This is a common question I am asked and the truth is…
You do not NEED a MagicBand. Are they fun and convenient? Sure. But they are by no means a necessity while in the Parks.
Let’s start with the basics…what is a MagicBand?
A MagicBand is an exclusive Disney wristband that allows you to connect with the My Disney Experience mobile app and engage with choices you have made for your stay while at Walt Disney World. By simply tapping your MagicBand at a touch point, you can enter the theme parks, unlock your Disney Resort Hotel room door, redeem your Lightning Lane selections, connect your PhotoPass images to your account, charge food and shopping purchases to your room, and more.
What is MagicBand+?
MagicBand+ is Disney’s newest version of MagicBand that has new “light up” features and gestures.
Let’s break it down!
Here are 3 methods of entry for Walt Disney World (MagicBand+ is coming to Disneyland this fall!)
The only major differences between the MagicBand and MagicBand+ are that the MagicBand+ has to be charged, and it has interactive “light up” features throughout the parks. They’re a slightly different style than the older version and have many new designs and color choices. Other than that, it’s not a huge difference.
What is Disney MagicMobile Service?
This is something that I have personally utilized many, many times while in the parks!
Available in the My Disney Experience app, Disney MagicMobile service is a convenient and more contactless way to access MagicBand features, like theme park entry, through your smartphone.
Using Disney MagicMobile features, guests can create a digital pass to link and access vacation features, and it works like magic! Most features are available by holding up your eligible smart device near an access point, just as you do with a MagicBand. If you use Express Mode, you don’t need to unlock your iPhone or Apple Watch in order to use a Disney MagicMobile pass––just tap and go!
Guests must have a valid park admission or Disney Resort hotel reservation linked to their Disney account to create a Disney MagicMobile pass.
GETTING STARTED:
- Link your tickets or reservations to your Disney account.
- In the My Disney Experience app, set up a Disney MagicMobile pass.
- Choose from several Disney MagicMobile pass styles (even ones that animate upon use) and add it to Apple Wallet on your iPhone and Apple Watch or to your digital wallet on other smart devices.
- Follow the steps in the app to create digital passes for other members of your party or to link their passes to your device.
YOU CAN USE IT TO:
- Enter theme parks (with a valid theme park reservation and valid admission)
- Connect Disney PhotoPass (Memory Maker) images to your account
- Gain access to virtual queue attractions when your boarding group is called
- Charge to your Disney Resort hotel account during your stay
TO ADD A MAGICMOBILE PASS ON YOUR IPHONE, YOU NEED:
- The latest version of iOS or watchOS
- An Apple ID signed into iCloud with two-factor authentication enabled.
- My Disney Experience app and a valid account.
- Tickets or reservations to a participating Disney theme park, linked to your My Disney Experience account.
HOW TO ADD TO YOUR APPLE WALLET:
- Open the My Disney Experience app and log in to your account.
- In the app menu, tap Disney MagicMobile Pass.
- Tap Set Up Your Pass.
- If you have more than one MagicMobile Pass, select the passes that you want to add.
- Tap “Add to Apple Wallet”
- Follow the instructions on the screen to finish adding your MagicMobile pass.
- When you add a MagicMobile Pass on your iPhone, you automatically add it to your paired Apple Watch, too.
All that to say – MagicBands are FUN and a part of the Disney experience, but they are not a necessity. The past few times we have been to Disney we didn’t mess with MagicBands and simply used our phones. In fact, we haven’t purchased ever since they became a separate charge (they once were complimentary with Disney Vacation Packages) We were using our phones for booking Genie+/ILL rides anyways, so it wasn’t a big deal for us.
TIP: Bring a portable charger or purchase a Fuel Rod.
However, if you choose to purchase a MagicBand, you can do so at pre-arrival pricing in the My Disney Experience app if you booked a Disney Vacation Package.
Access the magic & more info HERE.
Hope this is helpful and answers some questions!
