Thank you so much for starting this thread! Myself, DH, and DD are heading down with a spilt stay in San Deigo first from July 2nd(Checking in)-6th(Checking out), then driving up to Anaheim to do DL July 6th(checking in)-10th(checking out). Staying at the Kings Inn in Anaheim. This is our first time there from Canada, and we are super excited. Huge Marvel fans so excited to see the Marvel touch's and the GOTG ride! Expect the crowds to large and the heat to be hot but eh were on vacation right! We have not paid for our DL tickets yet. Would it be a good idea to book the tickets soon? Or should I wait closer to when we leave? I plan on getting MP for at least 2 of the full days we are there (spending at least 3 days in DL). Hoping to get a better idea how the MP work to by reading some of these threads. Stacking passes and book times ahead but only have certain times all seem so confusing to me. I just know we want to go in pre book some times to get on rides later in the day or end of day do what we can right away with out a huge wait and take a pool break at the hotel mid afternoon!! Seems doable right??!!
No reason not to buy the tickets now. Some people are suggesting it's possible there could be another price increase. I personally don't think there will be, they'd have a bit of a hide doing so when they are only opening part of the new Land, IMHO but you never know.
You could save yourself a few bucks by buying tickets from somewhere like
Undercover Tourist. Just watch out for the 'special' tickets that are currently on sale. There is a Canadian offer and other offers about on these 'special offer' tickets but they must be used by May 23rd so don't buy them, you need the 'regular' tickets for use after that.
Don't worry about using MP - once you've tried it once or twice you'll be amazed just how easy it is to use. It's also very easy to add on a daily basis. I assume you've already downloaded the official D/L app and registered a Disney account? You can go ahead and store your credit card in there before you arrive so it's all ready to go. Once you scan through the turnstiles then it's a couple of clicks basically to get MP for the day. If your credit card is already stored then you just have to enter your cards CVC number to finalise the transaction so it's good to memorise that 3 digit number. I know it seems confusing but it's really not.
There is a great sticky on the front page with info on the MP use, and other great info as well for newbies. I think it's a little hard to find myself. Someone else might attach the link for you - that is beyond my capabilities : )
However, it's amongst the 'stickys' on the front page of the Dis Disneyland page: *DLR Info/Links, NEWBIE INFO -> Hydroguy's Super Threads -> HydroGuy Tips Compilation -> Other Good Tips I Did Not Write -> Maxpass/Fastpass: an overview by Skyegirl1999. (Sorry, much easier when someone just posts a link for you!)
That is a great overview of the MP and worth a read - you still may feel confused after, but honestly, once you've actually tried it in the park you'll be amazed how easy it is.
Lots of other great tips and information in that area too that Hydroguy and others have taken the time to write.
Best of luck with your planning - keep reading up on here as there will be lots of info posted on DIS about all the happenings as they are announced.
I'm sure you guys will have a blast!