Hi Linda!
Welcome to planDisney! As a parent to a child around the same age, I have also asked the same question when preparing for a Walt Disney World vacation. And we’ve tried all of them, so I'm happy to share my experience!
No matter which option you choose, you’ll need to have it available when entering the theme parks or redeeming Lightning Lane selections. The physical ticket is nice to save as a post-vacation souvenir (if you’re into saving that kind of thing). But you’ll want the adult to handle it throughout the trip so it doesn’t get dropped or left behind. Using the
MagicMobile pass is also convenient because you’ll likely have your smartphone or Apple Watch within reach.
In my opinion, the
MagicBand+ is the way to go for a preschool-aged child. I remember around the age of 2 or 3 when my son started to hold his wrist up to the touchpoint at the theme park entrances even though I had already scanned his ticket. Now he loves scanning his MagicBand+ and seeing the touchpoints light up. And don’t forget about the
Disney Fab 50 character statues around the theme parks! When your little one gets close to a statue, they may feel their MagicBand+ vibrate, and if they wave at the character, it may talk back! Your child can also watch their MagicBand+ light up in certain attractions, or during fireworks. The MagicBand+ comes with a removable portion of the band so it will fit smaller wrists. If you search online you can find products that will help secure the MagicBand+ if you’re worried about it falling off.
Now, if you decide to go with the MagicBand+, there are a few options for making sure your 4-year-old can’t make any unexpected charges. Making purchases with your MagicBand+ requires you to enter a PIN before completing the transaction. If you completed
Online Check-In you would have created your PIN at that time. Alternatively, you can visit the Front Desk at your Disney Resort and request to turn off charging privileges to your child’s MagicBand+.
I hope this was helpful, Linda! For my kids it just added extra magic to our Disney vacation when they had their own MagicBand+. I hope you have the most magical visit to Walt Disney World with your little one. If you have any other questions as you continue to plan, I’d be happy to help at
planDisney!
Kaitlin