Hiya Linda J!
Welcome to planDisney! You may be a confused grandmother but you sure have the sweetest intentions with all of your planning for your upcoming trip. I'm so glad that you came here for help.
Right now there is a
special deal for Canadians where if you purchase a non-discounted 5-night, 4-day vacation package you can get a Disney Dining Promo Card up to $1000. The value of this promo card will vary based on which Resort you are staying in. The term period for this promotion includes October 29, 2023, which is your arrival date! Another special offer that could apply to you is for this holiday season and it is a
discount on your Walt Disney World Resort room. One of the things I love when searching for my Resort room on the Walt Disney World website is the ability to "toggle" between the Special Offers available to me at the top. Just enter your dates and party size on top of the
Resorts Page and then click on the one you like. The option to select between the Special Offers will be on top and will help you make your decision.
The Disney Fast Pass system has now been transformed into
Disney Genie and
Disney Genie+. Disney Genie is a free service that works with the
My Disney Experience Mobile App. It's already included as part of your ticket and it can help you create an itinerary for your day and organize your plans in one easy-to-view place. The Tip Board is one of the best features with estimated wait time information and show times. When you open your My Disney Experience Mobile App click on the three stacked lines on the bottom right and then click "My Disney Genie Day" to view all the magic in store for your day! Disney Genie+ is a service you have to pay for that lets you start booking entry times for the Lightning Lane entrances. These entrances were the old Fast Pass queues you may remember. This is also done on the My Disney Experience Mobile App and the prices vary per park per day. I love using Genie+ and have found the cost to be worth it- especially at Magic Kingdom Park. You can start booking Lightning Lane entry times at 7 AM and then the next can be booked either 2 hours after regular Park opening or once the last Lightning Lane was redeemed. After that you follow the rule of making reservations every two hours or after you use your last one. It may seem confusing but you can figure out your next time to book by checking out the top of the Tip Board. I always set an alarm on my phone so that I don't miss my next booking time.
Those plastic wristbands you are speaking of are called
Disney Bands internationally and MagicBands or MagicBand+ in the States. They are not necessary to have a great day but I find them to be indispensable. They are adorable accessories that you can use to "tap" into the Parks and Lightning Lane entrances. If staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel it can also be used to open your Resort room door, access gated pool areas, and make purchases at merchandise and dining locations! Your grandkids may enjoy all the designs and the fact that the newest versions light up and vibrate!
I hope this helps and if you have more questions let us know!
Happy Planning!
-Nimmy