Hi Paul, and welcome to planDisney! I just love the convenience of using my MagicBands in the theme parks and, while they’re more ubiquitous at Disney World, certain types of MagicBands can be used at Disneyland. The newer
MagicBand+ works at both Disney World and Disneyland, while the older versions (like MagicBand 2) can only be used at Disney World.
There are two important differences to keep in mind when you’re using your MagicBand+ at Disneyland, and the first is related to linking. At Disney World, linking a MagicBand is permanent. When you link one to a profile, it belongs to that person forever. At Disneyland, things are a little more flexible! You’re able to link MagicBands to specific tickets, but you can also unlink them if someone else in your family wants to use it (this comes in handy if you’re trying to coordinate with your park outfit!). And the great thing is, you can also link your MagicBand+ to your Disneyland ticket even if it's already linked to your Disney World profile.
The second thing to note is that not all of the MagicBand+ functionality you’re used to at Disney World works the same at Disneyland. While many features are the same, like scanning into the theme parks and Lightning Lane entrances, you won’t be able to use your band to open your
Disneyland Resort hotel room door.
As a Disney World regular, it’s a fun scavenger hunt to discover the differences between the two resorts! Here are a few that stood out to me.
There’s no Family & Friends List in the
Disneyland app, so if you want to make Lightning Lane selections for your whole crew, you’ll need to
add everyone’s ticket to the app on your phone if they're not already linked.
Speaking of
Lightning Lane Passes, at Disneyland you can start booking Multi Pass selections and purchasing Single Pass after you scan into the theme park (unlike at Disney World where you can make selections in advance).
And finally, if you’re used to the discounted popcorn bucket refills at Disney World, that’s not really a thing at Disneyland (besides limited-time promotions for
Magic Key holders). But you’re going to love the snacks at Disneyland! In
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, there are goodies that you can’t find in Hollywood Studios, like my favorite—the Garlic-Cheese Five Blossom Bread at
Oga’s Cantina. I also love the Matterhorn Macaroon at
Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe and the QuesaBirria at
Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill.
I’m wishing you a magical visit to Disneyland filled with delicious snacks! And if you have any other questions, we’d love to have you back at planDisney.
JoAnna