One of the most exciting days before traveling to Disney is the day the MagicBands arrive in the mail! As soon as I see the box, the trip becomes even more of a reality! (And just to embarrass my boys, I usually scream and do a Happy Dance).
For those of you that haven’t been to Disney World, or haven’t been in many years, here’s some helpful information about those Magical Bands and how to use them.
What is a MagicBand?
This colorful wristband is actually an all-in-one device that effortlessly connects you to all the vacation choices you made with My Disney Experience.
Your MagicBand enables you to travel lighter throughout your vacation. Use it to enter the parks, unlock your Disney Resort hotel room and buy food and merchandise. Plus, your MagicBand gives you FastPass+ access to all the experiences you’ve selected online.
** Be sure to NOT pack your MagicBands in your checked luggage. You will use them right off the bat to board Disney’s Magical Express at the airport. And if you’ve checked in online prior to your trip, you can go straight to your room using your MagicBand to unlock your door. So put them on when you head out to start your trip!
Your MagicBand also is used by Disney PhotoPass Service. The photographer will scan your band after taking your photos. You’ll also have your ride photos automatically linked to your account while wearing your band on rides that offer in-ride pics. If you’ve purchased the Memory Maker, all you have to do is go to your PhotoPass account to see all the memories captured and created for you.
How do I use my MagicBand?
Most of the time, all you need to do is touch your MagicBand against a sensor called a touch point. It’s that easy!
MagicBands can also be read by long-range readers to deliver amazing personalized experiences, as well as provide information that helps Disney improve their overall experience.
In addition to touching your MagicBand to a touch point, you will be required to enter a PIN code to uniquely identify yourself when making purchases.
To enter the parks, you will be required to provide biometric identification (fingerprint) or show a photo ID that matches the name identified with your ticket. This process helps to ensure that you, and only you, have access to the entitlements linked to your MagicBand.
MagicBands are always operational. They don’t have an on/off switch. If you lose a MagicBand, you can deactivate it on My Disney Experience, and it will no longer be linked to your tickets and other entitlements. You can visit Guest Relations for help with a replacement - occasionally they will replace without a charge depending on the circumstances.
MagicBands use Radio Frequency (RF) technology and can be read by short and long-range readers located at the Walt Disney World Resort. If you prefer to use a card—which cannot be detected by long-range readers—you can request a card at your Disney Resort hotel.
In addition, any Guest who wishes to use their MagicBand to purchase an alcoholic beverage at Walt Disney World Resort must also present a valid form of identification.
How can I get a MagicBand?
MagicBands are available at no cost to Guests staying at Disney Resort hotels. Guests staying off-site receive a card with the purchase of park admission. Those guests are welcome to purchase a MagicBand online before their trip or at many locations throughout Disney World.
When is the deadline for customizing my MagicBand?
Customize your MagicBand with your name and favorite color as soon as possible after making your Disney Resort hotel reservation! I'd be happy to do this for you!
- If you customize your MagicBand at least 11 days before you arrive at your Disney Resort hotel, it will be shipped to your home.
- If you customize your MagicBand between 10 days and 6 days before you arrive at your Disney Resort hotel, you will receive it when you arrive at your Disney Resort hotel.
- If you do not customize your MagicBand until 5 days or less before your arrival, you will receive a non-customized MagicBand when you arrive at your Disney Resort hotel - these are boring grey bands so don’t wait too long! (Sorry to those of you that love the color grey!)
When you customize your MagicBand, the printed name appears on the inside for your privacy. I like to have our nicknames printed just for fun. You can also write your cell phone number in sharpie on these before you go for a small child’s band. Peace of mind just in case they get lost.
Customization doesn’t stop there. Disney sells a number of special edition MagicBands: everything from Star Wars to Mickey Mouse is available to purchase. Most of these special bands are about $20 and can be purchased from DisneyStore.com in advance of your trip or in theme park stores on-site.
For even more customization, guests can add accessories like character images and jewels called MagicBandits. These decorations pop into the adjustable holes on the MagicBand.
With the introduction of MagicBand 2 in early 2017, the customization options are even more robust. MagicBand 2 has a center disc Disney is calling the “icon” that can be removed with a small screwdriver. Creative Disney types are mixing and matching the icon with different color bands. If you don’t want to wear a band, you can even remove the icon entirely and put it in new accessories Disney is selling called MagicKeepers to turn them into keychains, lanyards, and more.
You’ll see Guests that have gone to extremes while decorating their bands. I purchased “skins” from sellers on etsy to place on our bands. Here are a few pics of the packaging and the bands, including the before and after pictures of a couple of our bands.
Make yours stand out and be prepared for Cast Members to admire them!
How do I use my MagicBand or card when I have a FastPass+ arrival time at an attraction or entertainment experience?
When you arrive during your scheduled FastPass+ arrival time, all you need to do is proceed to the FASTPASS queue entrance and touch your MagicBand or card to a sensor called a touch point - so easy!
Please remember that each member of your party will have to individually touch their MagicBand or card to the touch point, so everyone should be sure to have their MagicBand or card available.
How do I make purchases using my MagicBand?
If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, you can charge purchases to your room by touching your MagicBand or card against a sensor called a touch point and entering a PIN code to uniquely identify yourself. You self-select your PIN upon check-in at your Walt Disney World Resort hotel.
Hungry for a snack? Want a souvenir? Use your MagicBand to charge these purchases at a Walt Disney World theme park to your Disney Resort hotel room. Are MagicBands waterproof?
You can select which MagicBands are able to charge - might be a good idea to not give charge privileges to your kids!
Are MagicBands waterproof?
Yes. MagicBands are waterproof so you don’t have to worry about protecting them from water exposure when you visit the Disney water parks, enjoy water attractions at the Disney theme parks, swim at the pool at your Disney Resort hotel or get caught outside in the rain.
Have other questions?? Contact me or comment below!!