Hey there, Laura! Thanks for swinging by planDisney with your question. I'm delighted to help.
How exciting that it won't be long until you'll be on your way to visit the Disneyland Resort. While it's not necessary to have a
MagicBand+ for your stay, I really love the added fun and convenience it brings to my visits. Once you've
set up everyone's MagicBand+, you'll be able to use them to enter the parks and check-in at Lightning Lane entrances. You can even link all of your Disney PhotoPass photos with just a simple tap of your band. I love how interactive they are during nighttime spectaculars with flashing lights and haptic vibrations. During my recent visit, I had a blast using my MagicBand+ to collect credits for turning in bounties in
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.
Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters is a really fun activity for the entire family.
You are correct that MagicBand+ is the only type of band that is supported at Disneyland. You have the option to purchase your MagicBand+ before your visit at
shopDisney, or you can buy them on property when you arrive. It's fun for everyone to choose something that's unique to their personality and interests. The MagicBand+ is also rechargeable and can be used at both the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
I'm so thrilled to hear that you will be staying at a Disneyland Resort Hotel. Make sure you take advantage of the benefits of staying on property, like early park entry. I usually like to use this time to ride the ever-so-popular Peter Pan's Flight since there is no Lightning Lane for this attraction, and wait times can climb throughout the day.
This is an amazing year to visit the Disneyland Resort with the
Disney100 Celebration kicking off on January 27. You'll be able to experience the new attraction,
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway and the new nighttime spectaculars,
Wondrous Journeys and
World of Color - ONE. One of my favorite festivals,
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival, will also be in full swing during your visit. I highly recommend making some time to check it out and make sure you ride
Soarin' Over California (my personal favorite version of Soarin') during its limited run.
Laura, I hope this was helpful to you. Please come back to visit us with any questions you may have as you continue to plan your trip - even
ask me directly. I hope you have a magical visit to the Happiest Place on Earth!
Happy planning,
Michelle