Okay, I’ve had some mixed feelings on this topic. Disney Parks have mobile apps where you can find a map of the park and all sorts of other awesome features. It comes in handy when there are thousands of people there at the same time, which definitely happens every day. You can find wait times for each attraction, show times and the menu for each restaurant. These features are free, and everyone should be using them.

The MaxPass is something I’ve only used my last two trips to Disneyland. (It’s not something I had to worry about in Florida’s Disney World, because you have different perks while staying on resort). For both trips this year, I paid for MaxPass the day I visited Disneyland and passed on it the day I explored California Adventure.

This paid park perk is $15 and includes FastPass and PhotoPass. You can make one FastPass selection each hour from your phone. Without this pass, you can walk to each ride’s kiosk and select a FastPass, but only one every couple of hours. The PhotoPass allows you to get the Disney professional photographer’s pictures. It even includes some magically edited photos. It definitely makes things more convenient and can help you beat the crowds on a busier day. After all, what’s $15 when you already paid over $100 for the ticket itself?

Pros:

• Much shorter wait times
• More FastPass opportunities in a day
• Convenience of selecting all FastPasses from your phone
• It can keep your group more engaged and happy when they don’t have to wait in long lines
• It helps you feel like you’re riding rides more than standing in line when you reflect on the day
• Professional photos
• Magic pictures
• It only costs $15 per person (about the same as a meal)

Cons:

• You often lose track of time while in Disney and forget you have a FastPass selection available – I’m sure Disney knows this and banks on it
• It’s $15 extra per person
• The FastPass slots do fill up
• Not all rides offer a FastPass
• You still have to go to use that FastPass at the time it presents – not whenever you choose
• It’s definitely not worth it when there aren’t rides you want to ride more than once or the short times are shorter than 30 minutes per ride
• Part of the fun is waiting in line with friends and family

My opinion is that this perk is not necessary, but can aid in the overall park experience if you can afford to spend the extra cash. Let me know if you have any personal questions! You can reach me at malaribainy@gmail.com.