Hey there, Loreen! Welcome back to planDisney! I love seeing you here with another great planning question.
In just days, you'll be arriving at the
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, excited and oh-so-ready to embark on your magical adventure. Woohoo! I'm so happy for you! And since you'll be staying within walking distance of EPCOT during the
EPCOT International Festival of the Arts (my very favorite fest), I must admit that I'm a little jealous, too. Your pixie-dusted countdown to the fun is dwindling fast, so let's get to it!
I think I know why you are having issues ordering a pre-arrival MagicBand or MagicBand+. Although the Swan's prime location is one of the most amazing things about the hotel, the Swan is technically not one of the
Disney Resorts Collection hotels. That means that, unfortunately, you won't be able to pre-order a MagicBand ahead of your arrival. And just so you're aware, you will not be able to use a MagicBand to unlock your room or make purchases. But Hakuna Matata! It means "no worries." I have some suggestions for you.
Since you are only days away from your arrival (Yay!), I suggest purchasing a MagicBand+ once you arrive at Walt Disney World. The Resort gift shops and theme parks have a seemingly endless variety of oh-so-cute choices, and once you find your favorite, you'll just follow the simple instructions to link your Band to your My Disney Experience account.
If you're anything like me and your vacation can't begin until your most magical accessory is strapped to your wrist, you can use a MagicBand from a past trip! If it's still active, it will still be linked to your My Disney Experience account and your theme park tickets for easy tapping into the parks and Lightning Lane entrances. To see if yours is still active, log into your My Disney Experience account, hover over the "My Disney Experience" tab, and click "
My MagicBands and Cards." Scroll down and click the arrow next to your name to see any past MagicBands and whether or not they're active. If you have an active Band, you're ready to tap into the magic!
Although you won't be able to use a MagicBand for purchases around the parks and Resorts, you can still add a debit or credit card to your My Disney Experience app for fast and easy
Mobile Food and Beverage Ordering and
Merchandise Mobile Checkout. Be sure to take advantage of these awesome time-saving features on the app and say "see ya, pal" to standing in line!
One more thing, Loreen! When you head to the Festival of the Arts in EPCOT, go ahead and load a festival-themed Disney Gift Card for easy hands-free purchasing. You can wear this adorable gift card around your wrist, so your hands will be free to hold all the delicious dishes and drinks. Did you see the
Disney Eats: EPCOT International Festival of the Arts Foodie Guide 2025? YUM!
While this may not have been the answer you were expecting, Loreen, I hope it was at least helpful. And I hope you have the most magical and memorable visit to the Most Magical Place on Earth. Stop by any time with any questions you have!
One little spark lights up for you,
Mandy