Where to Get the Disneyland App
The Disneyland app is free for iPhone and android. The Disneyland app is a must-have for any vacation to the Anaheim resort. It can even help you get pumped up and ready for your vacation right now.
Download the free Disneyland App here, and together I’ll show you how it works. We’ll talk major functions of the Disneyland app including wait times, park hours, Disney Genie+, tickets, mobile food ordering and so much more.
But first you should know Disneyland WiFi, including hotspots and dead spots are listed here. International guests will definitely want to read up on this one for data usage tips! I also recommend using a Fuel Rod to keep your device fully charged.
Upload Your Disneyland Tickets
One major convenience of the Disneyland app is being able to purchase and manage your tickets right from your mobile device.
But wait! Before you buy your tickets through the Disneyland app, let me hook you up with a cheaper way to get Disneyland tickets. Don’t pay top dollar with no discounts through Disney, buy your discount Disneyland tickets from Get Away Today (the first company to ever work direct with Disneyland to sell authorized tickets!).
How do I link tickets to the Disneyland App?
You can link your discount Disneyland tickets in 5 seconds. It’s so easy! Simply print out the paper electronic tickets or even using your phone to capture the barcode from your computer.
It’s smart to link your tickets now, even if your trip isn’t right away. Once you scan the ticket in, assign the name of the person right then to keep things organized. When you entire the gates for the first time you can use any of these methods for entry:
- Scan your tickets inside the Disneyland App (you’ll still get the paper tickets as shown in the video above)
- Scan paper tickets like the one shown above
- Scan electronic tickets printed from you computer
None of the above methods require you to visit a ticket booth. Walk right on over to the gates! I prefer to have my tickets scanned in the app and keep the small paper tickets handy as a back up.
Can I link my ticket in other people’s Disneyland App accounts?
Yes, you can add your ticket to a friend’s app or family member’s account for your Disneyland vacation. This is a smart move if you’re planning to ride things together throughout the day. Linking tickets to various Disney accounts in your group helps group you together for virtual queues and if you’re using Disney Genie+.
Disneyland App Wait Times
Browse Disneyland wait times even before your vacation. And maybe when you’re missing Disneyland too. It’s more common than many of us would like to admit. Scrolling the app lets you see what ride wait times are like from the comfort of home.
You can browse wait times by map-view, or list view. You can further filter your choices to show wait times only in a certain park, by thrill level, Disney Genie Plus selections and more.
Bonus Tip: If you’re worried about getting to all the rides you want to ride, print one of my Disneyland Plans to take with you.
Are Disneyland wait times accurate?
Wait times on the Disneyland App are pretty accurate and are updated in real time. You might notice, however, a wait time saying 5 minutes when there is no wait time at all.
Sometimes they account for the time it takes you to enter the queue and walk its entire length to when you board. In general, wait times are accurate both on the app and posted wait times.
Does everyone in my party need the Disneyland App?
I suggest everyone with a device download the Disneyland App. You can create separate accounts or log into the same account. For example, I often have my kids log into my account on their devices so they have access to everything they might need.
Logging into the same account gives you instant access to everyone’s tickets and plans. If you plan to log in on your own account, be sure to link tickets to each account. Follow the steps outlined in the next section to link your tickets.
Disney Genie Plus
One of the main reasons you’ll want to install the Disneyland app is for using Disney Genie+. This is the new is the paid upgrade of the old MaxPass and even older FASTPASS systems.
If I lost you there hang on and let’s get you up to speed. Read all about Disney Genie Plus here.
On the Disneyland App, you can see not only wait times, but Genie+ return times. It doesn’t matter if you’re using this paid version, those times are available for everyone to view. You can even check them from home as you get familiar with the app and its functions.
Disneyland Food & Mobile Order
The Disneyland App to the rescue again! Make dining reservations right from the app, view existing reservations and even order food to be ready when you are.
How do I mobile order food on the Disneyland App?
Mobile food ordering was released on the Disneyland App mid-2018 and my life has seriously changed for the better.
It is so convenient and easy to look over menu items, order and pick up your food all without even taking out your wallet. This info sheet distributed during it’s initial phase explains Disneyland Mobile Food Ordering well:
- Sign in to the Disneyland App
- Tap the “+” button on the bottom of the screen
- Tap “Order Food”
- Select a restaurant and pick an available time window for when you would like to dine
- Add items to your order
- Pay for it right from the app with your credit card, gift card or other form of payment
When you’re ready to eat (see my entire dining and food section here), arrive at the dining location during your arrival time window and tap “I’m here. Prepare my order.” When your food’s ready, the app will notify you.
Bonus tip: I like to tap “I’m here” on my way to the restaurant. So it’s ready even quicker with less wait times.
Can I make special requests to my Disneyland mobile order?
Yes, allergy options are noted and you can removed/add condiments on most orders. It will also prompt you to add a drink or dessert if you didn’t select one with your oder. So far there is no option to add the free cup of ice water to your mobile order, so you may have to ask for that upon arrival.
Where do I pick up my Disneyland mobile food order?
Look for the “mobile order pick up sign” at participating quick service restaurants. Once you get the hang of noticing the marked area, it’s easy to find at each dining location.
What if I miss my pick up time?
That happened to me! They don’t prepare your order until you tap that you have arrived, so don’t click early unless you are truly on your way. When I was late I found my order and tapped on it to adjust my time. Super simple.
How do I make dining reservations on the Disneyland App?
You can make, cancel and modify dining reservations right in the app. It’s super simple:
- Sign in to the Disneyland App
- Tap the “+” button on the bottom of the screen
- Tap “Reserve Dining”
- Select your party size
- Select an available date no more than 60 days in advance
- Search by time of day
- Select your desired restaurant and time to confirm
If you need to cancel your dining reservation, do so on the app at least 24 hours before your reservation. On a couple occasions I needed to cancel my reservation about an hour before it was to begin. In that case, they can charge you a small fee (per person) to cancel.
In both my situations I talked to the restaurant in person or over the phone and explained my dilemma and was able to cancel without fees.
Disneyland App PhotoPass
Disney Genie Plus is more than just quick and easy “front of the line” access. It also offers free, unlimited PhotoPass downloads during the days you purchase Disney Genie+. Read up on all the incredible PhotoPass opportunities that await you before your vacation here.
If you have an iPhone, you can even edit and add borders to your Disneyland PhotoPass pictures in the edit screen of each image. These images are totally free to download, text, post, print and share when you purchase Disney MaxPass.
Disneyland Character Spotting
Where does Cinderella hang out? How can I meet Mickey Mouse? The Disneyland App knows where everyone is at any given time!
Go to list format to quickly select your favorite characters and find out the best time to pay them a visit. Or use the map list to see who’s nearby.
Troubleshooting Disneyland App Tips
There’s always times when tech doesn’t give you the help you need. Here’s a list of common problems with the Disneyland App and the solutions.
If you need help solving a Disneyland App problem, please add to our discussion in the comments below. I also recommend this article for more tips.
NOTE: Most Disneyland App issues can be resolved by logging out and logging back in. In rare cases you need to uninstall the app and reinstall. If all else fails, Cast Members on site are extremely helpful with the Disneyland App and any hiccups.
The Disneyland App is not working, what’s wrong?
There are times when the app does not function as normal. In this case, it’s Disneyland’s issues with their servers, not yours. Everyone is affected and Disney usually has some kind of alert when you open the app that something is wrong.
There’s an error when I try to purchase Disney Genie+, what’s wrong?
Sometimes you need to delete your saved credit card and start from scratch. Other times you may have entered your 3 digit security codes incorrectly.
I canceled my Genie+ return time by mistake, what should I do?
I’ve done that before too :(. If you canceled a return time or virtual queue by mistake, head to a guest services booth (Cast Members wear plaid) to explain and see if they’ll have mercy on you.
My Disneyland PhotoPass picture isn’t showing up, what should I do?
Sometimes it take a while or even a couple days for PhotoPass pictures to arrive in your account on the Disneyland App. Usually waiting it out is the solution. If you forgot to get the code, call Disneyland directly and they can help you locate your photo if you have the date you were there, along with some other identifying information.
Bonus Play Disney Parks App
Need something to do while in line at Disneyland? Maybe you’re waiting for a notoriously long-line attraction like Peter Pan’s Flight or you’re stuck in the standby line of Space Mountain? You need some games to play while waiting in line and Play Disney Parks app has come to the rescue.
You’ll find tons of interactive adventures for your group to explore together. Each adventure focuses on where you are in the park. Look for the Play Disney Parks app sign around the resort to get started.
Note that they take a bit of reading instructions (I’d love to see this simplified) but once you get to the game itself, it’s totally on! I especially love the app for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
