Welcome to planDisney, Joan! I am so glad you found your way to us here at the most magical vacation planning website on Earth! I see you're wondering about
MagicBand+, so let's dive into the history and mystery of this wearable technology.
Once upon a time Disney would provide complimentary MagicBands for Disney Resort Hotel guests. I fondly remember the days when the big white box would arrive in the mail and we'd tear it open to reveal the colorful bands we had chosen on the website months prior. I still have my first ever MagicBand 2 from my honeymoon trip in 2017, and it still works! Unfortunately, Disney stopped offering complimentary MagicBands in 2021, but fear not! They are still available for purchase, both
online and in a variety of merchandise locations at Walt Disney World Resort. If your upcoming stay is at a Disney Resort Hotel, you can shop right from the My Disney Experience app. Since your arrival date is more than 11 days away, the MagicBand+ you choose will be shipped to your home. If you order 6-10 days prior to arrival, it will be shipped to your hotel.
Now, Joan, you might be wondering if you
need a MagicBand+ to enter the theme parks, charge purchases to your resort hotel room, or check in for your Lightning Lane Passes. I'm here to tell you that the answer is no, it is not required, but I do use one myself. The main advantage to a MagicBand+ is that it is a wearable, rechargeable, and waterproof device that functions as a room key, payment method, and park ticket all wrapped up in one. MagicBand+ also offers fun interactions around the theme parks and will allow you to link your Disney PhotoPass photos. Plus, you can show your own personal Disney style by wearing a band with your favorite character, movie, or attraction. I have a Fantasmic! MagicBand+ and absolutely love it. I get compliments on it all the time!
The alternatives to a MagicBand+ are Disney MagicMobile service via the
My Disney Experience app or a Key to the World card.
MagicMobile Service performs many of the same functions as a MagicBand+ and you can add it to your digital wallet. To set it up, open the My Disney Experience app, click the hamburger menu (☰), and select "Set Up MagicMobile Entry." Follow the on-screen prompts and you'll be good to go! If a physical card is more your speed, you can ask a Cast Member at your resort hotel front desk or at a Guest Relations location for a Key to the World Card. Scan this card just like you would a MagicBand+.
Alrighty, Joan. As you can see there are many ways to unlock the magic of your Disney World vacation, it just comes down to your personal preference. Whether it's a fresh MagicBand+ from the Disney Store, a Key to the World Card from the front desk, or an existing MagicBand from a previous trip, there's no doubt that you'll be having a fantastic time in just a few weeks! For any last minute planning tips or advice, meet me right back here at planDisney!
Stay magical,
Scott