Hiya Thomas!
Welcome to planDisney! We are so excited that you are here and that we get a chance to help make your planning dreams come true. Your trip is less than two weeks away, and I know that you have got to be so excited to spend ten days at the Most Magical Place on Earth.
EPCOT's International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off Wednesday, and it will be a fantastic way to ring in spring in Florida. It tends to be a little crowded the first two weekends of its opening, so I recommend enjoying the festival during the weekdays of your trips for lower crowds.
Staying at the
Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, you will have plenty of access to EPCOT via the
Disney's BoardWalk and Friendship Boats. You can also walk to
Disney's Hollywood Studios if you want extra steps on a nice day. I usually stay at the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, and I always enjoy walking to these two Theme Parks with such ease.
Now about MagicBands, Thomas, you can purchase MagicBands for your trip through
My Disney Experience if you stay at a Walt Disney World Resort. Just log onto your account and select "My Magic Bands and Cards" on the drop-down menu. As you mentioned, you already have some spare MagicBands lying around your house from previous visits, which can also be used for your trip. I typically favor this option because I've run out of places to store new MagicBands at home. My pro tip is, double-check that your MagicBands are linked in your account (and which members of your family they belong to) before you leave. To do this:
1. Log into your MyDisney Experience Account
2. Select "My MagicBands and Cards" from the drop-down menu.
3. You should then see the character associated with your account and your name.
4. Click the arrow beside your name, and every MagicBand or card associated with you will appear.
5. Compare the MagicBand id with the MagicBand you plan to use to ensure that it matches.
Are you not seeing your MagicBand? Scroll to the bottom of the page and "link" your MagicBand to your account. If you see your MagicBand, then there is nothing else you need to do; your ticket will be available on your chosen MagicBand and any other MagicBand on that list.
I'd like to recommend one other option for your upcoming trip:
MagicMobile. With MagicMobile, you can turn your mobile device into your MagicBand! I love MagicMobile because I no longer have to wear both MagicBand and my Apple Watch to the parks (mainly because I haven't quite figured out the best way to do it). If you want to try MagicMobile, you can add it through the
My Disney Experience mobile app.
1. Open the app and click the three horizontal lines in the bottom right-hand corner.
2. Select the Disney MagicMobile from the choices shown.
3. Link your tickets and customize your MagicMobile Pass.
4. You can then create passes for your entire party (or they can create their own).
If you don't like using it, then you have your MagicBands as backup or for use interchangeably. Just make sure that you don't forget a portable charging device on your park days; if your phone runs out of power, you won't be able to access your MagicMobile tickets.
I hope this answer was helpful, Thomas!
Happy Planning!
Ashley F.