Hello there, Barbara, and welcome to planDisney!
Thanks for submitting your question to us and how exciting that you all have a
Holiday visit to the Disneyland Resort coming up very soon! Let's get to answering your question so you have a clear understanding of how the
Disneyland Mobile App works.
The short answer is no, not everyone is required to have the App downloaded onto their phone, but the real answer is a bit more complicated. The Disneyland Mobile App is a super handy guide and companion for your day in the Parks. In addition to holding your tickets, it will show attraction wait times, allow you to book Lightning Lanes (if your group purchased
Lightning Lane Multi or Single Pass), enable
mobile ordering of food around the Resort, use
Merchandise Mobile Checkout for speedy purchases, and give you a handy Park Map.
Since you purchased the tickets, you'll have access to all of this on your App and will be able to manage everyone's day. However, the rest of your group will have much more freedom if they download the App and link their tickets to their own MyDisney account. They won't be tied to you and dependent on your phone and they'll be able to separate from you if needed. Personally, I highly recommend that everyone have the App on their device for more freedom and flexibility throughout the day.
Have you been able to study the
Foodie Guide for the Disney Festival of Holidays? There are so many wonderful dishes listed there but when my friends and I went, the standout was the Sticky Toffee Pudding Macaron from Favorite Things. And I hear the current new craze are the Gingerbread Cookies from
Harbour Galley in Disneyland Park! I haven't had a chance to try these but I can't wait!
Barbara, I hope this helped your group make a decision before your visit. I wish you all the most festive visit to The Happiest Place on Earth! If you have more questions, feel free to visit us again anytime!
Wishing You a Great, Big, Beautiful Tomorrow!
-Al