Hi Tracy, and thanks for bringing your question to planDisney!
I’m excited to hear that you’ll be at
Art of Animation Resort this summer. I stayed in one of the Family Suites last year and loved the extra space and Disney touches. Be sure to spend some time walking around the resort and checking out the different themed areas. The Cars section really makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of Route 66 with Lightning McQueen and the gang!
Now, let’s talk
MagicBands (or Disney Bands as they’re officially called internationally). Unfortunately, guests outside of the U.S. aren’t currently able to pre-order MagicBands. However, recently the pre-order selection has been pretty limited. If you wait until you’re at Disney World, while you won’t get the pre-arrival discount, there will be many more designs to choose from. Typically the theme parks and
Disney Springs have the biggest selection, but you’ll also find some MagicBands at the Art of Animation gift shop, Ink & Paint Shop. I've also seen some at the Disney store at the Orlando airport.
Speaking of Disney Springs, there’s also a fun way to make your own personalized MagicBand! At
D-Tech on Demand, you can choose from countless different designs and even add your name. It can take a couple of hours for Cast Members to print your custom creation, so I’d recommend making D-Tech your first stop and then shopping and eating while you wait.
Two of my must-dos are right near D-Tech—
World of Disney, which has the largest collection of Disney merchandise on property, and
Amorette’s Patisserie where you can find delicious treats themed after our favorite Disney pals. They even have a
decorating class where you can learn to make their signature Character Dome Cakes!
I hope you have a magical stay at Art of Animation in August and find the practically perfect MagicBand for everyone in your crew! If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to visit us again at planDisney.
JoAnna