Hiya, Melissa, and welcome to planDisney! You'll be arriving soon for your
Walt Disney World Resort adventure, and I'm thrilled your family will enjoy a
cheerful competition while you're here. I'm happy to offer advice to ensure your reservations and tickets are in order so you'll have smooth entry into the theme parks!
I chatted with a cartwheel-spinning Cast Member named Andrea, who clarified that most stays booked through a third party, such as Varsity, cannot be linked to a guest's account in advance. So when you arrive at your Disney Resort Hotel, you'll show a valid photo ID to check in, and they should give you that confirmation number.
Now comes the fun part! You can purchase a
Disney band, or a MagicBand as they're called in the US, and link it to your account. Most resort gift shops have a wide array of designs and colors; the only downside is that you have to choose!
Once you've linked the confirmation numbers for your
resort stay and
theme park tickets to your account, and your
new band is linked, you should be able to use your band as your room key, park admission, Early Theme Park Entry, and more. Those bands truly are magic!
Be sure to
make theme park reservations if your tickets are not date-based, and you can double-check which resorts offer the
Early Theme Park Entry benefit. I'm wishing on a star that everything goes smoothly, and you can enjoy the parks at sunrise!
I'd also like to let you know that the Cast Members at the front desk will be happy to help you link everything to your account. My tip would be to select your MagicBand first, but leave it in the package until you check in at the Front Desk. Once your reservation is confirmed, they should be able to wave their wands and get your new band ready for use!
Finally, you can forego a Disney band and use
Disney MagicMobile service during your stay. This turns your mobile device into your theme park ticket and more. This complimentary service can also be used for early entry; it's fun to have options!
Melissa, I'm sprinkling pixie dust over your daughter so her backflips and toe touches will be perfectly in sync! I hope your group has a magical visit. Please stop by
planDisney anytime!
Magic awaits,
Elaine