Does my apple watch work like a magic band?”

Hi Regina! Welcome to planDisney!

Oh boy! Only a few more sleeps until you are on your way to the magic! I'm sure you and the rest of your group are excited about being a part of the World's Most Magical Celebration and all of the new experiences that await! There is nothing quite like those last few days leading up to your stay and the anticipation that surrounds it all. 

Let me start by saying, I love my Apple Watch! I use it in everyday life and utilize almost all the features that it comes with. When I found out that I can use it at the Walt Disney World Resort for many of the functions that a MagicBand is used for, I was elated. Don't get me wrong, there is something special about putting on a MagicBand for the duration of your Walt Disney World stay. For me, it is part of the experience of the vacation. There are many times when I am sporting both on my wrists during my visits. 

An Apple Watch can do many of the same functions that a MagicBand can do. Here is a list below of all of its uses:

• By utilizing MagicMobile, you can use your watch to enter the parks by tapping in at the entrance, just as you would with a MagicBand. 
• Pay for purchases while on Walt Disney World property.
• Scan into the Lightning Lane entrances for any Disney Genie+ or Individual Lightning Lane reservations you have.

One function that it does not allow for is to open your Disney Resorts Hotel room door. You can however use the mobile device that you have your My Disney Experience App downloaded to in order to open your door. You can still get by without a MagicBand but you will need to use your phone to access your room. 

I hope you have reserved some time to spend at EPCOT during this stay. Not only will the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival be underway, but Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is now open! Between the vast array of food and drink booths set up throughout the World Showcase, you also have a brand new attraction to try while there. This ride is using the Virtual Queue System, so make sure to be ready to go at 7 AM of your EPCOT day to snag a boarding group for this attraction! Also, if you have not visited since the start of the 50th Anniversary Celebration, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure is now open in the France Pavilion in the World Showcase. This attraction was a big hit for my entire family!

Regina, have a magical time during your upcoming visit! I hope you have an amazing vacation!

See ya real soon!
Greg