MagicBand+ pairing with Smart Phone; Minnie Mouse band
  • On Jan 27, 2025
    Kevin from MN Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    When do I book fast pass for our rides? Do I need to purchase this now? Do I need to buy magic bands or are they still complimentary?

    Hi Kevin, and welcome to planDisney. I’m excited to hear that you’ll be walking down Main Street, U.S.A. and eating all the Mickey-shaped snacks in less than two months! So let’s get you some answers so you’re all set for your trip.

    I’m all about maximizing the magic by spending less time in line, and in fact, my Lightning Lane Pass booking window is coming up soon! FastPasses are now known as Lightning Lane Passes and work a bit differently. Disney Resort hotel guests can purchase Lightning Lane Passes through the My Disney Experience app starting seven days before check-in (for your length of stay, up to 14 days). All other guests can purchase three days in advance of their first theme park day. On the day you’re eligible to buy, booking starts at 7:00 AM Eastern Time, so be sure to set your alarm!

    There are three different kinds of Lightning Lane Passes — Multi Pass, Single Pass, and Premiere Pass. Let’s take a look at how you can use them to bypass the standby queue!

    Lightning Lane Multi Pass is purchased for a specific theme park, although if you have a ticket with park hopping capabilities, you can use Multi Pass at more than one park on the same day. Multi Pass lets you pre-book three Lightning Lane experiences with specific return windows. While all three need to be for attractions in the same park, once you scan into your first one, you can select another attraction in any park (with a park hopper ticket). You can keep doing this again and again as long as there are still Lightning Lane Passes available, holding up to three at a time.

    Lightning Lane Single Pass is purchased for a specific attraction and return window for the most popular rides that aren’t included in Multi Pass. Each purchase gives you one-time access to the Lightning Lane entrance for a specific attraction. You can purchase up to two Single Passes per day, but they can’t be for the same attraction… as much as we’d like to ride Guardians of the Galaxy as many times as possible!

    Lightning Lane Premiere Pass is purchased for a specific theme park but gives you more flexibility since you get one-time entry to all Lightning Lane entrances in that park without having to worry about return windows (or if an attraction is under Multi Pass or Single Pass). You can go at any time during regular operating hours!

    Now onto MagicBands! While they’re no longer included with Disney Resort hotel stays, you have a few options. If you’re a Disney Resort hotel guest, you can pre-purchase MagicBands at a discounted price under My MagicBands & Cards in your My Disney Experience account. You can also buy them at stores throughout the theme parks, resort hotels, and at Disney Springs. 

    I love the convenience of my MagicBand, but you don’t need one to have a magical visit! Here are two alternatives that give you similar features at no extra cost.

    Key to the World Card: You can pick up this card at Guest Relations, the Disney Springs Welcome Center, or your resort hotel’s front desk. 

    Disney MagicMobile: This feature of the My Disney Experience app lets you add a Disney MagicMobile pass to your phone’s digital wallet for yourself and anyone you manage in your MyDisney account.

    I hope this sets you up for a pixie-dusted trip to Disney World! If you have other questions, we’d love to have you back at planDisney.

    JoAnna
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Meet the Panelist: JoAnna, New York

Hi, friends! I’m JoAnna, an Imagineering nerd and dog mom from New York. I’ve traveled to all of the Disney parks around the globe, but Disney World will always be home.

Whether I’m navigating Rider Switch with my nephew or snacking around World Showcase with my friends, I love discovering what’s special about each of the different Disney destinations. I can’t wait to help plan your next adventure and get you on your way to making magical memories!
Learn More About JoAnna

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