Apple Pay is a convenient, secure way to make purchases using your iPhone, Apple Watch or compatible smart devices. As more and more people adopt mobile payment methods, major destinations like Disneyland Resort are accepting Apple Pay across their locations.
Disneyland Resort announced it started accepting Apple Pay in March 2019. All locations at Disneyland in Anaheim, California and Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida now take Apple Pay for purchases and payments. This includes:
- Theme parks
- Hotels
- Retail stores
- Restaurants
- Transportation like buses, monorail and parking
Apple Pay can be used through iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac. To pay, simply hold your compatible Apple device near a payment terminal showing the Apple Pay or contactless payment logo. Authentication takes place through Touch ID, Face ID or double click of the side button.
Apple Pay provides a secure, private way to pay using device authentication and tokenization. Your actual credit or debit card details are not shared with the merchant during payment.
Benefits of Using Apple Pay at Disney Parks
Disneyland Resort accepting Apple Pay offers several benefits for park visitors:
Convenience
- Don’t need to carry cards around the parks
- Payment takes seconds by holding iPhone or Apple Watch near terminals
- Works on iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac for seamless switching between devices
- Don’t need to open an app to pay like other mobile wallets
Security
- Actual card details are not shared during transactions
- Uses device authentication through Touch ID, Face ID or double side click
- Unique tokens are generated for each transaction to prevent fraud
Speed
- Transactions are significantly faster than inserting a chip card
- No need to sign or enter a PIN for most purchases under $25
- Get through lines quicker with faster payment processing
Organization
- All receipts are collected in the Wallet app for easy tracking
- View payment history and manage cards right on iPhone
- Add passes for park tickets, annual passes and photo pass right in Wallet
How to Set Up Apple Pay at Disneyland
Using Apple Pay at Disneyland Resort is simple and fast to set up. Follow these steps:
- Ensure your iPhone, Apple Watch or other Apple device is compatible with Apple Pay. Most newer models starting with iPhone 6 support it.
- Add a credit, debit card or prepaid card to the Wallet app. Double check it is one accepted by Apple Pay.
- Verify the card security code. Some banks may require additional authentication.
- Agree to the card issuer terms and conditions.
- Your card is now ready to use with Apple Pay at Disneyland as well as anywhere else Apple Pay is accepted.
- For extra convenience, add your Disneyland park tickets and annual pass to the Wallet app too.
On Apple Watch, double check Apple Pay is enabled under Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay. Also enable Wrist Detection so you don’t have to double click the side button to pay.
How Apple Pay Transactions Work at Disneyland
Apple Pay transactions use near field communication (NFC) technology to securely communicate between the terminal and your device. Here is what happens when you pay with Apple Pay at Disneyland:
- Hold your iPhone, Apple Watch or enabled device near the payment terminal.
- Authenticate using Touch ID, Face ID or double click of the side button.
- A unique token associated with your device is generated for the transaction.
- The token and payment information is securely sent to the merchant’s bank over the payment network.
- The bank verifies the token matches and authorizes the payment with the card issuer.
- The card issuer approves the payment, a receipt is sent to your device and funds are transferred to Disney.
Your actual credit or debit card number is never shared or stored on the merchant terminal. This prevents theft and unauthorized use of your card details.
Where Can You Use Apple Pay in Disneyland Parks?
Apple Pay works for purchases at the vast majority of locations throughout Disneyland Resort. This includes:
Rides and Attractions
- Use Apple Pay for individual Lightning Lane access at attractions. Scanning your device is faster than tickets.
Shops and Retail Locations
- Most stores in Disneyland, California Adventure and Downtown Disney accept Apple Pay.
Restaurants and Food Locations
- Pay for meals, snacks and drinks using Apple Pay at quick service and table service restaurants.
Hotels
- Use Apple Pay at check-in, for room charges and in hotel gift shops, cafes and restaurants.
Transportation
- Pay for parking, monorail tickets, and bus transportation with Apple Pay.
- Use Apple Pay for ticket booths at Disneyland Railroad stations.
- Coming soon for entry gates to both theme parks.
Recreational Activities
- Pay for boat rentals, surrey bike rentals and more with Apple Pay.
Apple Pay works for purchases under $25 without requiring signature or PIN entry on supported terminals. Larger purchases may prompt authentication.
Tips for Using Apple Pay at Disneyland
Follow these tips to ensure the best experience using Apple Pay throughout Disneyland Resort:
- Charge your iPhone, Apple Watch and other devices beforehand so battery doesn’t run out. Bring a portable charger.
- Enable Wrist Detection on Apple Watch to pay quickly without double clicking the side button.
- Add your Disneyland tickets, annual pass and photo pass to Wallet for easy scanning into parks and at photo ops.
- Double check added debit/credit cards do not expire soon. Update card details in Wallet beforehand.
- Set your default card for Apple Pay to your preferred payment method for speed.
- Pay attention to terminal prompts for when to hold your device to the payment reader.
- Know whether to tap your device or hold near the terminal based on the contactless logo displayed.
- For purchases over $25, have Touch ID, Face ID or passcode ready to authenticate if prompted.
- Save all your Disneyland Apple Pay receipts in Wallet to track expenses and manage reimbursements.
Key Takeaways About Apple Pay at Disneyland
- All locations at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World accept Apple Pay using iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad or Mac.
- Apple Pay is convenient for not having to carry your wallet and faster for transactions.
- Payment is highly secure using tokenization and authentication through Touch ID, Face ID or passcodes.
- Add tickets, annual pass and MaxPass to the Wallet app for easy access into the parks and Lightning Lane.
- Use Apple Pay to check into Disneyland Resort hotels, pay for rooms, meals and everywhere during your stay.
- Transactions under $25 often don’t require signature or PIN entry for speed.
- You earn full credit card rewards and benefits when using Apple Pay.
Conclusion
Apple Pay provides a seamless, secure way to make transactions throughout Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World. With all locations now accepting Apple Pay, you can have an easy, convenient visit without needing your physical wallet or cards. Pay quickly by scanning your iPhone, Apple Watch and other Apple devices at terminals found across the Disney parks.
FAQs
- How do I set up Apple Pay on my iPhone?
To set up Apple Pay on your iPhone, open the Wallet app, tap the plus (+) sign, and follow the step-by-step instructions to add your debit or credit card. You’ll need to verify the card details and accept the terms and conditions. - What iPhones work with Apple Pay?
Apple Pay works with iPhone 6 and newer models. The iPhone must be running iOS 8.1 or later. To check, go to Settings > General > About to view your model and iOS version. - Can I use Apple Pay on my Apple Watch at Disneyland?
Yes, you can use Apple Pay on your Apple Watch at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and all locations at the Disneyland Resort. Simply double click the side button and hold the display up to the payment terminal. - Do I need to have my iPhone with me to use Apple Pay on Apple Watch?
No, you can use Apple Pay on your Apple Watch even if you don’t have your iPhone with you. As long as the watch is charged and has an internet connection, Apple Pay will work on its own. - Is Apple Pay safe to use at Disneyland?
Yes, Apple Pay is very safe to use at Disneyland. It uses device authentication with Face ID or Touch ID and tokenization so your actual card details are never shared during transactions. - Can I use Apple Pay with an Annual Pass at Disneyland?
Yes, you can add your Disneyland Annual Pass to the Wallet app and use your iPhone or Apple Watch instead of your plastic AP card. Just hold it up to the reader when entering the parks. - Does Disneyland accept Apple Pay for dining reservations?
Yes, you can use Apple Pay for pre-paying dining reservations booked through the Disneyland app or website. Apple Pay is also accepted at all restaurants and food locations in the parks. - Can I use Apple Pay for MaxPass at Disneyland?
Yes, you can purchase MaxPass using Apple Pay on your iPhone or Apple Watch within the Disneyland app. This gives access to Lightning Lane reservations. - Will Apple Pay work on shuttles at Disneyland hotels?
Yes, Apple Pay is accepted for purchasing tickets on the shuttle buses that run between Disneyland hotels and the theme parks. - Do I still earn credit card rewards when using Apple Pay?
Yes, you earn the same credit card rewards, points, and benefits when using Apple Pay as you would making a physical card purchase. All rewards programs apply. - Is there a transaction limit when using Apple Pay at Disneyland?
Purchases under $25 usually don’t require a signature or PIN. Over $25 may prompt device authentication. Overall limits follow your credit/debit card terms from the issuing bank. - Can I use Apple Pay at the Downtown Disney District?
Yes, Apple Pay is widely accepted at all shops, restaurants, and locations throughout the Downtown Disney District attached to the Disneyland Resort. - Does Apple Pay work for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Disneyland?
Yes, you can use Apple Pay for purchases at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations inside Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and at the hotels. - Can I use Apple Pay for Disneyland parking?
Absolutely. Apple Pay works for paying for parking when you enter the Disneyland parking lots and structures. It is also accepted for add-ons like Disney MaxPass. - Is Apple Pay accepted at every store in Disneyland?
Apple Pay is accepted at the vast majority of stores throughout Disneyland Resort. There may be a few exceptions with older point of sale systems. But 95%+ of locations accept it. - Do the Disneyland Resort hotels accept Apple Pay?
Yes, you can use Apple Pay at the front desk, restaurants, shops, bars, and everywhere else when staying at a Disneyland Resort hotel like the Disneyland Hotel, Paradise Pier, and Grand Californian. - Can I use Apple Pay on rides at Disneyland?
At this time, Apple Pay is not accepted directly on rides at Disneyland. You can use it to purchase individual Lightning Lane access on rides and attractions though. - Will Apple Pay work in both Disneyland and California Adventure?
Yes, Apple Pay is accepted throughout both theme parks – Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. It also works in Downtown Disney, all hotels, and everywhere at the resort. - Can I use Apple Pay at character dining experiences in Disneyland?
Yes, you can absolutely use Apple Pay for character dining experiences at Disneyland locations including Plaza Inn, Storytellers Café, and Goofy’s Kitchen. - Is Apple Pay accepted at all restaurants in Disneyland?
Yes, Apple Pay works at all quick service and table service restaurants located throughout Disneyland, California Adventure and the entire resort including Downtown Disney.