RideMax is a software program designed for Disneyland enthusiasts that calculates the optimal time to experience each attraction at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. This tool minimizes waiting and walking time, thus creating an itinerary tailored to your schedule. Developed by park experts led by Mark Winters, RideMax gathers valuable data on rides and visitor trends to determine the shortest lines and best FASTPASS time windows. As one observer noted, “It’s remarkable to see behavioral insights applied in such a practical setting.”

About RideMax

I tested RideMax during a two-day visit to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure with friends, and within our first hour, we were all convinced of its effectiveness.

How Do You Use RideMax?

To begin using RideMax, launch the software and select the park and the date of your visit. While data is typically available eight weeks in advance, it’s advisable to finalize your schedule closer to your actual visit for the most accurate information.

Next, select the rides you wish to enjoy. Although preparing this list in advance can be beneficial, a brief description of each ride will appear at the bottom of the page when you click on it.

In the Plan Options, specify your starting and ending times for the day and configure two break periods as needed.

You can also indicate whether your group will be moving at a normal or slow pace and if someone is available to obtain FASTPASSES for the group.

An additional option allows for late FASTPASS scheduling, meaning you could schedule use after the hour-long window printed on the PASS has lapsed. According to a Disneyland cast member, all FASTPASSES are valid from the start of the hour until the park closes.

During warmer hours, like between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, consider scheduling water rides to stay comfortable.

Enabling the “Display Tips on Plan” option offers more insights related to your chosen rides.

What Do You Get?

The program can take anywhere from a couple of minutes on a fast connection to half an hour on a slower system, depending on your itinerary’s complexity.

Once calculations are complete, a web page presents a timed itinerary indicating when to arrive for each ride, expected wait times, ride durations, and the walking time to the next attraction. If you opted for the “Display Tips” function, those hints will also be displayed at the bottom of the page.

Feel free to print out your schedule or view it on the mobile-friendly website since no special application is required.

Does It Work?

RideMax proves incredibly effective. During our visit in August, we utilized it at Disneyland one day and California Adventure the next, often feeling significantly more informed than other guests. Some wait times were even shorter than predicted, allowing us to experience additional rides.

It was astonishing to witness how arrival timing dramatically influenced wait lengths. Just a few minutes early or late could mean the difference between a short line and a lengthy wait.

Doesn’t It Take All the Fun and Spontaneity out of Disneyland?

On the contrary, RideMax significantly reduces stress. Concerns about adhering to a strict itinerary causing stress for children proved unfounded. Once my friends saw us bypassing lines with ease, they became enthusiastic participants, embracing the plan.

The children quickly realized that their desired attractions were accounted for in our schedule, eliminating any discontent from missing a ride. We seamlessly transitioned from one attraction to the next without delay.

Getting the Most Out of RideMax for Disneyland

RideMax suggests creating multiple itineraries with varying start times. For instance, I prepared an itinerary for 8 am and one for 8:30 am, but we didn’t enter the park until 8:39. Thankfully, the wait at the Indiana Jones Adventure was shorter than anticipated, putting us back on track.

Be mindful that the program does not include shows and parades, with scheduling allowed for only two breaks, which may not suffice for extended visits that include midday rest or evening fireworks.

Trial and Error: Working Around the Two Break Limit

After testing various itineraries, I realized the program allocates free time throughout the day. This feature enabled me to allow RideMax to determine our lunch break instead of manually setting it. I scheduled breaks for our hotel rest and dinner reservations. Instead of concluding the day before the fireworks, we planned to have our finale after the show, allowing us a convenient built-in lunch break.

However, by staying at the park for fireworks, we forwent the program’s ability to calculate potentially shorter lines later in the evening. Consequently, we may have faced longer waits earlier in the day.

A workaround is to run a second itinerary covering the last hours from 9 to 11 pm, focusing on rides with long wait times from earlier to potentially discover improved wait times.

By staying flexible and running an itinerary with all rides but no specified break times, you can gauge short wait times for popular attractions both at the beginning and end of the day. If scheduled activities overlap with desired experiences, like fireworks, simply adjust and program a break at that time.

Every Change You Make Produces a Completely Different Itinerary.

Switching from a “normal pace” to a “slow pace,” or employing a “runner” versus “no runner” for FASTPASSES results in shifts throughout your itinerary. Preparing several schedules aids in quick adjustments if deviations occur. That said, falling behind requires you to skip something in order to get back on track; adhering too rigidly to a timeline can lead to frustration.

Our second day began at California Adventure. Following our itinerary, we opted to secure FASTPASSES at Grizzly River Run before heading to the California Screamin’ roller coaster. Surprisingly, the Stand-By wait for Grizzly River Run was just five minutes, prompting a chorus of “Let’s just go on now!” However, we chose to resist temptation, trusting RideMax, and enjoyed another day without wait times.

RideMax is available for $14.95 for a 90-day subscription or $24.95 for a one-year plan. Both options enable access to the web and mobile versions. An optional e-book is available for those who wish to enhance their experience further. This investment can significantly enhance the value of your Disneyland vacation.