Hey there Audrey and welcome to planDisney!
You've definitely appealed to my flair for the dramatic with a grand Walt Disney World Resort vacation reveal. The little adventurers in your life are in for such an extra special treat this Christmas. It's definitely good that you're looking to purchase your MagicBands now so they'll have time to get to you for your magical surprise.
MagicBands for the children is totally optional. If you're not sure if they're a good fit for your crew, you could always choose to utilize
Disney MagicMobile Service. This way you would able to enter the parks and any Lightning Lanes you set up with the tap of your mobile device. They're super easy to set up in the
My Disney Experience app. Just open it up and tap the three-lined icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. You'll tap Disney MagicMobile and follow all prompts. You'll then be led to add your new Disney MagicMobile passes to the wallet app on your mobile device.
MagicBands, on the other hand, are a great way for all of the little ones to create their own pixie dust around The Most Magical Place on Earth. They'll be able to independently open the door to enter their
Disney Resorts Collection hotel rooms and tap themselves into the theme park. If you choose the
MagicBand+ option, they'll even be able to wave and interact with some of their favorite Disney characters in the form of the
Disney Fab 50 Character Collection statues around all 4 parks. My goddaughter has been wearing them since her first trip at 5 years old and doesn't feel complete on a Disney vacation without one. I think they'd be great for your 8, 6, and even your 4-year-old. Your 18-month-old is still Mickey's personal Guest and won't need a
Theme Park Ticket. I'd probably wait until that particular magic-maker is a bit older to worry about a MagicBand.
Pro-tip: Magic is for everyone so your child with disabilities can get in on the action too. Utilizing
Disability Access Service won't prevent them from wearing one.
Audrey, I wish I could be a fly on the wall when you share the surprise at Christmas. I hope you all have the best time ever. If you have any other questions, please
come on back to see me. I'm happy to help you!
Happy planning!
Taylor