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!
View Comments
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101–150 of 196 comments
Mar 3, 2018 at 7:02 p.m. Dana Says...

If i am at emh at disneyland can i make a maxpass fp for dca before it opens?

Reply
Mar 7, 2018 at 12:26 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Dana,

It depends! Some rides are available during early entry hours and some are not. It can vary each day. You can log in and see if any are available. Expect that they will be available in the other park closer to that park opening.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Mar 3, 2018 at 9:42 a.m. Bea alcantara Says...

Is thia not available for Disneyworld Orlando?

Reply
Mar 5, 2018 at 9:22 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Bea!

Correct. MaxPass is only available at Disneyland in California. FastPass+ is Disney World's system!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Mar 1, 2018 at 3:29 a.m. D Turner Says...

Hi if i buy 4 tickets + 4 max pass with the app in my phone . Can 2 people arrive at the park hours before the other 2 people. Can they log into my account and use the max before i arrive. Also if i purchase the 4 tickets how does the 2 early arrivals get their tickets . I havevent exoerience turnstile tickets yet. How does it reconize they have tickets waiting for them .

Thanks!

Reply
Mar 7, 2018 at 12:25 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there,

The two people who have entered the park can log into the account through the app to access their tickets and enter the park and book rides for themselves, but they cannot book rides for people who have not yet entered the park. Once you arrive, you can start booking your rides. They should be able to log in to the app, slide the Mickey head up and view the tickets under “My Tickets.” They can scan them at the gate!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Feb 27, 2018 at 9:03 p.m. Kimmy Says...

We are interested in getting the Max Pass but confused on when need to get a paper ticket fast Pass for a show example World of Color. So if we go get the fast pass in the morning after entering the park and we get the 9pm show. When are we able to schedule our Max passes, How long do we have wait the 90mins or 2 hours?

Reply
Mar 7, 2018 at 12:29 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kimmy,

The paper FASTPASSes for shows are disconnected from the rides, so you can immediately book a ride upon entering a park and go obtain a World of Color FASTPASS right away with no conflict or waiting period between the two!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Apr 7, 2018 at 12:15 a.m. Nan Says...

Do you still have to take your paper ticket to grizzly river rapids upon entering the park and wait in line to FASTPASS world of color? Or have they changed that process?

Reply
Apr 12, 2018 at 4:17 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Nan,

You'll pick up World of Color FASTPASS between Ariel's Undersea Adventure and Grizzly River Rapids. However, World of Color does close for refurbishment after tonight! We aren't sure when it'll reopen yet.

Keap hopping!

Leap

Reply
Feb 19, 2018 at 6:46 a.m. Teresa M Says...

If I already purchased a one day park ticket with MaxPass, but now I see that it could be possible to see both parks in one day with MaxPass....is it still possible to upgrade to a PARK HOPPER with Maxpass?

Reply
Feb 21, 2018 at 11:11 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Teresa!

Yes, it is! You can use both MaxPass and Park Hopper together :)

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Feb 16, 2018 at 4:25 a.m. Kayla Says...

I lost my debit card so I contact Disneyland and I’m going to the park over the weekend and I’m laying my payment at the booth since my debit card hasn’t arrived yet. How would I be able to buy the max pass if I don’t have my debit card yet ? Disneyland was great and told me to pay at the booth for my annual pass payment then when I get debit card I can call to put it in my account. I use the max pass in the past and loved it but kind of stressing how I’m going to do it over the weekend

Reply
Feb 20, 2018 at 12:33 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kayla,

You can pay with cash at the ticket booth!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Feb 13, 2018 at 4:14 a.m. Laurie Says...

We have 4 adults, 2 kids. Will get maxpass for all. The grandmas will want to view all photos on their own phones. We want to share all photos. All log in to my acct or is there a way to share all photos to 4 adult accts? Goal is to avoid grandmas passing photographers their phones and trusting the system. Thanks for all of your tips!!

Reply
Feb 13, 2018 at 8:57 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Laurie!

If you are purchasing MaxPass for the whole group, you'll be able to link your accounts so that everyone can view the photos. To answer your question, photos will be shared across all 4 adult accounts as long as you link them ahead of time.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Mar 4, 2018 at 3:38 a.m. Laurie Says...

Link every photo pass card to every account? Thanks in advance for your help!

Reply
Mar 5, 2018 at 9:13 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Laurie!

Could you please clarify your question? You can link all photo pass cards to one account, if needed.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Feb 10, 2018 at 5:50 a.m. Teresa Says...

How does Max pass work with rider switch? Do you just need 1 max pass for the adult, even when bringing the 2 guests? Meaning, can I buy a max passes for each adult, and not buy for the kids - but the kids still get on with us?

Reply
Mar 5, 2018 at 1:46 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Teresa!

You will need to purchase Max Pass for all those who will be enjoying the attractions.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jan 31, 2018 at 8:17 p.m. Stacy Says...

I'm confused about what you said about having two fast passes for the same attraction. For example, if I get a Toy Story FastPass at 10am, for example, but my return time isn't until 3pm, does the typical 90-minute rule apply? Specifically, at 11:30 (90 minutes after I got my first FastPass), can I register for another Toy Story FastPass? Or will the system prevent me from doing that simply because I want to ride the same ride twice?

Reply
Feb 2, 2018 at 4:45 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Stacy!

When going on the same ride twice, you have to use the first FP first before making a new reservation to go on the same ride again. So in this case, the system will prevent you from booking a second Toy Story ride until you have physically scanned in for FP return about 3 pm and activated the first FP. But if you, say, booked Toy Story at 10 am for 10:20 and scanned it in at 10:15 (because you can drive 5 min early or 10 min late) they could immediately book the next Toy Story at 10:25 while waiting in line to get your 3-D glasses and go on it as soon as you exit they first ride, and then book again. Choose a ride with a faster return window to do that. Hope this helps.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jan 27, 2018 at 5:26 a.m. Amanda Says...

When can you start reserving a MaxPass fast pass for the day? I am planning to buy the MaxPass before getting to the park. Specifically, if I am in the park before it opens, can I start reserving maxpasses before rope drop?

Reply
Feb 1, 2018 at 12:15 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Amanda,

As soon as your ticket has been scanned and activated, you can start reserving a MaxPass FASTPASS for the day! But, your ticket MUST have been scanned and activated.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jan 25, 2018 at 7:24 p.m. Sherry Laderoute Says...

how many fast passes can we get on the app at one time? meaning we have a party of 19, can one person scan all our tickets and get same time fast pass?

Reply
Jan 26, 2018 at 9:59 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sherry!

It all depends on availability. With a group that large, it may be hard to snag good FastPass experiences together. But in theory, you should be able to get them!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jan 25, 2018 at 6:54 p.m. Alysha Says...

We are looking at purchasing SoCal city passes so we can see more than Disney on our vacation this spring. Do you know if Maxpasses can be purchased for the Disney tickets that are included with a CityPASS? Thank you!

Reply
Jan 26, 2018 at 10:06 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Alysha,

MaxPass is an add-on to regular tickets, so you can absolutely purchase them for those included with a CityPASS.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Jan 25, 2018 at 4:16 a.m. Tara Says...

This website has been so helpful! Would you recommend a MaxPass for this situation: Mom, dad and three kids ages 3 and under, at Disneyland only for 1 day on January 30, 2018? (I’ve never taken kids before and haven’t been to DL in about 5 years). You have projected crowd level to be a 2/10 that day, and we will have to do a lot of rider switch for the rides that offer FASTPASS. I don’t mind splurging for 3 MaxPasses IF we will get a lot of use out of them. If you were me, what would you do?

Reply
Jan 25, 2018 at 10:58 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Tara,

For a day that is projected to have so few crowds, it's probably not totally necessary to get the MaxPass. The only other cool thing about MaxPass is the pictures that come with it; you're able to keep and download all of the pictures you take throughout the day in the park. So if you're really into the photos, then it would be worth it. If not, you could probably get by with just Rider Switch and FASTPASS.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jan 25, 2018 at 12:58 a.m. Tyra Says...

I've read that you can take advantage of both a FastPass/MaxPass and Rider Switch (assuming the ride offers both) at the same time. Do the supervisors who are waiting with the child also need to have a FastPass to use the Rider Switch? Or can the supervisors simply use the Rider Switch at the designated time, and the first party riders enter using their FastPasses?

Reply
Jan 25, 2018 at 10:55 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Tyra,

The way we understand it, you should book the FASTPASS for the 2 adults and 1 child. Then the whole group will go to the ride entrance. A Cast Member will scan the ticket for the supervising adult, adding some extra time cushion to their FASTPASS. The first group will ride while the supervisor stays with the child, then once the first group returns, the supervisor can ride and take two guests with them (that could be people who have already ridden or people who waited with the supervisor.) It doesn’t matter.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jan 22, 2018 at 5:05 a.m. Kara Says...

Thanks so much for all this great information! Do you know anything about using MacPass along with a disability service pass?

Reply
Jan 23, 2018 at 2:54 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kara,

Yes! You can use both services, and it works really well. You can schedule FASTPASS return times with MaxPass and schedule DAS return times with a Cast Member at an information kiosk. You can have an overlap in reservations, as the DAS return times do not expire until you use them that day. They will all show up in the app, so you can manage or remember them. We cover using both MaxPass and DAS in this post. We recommend reserving DAS for rides that do not offer FASTPASS or for FASTPASS rides once FASTPASS distribution is no longer available for that particular ride.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Jan 3, 2018 at 11:32 p.m. Kristy Says...

Do you know how getting a FastPASS to World of Color works if you have a mobile ticket and not a paper ticket?

Reply
Jan 4, 2018 at 11:38 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kristy,

If you purchase a Disney eTicket, you can bring your mobile device to be scanned at the park's entrance. You'll then be given a standard paper ticket, so it works just the same!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Dec 29, 2017 at 9:33 p.m. Tracy Says...

I did one day of the MaxPass a couple weeks ago, just so we could see what the return times were, verify wait times, and take advantage of the photopass. I was very disappointed that the wait times showing in the MaxPass were completely different than what the ride actually said. And like someone else commented, my photos are on my pass, but if I want to download them, it is charging me. Not sure how to fix that but will keep looking.

Reply
Dec 28, 2017 at 11:13 p.m. Lyda Says...

Thank you So Much for taking the time to share this information!!! We are eternally grateful!!!

Reply
Dec 29, 2017 at 9:28 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lyda,

You are most welcome!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Dec 21, 2017 at 5:58 a.m. Ana Says...

thanks for the tips! it was very helpful! :))

Reply
Dec 18, 2017 at 11:32 p.m. YzzyMa Says...

Fantastically helpful post. Thank you. Looking forward to our trip later this week & using the MaxPass.

Reply
Dec 3, 2017 at 3:34 a.m. Whitney Says...

Hello,

We just went to Disney Land yesterday with the Max Pass and while taking pictures with the princesses I got one of the cards you scan for pictures and had it scanned every time we took a picture. However, I went home and connected the photo card that was scanned to my Disney Account. I got the pictures on my computer but there is no way to download them for free I have to pay 12.95 per picture to download. Do I need to link them photo card to my max pass or park ticket somehow? Thanks so much!

Reply
Dec 1, 2017 at 12:45 p.m. J Says...

If you nab a fastpass using maxpass for several hours out, how long does the system make you wait before you can sign up for another?

Reply
Nov 29, 2017 at 10:28 p.m. Stacey Says...

Are California Adventure and Disneyland treated as two separate parks meaning you can hold a MaxPass for a ride at each park at the same time?

Reply
Nov 29, 2017 at 3:26 a.m. Rob Says...

Great article and thanks for posting. My question is that the fast pass system used to work independently for each park. That is, you could obtain one fastpass for each park during the same time. Does maxpass operate the same way or is it only 1 ride at a time? Example, I'm in DCA with a fastpass for Screamin (not redeemed yet) and I want to book a FP for Space mountain since its in DL. Does that work? Also, It's my understanding world of color and fantasmic don't count as ride passes. Is this still true? Thank you so much.

Reply
Nov 27, 2017 at 6:53 p.m. DAC Says...

Max pass was AWESOME! Did one full day at California Adventureland yesterday and never spent more than 1/2 hour in line. Family of 4 (9, 12 year old)Managed Cars 3x, toy story 3x and guardians 2x. Filled in the day with everything else and was great to get free family pics along the way. I will say get your best walking shoes on as you tend to walk a LOT more skipping around the park but I’d rather walk 6 minutes than stand in any line longer than 30. We most definitely got our monies worth yesterday. 13 hours, 78 rides, $7.25 per ride was a great day and value

Reply
Nov 27, 2017 at 1:34 a.m. Kassie Says...

I bought my DL/CA tickets through a 3rd party vendor. Can I upgrade my tickets to add max pass the day before if I go to the DL window? I 'm trying to save time and just in case theres app/connectivity issues the day I actually go to the park. I don't want to stand in a line at customer service. I want to enter the park

and start fast passing.

Reply
Nov 27, 2017 at 10:54 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kassie,

Yes, you can buy the MaxPass at the ticket window.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 25, 2017 at 11:56 p.m. Linda Covey Says...

Can you “manage” your own Max Pass later in the day if a different person “managed” the groups passes in the morning?

Reply
Dec 22, 2017 at 8:59 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Linda,

Yes!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 25, 2017 at 2:57 a.m. Megan Says...

Thanks for the article - very helpful!!

We are looking at purchasing the SoCal CityPass. Do you know if we can add MaxPass to the 3-day hopper that is included in the CityPass? Thanks!

Reply
Nov 28, 2017 at 1:40 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Megan,

Yes, you can still purchase the MaxPass. You can do this before your visit or by visiting the ticket booth at the park.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 17, 2017 at 8:29 p.m. Paula Says...

We are traveling to DL Thanksgiving week. I bought the 3 day Southern California City Passes. Will MaxPass work with these?

Reply
Nov 15, 2017 at 8:31 p.m. Chad Says...

Is it a waste of money to purchase Maxpass later in the day (6pm)? Would most of the fastpass selections be gone?

Reply
Nov 15, 2017 at 6:31 p.m. Chad Says...

Were annual passholders going this Friday after 5pm. I have used the maxpass a few times. Is it worh purchasing it that late in the day? Will there be many fastpasses available by then?

Thanks.

Reply
Nov 16, 2017 at 11:36 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Chad,

Since you're going late in the day, it might not be worth the purchase. We think the MaxPass is the best investment for those who plan to arrive early and stay most of the day.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 15, 2017 at 6:19 p.m. Carlos Says...

Question about the max pass I can’t find anywhere. If I’m an AP holder, and I purchase the $75 Maxpass is that only for me? Or would it cover my Maxpass party. I’m not sure if I’m asking the question correctly.

Reply
Nov 16, 2017 at 11:37 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Carlos,

The MaxPass will only cover you. Each person in your party has to purchase the MaxPass to be able to use it.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 15, 2017 at 4:14 p.m. Dave Says...

I’ve never dealt with pictures before..so when someone takes our pictures they give us a code which we use to redeem the picture?

Reply
Nov 20, 2017 at 11:32 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Dave,

They can give you a photo pass card with a code you can scan, or to skip a step and make it easier you can use the Disneyland Park app. if you are using MaxPass, you can open the Disneyland Park App. Slide the Mickey head up. Under My Photos click Link PhotoPass. Show the code that appears to the photographer to scan, and the pictures will appear in about 20 minutes.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 15, 2017 at 7:49 a.m. Lyndsey Says...

I tried to set up the MaxPass in the park but did not have service so a Cast Member showed me the steps to complete it for later. All I wanted it for was for the photos for the day. Now I’m at my hotel after hours trying to buy my MaxPass for today but the park has already closed for the day and I can’t figure out how to buy it for TODAY. Is it even possible?

Reply
Nov 14, 2017 at 7:15 a.m. yo Says...

I'm heading for the Land in December but have already purchased my Photopass. Will the ride photos be the only benefit to me, and can I still synch with MaxPass if I spend the 10/day?

Reply
Nov 20, 2017 at 11:31 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there,

The ride photos are already included in PhotoPass. You just need to type in the white number at the top of the ride photo—we like to take a quick pic of it and type it in later. If you add MaxPass for $10 per day you will be able to reserve FastPass from your phone, which is a great benefit. We highly recommend it because you can get quicker return times than with free FastPass and save yourself a lot of walking. It is easy to make reservations while eating or waiting for another ride, so you can save a lot of time and get more done.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 13, 2017 at 7:39 p.m. Keala Says...

Do you think it is worth it to get a maxpass if both your children are under 2 years old?

Reply
Nov 15, 2017 at 11:14 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Keala,

If you want it for the photos, then yes it is most certainly worth it.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 11, 2017 at 3:04 a.m. Steph Says...

We are going to the park soon with 6 guest. If my DH and I have different Disneyland app accounts can we both put all 6 tickets on each account? Or is it best that we use the same account? We plan to split up occasionally

Reply
Dec 22, 2017 at 8:43 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Steph,

Sorry for the delay, but your comment ended up in our spam filter. You should be able to have all six tickets linked up in both accounts.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 9, 2017 at 10:11 p.m. Jennifer Says...

Great info!!! Learning lots!! Going Dec 24-25th. First time for Christmas time. Question. I downloaded the app and it says you can purchase tickets, Does that mean park tickets? How do you get your paper ticket? Any info greatly appreciated. Usually just go to ticket booth the evening before, usually no lines, but if this is easier and quicker I am for it!

Reply
Dec 22, 2017 at 8:46 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jennifer,

So sorry for the delay. Your comment ended up in our spam filter. You can purchase park tickets with the app as well as MaxPass.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 6, 2017 at 5:44 a.m. Lilian Says...

Hi! Thanks for this article it have been very helpful, however I have a question, do I need to buy a maxpass to all of my family in order to have a group photograph? Or am I able to do it if my

Single ticket it's upgraded to a to a maxpass? I'm really looking mostly to have the photopass benefits. Thanks

Reply
Nov 6, 2017 at 8:39 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lillian,

You would only need to upgrade one ticket to MaxPass. You will use your upgraded ticket for the PhotoPass. Have fun!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 5, 2017 at 4:54 p.m. Vernell Ray Says...

Question more than a comment, I use the MaxPass Party. Now every time I open, my ticket, I see that the other APs I scanned for MaxPass party are still there. My question is, how do I remove them? Thank you.

Reply
Nov 7, 2017 at 7:58 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Vernell,

To delete a passholder or other ticket holder in MaxPass, you need to update the Disneyland app in the App store. Next, open the app. Slide the Mickey head up. Click My Tickets. Under each person’s ticket, you will see an option that says Delete this pass. Click that to remove them from your party.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 5, 2017 at 3:06 a.m. Sally Says...

Hi I am after some information for our upcoming Disney trip, we will be travelling from Australia with our 3 kids. I'm a bit confused about the MaxPass, I don't ride on any rides due to severe motion sickness so is it possible to purchase MaxPass for the rest of the family and not me?

Reply
Nov 5, 2017 at 3:46 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sally,

Yes, you may purchase MaxPass for the other members of your family, while you sit out.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 4, 2017 at 4:24 a.m. Susie Says...

Do I️ understand correctly that Disney MaxPass is only available for Disneyland and not Disney World?

Reply
Nov 5, 2017 at 3:25 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Susie,

That's correct!

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 2, 2017 at 2:05 p.m. Lucia Says...

Are all the pictures that you take included in the $10 price or there’s a charge for each one?? Cause it doesn't say anywhere and I don’t know if the $10 price is just for you to be able to have them on your phone and so you can download them, I’m going this weekend and we really wanted to know about that, thanks!

Reply
Nov 2, 2017 at 9:38 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lucia,

All of the pictures that you take are downloadable and included in that $10 per day price.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 2, 2017 at 4:51 a.m. Lucia Says...

I have a question, for the pictures on MaxPass is it $10 for all of them ? Or do I have to pay for each one to have?

Reply
Nov 2, 2017 at 8:37 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Lucia,

The $10 covers all of your PhotoPass photos taken that day. Extra fees apply if you'd like them printed at the park.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 2, 2017 at 2:37 a.m. MJD Says...

Thanks for the info. It sounds like a great deal. We will have a party of 20 heading to DL soon. If we want to purchase MaxPass for all on one credit card would we need to link all tickets to one account and then buy MaxPass for all. I’m assuming after that each mini group could then link their ticket to their phones and the max pass would remain as paid. We already have the tickets so could I pre link them to one account, pay as soon as we get in the park and then have each mini group scan their ticket to their phone? Can the mini groups scan their tickets early as well but just wait and let the leader pay? Also do you know if DL gift card you get from the grocery store can be loaded to app and will work to pay the MaxPass fees? Thanks.

Reply
Nov 2, 2017 at 9:40 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi,

- You can manage up to 10 people from one account.

- Yes, a person can be managed by someone else and also scan ticket to their own phone to schedule their own FPs.

- You cannot add a gift card to the app. But you can upgrade your ticket to MaxPass at the ticket booth before entering park using a gift card. That may also be the easiest place to pay for all the tickets with one credit card. But be sure to have all tickets present.

Keep hopping!

Leap

Reply
Nov 15, 2017 at 10:47 a.m. Sarah Says...

If my husband and I are together and the kids are together and both parties have phones do you just sign into the same DL app for use of specific tickets with the maxpass? Does it link all pictures taken with photopass to sane account? I’m thinking it’s yes to all the above, just want clarification. Thanks!

Reply
Nov 20, 2017 at 11:32 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Sarah,

You both sign in to the app using the same user name and password and you should have all your photos appear on that account.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Oct 29, 2017 at 8:55 a.m. Says...

I am a Canadian and see that the ticket option is for us and Japan residents only. Wondering how that affects me, I would only like to purchase the max pass for 2 of the 4 days I'm there but is it worth just getting it for all and paying the extra 60$? I keep getting told the wait times for cars is terrible so might be worth it for that alone but says limited and not gaurenteed all the time so I wouldnhage to spend the 120$ and then find out it was useless

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Oct 30, 2017 at 7:55 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi,

If you are visiting during a busy week, MaxPass may help you reserve more FASTPASS times. That can be a real boost over waiting in long lines.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Oct 24, 2017 at 1:39 a.m. Kassie Says...

I will be at Disneyland/California adventure Dec 7,12 and 13. 6 adults 4 children ages 2-8. It's supposed to be a slower time at the parks so Is it worth it to buy max pass?

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Nov 14, 2017 at 3:29 a.m. Brian Says...

I was at DL/CA last year (2016) at the time you described and it wasn’t that bad, but we definitely took advantage of the FP tickets and it was wonderful. This year, we will be ther Dec 4-8 and, based on this article, will be doing MaxPass. Great read, very helpful!

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Oct 24, 2017 at 4:27 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kassie,

You may want to consider purchasing MaxPass for your first day to give it a test drive.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Oct 15, 2017 at 8:05 p.m. Debra Says...

Thank you so much for this article! We have been AP members on and off for the past 8 years and just updated to signature plus for the max passes and our final year (now our kids are 6 & 8) of AP membership. Hopefully this will allow us to see the opening of Star Wars land in the fall, and take a break on the monthly cost.

I was totally confused of the max pass process and this article has helped tremendously just wanted you to know that!

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Oct 16, 2017 at 9:23 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Debra,

We're so hoppy that it helped!

Keep hopping!

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Oct 11, 2017 at 3:16 p.m. Terri Says...

A quick question about Rider switch passes and max pass. We have 6 in our group total. 3 adults and 3 kids. One is a new born who will need to have an adult sit out at each ride. When we have gone befor they have given us a pass to come back at any time. Is this still the case or do we have to do the switch right after the first group rides?

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Oct 11, 2017 at 1:13 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Terri,

We believe you are given a one-hour time return window.

Keep hopping!

Leap

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Oct 8, 2017 at 5:33 a.m. Elizabeth Says...

Thank you SO MUCH for this article!! It gave SO much more information than the disney website and I love that I now feel confident as to whether to add it to our passes when we renew in a couple months. Thank you again for sharing your experience! I've already sent this article to a couple friends who didn't really "get it" either.

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Undercover Tourist is the leading supplier of online discount tickets to Orlando, Florida-area attractions, including Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort™, SeaWorld® Orlando, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and more.

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