MagicBands
Although a little clunky, sometimes sweaty and always leaving super sexy tan lines, MagicBands prove to be a quick and convenient addition to your Walt Disney World experience. First sliding around wrists in 2013, the bands were part of the MyMagic+ roll out and essentially replaced Key to the World cards, which served as room keys and ticket media. With the addition of more capabilities, these little accessories have rolled their way into our Walt Disney World trip-loving hearts! That said, if you don’t like to be shackled to your band or aren’t sure the band will fit (they’re approximately 10.25 inches long), the little pucks containing the RFID chip do come out and can be popped into a keychain (available for purchase, bien sûr). I usually opt to strap mine around my bag or belt loop to avoid MagicBand tan. If you’re anti-branding, you can also still opt to receive a card from the resort desk. Your miles may vary on this, as we’ve only done it once due to adding a day guest to our reservation.
How do I get one?
MagicBands are included with all Walt Disney World owned and operated resort stays. Once your reservation is linked to your MyDisneyExperience account, you’ll be able to customize your MagicBands by name and color. There are 8 complimentary options in solid colors (pink, red, purple, orange, yellow, green, blue and gray), or you can opt to pay for a premium band that features characters, park imagery, patterns, etc. You’re also able to customize the name on the inside of the band, which is super helpful if you choose the same band as someone else in your party. Or if you’re a teacher like me and decide to use the bands for hall passes post-trip. Everyone knows where those suckers belong if found in the school library or at the bathroom sink.
If you’re not a Disney resort guest, you can purchase both solid and premium bands on site or on ShopDisney.com.
Complimentary Color Options
For some reason, we never get orange. (Boomer Sooner)
Vinyl Customization
Accessories
For purchase, of course! Except that passholder slider, it’s free (or super spendy).
Personalization
You have up to 9 alphanumeric characters.
Ok, so what do they do?
As mentioned before, your MagicBand serves as your room key and ticket media to enter the parks. The convenience here is fantastic, as I distinctly remember digging in purses and pockets while holding a limp noodle child at the end of the day. With these, I lift my wrist to the door and bam – done! There are other capabilities, too, that make the MagicBands little workhorses:
- Check in at FastPass+ entrances
- Connect PhotoPass images to your MyDisneyExperience account
- Charge food and merch purchases to your Disney Resort hotel room account (only available during your registered hotel stay)
- Unlock magical surprises, personalized just for you, throughout Walt Disney World
And those are the basics of the band! Got questions? Shoot us a message, and we’ll get you an answer. Happy planning now that you’re with the band. 😂
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