Is the Disney MaxPass worth the price? My kids are younger, is it necessary? What is the Disney MaxPass?
These are some of the many of questions I get when someone finds out I’m a bit of a Disney-Buff. My family and I have been going to Disneyland every year for the last 5 years. We have traveled with our kids as young as 8 months and I think we have a decent understanding of Disney’s MaxPass. Enough to share our thoughts, tips, tricks and even explanation on why we think it’s worthy of the money.
In other words, let’s dive right in;
What is the MaxPass?
The MaxPass is a system that allows you to skip the long lines at some of your favorite rides in both Disneyland and California Adventure. While you can still book yourself a FASTPASS in the park through a Kiosk for free, a MaxPass can be done virtually on your phone from anywhere in the park. Both systems, the FASTPASS and MaxPass are a way to reserve yourself a spot in line for a ride without having to physically be there. Return to the ride at your reservation time and skip the line. In other words, do Disney like a pro
What rides have MaxPass?
There are 17 rides currently that you can use Disney MaxPass on. For example, 10 in Disneyland and 7 in California Adventure. However, news just leaked that the MaxPass will soon have 3 more rides added. Disneyland’s Autopia and Millenniun Falcon: Smugglers Run and California Adventures Monster’s Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue! These will be available to MaxPass early 2020.
Disneyland MaxPass Rides:
- Autopia (coming early 2020) – OUR FAMILY FAVORITE RIDE
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – SOFIA’S FAVORITE RIDE
- Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
- Haunted Mansion
- Indiana Jones Adventure
- It’s a Small World – STELLA’S FAVORITE RIDE
- Matterhorn Bobsleds
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (coming soon)
- Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin
- Space Mountain
- Splash Mountain
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
California Adventure MaxPass Rides:
- Goofy’s Sky School – SAMMY’S FAVORITE RIDE
- Grizzly River Run
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! – MY FAVORITE RIDE
- Incredicoaster
- Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sully to the Rescue! (coming early 2020)
- Radiator Springs Racers – OUR FAMILY FAVORITE RIDE
- Soarin’ Around the World
- Toy Story Midway Mania! – OUR FAMILY FAVORITE RIDE
You can also book evening shows with the MaxPass. In California Adventure Fantasmic! can be booked with reserved seating and in Disneyland, World of Color!
What’s the price of Disney MaxPass
While the MaxPass price started out at $10 US a person, a day, back in 2017. Then increased to $15 us a person, a day until 2020 when they announced another increase in February. The MaxPass now costs $20 US a person, a day. Still absolutely worth it if you ask me.
You could buy it with the purchase of your park tickets on the Disney Website (prior to your vacation). Or when you walk into the park, through your Disney app.
Who can use the Disney MaxPass
In theory ANYONE can use the MaxPass. Whoever has a ticket into the park, can have access to a FastPass or the MaxPass. Just one thing, make sure the rider is tall enough for the ride to ensure there is no disappointment.
TIP: we always buy the MaxPass for everyone in our party. Even if they’re not tall enough for all the rides, we like to book them into every MaxPass as it allows someone in our party to ride it twice without waiting in line.
Perks built into the MaxPass
The Disney MaxPass also includes PhotoPass. While this might be my favorite perk to the MaxPass, I am however a bit of a freak when it comes to photos. While you have the MaxPass you can get pictures taken in the park, on the rides (using your ID Number in the app) and even get photos from your Character Dinning reservations. I’m telling you, IT’S THE BEST!
For those of you who don’t know what the PhotoPass is, let me give you a quick explanation. There are Disney Cast Members all through the park (wearing a blue vest, carrying a professional camera) that will take your photo and upload it to your Disney app for you. Flag them over or meet them out front of many staple Disney structures (like the princess castle) and have them take your next favorite family photo.
TIP: While you can buy the PhotoPass on it’s own, I wouldn’t recommend it. If you’re just looking to get access to the PhotoPass, one person in your group can just buy the MaxPass at $20 US a day and just use it for the PhotoPass Perks. Do you see what I am saying? I’m sure Mickey doesn’t appreciate this tip I’m sharing, but I know how these Disney vacations can add up. Every little bit of savings counts.
The whole discussion of MaxPass can be a confusing one, especially if you’re new to Disney vacations. Two site I find help me when I am feeling overwhelmed are Undercover Tourist and Mouse Hacking. Undercover Tourist is great not just to educate yourself but also for their Crowd Calendar. They have yet to steer us wrong when it comes to best dates to travel.
Also, the YouTube Channel LeggLife is brilliant! Both Adam and Sherri have some great tips and trick for all things DISNEY. However, consider yourself warned. You may leave their channel to book a Disney Cruise. In short, they’re Disney-buffs encouraging Disney travel to all.
Above all, I recommend visiting these sites, they’re a wealth of knowledge when it comes to all things DISNEY. They’re also a great place to get you ultra excited about your upcoming trip.
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[…] want to dig even deeper into the MaxPass, then check out this post we wrote last week. It all about Disney MaxPass, what rides are included and a few personal […]