Why you should download the Disneyland app before you go

By Jennifer Stuart
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In 2015 Disneyland came out with its own app.  Now you can get your Disneyland information on the go and at your fingertips. Before this, if you wanted wait times for rides or other information you had to rely upon third party apps.  Now you can get your info straight from the Mouse himself.

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This post has been updated to reflect changes and additions made to the app Summer 2016.

Update: January 11, 2017 --- Disneyland has announced more changes are coming to both Fastpass and Photopass and that there will be some accesibility through the Disneyland app.  

We have had many trips to road test the app and check out the features and we definitely recommend it.  (Available from Appstore and Google Play) If you plan to use the new Maxpass system you will need to get the app to access this. The other main reason to get the app is to find out what the wait times are for the different rides. (even if you don't plan to get Maxpass) If you are riding Space Mountain you can check what the wait times are before you walk over to Splash Mountain or Indy.  ​​

Maxpass

Maxpass is the digital fastpass system that Disney rolled out just before summer 2017.  The Disneyland app is necessary to be able to use Maxpass so you will need to download the app to your phone if you are planning on using this system. Note that there is a fee for using Maxpass (currently $10/day per person) Look for our post on How to use Maxpass--coming soon.

Attraction Wait Times and Fastpasses

​You can filter attractions' wait times by age, thrill level or height requirements.  I find it easiest to search and see them on map view.  It gives you an idea of where the rides are located if you are not as familiar with the park.

Insider Tip:
Unlike Disney World there is no reliable wifi in the park.  Disney gust wifi is available but notoriously bad with VERY spotty coverage. If you are coming from Canada or other countries overseas make sure you have a data plan for the US.

​When you are in map view tap on an individual time to get a thumbnail of information for that ride.

Here you can see that Tower of Terror has a 45 min wait.

Tap on the box to get a description of the ride and more importantly what the current fastpass return time is for that ride. 

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So if you got a fastpass for Tower of Terror you would be able to come back to ride from 9:15 until 10:00pm.

​You can also see if fastpasses are already sold out for the day. 


Here you can see that if you want to ride Radiator Springs Racers, you will have to wait in line.


Insider Tip:  If you are familiar with fastpass+ at Disney World you will notice big differences at Disneyland.

Character Meet and Greets

 If you click on a specific character you will get a detail of when they are going to be out in the park and where. If you are to sure there is also the option to see it on a map.

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For you character lovers this is a great feature! 

Under the Characters tab you can see a list of characters available in the park that day.

Restaurants and Dining

​Keep scrolling to the right to find dining locations on the map.  You can choose to filter these by type of dining or which park they are located in.

This is the best update to the app in my opinion.  Really the one that I was looking for when we first started using the app. Now when you go into now in addition to seeing a list of restaurants and where they are on a map you can also view menus and make reservations in the app.

Tap on the menu icon to get a  detailed menu with description and pricing.  The ability to look at menus without leaving the app is a nice feature.

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Clicking on a location will bring up more information about that restaurant.  There will be a brief description and hours of operation.

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Insider Tip:  When using the app to make a reservation you will need a disney account (free) and a credit card.  A $10 deposit is required and will be charged for no shows or cancellations with less than 24hrs. notice).

The best part is the ability to make reservations on the go. W have found that reservations for dinner in particular are necessary if you are planning to eat at a table service restaurant in the parks or in Downtown Disney.

Generally Useful Information

​Other information includes Park hours, entertainment times and 
photopass locations.

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​​Restroom locator- handy for everyone really, but especially for those of us travelling with kids.


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Churro Carts

​As an added bonus  churro cart locations and hours when you are craving that cinnamon goodness.  (my son claims that this is the best update to the app)

All those things are great but really what do I care about most when I am at Disney?  Wait times and there is an app for that.

Photopass

You photopass photos are now linked to your ticket through the Disneyland app.  Note that Photopass photos are included if you have purchased Maxpass.  You can also purchase other photopass products directly through the app. you may want to read our post on Disneyland Photopass for more information.

If it is your first trip to Disneyland read our tips on What to do Before Your First Trip or Disneyland Fastpass for Beginners

all photos by Jennifer Stuart

Thoughts?   Have you used the Disneyland app?  What did you use it for?  What did you think?