Howdy Fabiola!
It's great to see a fellow Texan stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel to ask a question. I bet you can't wait to watch the magic and wonder of Walt Disney World through the eyes of your sweet baby. My memories as a mom are exponentially better than those as a child since I get to enjoy all the parks have to offer while seeing their excitement and joy in the simplest of moments.
To answer your question, it is not necessary to have a
MagicBand for your 18 month old. Children 2 and under can enter the parks without park admission. However, some parents or even the young toddlers would like their own MagicBand so they feel like they are experiencing the same magic as their parents or older siblings. So, the choice is yours. The MagicBands are adjustable and once you remove the outer section, as is possible to make them smaller for little ones, they can fit a pretty tiny tot.
For more planning tips, be sure to check out the
Walt Disney World page specifically created for guests traveling with pre-schoolers and infants. You will find useful links such as sample itineraries, attraction suggestions, and other important information.
I also wanted to let you know about the
Baby Care Centers in each of the four theme parks. These centers are a great place to take your child for diaper changes, feeding, or even just a nice and cool respite from the hustle and bustle of the parks when you need a little quiet time. They have microwaves available, as well as formula, diapers, and sunscreen for purchase.
Have a magical visit!
~Allison L