Disneyland’s MaxPass System Explained

July 28, 2017

It’s a week in to the launch of Disneyland’s new MaxPass system allowing visitors easier access to FASTPASSES as well as unlimited PhotoPass downloads. With its teething problems out of the way and a chance to hear from guests that have used the system, we here at Disney Addicts think there’s a lot about MaxPass to be excited about. This is why we thought it would be helpful to give a brief overview of the system and what visitors heading to Disneyland resort in the weeks and months ahead can expect.

What is Disneyland’s MaxPass System? – The MaxPass system should be seen first as a PhotoPass tool. Visitors who opt to use MaxPass are eligible for unlimited downloads of any of the PhotoPass images taken while your at the parks. This includes ride photos as well as images captured by any of the PhotoPass photographers stationed throughout.

The second component to MaxPass, and the one bound to be most popular with guests, is that it gives visitors the option to book and redeem their FASTPASSES selections through the Disneyland App thus avoiding making mad dashes to the FASTPASS kiosks.

What rides can I get FASTPASSES for using the MaxPass system? Here’s a list of FASTPASS options available by parks. These attractions will be eligible for MaxPass mobile booking:

Disneyland

Big Thunder Mountain
Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
Haunted Mansion
Indiana Jones Adventure
Matterhorn Bobsleds
Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Star Tours

Disney California Adventure Park:

California Screamin’
Goofy’s Sky School
Grizzly River Run
Radiator Springs Racers
Soarin’ Around the World
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!
Toy Story Midway Mania

Does this mean that the traditional FREE FASTPASSES are no longer available? No. Disney has kept the paper ticket kiosks there. This means those familiar with the traditional system that would prefer to still use it have that option.

Can I book more than one FASTPASS at a time using MaxPass? No. These are still booked one attraction at a time.

So how much does MaxPass Cost? Currently it is being offered at an introductory rate of $10 per person per day to use MaxPass. Each member in your party will need to connect their admission ticket to MaxPass. Though this can be done well in advance, it won’t actually activate til the day you visit.

If I get if for just a few members of my family can everyone take advantage of it? No. Just as everyone in your original party would need a FASTPASS, everyone would need to purchase a MaxPass. That means if you have a family of 5, the cost to use MaxPass each day for the entire family would be $50.00.

I’m an Annual Passholder. Do I get any sort of MaxPass discount? There are a couple of options available for Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders. Individual MaxPasses can be booked at the same rate as the general public, $10 per person per day. Alternatively Passholders also have the option of paying a one-off fee of $75 per year that provides unlimited MaxPass access. The MaxPass expires when your annual Pass expires. Guests should note that there is no-prorating so the option only works if you have many months remaining on your pass.

Signature Plus Passholders and Disney Premier Passholders are the only exception as they automatically receive MaxPass as part of their membership.

Okay so how can I purchase MaxPass? – There are a few ways that interested guests can purchase MaxPass. Here’s a rundown:

For guests purchasing your tickets online, you can choose to add Disney MaxPass to your tickets at the time of booking.
You can also purchase them on the day, once you are in the park by using the Disneyland Mobile App. Just follow the prompts to purchase MaxPass.

So how exactly does MaxPass work when I’m in the parks? Using MaxPass is pretty simple once you get used to it and can all be managed through your smart phone. Disney created a helpful video that shows how the whole process works. Take a look:

Can I book my first FASTPASS of the day using MaxPass before I enter the park? No. The Disneyland App is able to detect where visitors are located and will not allow you to activate MaxPass until at the theme parks.

If I’m at Disneyland will it let me book a FASTPASS for Disney California Adventure Park? Yes. As long as you are in the parks you are able to book between parks.

Is MaxPass worth it? This is a pretty subjective question and depends largely on your touring style. If you like the FASTPASS system the way it is or are travelling with a large group and don’t want to pay for everyone, then in may not be the best value for money. However, it does offer some distinct advantages which visitors that have already used the system have come to love. The positive feedback I’m receiving is that clients like that you can see all available rides and their FastPass return windows all at once. This allows you to handpick options that are going to be convenient for your party. This also allows you to pick rides with shorter return windows which eliminates the need to wait around for hours before heading to an attraction. Also if guests decide they don’t want to use a FastPass selection, with MaxPass you can simply cancel it and book another using the App.

We hope that we’ve managed to answer many of your initial questions about how MaxPass works. It is still early days and I’m sure we can expect changes to the system currently in place. So please keep checking back with Disney Addicts for the most up-to-date MaxPass information or over at our sister site Chip and Co.

Are you thinking about a visit to Disneyland? Fill out our form below to receive your FREE quote.

Why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I can help you get the best discounts for your Disney World vacation package, assist with making dining, Fastpass and Christmas Party reservations and can even help you plan an itinerary filled with extra special Christmas touches. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Contact me at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or on Facebook and let’s get planning!

Images copyright Disney.

Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.

Get started Now for your FREE No Obligation Quote.