Disneyland is changing the way you vacation. With the introduction of the Disney MaxPass, you can avoid running all over the place, trying to collect Fastpasses, and spend more time actually riding the rides (which is probably one of the main reasons you go to Disneyland in the first place).
Using this new feature is quite easy. But, to use MaxPass, you will first need to download the Disneyland App.
Don’t have the App? Click here for your free download on iTunes or here for Android and look for this symbol.
Simply put…MaxPass gives Guests a better Park Experience. You can grab Fastpasses right from your app AND you get unlimited PhotoPass downloads.
Check out the Video below to see how MaxPass works:
So, is there a downside to MaxPass?
Like the words of Rumpelstiltskin, Magic comes with a price…and so does MaxPass. You can either purchase it when you purchase your Park ticket or you can purchase it on the Disneyland App upon entering the Park (if you are not sure whether or not you will be utilizing it).
How much does MaxPass cost?
The price is $10 per person, per ticket, per day. This can really add up if you have a large family. However, the good news is that it doesn’t appear to be an all or none sort of a deal. So, if you have someone who wants to join you in the parks, but they do not like to ride the rides where Fastpass is available, then you are able to save a little money and not purchase MaxPass for that person. The same goes for those who want to use MaxPass one day, but not the rest of your stay. If you purchase a multi-day ticket ahead of time and add MaxPass at that time, you will be charged $10 per ticket days. However, if you wait until you are in the park to purchase MaxPass, then your Pass will only be valid for that one day, costing you $10. There is no discount for purchasing ahead of time, so if you are unsure whether it is something you want or not, there’s no penalty for waiting until you are in the Parks.
If you are an Annual Passholder, you also have the option of purchasing a one day pass on the App (upon entering the park) or you may purchase the Annual Plan for $75 per person, which will expire when your Annual Pass expires. Again, it’s an added expense, but given the 2 options, it’s a much better deal, especially if you plan on visiting the Parks often.
What if you do not purchase the MaxPass?
Guests who opt out of purchasing the MaxPass still have the option to scan their park tickets at the individual Fastpass attractions and get the traditional paper fastpass. While it requires much more walking and planning to get these Fastpasses, this option is Free of charge.
What happens if my phone battery dies before my Fastpass time?
Because you’re getting your Fastpasses online, you will have to scan your phone at the Fastpass Return line. All this activity is most likely going to drain your phone battery. The good news is that your Park ticket is linked to your Disneyland App…and MaxPass. So, if you’re trying to conserve battery life, or you have bad reception, scanning your Park Ticket will also work. If you’re really concerned about your phone battery, you can also purchase unlimited external batteries (fuel rods). After the initial investment of $30, once the rod is empty, pop it into the machine and a new one will pop out.
Weighing the Good and the Bad
After looking at all the positives and negatives of this new system, the only negatives I could see with the system are cost, of course, and a shortened phone battery life. But, if you’re like me, you probably have an external battery with you, so the battery issue, while annoying, may not be a huge deal.
The benefits of MaxPass include faster Fastpass times (I’ve heard that the App has been giving earlier times than the traditional paper Fastpasses that are being distributed at the same time), flexibility to cancel Fastpasses if plans change, and it is easier to plan your day when you can see what all the Fastpass times are without running around to different rides. And while it’s not confirmed, it’s likely that since there are limited fastpasses, spots will fill up quicker due to the fact that it is easier to book on the App.
Would I purchase MaxPass?
While Price is a big factor, in this case, I think that the benefits outweigh the negatives. Anyone who knows me will tell you that there is no roller coaster or thrill ride that I won’t ride. For any adrenaline junkie, such as myself, being able to go from ride to ride with little to no wait time is a big deal. Considering how expensive a Disney Vacation is, I want to maximize my time in the Parks while I am there.
And of course, there is the added benefit of unlimited photos. You are able to purchase the PhotoPass separately (which costs between $78 and $119, depending on which one you choose) but if I am someone who is willing to pay (and I DO PAY) $169 for the PhotoPass in Disney World, $10 per person, per ticket, per day for the MaxPass doesn’t seem like such a bad deal after all.
