Ride - Matterhorn Bobsleds

Tier 1 rides at Disneyland Park include:

  • Space Mountain
  • Matterhorn Bobsleds
  • Indiana Jones Adventure

Tier 1 rides at Disney California Adventure Park include:

  • Radiator Springs Racers
  • Toy Story Midway Mania!

So how does the new tiering affect replacement rides when your ride breaks down? If you have a FASTPASS for a ride that breaks down, a notice will come up that tells you the ride that broke down and FASTPASS Update. You can then click to See Replacement FASTPASS Options for the rides you can use the pass on instead.

If your FASTPASS was for a Tier 1 ride, then your list of available rides will include all Tier 1 and Tier 2 FASTPASS rides in that park. But if you have a FASTPASS for a Tier 2 ride, such as Splash Mountain, your ride choices will be the Tier 2 FASTPASS rides in that park. If Splash Mountain reopens later, you can use the FASTPASS to ride it if you haven’t already used it elsewhere, or simply choose a different Tier 2 ride. At the bottom of the list, it will list any rides not included. When you get the Replacement FASTPASS, it seems to erase any current waiting periods associated with that FASTPASS ride. So go ahead and book another FASTPASS ASAP! Ribbit!

If you acquire multiple Replacement FASTPASSes throughout the day, you can keep track of them in the Replacement FASTPASS Plan. You can find it among your other FASTPASSes. At the bottom of the plan, you'll see "Experiences Remaining." That way, you can't miss any!

If you reserve a ride that is broken down or keeps breaking down, you increase the likelihood of getting a Replacement FASTPASS. If a ride like Space Mountain were to break down, you could use the Replacement FASTPASS later for Space Mountain (after it reopens). Or, instead, you could use it for another FASTPASS attraction. Sometimes this pass comes up, but your original ride is still open. You can use it on that or a different ride. Either way, the return window expiration has been lifted. That means you can save it for later when there might not be any other FASTPASSes available. Disney MaxPass users have the advantage of the digital notice over traditional FASTPASS users. That makes it easier to keep track of these replacement FASTPASSes. The screenshots can be shared via text with others in your group.

If you get stuck on a ride breakdown, depending on the situation and how long you are stuck, you might get a special pass (or two!) added to your plan. It allows you to skip the lines for many of the rides in the park, including rides without FASTPASS. They are rare but especially frogtastic! There may be exceptions with the new system in place. Be sure to check to find out which rides are included if you are granted this most-coveted FASTPASS. (It looks like Peter Pan's Flight has been removed as a ride option.)

Use Rider Switch with MaxPass

If you have small tadpoles who do not measure up for many of the rides, ask a cast member about Rider Switch. Rider Switch has also changed to a new digital system. Take your whole party to the ride entrance. A cast member will scan the ticket of the parent who will supervise the child who is not riding (and usually up to two other guests). This adds an extra FASTPASS return window to their tickets. The other guests can ride with the first group and ride again when the supervising parent takes a turn. If you have older kids, they will love getting that bonus ride!

Learn to Troubleshoot MaxPass

There are a few quirks still being worked out with MaxPass. Disneyland Resort Wi-Fi is spottier than a speckled frog. You can find Wi-Fi locations by tapping the map with the app. On the pull-down menu at the top of the screen, click on Guest Services and Show List. Scroll down to Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi). Click Find on Map. The app does not connect well inside buildings, so choose your selections when you are outside. You do not need to open the app to use the FASTPASS. Instead, use your park ticket or a screenshot of the FASTPASS.

If you have technical difficulties, check to make sure you have the latest update. You can usually get help at an information kiosk, as well. The answer always seems to be to delete the Disneyland mobile app, restart the phone and reinstall the app. Your information will be saved. If you cannot get a signal, sometimes it is easier to turn off Wi-Fi and use your data plan.

Disney MaxPass - Portable Chargers

Keep Your Phone Powered

The biggest downside to Disney MaxPass is the drain on your phone battery! Do not use MaxPass without a portable charger. If you forget yours, Disney sells them in the park for $30. Cartridge exchanges are $3 each. That is unless you've already purchased before Oct. 26, 2019, and have filled out the questionnaire on the Fuel Rod site to prove "Founders status" to get free swaps. You can also buy higher-quality chargers elsewhere for less money. Phone charging cases are convenient too. There are a few electrical outlets in the parks, most often near restrooms. But sitting outside a restroom to charge your phone for an hour is not an efficient way to maximize time! Here are some tips to conserve your battery:

  • Put your phone on low-power mode and turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you're not using them.
  • Use a portable battery charger or battery phone charging case.
  • Take a screenshot of the FASTPASS and use the photo, which saves you from opening the app.
  • Better yet, scan your park admission ticket or annual pass at FASTPASS return instead of the app.
  • Avoid using your phone for other things while in the park. Check to see that photos have made it to PhotoPass, but don’t edit them. Snap a photo of the photo number and add it to the app later.
  • Put your phone in airplane mode when you go underground in Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones, Soarin’ or deep in a building like Guardians of the Galaxy. This way, your phone is not burning battery trying to find a signal.
  • Lower your screen brightness. Be sure to brighten it if using it to scan in at a FASTPASS return entrance. The scanners can only read a bright screen (or use your ticket to scan in).

Maximize Your FASTPASS Reservations

There isn't a max number of reservations you can have in a day or at one time. The less crowded the park is, the more FASTPASSes you are likely to get! You will have a waiting period after reserving each ride. Book your next ride as soon as that period ends (even if you have not ridden the first ride yet). That means you can have several reservations in the lineup. You should note the return times and choose rides that are realistic so you can arrive inside your return window.

Choosing a return window several hours off works well if you have a meal, show or ride that does not offer FASTPASS to occupy you in the meantime. You cannot think linearly with MaxPass. On a recent trip, we booked our first few FASTPASS reservations that could be used within a half hour. Once we had a few reservations lined up, we chose Space Mountain, which was distributing six hours out. In the meantime, we used up our other FASTPASSes and had lunch. We set alarms to remind us to book the next FASTPASSes as soon as we were eligible. After 90 minutes, we booked and rode several more before we got to that long-awaited Space Mountain. Sometimes you can book rides that will be available before existing rides in your reservations. Just fit them in where you can.

Use MaxPass While Park Hopping

Disney MaxPass is an especially helpful tool when park hopping. If you have a Park Hopper ticket and MaxPass, you can reserve rides and shows in either park, starting during early entry. First, select the park you would like to make a reservation in. Then, choose a ride and return window that works for you. We recommend starting out in Disney California Adventure and then hopping over to Disneyland Park. There are plenty of FASTPASS reservations in Disney California Adventure early in the day, but the choices are much slimmer to non-existent by afternoon and early evening. Disneyland usually has a lot more FASTPASS choices later in the day. The rides that run through their distribution the fastest are Radiator Springs Racers, Toy Story Midway Mania, Guardians of the Galaxy and Space Mountain.

Use Mobile Order to Skip the Food Lines Too

MaxPass can help you skip the lines for rides, but you can also skip the lines at select quick-service restaurants with Mobile Order service in the app. Click Order Now and you are on your way to selecting a return window and restaurant where you can pick up your food without having to wait in any lines. The app is turning out to be a handy tool to help you maximize your time at Disneyland! This new feature is why we recommend that different families each set up their own accounts since the food is charged to the credit card on the account. Anyone with your login information can order food and charge your credit card. You don't want to get stuck with everyone else's hefty food bill after the trip!

Use MaxPass if You Have Disabilities or Mobility Issues

The Disneyland Electronic Convenience Vehicle rentals have USB ports. Bring your cable, plug in and charge up if you hoppen to be renting an ECV.

MaxPass is much easier on people who can't walk long distances or want to avoid unnecessary walking or traveling. MaxPass saves walking since they do not have to go to a FASTPASS distribution machine to collect a physical FASTPASS. People who use DAS services (Disney Parks Disability Access Service) may also enjoy combining it with MaxPass. We think of MaxPass as another tool to help everyone maximize the day. This is especially true for families with special needs. You can view FASTPASS reservations and DAS reservations in the app, helping to keep your plans straight.

We're always staying on top of more details about Disney MaxPass and leaving no stone (or lily pad) unturned. Drop us a line in comments and let us know if you have questions we haven't answered!

Related: Guide to the Disneyland FASTPASS Service

Related: Getting the Scoop on Disneyland Mobile Ordering Service

Keep hopping!

Keep hopping, Leap!
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1–50 of 196 comments
Feb 24, 2020 at 12:26 a.m. Kristy Warneke Says...

Great info. Is there any place to see estimated walking time between different lands like Critter Country to Tomorrowland

Reply
Feb 24, 2020 at 2:09 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kristy!

Plan for a 10- to 15- minute walk from each land. Variables are walking speed, crowd levels, if you're navigating a stroller, ECV or wheelchair, and if there is a parade you need to cross or a show (such as Fantasmic! or before, during or after fireworks, which often redirects foot traffic and makes crossing the hub very difficult). Hope this helps!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Feb 20, 2020 at 3:42 a.m. Aurora Says...

First of all thank you thank you for all the tips I’m so glad I was able to find this article! We’ve been at the MK and Epcot twice so I was surprised when I learned the parks don’t work the same at all. I read everything and took screenshots of the tips but I have one question which I kinda know the answer is No because if it’s yes it’s too good to be true! We’ll be a party of three if one has MaxPass I know pictures will all show up in there as long as you scan the maxpass holder ticket but if one has MaxPass can all three go through the same fastpass line or does each person need a MaxPass purchase to go on the rides together? I’m usually the one who does booking and planning but I wasn’t sure if I can buy MaxPass for me and have everyone join or if each person has to have MaxPass even though their tickets are linked to your account!

Thank you so much in advance!

Reply
Feb 20, 2020 at 8:05 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Aurora!

You are so welcome - we're so hoppy that this helped! You are completely right; Anyone wanting to use MaxPass would need to purchase individually (since you'll scan each ticket at the return), though if you're in it for the photos, one person in your party can purchase MaxPass to get those benefits, and everyone can continue to use the free FASTPASS system so that you'd all have the same return window. Hope this helps!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Dec 29, 2019 at 8:25 p.m. Peggy Says...

Do you think Disneyland will ever convert to magic bands? It seems so confusing to make DL plans

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Nov 17, 2019 at 7:55 p.m. DisneyFanMom Says...

Quick review of MaxPass: Glitchy, didn't connect from many areas in the park, connection too slow to effectively save time on ordering food, timed out or reported an error often when trying to get fast passes. When it worked it was great! I will buy again, but don't love it. I was using iPhone7 on Xfinity's network and connecting to park wi-fi wherever possible.

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Oct 22, 2019 at 8:12 p.m. Cinthia Says...

Hi! I'm going to DCA on a day with extra magic hours but I won't be elligible for it. I was thinking of scheduling the Maxpass for Radiator Springs first thing in the morning, but from what I've seen on the app, the return period can go up to 75 minutes. From what I understand, you suggested that in cases like this, we should use Maxpass on other rides with shorter return periods first, but I'm afraid that if we do this there's a chance that RS will no longer have Maxpass availability later on. What should I do?

Thank you so much!

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Oct 23, 2019 at 10:45 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Cinthia!

There are several ways to approach collecting MaxPass. You can likely enter the park up to 30 min early but will be stopped by ropes. You may select MaxPass FASTPASS reservations at that time. They will be valid after the park opens. You can go ahead and get a FASTPASS for Radiator Springs if you like, but if the return window is a ways off, it will block you from selecting another FASTPASS for a bit. What seems to work well for us — and this can vary based on crowds — is that we select something such as Toy Story Midway Mania or Soarin’ first. Then, we scan in right away, and as soon as we scan in for the ride, we select a new FASTPASS. That way we can get a ride in quickly and then choose Radiator Springs. Then we take advantage of short morning wait times for rides without FASTPASS while we wait for our Radiator Springs return. Hope this helps!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Oct 19, 2019 at 9:46 a.m. WENDY VERHAGEN Says...

With Max Pass are you still limited to a maximum of 3 uses per day as you are with fast pass

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Oct 21, 2019 at 8:44 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Wendy!

With MaxPass, you book FASTPASSes one at a time (for the most part), but can do so all day long - no limits.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Sep 13, 2019 at 5:52 p.m. CWS Says...

We are just doing CA Adventure tomorrow & are familiar with the MaxPass as well as Rider Switch but I would like some feedback/advice about if my 4 year old really needs the MaxPass also. We have a 2 year old so we do Rider Switch a lot but I think we only need the MaxPass on the 2 adult tickets....The only ride I can think of where this might be a problem is Toy Story Mania, but that is just 1 ride...TIA

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Sep 13, 2019 at 4:14 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there!

Disney's rule of thumb is that anyone in your party over the age of 3 will need MaxPass to head through the return line (in which case, all three of you would need MaxPass if you wanted to solely use MaxPass, or to use MaxPass combined with Rider Switch). If you had planned on just using Rider Switch, it may be worth just one of you getting MaxPass for the photo perks and using paper FASTPASS instead. Hope this helps!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Sep 5, 2019 at 11:22 p.m. george Says...

on the rides that take your picture--are those free with the maxpass or a separate fee? thank you!!

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Sep 6, 2019 at 2:51 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi George!

Those are included with MaxPass :) Enjoy!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Sep 2, 2019 at 12:50 a.m. Carrie Says...

We are taking our family of 4 in January for 5 days. We are coming from NZ so will only have 1 phone with us. I'm only really interested in Max pass for the Photo option, is it possible to purchase Maxpass for 1 person and have all the family members photos added to it?

Many thanks

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Sep 3, 2019 at 1:05 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Carrie!

Yes, you can use one MaxPass for all your photos. Just scan any PhotoPass cards that any family members collect into the app. You can also type the number of any attraction photos into the app-for on-ride photos. Enjoy!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Sep 1, 2019 at 1:52 a.m. Brian Says...

Hello again! I have the following question. If we were to start our day at DCA during EMH, when we first enter DCA, can we grab a FASTPASS for Fantasmic or do we have to wait until EMH is over and regular hours have began, or can you not get a Fantasmic pass while in DCA?

Reply
Sep 3, 2019 at 1:05 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi again, Brian! Nice to see you again :)

Yes you can, as long as you have a park hopper ticket!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Sep 1, 2019 at 1:29 a.m. JH Says...

If you book a ticket with maxpass for all days, do you get the value of the maxpass add on when upgrading your ticket to an annual pass at the park on the last valid day of the ticket?

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Sep 3, 2019 at 1:04 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there!

When you upgrade to an annual pass, it is based on the Disneyland price of the theme park ticket, but not the MaxPass. If you want to add MaxPass to your annual pass for the year, it will be another $100. While you might lose out on the MaxPass you paid for your tickets, the good news is that if you purchase discount tickets from Undercover Tourist, the cost difference to upgrade is based on the Disneyland price, so you still save some money with your discount. You also may use your tickets to visit on days that might not be valid days on the pass you end up purchasing. To upgrade to an annual pass, the cost of the pass must be higher than the cost of the tickets you are upgrading from. Hope this helps!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Aug 15, 2019 at 10:50 p.m. Jan Says...

We are heading to Disneyland for the first time in January. We're planning to purchase 5-day tickets. Still thinking about adding Max Pass. In your article, you mention adding MaxPass after you enter the park. If we decide to do that will we have to do it for all 5 days? Even if we decide to add it on the 3rd or 4th day?

Reply
Aug 19, 2019 at 10:32 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jan!

If you add MaxPass in advance, you will have it for all 5 days. If you purchase in the park, you will have to purchase each individual day. So if you decide to purchase after you've entered the park, you would be able to purchase an individual day rather than all 5 :)

Keep hopping!

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Aug 10, 2019 at 6:13 p.m. ellen Says...

Thank you so much for this post! I've read it several times now and have found it super helpful. I do have one question. My husband and I are bringing our two kids (ages 8 and 9) this coming week for two days and plan to park hop and get MaxPass to make the most of our trip. We both will need to control the FastPass party from our own phones. Should we log into the Disney app using the SAME account, or should we each have our own accounts and tie the tickets to both accounts? It's not clear to me which will work better and I appreciate your insight! Many thanks again!

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Aug 1, 2019 at 11:26 p.m. Alan Says...

Does everyone in the group need to purchase the maxpass to use the fastpass over the app? Is it possible for one person to purchase the maxpass and make fastpass reservation for everyone in the same group?

Reply
Aug 2, 2019 at 8:09 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Alan!

Without MaxPass, the remainder of the group will need to use their ticket to make traditional paper FASTPASS reservations. Each person in the group would need MaxPass for FASTPASS reservations to be made in the digital platform.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Aug 1, 2019 at 6:20 p.m. Robyn Says...

Does the maxpass work for Disneyworld in Florida?

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Aug 1, 2019 at 2:05 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Robyn!

MaxPass is exclusive to the Disneyland Resort, but Disney World has its own free FastPass system! You can learn more about it here.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Jul 31, 2019 at 8:48 p.m. Kwatt55 Says...

Sorry if this has been answered already. Just like Park Hopper tickets, Can you book a Fastpass using Maxpass for DCA when inside Disneyland or vice versa, while using your Annual Pass?

Reply
Aug 1, 2019 at 3:10 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there!

You sure can! Enjoy :)

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Jul 29, 2019 at 2:09 a.m. Brian Says...

Hi. Thanks so much for the article! I am still a little confused about linking tickets. We (5 adults and 1 two year old who doesn’t need a ticket) will be going to Disneyland at the very end of September and plan to get a 2 day park hopper with max pass. We have all downloaded the app but have not yet bought tickets. Here is where the questions come in! Say my wife and I buy our two tickets on ONE of our apps, and one adult of the other 3 adults buys 3 tickets on ONE app. (So now we have 2 tickets on one app and 3 tickets on another app). How do we get it so that the 5 of us have our own assigned ticket on our own app? Also, once that is able to happen, we thought it would be best for one person, me, to be in charge of making FASTPASSES for everyone, instead of us each making our own FASTPASS. So now we need all 5 tickets on my app? How when we link the tickets bought together, 2 one one app and 3 on another app, so that they all become separate tickets on each persons app, that when I go to put all 5 tickets on my app to make FASTPASSES, that it’s not reassigning the tickets to me!

Reply
Jul 29, 2019 at 1:36 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Brian!

No matter how you buy your tickets (through the app on multiple phones or by getting discount multiday tickets with MaxPass from an authorized seller such as Undercover Tourist), you can link each person’s ticket to as many phones as you like. In the app, click "My Tickets" and then use that little + in the upper right corner to Link Tickets & Passes. It will give you the ability to scan a barcode or type in an ID number. It smart to have one person mange it, but it’s also nice to have others who can use their app as well if they want to. Hope this helps! Have a great trip!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Jul 29, 2019 at 7:26 p.m. Brian Says...

Thanks so much! I really appreciate it. One quick follow up question. Once everyone has purchased a ticket and assigned a name to each individual ticket, is it ok to link all the tickets to one app/phone BEFORE getting to the park? Or does that cause confusion when going through the turnstiles? Thanks again!!

Reply
Jul 30, 2019 at 9:35 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Brian!

You can add everyone before you head in. It's our pleasure - thanks for hopping by! Have a great trip!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Sep 26, 2019 at 7 p.m. Roxanne Hanna Says...

A follow up to this thread. If you are travelling with others (adult children) who do not have a credit card and have their own app sign on. If the tickets are linked on my app am I able to buy Maxpass for the whole group on my account? I have already purchased tickets but didn't realize that you couldn't buy Maxpass without a credit card. Also for my teenage son.

Reply
Sep 26, 2019 at 3:06 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Roxanne!

Yes, you can link everyone to your account and buy MaxPass for them. The MaxPass you purchase will appear on their ticket in their account, so they can book their own rides if they want. Have fun!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Jul 19, 2019 at 7:51 a.m. Rich Says...

With the old paper FP, the adults that didn't want to ride got FP anyway and let the kids ride an extra time. Is this still possible through the maxpass? Reserve a FP for everyone and then just have them scan different tickets going into the FP return line?

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Jul 19, 2019 at 3:22 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Rich!

We haven't found that they enforce the names - scan and go!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Oct 22, 2019 at 10:55 p.m. Zach Says...

Hi! So just to be clear, even if you were to reserve 6 fastpasses at once, could you redeem 3 of those passes at one time, and then the other 3 after you're done riding the first time? Hope that makes sense :) We're going to be traveling with 3 adults and 3 kids, 1 of those being a 4 year old who's below the 40 inch mark, but we want to be able to essentially do our own rider switch using Max Pass. Thanks!

Reply
Oct 23, 2019 at 10:42 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Zach!

You do not have to use all 6 at the same time. You can scan 3 passes and then use the other 3 passes later; however, they all need to be used within the specified return window (you can arrive up to 10 minutes late). Some rides take a while, such as Guardians of the Galaxy, so the first group should ride early in the window to allow enough time for the other group to get in. If you ask for Rider Switch, you’ll be given more time (and hour from when the first group enters). You can use Rider Switch with MaxPass. Hope this helps!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Oct 23, 2019 at 4:56 p.m. Zach Says...

Great, thanks so much! Very helpful. I'm trying to decide whether to buy MaxPass with my tickets ahead of time with my 4 day parkhopper tickets or just wait to add them when we're there. Part of me just wants it all taken care of ahead of time, but the other part of me is cautious and want to make sure we'll be able to use them that day before I buy them. We're definitely going to use MaxPass each day that we're there, I'm just not sure if there's any risk of us arriving and not being able to use them because they're sold out for the day. We'll be there Dec 9-13 2019. Any advice you have is much appreciated! Thanks!

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Oct 23, 2019 at 2:21 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Zach!

You're so welcome! You aren't able to book FASTPASSes using MaxPass until you enter the turnstile for the day, so adding on once you've entered is toadally fine. These aren't limited like Express Passes are :) We do offer tickets preloaded with MaxPass if you'd rather bundle for peace of mind (and ease of app, since it'll all be ready to go!)

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Jul 15, 2019 at 5:21 a.m. Julia Says...

I linked my tickets to my app but only my name is on all the tickets. How can I get each person’s

name on their ticket?

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Jul 15, 2019 at 4:20 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Julia!

That’s a tough one. The app asks you to name each ticket when you link it to the app. As far as we know, there is no easy way to change them once added. Check with Disney Cast Members for help with that one. Sorry that we can't be of more help!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Jul 13, 2019 at 10:49 p.m. Derrick Says...

Hello! Thanks for this helpful article! I do have one question. If I'm buying two tickets, and adding MaxPass to both, if I enter the park in the morning and the other person is joining me later in the day, can I still make MaxPass reservations for us both right away, even though the other person's ticket wouldn't have been activated yet? Thanks!

Reply
Jul 15, 2019 at 4:19 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Derrick!

Unfortunately, no. You can only make reservations for people once they have entered a park that day.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Jul 9, 2019 at 7:56 p.m. Bekki Says...

Hello and thank you for all of this super helpful info! I have a question that I’ve seen conflicting answers to. If I book FastPasses for our family of 4 using the Disneyland app with MaxPass, do I need to scan my smartphone for everyone in order to use them, or would they be able to scan their paper park tickets at ride entry? I was considering bringing lanyards to keep the park tickets in for this purpose, as my kids love to scan themselves in (we’re used to the Magicband system at WDW) but do not have their own smartphones. I’ve read in some places that the digitally-reserved FastPasses do not link to the paper tickets and therefore the paper tickets can’t be used - I’m just wondering if this is accurate. Also, if I am scanning my smartphone, will I need to scan it 4 times (once for each person with a FastPass reservation) or just once for the whole group? Thank you!

Reply
Jul 15, 2019 at 3:42 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Bekki!

You can scan through the app OR with the paper admission ticket. You cannot scan the paper FASTPASS reminder ticket. That is just a reminder. All FASTPASSes are tied to the admission ticket. If using the app, you will scan each person in, so you will scan the first person, and slide your finger to the left to find the next person, then scan and so on. We recommend the paper admission ticket to save phone battery.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Jul 1, 2019 at 4:02 p.m. Steph Says...

Hey there, I'm glad I stumbled across this article as I was checking on how to use MaxPass for a trip in July. There's 6 of us in the group, and I was wondering if you just had to pay for one MaxPass for the person holding all of the group member's tickets in order to use the MaxPass for all of the rides. It'd be too costly to pay for MaxPass per person, so I wonder if you could just pay for one MaxPass and that person can book MaxPasses for rides for everyone. Thanks so much!

Reply
Jul 1, 2019 at 11:33 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Steph!

Unfortunately, the cost for MaxPass is per person, per day. Once you purchase MaxPass, it'll be linked digitally to your ticket with your name associated, only allowing you to book one MaxPass at a time for the ticket holder in question. Each person in your group would need MaxPass in order for you all to book and ride together. However, there are still free FASTPASS opportunities available in the parks that your whole group can take advantage of! You can learn more about the traditional FASTPASS system here.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jun 17, 2019 at 3:17 p.m. Eileen Says...

This is a great article. Thank you! We are going to DL for the first time in August. On our arrival day we have brunch at Goofy's Kitchen at 11:30 and will head to the parks after. Do you recommend that we go into the DL park before brunch just to activate MaxPass?

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Jun 19, 2019 at 5:51 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Eileen,

Thanks! We are glad you found it "hopful!" If you have time to visit the park before brunch, you can start making FASTPASS reservations before you enter the park and hop straight on some rides without waiting after dining. If you are short on time, you can enter the turnstile at the Monorail in Downtown Disney and then make a quick exit to activate your MaxPass.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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May 28, 2019 at 5:32 p.m. Ashley Says...

Just wondering if you combine the maxpass and riderswitch if only group 1 needs a fast pass or if group 2 needs a fast pass as well, or can they just get a rider switch pass without the fastpass?

Reply
May 29, 2019 at 12:24 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Ashley!

This one is tough to answer! This may vary per ride. We have had cast members tell us that both party 1 and the supervising adult should have a FASTPASS, but we have also experienced many times where they did not check for a FASTPASS for that supervising adult. When the supervising person goes to ride, he or she can take up to 2 people, and they do not need a FASTPASS to come along.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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May 27, 2019 at 6:15 p.m. Alexis Says...

Hello Frogblog! Just wanted to confirm some info. My Disneyland trip isn't until mid-June. If I'm understanding correctly, I can upload my tickets to my Disneyland app and link my credit card NOW, but I have to wait until my family and I enter the park in June to sign up for MaxPass? Thanks in advance for the help! This post was really great.

Reply
May 28, 2019 at 1:56 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Alexis!

We're so hoppy you found it helpful - thanks for stopping by! If you've already purchased your tickets, then yes, you'd need to wait and "upgrade" once you enter the turnstiles. However, both Disneyland and Undercover Tourist now allow you to purchase tickets online with MaxPass already included! You still won't be able to utilize MaxPass until you enter the parks, but you'll be all set to go now rather than later.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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May 18, 2019 at 8:05 p.m. Brenda Aguilat Says...

Hi we are going in June do you know if I have a park hopper ticket let's say I go into animal kingdom first will it allow me to buy the max pass and start reserving the rides for animal kingdom as well as Hollywood studios although I have only scanned at animal kingdom or would I need to go and scan the ticket at Hollywood studios too so that I can reserve the rides ?? How long do you usually wait for rides when you purchase the maxpass??

Reply
May 20, 2019 at 8:44 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Brenda!

MaxPass is unique to Disneyland Resort in California, while FastPass+ is used at Disney World in Florida. You can find more posts about FastPass+ here. To answer your question, you'll be able to reserve 3 FastPass reservations in one park in advance; once those three have been used up, as long as you have a Park Hopper ticket, you can then reserve additional FastPasses one at a time in any park.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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May 5, 2019 at 8:54 p.m. Kevin Donahue Says...

Hello,

We are going on our first ever DL trip in June. We are familiar with WDW and brand new to Maxpass. I understand that Maxpass cannot be prebooked, but we like to plan our day to minimize back tracking. So, how feasible is it to start the day in Toontown, then move down to Fantasyland and Tomorrowland for the evening and to schedule our maxpasses once we get in? Once we enter the park, can we book our maxpasses for the popular rides for later in the day? Or are we limited to only the earliest and closest available times?

Reply
May 6, 2019 at 11:35 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kevin!

Toontown opens an hour after park opening so hit some Fantasyland attractions first, then Toontown. You cannot choose your MaxPass times. Each ride gives you the first available. But you can see all the times and choose the attractions that work for you. Some are available right away, whereas others, like Space Mountain, tend to be a ways off. We like using a combination of close and distant FASTPASS return windows to maximize our FASTPASS usage.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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May 2, 2019 at 6:32 p.m. Jason Says...

Hello,

Thank you for this informative article. Do you know what happens if I upgrade a "regular" single day ticket with maxpass to a "peak" ticket? Do I lose the maxpass or will they add maxpass to my new ticket?

Reply
May 6, 2019 at 11:31 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jason!

You are so welcome - thanks for taking the time to stop by! The MaxPass should stay with the ticket. Upgrade over the phone or the ticket booth and ask the cast member to make sure it sticks with the upgrade.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Apr 27, 2019 at 10:15 p.m. Steph Says...

This information is indispensable. Thank you SO MUCH. Heading to the parks early next week - for one day park-hopping - and want to make the most of our time. Your knowledge of the MaxPass system is immensely appreciated. Thank you for sharing!

Reply
Apr 29, 2019 at 8:44 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

We are so hoppy to help, Steph! Be sure to let us know how it goes - hope you have a frogtastic time!

Keep hopping!

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Apr 23, 2019 at 2:29 p.m. CT Says...

Maxpass was worth every penny. We went to DL on Good Friday and got to ride the most popular rides at least twice. Very convenient to reserve fastpasses from my iPhone. Wished we had purchased the Park hopper ticket as we were done riding the rides we wanted by 3:00. Thaks Underground Tourist for the great advice!

Reply
Apr 23, 2019 at 10:39 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

We're so hoppy to hear you loved it, CT! Thanks for taking the time to let us know :)

Keep hopping!

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Apr 17, 2019 at 5:27 p.m. Allison Says...

Hello! Thank you so much for this information as I am traveling with a group of 12 students and was curious how to link all the tickets.

We are attending a conference at the convention center and will not be able to enter the park until approximately 11am after morning workshops. Do you think Max Pass will still be worth it? We are planning to stay until the park closes. I am just worried all of the FP's will be gone by the time we are able to enter the park since we will be there on July 2nd and July 3rd. Thank you!

Reply
Apr 19, 2019 at 3:32 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Allison!

It's difficult to predict FASTPASS distribution on any given day, especially around a summer holiday, but you should still be able to still use MaxPass for many rides as you are still arriving in the morning. Disneyland park will still have a lot of choices. If you do not see many choices for your group size, try breaking the group up into smaller batches of 4-6 people. To link the tickets, get the disneyland park app, find My Tickets and tap the + in the upper right corner. Tap Link Tickets & Passes and you can scan the barcode or type in the ID. Have a frogtastic time!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Apr 4, 2019 at 10:33 p.m. Dan Says...

Thank you so much, this was a great explanation of how Maxpass works and helped me with my decision to get it! The DL website really doesn't give you much info at all. Thanks again!

Dan

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Mar 21, 2019 at 1:19 p.m. Trisha Says...

We’ll be arriving into the park after lunchtime (driving into LA and have to check-in to our hotel). Since I won’t be in the park early that day to start reserving my FASTPASS’, am I probably not going to see many available time slots left for anything?

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Mar 26, 2019 at 7:32 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Trisha!

The availability really varies per day based on crowd level. There are generally more choices left in the afternoon at Disneyland than at Disney California Adventure. You can check the attractions in the app before you get to the park to get an idea of what times of FASTPASS returns are being distributed for each ride.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Mar 15, 2019 at 4:33 p.m. BETTY JO HOWELL Says...

We are a party of 7 heading to Disneyland in June. We purchased 2 day 1 park per day tickets from Undercover Tourist and want to add MaxPass. Do i have to wait til we enter the park to purchase Max Pass? Do I scan all 7 people's tickets into my app when setting up MaxPass? And how do I set up the "party" as in put in the names of everyone? Is that something i can do ahead of time? Just trying to get this straight before i get there. Thanks for all the great info!

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Mar 15, 2019 at 3:19 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Betty!

Yes, you'll need to wait until you enter the park for the day to add MaxPass (the functionality doesn't work until you're in the park anyway, so it's not a huge deal)! You can link tickets bought separately; you'll just need to scan each ticket into the app once you enter the park. You do want to be careful what you name each person’s ticket because it will be easier to select the correct people for each ride if you have added the names correctly initially. Once they've been added, the option to add MaxPass will pop up. Enjoy!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Mar 14, 2019 at 12:52 a.m. Katie Says...

My niece is going to Disneyland in April and she has an older iphone. She was not able to update the Disneyland app on the newest update due to age of phone. She wanted to purchase MaxPass. Do you know if there is a way to get around this issue?

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Mar 15, 2019 at 3:21 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Katie,

We don't know a workaround, unfortunately, but we'll keep our eyes and ears open!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Mar 13, 2019 at 4:39 p.m. Leslie Says...

How long does it take for photos to show up in the app?

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Mar 13, 2019 at 12:39 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Leslie!

You should see photos pop up within about 24 hours of being taken. If they don't show up, you can fill out a lost photo form here for Disney to troubleshoot.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Mar 5, 2019 at 11:15 p.m. Rhonda Says...

Any updates as to when Fastastic will be included in MaxPass? I had read it was coming soon but can't find anymore info. TIA!

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Mar 5, 2019 at 5:24 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Rhonda!

We haven't heard any news about Fantasmic! being added to MaxPass, but we've got our eyes and ears open! The show is available for FASTPASS via the kiosk. We'll keep an eye out!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Mar 4, 2019 at 6:47 a.m. Hiral Says...

Hi,

First Time Visiting DLR with our 4 Yr Tadpole for 3 days soon & your Blogs are really a great Help & Super Time Saver. :)

Few Question regarding PP/MaxPass ,

1) How can I Purchase MaxPass in Advance for One Adult only( Don't want MaxPass for Entire family)via Disney App after we enter our family's Tickets details?

2)As mention,With MaxPass unlimited Download of Photo.But does it need to be finish downloading on the same day or i can do After the trip at Home within 45 days?Also unlimited Download allowed in One Device or we can download on 2-3 Device

(Phone +Laptop )with MaxPass?

And really Sorry if these all are duplicate questions.

Thank you & Keep Sharing more Info.

Reply
Mar 4, 2019 at 12:59 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Hiral!

So hoppy to hear you've found the site helpful! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment. If you already purchased your tickets, you can add MaxPass to one person as soon as you enter the park that day. Just select that one adult ticket ticket within the Disneyland app and it will take a just a few seconds to complete the process. You can download your photos on any devices that are logged in with your Disney account. You have 45 days to download the images.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Feb 23, 2019 at 4:53 p.m. Fatima Says...

Hello,

I went to Disneyland yesterday on my AP with attached MaxPass. The systerm did not let me book more than one MaxPass reservation at a time. It would say something like “oops you already have a reservation in your plan” even when ride window was open. Has there been a change or am I doing something wrong? Thank you!

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Feb 27, 2019 at 9:10 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Fatima!

There is a waiting period in between booking rides. It sounds like you were trying to book again too soon. If you click the ride in your plans, it will tell you the next time you will be eligible to reserve the next ride even if you have not gone on the first ride. For return times that begin less than 30 minutes away from booking, the waiting period is 30 min (it gets erased early if you scan in for the ride in less than 30 min). For rides 30 minutes to 90 minutes away, you can book when the return window begins. For return times that are 90 minutes or longer, the wait time is a maximum of 90 minutes. Next time check your eligibility period and set an alarm on your phone to remind you to book. (And you cannot book the same ride twice in a row until you scan in first.) It can be particular!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Feb 20, 2019 at 6:46 p.m. Jessica Says...

Thanks for the info! We’re going to DL this week for the first time with kids and I’m trying to figure out if we can get away with getting MaxPasses for only some of us since 2 of our kids won’t be able to ride the biggest rides. So I’m wondering if I can purchase only 2 MaxPasses for my family, and then we’ll get two fast passes to a ride that offers rider switch. Then, when we go to the fast pass entrance and tell them we need rider switch, will we be able to get it for the other parent who didn’t originally use a FASTPASS? Or do all 3 people who are going to be riding the ride at all (using rider switch) need a fast pass originally? So, more specifically, this is the scenario I’m hoping will work:

1. Get 2 fast passes (using either max pass or the paper system)

2. Dad and Son use the FP to ride

3. Mom and Son get rider switch to ride when Dad and Son are back.

Or, do we have to get a FASTPASS for Dad, Mom and Son in this case?

Also, in order to get a rider switch, the other parent has to be present, correct? Like I can’t just show the ticket for my husband and get a rider switch before I ride a ride with my son...we all have to physically be there?

Thanks!

Reply
Feb 21, 2019 at 5:22 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jessica,

You are very welcome - thanks for taking the time to comment! This should work with 2 FASTPASSes for Rider Switch. Just take your whole party to the ride before the first party rides to get a Rider Switch return time scanned onto your and your son’s tickets to ride in the second group. We have seen some inconsistency on whether they expect the supervisor to have a FP too, but most of the time it works for the supervisor to go without.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Feb 20, 2019 at 2:55 p.m. Debbie Says...

Hello,

We will be visiting both parks over 2 days in March, and requesting Disability Access Services for my husband. Does that system work with the MaxPass as well? I don't think my husband will last more than 5-6 hours, and we are trying to make the most of our time.

Thank you, in advance!

Reply
Feb 21, 2019 at 5:23 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Debbie!

Yes. You can use both the DAS and MaxPass. You can have one DAS at a time (which you collect in person) and they do not affect your ability to acquire FASTPASSes.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Feb 13, 2019 at 6:49 p.m. Eric Says...

Heading to DL at the end of the month. Will be there for 5 days. Are we able to choose which days we purchase Maxpass or will we have to purchase for the full 5 days?

Reply
Feb 13, 2019 at 1:10 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Eric!

You are able to choose to purchase MaxPass by individual day.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Feb 11, 2019 at 4:23 a.m. Joni Says...

We have a family of 7 traveling Summer 2019 and are deciding what to do, given the hefty cost of the MaxPass. We loved having the convenience of it at DW, but there was no extra charge. If we decide to do traditional fastpasses instead, can one person go to the Fastpass reservation location and reserve the next ones for everyone in our party? Does that one person just need to have all the park tickets? And am I correct in understanding that even traditional FP can be viewed through the app once reserved? Thank you

Reply
Feb 12, 2019 at 2:32 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Joni!

Yes, one runner can grab all of the paper FASTPASSes for the entire party as long as they have the park tickets. If you've linked all of your park tickets to the app, you will also be able to view the FASTPASSes in the app (or cancel them).

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Feb 3, 2019 at 10:10 p.m. Catherine Havers Says...

Hi

I am only spending one evening at MNSSHP so wont have a regular ticket only a party ticket. I believe they dont do fastpasses for party nights(correct me if Im wrong but thats just what I have read) but would I be able to buy one maxpass so I could use the photopass?

Reply
Feb 5, 2019 at 8:11 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Catherine!

You are correct in that there are no Fastpasses available during Mickey’s Halloween Party. However, all guests get free PhotoPass for the night, so no need for MaxPass. The crowds are low and the lines are short!

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Jan 24, 2019 at 3:01 a.m. Theodore Tran Says...

I plan on going to disneyland with my friends soon and we want to get maxpass. Is it possible to buy maxpass on different credit cards but link it to one phone?

Reply
Jan 24, 2019 at 3:50 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Theodore!

Yes you can link tickets bought separately.Just scan each ticket into the app. You do want to be careful what you name each person’s ticket because it will be easier to select the correct people for each ride if you have added the names correctly initially.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jan 19, 2019 at 7:44 p.m. Cindylou Says...

Going the end of January so we didn’t plan to spend the extra on MaxPass... but ...if there is a photo we want to buy on a given day can I purchase one MaxPass after the picture was already taken?

Reply
Jan 13, 2019 at 8:23 a.m. Rebekah Ricourt Says...

An idea I came up with to speed up photo pass was to screenshot the QR code, then make it the wallpaper for the locked screen of my phone. Then I only have to wake the screen to scan. ;-)

Reply
Jan 14, 2019 at 11:53 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Rebekah,

This is a frogtastic tip! Thanks for sharing :)

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Jan 9, 2019 at 4:47 p.m. Sam Says...

Hi!

Thanks so much for all this information! I'll be heading down to Disneyland next month, so I'm trying to gather as much info now as possible!

One thing I noticed when I opened my app today (trying to get familiar with it before I go), is that it's showing the Maxpass as costing $15 - do you know if this is this something they've changed recently? Maybe part of the ticket price increases this year?

Reply
Jan 14, 2019 at 11:41 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sam,

Great eye -- you are correct!The MaxPass has increased in price to $15 per day, as of Jan. 6, 2019.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Jan 6, 2019 at 6:18 p.m. Mark Says...

Good call about the likely price increase in anticipation of Star Wars Land. That happened today, January 6, and MaxPass now costs $15 per day.

Reply
Jan 14, 2019 at 11:32 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Thanks Mark! We'll continue to keep our eyes and ears open for updates.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jan 4, 2019 at 5:32 a.m. Mike Says...

So is it possible to get MaxPass for a single day of a multiday ticket? Lets say my motivation is the picture aspect, and I decide to take them all on one day while the other days are dedicated to waiting in line for rides.

Reply
Jan 14, 2019 at 11:15 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Mike,

You toadally can purchase a MaxPass for a single day of your multi-day ticket. MaxPass can be purchased on a day-by-day basis, so it's easy to add on as you see the need.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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