Learn all about the Disneyland MaxPass and how it makes your Disneyland vacation so much better!
When we went on our Disneyland vacation in August I heard about the MaxPass but wasn’t sure it was worth the cost. I was trying to keep our vacation as affordable as possible and thought we could do without. But after standing in line for over an hour in the hot summer heat with three fussy kids I knew something had to give. So the next day I bought us the MaxPasses on the Disneyland App and let me tell you it was a game changer!
What is the Disneyland MaxPass?
The Disneyland Maxpass is like the FastPass BUT you get your fast passes through the Disneyland App so you can get your FastPasses quicker AND you can get your next FastPass as soon as you use the first one.
You also get all your PhotoPass downloads for FREE with your MaxPass. So any PhotoPass photographer around the park, or rides with PhotoPass (Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Guardians of The Galaxy, California Screamin’ and Radiator Springs Racers) you get your downloads for FREE.
The Disneyland MaxPass costs $10 per day per ticket so the cost can add up quickly if you have a large family BUT it doesn’t have to. We only did the MaxPass one day and we were able to ride every ride we wanted, some multiple times.
I’ve found the best way to buy your MaxPass is when you get to the park on the Disneyland App. You can buy them ahead of time BUT you have to do it directly through Disney which means you won’t be able to take advantage of additional savings, like those that Get Away Today offers (PS you can save up to $86 per ticket when you travel between January 7 and May 23. 2019. Get all the details here and use code TFRUGAL to save an extra $10 on any 2day+ hotel/ticket package)! Plus if you buy directly through Disney it’s an all or nothing deal. Meaning if you buy a 5 day ticket you have to get the MaxPass on every ticket for all 5 days. And honestly with the tips I share below you really only need for one day two at most!
How do I use the Disneyland MaxPass?
The Disneyland MaxPass works just like the FastPass but instead of scanning your tickets at the kiosk for the rides, you digitally scan your tickets on the Disneyland App. The Disneyland App is going to be your best friend while you’re at the parks because not only do you use your MaxPass on it but you can also see the wait times for rides.
Use the Disenyland App in conjunction with your MaxPass to make the most out of your day. For example, the day we used the MaxPass we knew we wanted to ride Splash Mountain and Space Mountain. When we got to the park the wait time for Splash Mountain was only 5 minutes. So instead of getting our first MaxPass to Splash Mountain, we got it for Space Mountain (which had a 45 minute wait) and by using the app to check wait times we were able to ride Splash Mountain, Winnie The Pooh, Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Carribean and Autopia all before we rode Space Mountain (and all during our first hour and a half at the park).
The most popular rides usually have their FastPasses fill up quickly so you’ll want to choose those for your first MaxPass choices (typically Splash Mountain, Space Mountain and Indiana Jones at Disneyland and Guardians of the Galaxy, Radiator Springs and California Screamin’ at California Adventure). Just make sure to check those wait times BEFORE you select your MaxPass because one of those popular rides you may be able to get on with a minimal wait.
Another benefit to MaxPass (and FastPass too) is that if the ride your FastPass is for becomes unavailable, you can use your FastPass for ANY OTHER ride in the park. This happened to us twice. Once with Big Thunder Railroad and once with Guardians of the Galaxy. We were able to go on rides that currently didn’t have FastPasses available instead and it was awesome!
Is the Disneyland MaxPass worth the money?
Yes, Yes, YES! In my opinion it is definitely worth the money. You are able to ride SO many more rides with the MaxPass (we rode 25 rides all day AND took a 3 hour break in the middle of the day) making everyone happier. I think the next time we go back I might spend one less day at the parks since we can get so much done with the MaxPass.
Looking for ways to save money on your Disneyland Vacation?
Check out this post to see how we saved over 50% on our Disneyland vacation this year.
AND through the end of 2018 you can save up to $31 per ticket when you book through Get Away Today. PLUS if you use code TFRUGAL you can save an additional $10 on any ticket/hotel package.
Are you planning a trip to Disneyland soon? I’d love to hear when you’re going!
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